New Treatise on Military Efficiency, Volume 223

Page 7

If we were to gather every able-bodied man in the city to guard the walls and seal the gates, each man would still be preoccupied with the safety of his own household. When the crisis arrives, who would refuse to mount the walls? Who would be willing to sit calmly at home while allowing bandits to attack the city? Furthermore, who else but our own parents and children would stand in our place to guard the city and ensure the survival of our families? Let those who are wise reflect on this. This passage argues that the natural instinct to protect one's own family is the most powerful motivation for defense. The author suggests that forced mobilization is less effective than a system where men understand they are fighting for their own homes.

• Vegetable sellers, water carriers, hired laborers, and the destitute—those who arrive in the morning and depart in the evening—are exempt from the labor rolls. original: "免編" (mian bian); refers to the practice of "bian fu" or registering citizens into organized units for military or labor service. These groups are exempt because they lack permanent residency and property to defend.

• Elderly couples over the age of sixty who have no sons, no permanent residence, and no servants or laborers are exempt from the labor rolls.

• Widows with young sons under the age of fifteen, who have no permanent residence and no servants or laborers, are exempt from the labor rolls.