Treatise on Armament Technology: Illustrated Naval Firearms

Striking many with a few is the pinnacle of military strategy; awaiting the weary with the well-rested is the hallmark of a general's calculation. If our forces are significantly outnumbered and the enemy is overwhelming, such that our strength cannot withstand them, we may use the river as a strategic barrier and employ a fire-based assault.

One must carefully observe the terrain and anticipate exactly where the enemy will arrive. All along the path, construct hidden trenches original: 浮溝 (fugou); shallow or concealed ditches designed to trap feet or hide mechanical components.. Take smooth, round logs and stud them with sharp blades, their tips dipped in Tiger Poison original: 虎藥 (huyao); a highly potent toxic ointment used on weapons, often containing aconite or arsenic.. Install wheels on both ends of these rolling logs, linked together by iron rings. Cover them with soil so that no trace of the trap is visible.

Hide oxen, horses, donkeys, and mules in the woods on the opposite bank to avoid raising enemy suspicion. Pass long ropes through the harnesses of these animals. Station soldiers on the opposite bank to provoke the enemy. Once the enemy is lured into the trap's zone, give the signal. Either whip the animals or set fire to their tails; as the oxen and horses stampede away, the rolling logs will be pulled, sweeping across the ground toward the enemy.

Because the blades and spikes are all coated in Tiger Poison, the feet of men and the hooves of horses will be hacked and broken. Any wound inflicted will seal the throat upon the sight of blood original: 見血封喉 (jianxue fenghou); a traditional term for a fast-acting poison that causes near-instant death or respiratory failure upon entering the bloodstream.. Following this, deploy the long-range Divine-Mechanism The text likely refers to the "Divine-Mechanism Fire Dragon" or similar artillery to finish the disorganized survivors....