Treatise on Armament Technology

...bow twice toward the South.

The incantation says: "Taiyi of the Nine Palaces, may the ten thousand spirits protect my three armiesA traditional term for the entirety of a military force, typically organized into center, left, and right wings.. Command the enemy to collapse of their own accord; let none dare stand against me."

Whenever raising troops and setting out on a campaign, there are techniques for haste and deliberation, and the methods follow a specific order. Whether acting as the hostThe defender or the party reacting to an invasion. or the guestThe attacker or the party initiating a military move., success lies simply in obtaining the correct calculation original: "de suan" (得算). This refers to the mathematical result of the divination which dictates the favorable strategy..

If the calculation yields a number from One to Four: It is appropriate for the infantry to take the lead, with the chariots and cavalry following behind them. The Great General should remain in the center. When exiting the camp gates, the atmosphere should be solemn and quiet rather than noisy. In this context, acting with undue haste will only lead to sluggish movement and a lack of clear strategic planning.

If the calculation yields a number from Six to Nine: It is appropriate for the chariots and cavalry to take the lead, with the infantry following behind. The Great General should remain in the center. When exiting the camp gates, the troops should beat the drums and shout; one must not be slow. This is why the army moves with speed and creates a great clamor. Even the ritual practice of using colored silk for the seating mats is derived from these specific calculations.