| | 以逸待勞: |
梁司州刺史柳仲禮留其長史馬岫守安陸，自率步騎一萬寇西魏襄陽。西魏將楊忠帥眾南伐，攻梁隨郡，克之，進圍安陸。仲禮聞隨郡陷，恐安陸不守，遂馳歸赴援。諸將恐仲禮至則安陸難下，請急攻之。忠曰：「攻守勢殊，未可卒拔。若引日勞師，表裏受敵，非計也。南人多習水軍，不閑野戰。仲禮迴師，已在近路，吾出其不意，以奇兵襲之，彼怠我奮，一舉必克，則安陸不攻自拔，諸城可傳檄而定也。」於是選騎二千，銜枚夜進，遇仲禮於鹦。忠親自陷陣，擒仲禮，悉俘其眾。安陸及竟陵郡皆降，如忠所策。 |
| | Liang Shizhou Cishi Liu Zhongli left his chanshi Ma Xiu to defend Anlu, and personally led one thousand infantry and cavalry to raid Xiangyang of the Western Wei. The Western Wei general Yang Zhong led his troops on a southern campaign, attacked Liang's Suizhou, captured it, and then advanced to besiege Anlu. Zongli heard that Suizhou had fallen and feared that Anlu could not be held, so he hurried back to provide relief. The generals were afraid that if Zhongli arrived, it would be difficult to capture Anlu, and thus requested an immediate attack on the city. Yang Zhong said: "The situations of attacking and defending are different; it cannot be captured in a short time." "If we prolong the campaign and tire our troops, facing enemies both inside and outside, that would not be a good strategy." "The people of the south are mostly experienced in naval warfare but unfamiliar with open-field battles." "Zhongli is returning with his troops and is already on the nearby road. If we strike unexpectedly with a surprise force, they will be complacent while we are energetic; one decisive attack will surely defeat them. Once that happens, Anlu will surrender without needing to be attacked, and all other cities can be pacified merely by sending proclamations." Thus he selected two thousand cavalrymen, had them silence their weapons and advance at night, and encountered Zhongli at Ying. Yang Zhong personally led his troops into the fray, captured Liu Zhongli, and took all of his forces prisoner. Anlu and Jingling Jun both surrendered, just as Yang Zhong had predicted.
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| | 以逸待勞: |
後周遣將，率突厥之眾，逼齊晉陽。齊將段韶禦之。時大雪之後，周人以步卒為前鋒，從西山而下，去城二里。諸將咸欲逆擊之，韶曰：「步人氣力，勢自有限。今積雪既厚，逆戰非便，不如陣以待之。彼勞我逸，破之必矣。」既而交戰，大破之，敵前鋒盡殪，無復孑遺，自餘通宵奔遁。 |
| | lords Later Zhou sent generals to lead the Tujue forces and approached Jinyang of Qi. Qi general Duan Shao resisted them. At that time, after a heavy snowfall, the Zhou forces used infantry as vanguard and descended from the western mountain, approaching within two li of the city. The generals all wanted to attack them head-on, but Duan Shao said: "Foot soldiers' strength and momentum are naturally limited." "Now that the snow is deep, fighting against them uphill would be disadvantageous. It is better to set up an array and wait for them." "They will grow weary while we remain at ease; we are certain to defeat them." Later, when they engaged in battle, they were heavily defeated; the enemy vanguard was completely annihilated with no survivors left, and the rest fled through the night.
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| | 以逸待勞: |
孫子曰：「國之貧於師者遠師遠輸，遠師遠輸者則百姓貧。近師者貴賣，貴賣則百姓財竭。」 |
| | Sunzi said: "A country impoverished by military campaigns is one that sends its troops far away and transports supplies over long distances. When a state sends its troops and transports provisions over great distances, the people become poor." "When troops are stationed nearby, prices rise sharply; when prices rise sharply, the wealth of the common people is exhausted."
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| | 餌敵取勝: |
後漢末，曹公西征馬超，與超夾關為軍。公急持之，而潛遣徐晃、朱靈等夜渡蒲阪津，據河西為營。公自潼關北渡，未濟，超赴船急戰。公放牛馬以餌賊，賊亂取牛馬，公得渡，循河為甬道而南。賊退，距渭口，公乃多設疑兵，潛以舟載兵入渭，為浮橋，夜分兵結營於渭南。賊夜攻營，伏兵擊破之。 |
| | At the end of the Later Han dynasty, Cao Gong marched west to campaign against Ma Chao, and set up armies facing each other across Guan. Cao Gong urgently held his position, while secretly sending Xu Huang, Zhu Ling and others to cross Pu Banjin at night and establish a camp on the western bank of the river. Cao Gong himself crossed north from Tongguan, but before he had finished crossing, Ma Chao rushed to attack fiercely at the boats. Cao Gong released his cattle and horses as bait for the bandits, who then became chaotic in their attempt to seize them. Taking advantage of this, Cao Gong successfully crossed over, and proceeded south while constructing a causeway along the river. After the bandits retreated, they took up a position at Weikou. Cao Gong then set up many decoy troops and secretly transported soldiers by boat into the Wei River to build a floating bridge, after which his forces encamped on the southern bank of the Wei during the night. The bandits attacked the camp at night, but were defeated by hidden troops.
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| | 餌敵取勝: |
後漢末，曹公與袁紹相持官渡，曹公循河而西。紹於是渡河追公軍，至延津南。公勒兵駐營南阪下，使登壘視之，曰：「可五六百騎。」有頃，復白：「騎稍多，步兵不可勝數。」公曰：「勿復白。」乃令騎解鞍放馬。是時，白馬輜重就道。諸將以為敵騎多，不如還保營。荀攸曰：「此所以餌敵也，如何去之。」紹騎將文醜與劉備將五六千騎前後至。諸將復白：「可上馬。」公曰：「未也。」有頃，騎至稍多，或分趣輜重。公曰：「可矣。」乃皆上馬。時騎不滿六百，遂縱兵擊，大破之。 |
| | At the end of the Later Han, Cao Gong and Yuan Shao confronted each other at Guandu, and Cao Gong moved west along the river. Yuan Shao then crossed the river to pursue Cao Gong's army, reaching as far south as Yanjin. Cao Gong stationed his troops at the foot of Nanban Hill and had someone climb the rampart to observe, who reported: "About five or six hundred cavalry." After a while, he reported again: "The number of horsemen is increasing slightly, and the infantry cannot be counted in numbers." Cao Gong said, "Do not report any further." He then ordered the cavalry to remove their bridles and release the horses. At that time, the supply wagons of Baima were on the road. The generals thought the enemy cavalry was numerous and suggested it would be better to return and defend the camp. Xun You said, "This is precisely why we are baiting the enemy; how can we retreat now?" Yuan Shao's cavalry general Wen Chou, together with Liu Bei and about five or six thousand horsemen, arrived in succession. The generals once again reported: "We should mount our horses." Cao Gong said, "Not yet." After a while, more cavalry arrived and some of them split off to head toward the supply wagons. Cao Gong said: "Now is the time." Then they all mounted their horses. At that time, Cao Gong's cavalry numbered less than six hundred; nevertheless, he launched an attack and utterly defeated the enemy.
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| | 餌敵取勝: |
晉將劉牢之、宋武帝討妖賊孫恩，恩敗走，虜男女二十餘萬口，一時入海。懼官軍之躡，乃緣道多棄寶物子女，時東土殷實，莫不粲麗盈目，牢之等遽收斂，故恩復得逃入海。 |
| | Jin general Liu Laoshi and Song Wu Di campaigned against the heretical bandit Sun En. After En was defeated and fled, more than 200,000 men and women were captured or taken prisoner, and at one time they all entered the sea. Fearing that the government troops would pursue them, they discarded along the way many valuables and children. At that time, the eastern region was prosperous and abundant, so all these abandoned items were dazzlingly beautiful to behold; Liu Laoshi and others hastily collected and gathered them up, thus allowing Sun En to escape once again into the sea.
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| | 餌敵取勝: |
晉將李矩守滎陽，後趙石勒親率兵襲矩。矩遣老弱入山，令所在散牛馬，因設伏以待之。賊爭取牛馬，伏發，齊呼，聲動山谷，遂大破之，斬獲甚眾。勒乃退。 |
| | Jin general Li Ju defended Yingyang, when Hou Zhao's Shi Le personally led troops to attack him. Ju sent the elderly and weak into the mountains, ordered them to scatter cattle and horses wherever they went, and thus set up an ambush in anticipation of the enemy. The bandits rushed to seize the cattle and horses, but the ambush was sprung; a sudden outcry shook the valleys and mountains, and they were thus heavily defeated, suffering numerous casualties. Shi Le then withdrew.
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| | 餌敵取勝: |
十六國南涼禿髮刿檀守姑臧，後秦姚興遣將姚弼等至於城下。刿檀驅牛羊於野，弼眾採掠，刿檀因分擊，大破之。 |
| | The Sixteen Kingdoms Southern Liang Tuofa Guitan Defending Guzang, the Later Qin general Yao Xing sent his generals Yao Bi and others to arrive at the city walls. Guitan drove cattle and sheep into the fields, whereupon Yao Bi's troops went out to forage and plunder. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Guitan divided his forces to attack them and utterly defeated them.
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| | 餌敵取勝: |
後魏末，大將廣陽王元深伐北狄，使于謹單騎入賊中，示以恩信，於是西部鐵勒酋長也列河等三萬餘戶並款附，相率南遷。廣陽欲與謹至折敦嶺迎接之。謹曰：「破六汗拔陵兵眾不少，聞也列河等歸附，必來要擊。彼若先據險要，則難與爭鋒。今以也列河等餌之，當競來抄掠，然後設伏而待，必指掌破之。」廣陽然其計。拔陵果來要擊，破也列河於嶺上，部眾皆沒。謹伏兵發，賊遂大敗，悉收得也列河之眾。 |
| | At the end of the Northern Wei dynasty, the general Guangyang Wang Yuan Shen campaigned against the northern Di people. He sent Yu Jin to ride alone into the bandit ranks and demonstrated kindness and trustworthiness. As a result, more than 30,000 households from the western tribes of Tiele, including their chieftain Yeliehe, all submitted willingly, and successively migrated southward. Guangyang Wang wanted to accompany Yu Jin to Zhedun Ling to welcome them. Yu Jin said, "The forces of Puluohan Baleling are numerous and cannot be underestimated; upon hearing that Yeliehe and others have submitted, they will surely come to intercept us." If they occupy the strategic high ground first, it will be difficult for us to engage them in battle. Now we can use Yeliehe and his people as bait; they will certainly come to raid and plunder, after which we may set an ambush in preparation. We are sure to crush them with ease." Guangyang Wang approved of his plan. As expected, Puluohan Baleling came to intercept them and defeated Yeliehe on the mountain pass, wiping out his entire contingent. Yu Jin's hidden troops then launched their attack, and as a result the bandits were heavily defeated; all of Yeliehe's followers were captured.
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| | 餌敵取勝: |
隋煬帝征高麗，隋將于仲文率軍指樂浪道，軍次烏骨城。仲文簡羸馬驢數千，置於軍後。既而率眾東過，高麗出兵掩襲輜重，仲文迴擊，大破之。 |
| | Emperor Yang of Sui led a campaign against Goguryeo, and the Sui general Yu Zhongwen commanded troops along the direction of Lelang Dao. His army was stationed at Wugu Cheng. Zhongwen selected several thousand weak horses and donkeys, and placed them behind the army. Soon after, he led his troops eastward past the area, when Goguryeo forces launched a surprise attack on the supply wagons. Zhongwen turned back to counterattack and heavily defeated them.
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| | 稱降及和... : |
秦末，天下兵起，沛公西入武關，欲以二萬人擊秦嶢關下軍，張良曰：「秦兵尚強，未可輕也。臣聞其將屠者子，賈豎易動以利。願且留壁，使人行，為五萬人具食，益張旗幟諸山之上，為疑兵，令酈食其持重寶啗秦將。」秦將果欲連和俱西襲咸陽，沛公欲聽之。良曰：「此獨其將欲叛，士卒恐不從。不從必危，不如因其懈怠擊之。」沛公乃引兵擊之，秦軍大破。 |
| | At the end of the Qin dynasty, when uprisings erupted throughout the land, Prince Pei marched west into Wu Pass. He intended to attack with 20,000 men the Qin forces stationed below Xiaoguan Pass. Zhang Liang said: "The Qin army is still strong; it should not be underestimated." I have heard that their general is the son of a butcher, and such a petty merchant can easily be tempted by profit. I respectfully request that you remain encamped for the time being, and send men out to prepare food for 50,000 troops. Additionally, raise more banners on the mountains to create a deceptive force. Let Li Shiqi carry valuable treasures to bribe the Qin general." The Qin general indeed wanted to form an alliance and jointly attack Xianyang from the west. Prince Pei was considering accepting this proposal. Zhang Liang said: "This is merely the general's desire to betray; the soldiers may not follow him." "If they do not comply, it will be dangerous. It would be better to attack them while they are complacent." Prince Pei then led his troops into battle and thoroughly defeated the Qin army.
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| | 稱降及和... : |
晉將李矩守滎陽城，前趙劉聰將劉暢步騎三萬討矩，屯於韓王故壘，相去七里，遣使招矩。時暢卒至，矩未暇為備，遣使奉牛酒詐降於暢，潛匿精勇，見其老弱。暢不以為虞，大饗渠帥，人皆醉飽。矩謀夜襲之，暢僅以身免。 |
| | Jin general Li Ju defended the city of Yingyang. Former Zhao's Liu Cong sent General Liu Chang with 30,000 infantry and cavalry to attack Ju. They stationed their forces at the old fortress of King Han Wang, seven li away from the city, and dispatched envoys to summon Ju. At that time, Liu Chang's forces arrived suddenly, and Ju had not yet had the chance to prepare. He sent an envoy with cattle and wine to feign surrender to Chang, while secretly hiding his elite troops and showing only the elderly and weak. Chang did not suspect any danger and held a grand banquet for Ju's officers, at which everyone became drunk and full. Ju plotted to launch a surprise attack during the night, and Chang barely escaped with his life.
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| | 稱降及和... : |
大唐貞觀初，突厥頡利自原州卻歸，時遣李靖討之。頡利計窘，使執失思力入朝謝罪，請為藩臣。太宗遣唐儉、安修仁持節出塞，以安撫之。頡利不肯朝覲，謀待草青馬肥，將踰沙磧。靖與其副將張公謹謀曰：「制使到彼，虜必自寬，須率精騎，齎二十日糧，乘閒掩襲。」諸將皆曰：「詔許其降，行人在彼，奈何攻之？」靖曰：「此兵機也。」督軍疾進，奄踰白道，過其斥候千餘帳，皆俘以隨軍。頡利見使者甚悅，不虞官兵之至。靖軍奄到，縱擊之，遂滅其國。 |
| | In the early years of the Zhenguan era of the Great Tang dynasty, Tujue Qilibi withdrew from Yuan Zhou and returned at that time. The emperor then dispatched Li Jing to campaign against him. With his plans in dire straits, Qilibi sent Zhishi Sili to the imperial court to apologize and request to be recognized as a vassal minister. Emperor Taizong sent Tang Jian and An Xiuren with imperial edicts beyond the frontier to pacify them. Qilibi refused to pay homage, planning instead to wait until the grass turned green and his horses were strong before crossing the desert. Jing and his deputy general Zhang Gongjin plotted, saying: "Now that the imperial envoy has arrived there, the enemy will certainly be complacent. We must lead our elite cavalry, carry provisions for twenty days, and launch a surprise attack at an opportune moment." All the generals said: "The imperial decree has already accepted their surrender, and our envoys are still there. How can we attack them?" Jing said: "This is a military opportunity." He ordered the troops to advance rapidly, swiftly crossing Baidu and passing through more than a thousand enemy outposts. All of them were captured and taken along with the army. Qilibi was very pleased to see the envoys, and did not anticipate the arrival of the imperial troops. Jing's forces suddenly arrived, launched an attack, and thus destroyed his kingdom.
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| | 稱降及和... : |
孫子曰：「凡戰者，以正合，以奇勝。故善出奇者，無窮如天地，不竭如江河。終而復始，日月是也。死而復生，四時是也。」 |
| | Sunzi said: "In all warfare, the way is to combine with regular tactics, but victory comes from using unexpected strategies." Therefore, those skilled at using unconventional strategies have no limits like heaven and earth, nor do their resources ever run out like the rivers. It cycles endlessly, just like the sun and moon. "Death gives way to life again, as seen in the four seasons."
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| | 兩軍相對... : |
後漢初，赤眉、青犢十餘萬眾並在射犬，光武引兵將擊之。耿純軍在前，去眾營數里，賊忽夜攻純，雨射營中，士多死傷。純勒部曲，堅不動。選敢死士二千人，俱持強弩，各傅三矢，使銜枚閒行，繞出賊後，齊聲呼譟，強弩並發，賊眾驚走，追擊，遂破之。 |
| | At the beginning of the Later Han dynasty, more than 100,000 troops from Chimei and Qingtu were gathered at Shequan. Guangwu led his army to attack them. Geng Chun's troops were stationed in the front, several li away from the enemy camps. Suddenly at night, the rebels attacked Chun; arrows rained into the camp, and many soldiers were killed or wounded. Chun ordered his troops to hold their positions firmly without moving. He selected 2,000 fearless soldiers, all armed with strong crossbows and each carrying three arrows, and ordered them to move silently while biting their "mei" (a small metal piece used for silencing). They circled around to the rear of the enemy forces, shouted loudly in unison, and simultaneously launched their crossbows. The rebel troops were greatly startled and fled; they pursued and attacked them, thus defeating the rebels.
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| | 兩軍相對... : |
宋柳元景為隨郡太守，既至，而蠻反，斷驛道，欲攻郡。郡內力少，糧仗又乏，元景設方略，得六七百人，乃分五百人屯驛道。或曰：「蠻將逼城，不宜分眾。」元景曰：「蠻聞郡遣重戍，豈悟城內兵少。且表裏合勢，於計為長。」會蠻垂至，乃使驛道兵潛出其後，戒曰：「火舉馳進。」前後俱發，蠻眾驚擾，投鄖水死者千餘人，斬獲數百，郡境肅然，無復寇抄。 |
| | In the Song dynasty, Liu Yuanjing served as Taishou of Suizhou. Soon after he arrived, the Miao rebels rose up, cutting off the postal road and intending to attack the commandery. The commandery had few troops, and food supplies and military equipment were also scarce. Yuanjing devised a strategy, gathered about 600 to 700 men, and then dispatched 500 of them to garrison the postal road. Some people said, "The Miao rebels are about to approach the city; we should not divide our forces." Yuanjing said, "The Miao rebels hearing that the commandery has sent a strong garrison will not realize how few troops are inside the city. Moreover, by combining forces from both front and rear, this strategy is more advantageous in the long run." Just as the Miao rebels were about to arrive, Yuanjing ordered the troops at the postal road to secretly emerge from behind them and instructed them, "When you see a signal fire, charge forward." When the forces from both front and back launched their attacks simultaneously, the Miao rebels were greatly alarmed. More than 1,000 of them drowned in the Yun River, hundreds were captured or killed, and the area within the commandery became peaceful once again, with no further raids by bandits.
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| | 兩軍相對... : |
蕭齊末，梁武帝發雍州東下，大軍次江寧，梁武使呂僧珍與王茂率精兵先登赤鼻邏。王茂頓於越城，呂僧珍猶守白板。齊主東昏將李居士密覘知城中眾少，率銳卒萬人直來薄城。僧珍謂將士曰：「今力既不敵，不可與戰，可勿遙射。須至塹裏，當併力破之。」俄而皆越塹，拔柵，僧珍分人上城，矢石俱發，自率馬步三百人出其後，守陴者復踰城而下，內外齊擊，居士等應時奔散。 |
| | At the end of the Xiao Qi dynasty, Emperor Wu of Liang launched a campaign from Yongzhou toward the east. The main army halted at Jiangning, and Emperor Wu of Liang ordered Lü Sengzhen and Wang Mao to lead elite troops in the first assault on Chenbi Luo. Wang Mao halted at Yuecheng, while Lü Sengzhen still held Bai Ban. Ji Zhuhun's general Li Jushi secretly learned that the defending forces in the city were few, so he led 10,000 elite soldiers to directly approach the city. Sengzhen said to his officers and soldiers, "Now our strength is not enough to match theirs; we must not engage in battle. We should avoid shooting from a distance. We must wait until they are within the trench, and then combine our strength to defeat them." Soon, the enemy troops all crossed over the trench and pulled down the barriers. Sengzhen divided his men to ascend the city walls, where arrows and stones were launched simultaneously; he personally led 300 cavalry and infantry to attack from behind them. The defenders on the parapet also jumped down from the wall. With attacks coming both inside and outside, Jushi and his men immediately fled in disarray.
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| | 兩軍相對... : |
陳將周炅鎮安、蘄等州，高齊遣將陸騫以眾二萬出自巴、蘄，與炅相遇。炅留羸弱輜重，設疑兵以當之，身率精銳，由閒道邀其後，大敗騫軍，虜獲器械馬驢不可勝數。 |
| | Chen general Zhou Jiong was stationed at Anzhou, Qizhou and other states. Gao Qi dispatched his general Lu Qian with 20,000 soldiers coming from Ba and Qi, where they encountered Jiong. Jiong left behind the weak, the sick, and his supply wagons, setting up a deceptive force to face them. He personally led an elite contingent through a hidden route to intercept their rear, dealt a heavy defeat upon Qian's army, capturing countless weapons, equipment, horses, and donkeys.
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| | 兩軍相對... : |
隋漢王諒據并州反，隋將楊素率眾數萬討諒。時晉、絳、呂三州並為諒城守，素各以二千人縻之而去。諒遣將趙子開擁眾十餘萬，柵絕徑路，屯據高璧嶺，布陣五十里。素令諸將以兵臨之，自引兵入霍山，緣崖谷而進，直指其營，一戰破之，殺獲數萬。 |
| | During the Sui dynasty, Prince Han Wang Liang occupied Bingzhou and rebelled; Sui general Yang Su led tens of thousands of troops to suppress Liang. At that time, the three states of Jin, Jiao, and Lü were all held by Liang's forces. Su left 2,000 men at each to contain them before moving on. lineno Liang dispatched his general Zhao Zikai, who led more than 100,ooo troops. They built barriers to block the roads and took up a position at Gaobili Ling, stretching their formation over fifty li. Su ordered his generals to bring their troops against them, while he personally led his forces into Huoshan, advancing along the cliffs and valleys, directly targeting their camp. In one battle, he defeated them, killing or capturing tens of thousands.
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| | 兩軍相對... : |
後漢初，河南賊張步據齊地，漢將耿弇討之，壁於臨淄。步與其三弟藍、弘、壽及故大彤渠帥重異等兵號二十萬，至臨淄大城東，將攻弇。弇先出淄水上，與重異遇，突騎欲縱，弇恐挫其鋒，令步不敢進，故示弱以盛其氣，乃引歸小城，陳兵於內。步氣盛，直攻弇營，裨將劉歆等合戰，弇升王宮壞臺睹之，視歆等鋒交，乃自引精兵橫交突步陣於東城下，大破之。 |
| | In the early Later Han period, the bandit Zhang Bu of Henan occupied Qi territory; the Han general Geng Yan went to suppress him and encamped at Linzi. Bu, along with his three younger brothers Lan, Hong, Shou, and the former Datong qushuai Chong Yi et al., had troops. They claimed to have 200,000 troops and arrived at the eastern side of Dacheng in Linzi, preparing to attack Geng Yan. Geng Yan had previously gone out to the Zishui River, where he encountered Chong Yi. When the cavalry was about to charge, Geng Yan feared that this would blunt their momentum and make Bu dare not advance, so in order to encourage his troops' morale by appearing weak, he withdrew into the smaller city and stationed his soldiers inside. Bu, emboldened by his strength, directly attacked Geng Yan's camp. The deputy general Liu Xin and others engaged in battle together. Geng Yan ascended the Huaitai of Wanggong to observe the situation. After observing that Liu Xin and others were locked in fierce combat, Geng Yan personally led his elite troops to cross the battlefield and launch a sudden attack on Bu's forces beneath the eastern city walls, decisively defeating them.
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| | 兩軍相對... : |
後漢末，呂布復從東昏與陳宮將萬餘人來與曹公戰。時兵皆出取麥，在者不能千人，屯營不固。曹公乃命婦人守陴，悉將兵拒之。屯西有大隄，其南樹木幽深。布疑有伏，乃相謂曰：「曹操多詐，勿入伏中。」引軍南屯十餘里。明日復來，曹公隱兵隄裏，出半兵隄外。布益進，乃令輕兵挑戰，既合，伏兵乘隄，步騎並進，遂大破之。 |
| | In the later Later Han period, Lü Bu again followed from Donghun with more than 10,000 men led by Chen Gong to fight against Cao Gong. At that time, most of the troops had gone out to harvest wheat; fewer than 1,000 soldiers remained in camp, and their encampment was not secure. Cao Gong therefore ordered women to guard the walls while he personally led all his troops to resist them. To the west of the encampment there was a large di, and to its south were deep, shady woods. Bu suspected an ambush and said to each other, "Cao Cao is full of deceptions; do not fall into his trap." He led his army southward and encamped more than ten li away. The next day, they came again; Cao Gong concealed his troops behind the di while sending out half of them in front of it. Bu advanced further, and Cao Gong then ordered his light troops to provoke a battle. After the engagement began, the hidden soldiers charged from behind the di, with infantry and cavalry advancing together, thus decisively defeating Bu's forces.
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| | 兩軍相對... : |
大唐武德初，王充據東都，太宗往征之，屯青城宮，營壘未立。王充率眾二萬，自方諸門出臨穀水，以禦大軍，諸將甚懼。太宗以精騎陣於北邙，登後魏宣武陵以觀賊陣，謂左右曰：「賊勢迫矣，悉眾而出，利在一戰。今日破之，其後不能出矣。」乃令屈突通率步卒五千，渡水布陣以當之。因戒通曰：「待兵交，即放煙，吾當率馬軍南下。」兵纔接，太宗以騎衝之，挺身先進，表裏合勢。賊眾殊死戰，散而復合者數焉。地既險隘，賊多排綤，騎戰稍難。太宗親自射之，莫不應弦而倒。起辰及午，賊眾始退，因乘之，迫於城塹，俘斬七千人。自是不敢復出。 |
| | In the early years of Wude in Great Tang, Wang Chong occupied Dongdu; Emperor Taizong went to campaign against him and encamped at Qingcheng Palace, but his camps had not yet been established. Wang Chong led 20,000 of his men out from Fangzhu Gate to the Lin Gu Shui River to resist the imperial army; the generals were greatly afraid. Emperor Taizong deployed his elite cavalry on Beimang Hill and ascended the tomb of Xuanwu of Later Wei to observe the enemy's formation. He said to those around him, "The bandits are in a desperate situation; they have sent out all their forces, seeking advantage in one decisive battle. If we defeat them today, they will not be able to emerge again afterward." He then ordered Qu Tu Tong to lead 5,000 infantrymen across the river to form a battle array and confront them. He also warned Tong, "After the troops engage in combat, immediately release smoke signals; I will then lead the cavalry southward." As soon as the battle began, Emperor Taizong led his cavalry to charge at them, personally advancing first and coordinating forces from both inside and outside. The bandits fought desperately, breaking apart and reuniting several times. The terrain was both perilous and narrow, so the bandits deployed many pai chen. Cavalry combat became somewhat difficult. Emperor Taizong personally shot at them, and none failed to fall with the sound of his bowstring. From dawn until noon, the bandits gradually retreated; taking advantage of this, they pursued them and drove them into the city moat, capturing or killing 7,000 people. After that, they dared not come out again.
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| | 我寡敵眾... : |
晉司空劉琨守太原，遣將姬澹率眾十餘萬討石勒。勒將拒之，或諫曰：「澹兵馬精盛，其鋒不可當，宜深溝高壘以挫其銳，攻守之勢，必獲萬全。」勒曰：「澹大眾遠來，體疲力竭，犬羊烏合，號令不齊，可一戰擒之，何強之有。寇已垂至，胡可捨去；大軍一動，豈易中還。若澹乘我之退，顧走乃無暇，焉得深溝高壘乎！此為不戰而自滅亡之道。」立斬諫者。以孔萇為前鋒都督，令三軍後出者斬。設疑兵於山上，分為二伏。勒輕騎與澹戰，偽收眾而北。澹縱兵追之，勒前後伏發，來擊，澹軍大敗。 |
| | Jin Sikong Liu Kun held Taiyuan and dispatched his general Ji Dan to lead more than 100,000 troops to attack Shi Le. Shi Le was about to resist, but someone advised him, saying: "Ji Dan's troops are strong and numerous; his momentum cannot be confronted directly. We should dig deep trenches and build high fortifications in order to blunt his sharpness. If we adopt a strategy of defense while preparing for attack, we will surely achieve complete safety." Shi Le said, "Ji Dan has brought a large force from afar; his soldiers are exhausted and worn out. His troops are like a disorganized flock of dogs and sheep, with no unified command or discipline. We can defeat him in one battle and capture him, so where is the strength?" The enemy has already arrived at our doorstep; how could we possibly abandon them? Once the main force moves, it will not be easy to turn back halfway. If Ji Dan takes advantage of our retreat, we won't even have time to flee; how could we then dig deep trenches and build high walls! This is the path to self-destruction without a fight." He immediately beheaded those who had advised otherwise. He appointed Kong Chang as the commander of the vanguard and ordered that anyone in the three armies who lagged behind would be executed. He set up decoy troops on the mountains and divided them into two ambush forces. Shi Le led a light cavalry force to fight Ji Dan, pretending to withdraw his troops toward the north. Ji Dan launched his forces in pursuit, but Shi Le's ambushes from both front and rear were suddenly unleashed to attack him. Ji Dan's army was heavily defeated.
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| | 我寡敵眾... : |
梁將陳慶之、曹仲宗伐後魏之渦陽，魏遣將元昭等率兵來援，前軍至駝澗，去渦陽四十里。慶之欲逆戰，諸將以：「賊之前鋒，必是輕銳，與戰若捷，不足為功；如其不利，沮我軍陣勢。兵法所謂以逸待勞，不如勿擊。」慶之曰：「魏人遠來，皆已疲倦，去我既遠，必不見疑。及其未集，須挫其氣。出其不意，必無敗理。且聞虜所據營，林木甚盛，必不夜出。諸君若皆疑惑，慶之請獨取之。」於是與麾下五百騎奔擊，破其前軍，魏人震恐。 |
| | Liang general Chen Qingzhi and Cao Zhongcong attacked Guoyang of the Later Wei. The Wei sent generals Yuan Zhao and others to lead troops in relief, and their vanguard reached Tu Jian, forty li away from Guoyang. Chen Qingzhi wanted to launch a preemptive attack, but the other generals argued: "The enemy's vanguard is surely light and sharp. If we fight them and win, it would not be much of an achievement; if we are defeated, it will undermine our army's morale and formation." "This is what the art of war refers to as using rest to await exhaustion; therefore, it would be better not to engage in battle." Chen Qingzhi said: "The Wei troops have come from afar and are already exhausted. Since they are far away from us, they will certainly not be suspicious." "We should strike them before they assemble fully in order to crush their morale." "By catching them off guard, there is no way we can lose." "And I have heard that the enemy's encampment is surrounded by dense woods; they certainly will not come out at night." "If all of you are still doubtful, then I, Chen Qingzhi, shall take on this task alone." Thus he led five hundred cavalry under his command to charge suddenly and defeated the enemy's vanguard. The Wei forces were greatly shaken and terrified.
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| | 我寡敵眾... : |
齊神武與魏孝武帝搆隙，自太原舉兵逼洛陽，帝遣將元斌之、斛斯椿鎮武牢，遣使告周文帝。周文帝謂左右曰：「高歡數日行八九百里，曉兵者所忌，正須乘便擊之。而主上以萬乘之重，不能渡河決戰，方緣津據守。且長河萬里，扞禦為難，若一處得渡，大事去矣。」果如其言，帝西奔長安。 |
| | Qi Shenwu had a falling out with Emperor Xiaowu of the Wei and raised troops from Taiyuan to march toward Luoyang. The emperor dispatched generals Yuan Binzhi and Housi Chun to garrison Wulaoguan, and sent envoys to inform Zhou Wendi. Zhou Wendi said to those around him, "Gao Huan has marched eight or nine hundred li in just a few days. This is precisely what experienced military men fear most; we must take advantage of the opportunity and attack him." "Yet our emperor, in possession of a powerful state, cannot cross the Yellow River for a decisive battle but instead merely occupies strategic river crossings and defends them." "Moreover, the Yellow River is thousands of li long; it is difficult to defend against an attack along its entire length. If the enemy manages to cross at even one location, we will lose everything." As he had predicted, the emperor fled westward to Chang'an.
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| | 我寡敵眾... : |
東魏將齊神武伐西魏，軍至許原西。周文帝至渭南，徵諸州軍皆未會，乃召諸將謂之曰：「高歡越山渡河，遠來至此，天亡之時也。今及其新至，便可擊之。」即造浮橋於渭，令軍人齎三日糧，輕騎渡渭，輜重自渭南夾渭而西。軍至沙苑，距齊神武軍六十餘里。齊神武聞周文至，引軍來會，睹周文軍少，競馳而進，不為行列，總萃於左軍。兵將交，周文鳴鼓，士皆奮起。其將于謹等六軍與之合戰，李弼等率鐵騎橫擊之，絕其軍為二，遂大敗之，斬六千餘級，臨陣降者二萬餘人。齊神武夜遁，追至河上，復大克獲。前後虜其卒七萬。留其甲士二萬，餘悉縱歸。 |
| | Eastern Wei general Qi Shenwu launched a campaign against the Western Wei, advancing as far as the western side of Xuyuan. Zhou Wendi arrived at Weinan and found that the armies from various states had not yet assembled. He summoned his generals and said to them, "Gao Huan has crossed mountains and rivers to come here from afar; this is precisely the time when Heaven intends to destroy him." "Now that he has just arrived, we should attack him immediately." He immediately built a floating bridge on the Wei River and ordered his soldiers to carry three days' worth of provisions, leading light cavalry across the Wei. The supply wagons moved westward along both sides of the Wei from Weinan. The army advanced to Shayuan, more than sixty li away from Qi Shenwu's forces. Qi Shenwu, upon hearing that Zhou Wendi had arrived, led his troops to meet him. Observing that Zhou's forces were few in number, Qi's soldiers rushed forward disorderly without forming ranks or lines, all converging on the left wing of Zhou's army. As the two forces engaged, Zhou Wendi sounded the war drums and his soldiers rose up in spirited resistance. His generals Yu Jin and others, commanding six armies, joined the battle. Li Bi led a contingent of armored cavalry to strike laterally, splitting Qi's forces in two. As a result, they achieved a decisive victory, beheading more than 6,000 enemy soldiers and securing the surrender of over 20,000 on the battlefield. Qi Shenwu fled under cover of night; Zhou's forces pursued him to the riverbank and achieved another major victory, capturing many more prisoners. In total, they captured 70,000 of his soldiers in successive battles. They kept 20,000 armed captives and released the rest.
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| | 我寡敵眾... : |
孫子曰：「忿速，可侮。主不可以怒而興軍，將不可以慍而致戰，合於利而用，不合於利而止。怒可以復喜，慍可以復悅，亡國不可以復存，死者不可以復生也。故曰明主慎之，良將儆之，此安危之道也。」 |
| | Sunzi said: "Anger and haste make one vulnerable to insult." A ruler must not raise an army out of anger, and a general must not engage in battle due to resentment. One should act only when it is advantageous; if it is not advantageous, one should stop. Anger can turn into joy again, and resentment can be resolved into happiness. But a fallen state cannot be restored to existence, nor can the dead be brought back to life. Therefore it is said: wise rulers are cautious, and capable generals remain vigilant; this is the way to ensure safety or face danger."
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| | 挑戰: |
戰國魏武侯問吳起曰：「兩軍相當，不知其將，欲擊何如？」起曰：「令賤而勇者，將而擊銳，交合而北，告而勿罰，觀敵進取，一來一起：其政以理。奔北不追，見利不取：此將有謀。若其眾追北，旗幟離亂，自止自行，或縱或橫，貪利務得：凡若此類，將令不行。」 |
| | The Warring States state of Wei's Wu Hou asked Wu Qi, "When two armies are facing each other and we do not know their generals, how should we proceed to attack?" Wu Qi said, "Order the lowly but brave men to lead and strike at the enemy's vanguard. When they engage in battle and retreat, report this without punishment. Observe the enemy's movements and advance accordingly; when one comes forward, all rise together: such is governance based on reason." Do not pursue a fleeing enemy, nor seize apparent advantages—this indicates that the general has strategy. If his troops pursue a retreating enemy, their banners are in disarray, they stop and move on their own, some advancing and others retreating at will, and they greedily seek to gain advantages—anyone who behaves like this is a general whose commands go unheeded."
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| | 挑戰: |
楚、漢相持，彭越數絕楚糧道，項羽欲討越，謂其將曹咎曰：「謹守成皋，漢欲挑戰，慎勿與戰，無令得東。我十五日必誅彭越，定梁地。」漢果數挑戰，楚軍不出。使人辱之，五六日，曹咎怒，渡兵汜水。漢擊之，大破楚軍，盡得楚國貨賄。曹咎自刎於汜水之上。 |
| | During the standoff between Chu and Han, Peng Yue repeatedly cut off the supply routes of Chu. Xiang Yu wanted to attack Peng Yue and told his general Cao Gou, "Carefully defend Chenggao. If the Han forces wish to challenge you, be cautious not to engage in battle; do not allow them to move eastward." "I will certainly defeat Peng Yue within fifteen days and pacify the region of Liang." The Han forces indeed repeatedly challenged them, but the Chu army did not come out. They sent people to insult them; after five or six days, Cao Gou became angry and crossed his troops over the Sishui River. The Han forces attacked them and thoroughly defeated the Chu army, seizing all of Chu's supplies and valuables. Cao Gou committed suicide on the banks of the Sishui River.
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十六國姚襄據黃落，前秦苻生遣將苻黃眉、鄧羌等率步騎討之。襄深溝高壘，固守不戰。鄧羌說黃眉曰：「傷弓之鳥，落於虛發。襄頻為晉將桓溫、張平所敗，銳氣喪矣。今固壘不戰，是窮寇也。襄性剛狠，易以剛動。若長驅鼓行，直壓其壘，襄必怒而出師，可一戰擒也。」黃眉從之，遣羌率騎三千軍於襄壘。果怒，盡銳出戰。羌偽不勝，引騎而退，襄追之，至於三原，羌迴騎拒襄。俄而黃眉至，大戰，斬之，盡俘其眾。 |
| | During the Sixteen Kingdoms period, Yao Xiang occupied Huangluo. Fu Sheng of Former Qin dispatched his generals Fu Huangmei, Deng Qiang, and others to lead infantry and cavalry in a campaign against him. Yao Xiang dug deep ditches and built high fortifications, firmly holding his position without engaging in battle. Deng Qiang advised Huangmei, "An arrow-wounded bird will fall even from a missed shot." Yao Xiang had been repeatedly defeated by Jin generals Huan Wen and Zhang Ping; his morale has already been broken. Now, holding fast to the fortifications without fighting means he is a cornered enemy. Yao Xiang's nature is fierce and cruel; he can be provoked by bold action. If we march forward boldly, beating drums and advancing directly toward his fortifications, Yao Xiang will surely become enraged and lead his troops out. We can capture him in a single battle." Huangmei followed this advice and sent Deng Qiang to lead 3,000 cavalrymen against Yao Xiang's fortifications. As expected, Yao Xiang became enraged and led all his elite forces out to fight. Deng Qiang pretended to be defeated, withdrew his cavalry, and Yao Xiang pursued him as far as Sanyuan, where Deng Qiang turned back with his cavalry to resist Yao Xiang. Soon after, Huangmei arrived and a great battle ensued; he beheaded Yao Xiang and captured all his troops.
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宋將沈攸之反，自江陵舉兵東下，分兵出夏口，據魯山。攸之既至郢，以郢城弱小不足攻，遣人告郢州守將柳世隆曰：「被太后令，當蹔還都。卿既相與奉國，想得此意。」世隆答曰：「東下之師，久承聲問。郢城小鎮，自守而已。」攸之將去，世隆遣軍於西渚挑戰，攸之果怒，令諸軍登岸燒郭邑，築長圍攻之。世隆隨宜拒應，眾皆披卻。攸之軍因之敗潰。 |
| | The Song general Shen Youzhi rebelled, raising forces from Jiangling to march eastward, and split his troops to advance out of Xiakou, occupying Lushan. After Shen Youzhi arrived at Ying, he considered the city of Ying too weak and insignificant to attack. He sent a message to Liu Shilong, the defending general of Ying Zhou, saying, "I have received orders from the Empress Dowager and must temporarily return to the capital." Since you both serve the country together, I trust you understand my intention." Liu Shilong replied, "The forces marching eastward have long been known to me by reputation. Ying is a small town; we will defend it on our own." As Shen Youzhi was about to leave, Liu Shilong sent troops to the western shoal to provoke a battle. Shen Youzhi became angry and ordered his forces to land, burn the outer settlements, build a long siege line, and attack them. Liu Shilong responded flexibly to each assault, and all attacks were repelled. As a result, Shen Youzhi's army collapsed in defeat.
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隋末，高祖起兵，自太原至霍邑，隋將宋老生守城。太宗以數騎詣其城下，舉鞭指麾，若將圍城者。老生怒，開門出兵。高祖因謂隴西公建成曰：「汝看兩陣將交，引左軍直趨東門。」命太宗引右軍直趨南門，以斷其歸路。老生之軍背城而列陣，高祖以中軍與建成合陣於城東，太宗陣於城南。老生麾兵疾進，先薄高祖，而建成墜馬，老生乘之，中軍與左軍咸卻。太宗自南原遙見塵起，知義師退，率二百騎馳下峻阪，殺一賊將，遂衝斷其軍，出其陣後，表裏齊譟，隋師大潰，遂擒老生，而平霍邑。 |
| | At the end of the Sui dynasty, Gaozu raised an army and marched from Taiyuan to Huoyi, where Sui general Song Laosheng was defending the city. Taizong rode down with a few horsemen to beneath the city walls, brandishing his whip as if directing an encirclement of the city. Song Laosheng became angry and opened the gates to send out troops. Gaozu then said to Longxi Gong Jiancheng, "Watch as the two armies engage; lead your left wing directly toward the eastern gate." He ordered Taizong to lead the right wing straight for the southern gate, in order to cut off their retreat. Song Laosheng's army formed its ranks with the city behind it, while Gaozu deployed his central forces and joined Jiancheng in forming an array east of the city; Taizong positioned his troops to the south of the city. Song Laosheng led his forces forward rapidly, first attacking Gaozu. However, Jiancheng fell from his horse; Song Laosheng took advantage of this and drove back the central and left wings. Taizong, from the southern plateau, saw dust rising in the distance and realized that their forces were retreating. He led 200 horsemen down a steep slope at full speed, killed one of the enemy generals, then charged through to cut off Song Laosheng's troops, emerging behind their lines. With attacks coming both from front and rear, the Sui army collapsed completely; thus they captured Song Laosheng and pacified Huoyi.
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孫子曰：「凡處軍，視生處高，戰降無登，此處山谷之軍也。喜高而惡下，貴陽而賤陰，是為必勝。軍無百疾，丘陵隄防，必處其高陽，而右背之。此兵之利，而地之助也。故用兵之法，高陵勿向也，背丘勿迎也。」 |
| | Sunzi said: "Whenever positioning an army, choose a high ground facing the direction of life." "Do not attack a descending force," This refers to positioning an army within a valley. People prefer high ground and dislike low areas; yang is valued while yin is despised. This ensures certain victory. When camping, avoid low-lying areas prone to illness; when near hills or embankments, always position your forces on the high yang side and have it to your right rear. This is a military advantage, aided by favorable terrain. Therefore, the method of using troops is: do not face an enemy on high ground. "Do not face an enemy who has a hill at their back."
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| | 假託安眾: |
春秋時，晉文公卒，將殯於曲沃。出絳，柩有聲如牛。卜偃使大夫拜，曰：「君命大事：將有西師過軼我，擊之必大捷焉。」秦伯使孟明視等三將襲鄭，晉師禦於殽而敗之。 |
| | During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Wen of Jin died, and his body was to be taken for burial in Quwo. When leaving Jiang, there was a sound coming from the coffin like that of an ox. Boyan instructed the officials to perform a bow, saying: "The lord has been commanded for a great military campaign: an army from the west will soon overtake us. If we attack them, we shall surely achieve a great victory." Duke Mu of Qin sent the three generals Mengming Shi et al. to launch a surprise attack on Zheng, but the Jin forces intercepted them at Yao and defeated them.
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| | 假託安眾: |
燕將騎劫代樂毅，攻齊即墨。齊將田單拒守，乃令城中人食必祭其先祖於庭，飛鳥悉翔舞城中下食。燕人怪之。單復宣言曰：「神來下教我。」又令曰：「當有神人為我師者。」有卒曰：「臣可以為師乎？」返走。田單乃起，引還，東嚮坐，師事之。卒曰：「臣欺君，誠無能。」田單曰：「子勿言也。」因師之。每出約束，必稱神。眾心乃安，竟破燕軍。 |
| | The Yan general Qi Jie replaced Yue Yi and attacked Ji Mo in Qi. The Qi general Tian Dan resisted the defense, and ordered everyone within the city to offer sacrifices to their ancestors in the courtyard during meals. As a result, flocks of birds flew down into the city to feed on the offerings. The Yan people found this strange. Tian Dan then publicly declared, "The gods have descended to teach me." He also issued an order saying, "There will be a divine person who becomes my teacher." A soldier asked, "May I serve as the teacher?" He turned and ran away. Tian Dan then rose, called him back, had him sit facing east, and treated him as a teacher. The soldier said, "I have deceived you, I truly have no ability." Tian Dan said, "You need not say anything." He thus continued to treat him as a teacher. Whenever he issued orders, he always claimed they were from the gods. The people's hearts thus became calm, and eventually the Yan army was defeated.
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秦二世初，天下亂，陳勝、吳廣起兵於蘄，欲收人心。謀曰：「項燕為楚將，數有功，愛士率，楚人憐之。或以為在。今誠以吾眾為天下唱，宜多應者。」廣以為然。迺行卜。卜者知其指意，曰：「足下事皆成功。然足下卜之鬼乎。」勝、廣喜，僉曰：「此教我先威眾耳。」迺丹書帛曰「陳勝王」，置人所罾魚腹中。卒買魚烹食，得書，已怪之矣。又閒令廣之次所旁叢祠中，夜構火，狐鳴呼曰：「大楚興，陳勝王。」卒皆夜驚恐。旦日，卒中往往指目勝、廣。因而號令，眾遂從之。 |
| | In the early years of Emperor Ershi of Qin, chaos broke out across the land; Chen Sheng and Wu Guang raised their troops in Qi, intending to win public support. They planned, "Xiang Yan was a general of the State of Chu; he had many achievements and loved his soldiers. The people of Chu cherished him." Some believed that he might still be alive. If we now genuinely use our forces to lead a rebellion against the empire, many should respond accordingly." Wu Guang thought this was a good idea. They then went to consult the oracle. The diviner understood their intention and said, "All your endeavors will be successful." "But are you consulting the spirits for this matter?" Chen Sheng and Wu Guang were pleased; they both said, "This is instructing us to first instill authority among the people." They then wrote on red silk cloth with cinnabar ink: "Chen Sheng will be king," and placed it inside the belly of a fish caught by someone. The soldier bought the fish, cooked and ate it, but found the message and was already surprised. They also secretly ordered Wu Guang to go to a thicket near the shrine beside his camp, where at night he made a fire and imitated the cry of a fox in a low tone, calling out: "The great state of Chu rises again; Chen Sheng shall be king." The soldiers were all frightened and alarmed at night. The next day, among the soldiers there were many who pointed at and looked toward Chen Sheng and Wu Guang. Taking advantage of this, they issued orders; thus the crowd followed them.
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世說新書，曹公軍行失道，二軍皆渴，公令曰：「前有大梅林，饒子，酸，可以解渴。」士卒聞之，口皆水出，乘此得及前水。 |
| | The Shishuo Xinshu records that when Cao Cao's army lost its way, both the soldiers and horses were thirsty. The Duke issued an order: "There is a large plum grove ahead; it has plenty of fruit, which are sour and can quench your thirst." The soldiers heard this and immediately had droplets of saliva in their mouths; taking advantage of this, they managed to reach the water ahead.
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晉將李矩守滎陽城，劉聰將劉暢討矩。矩奉牛酒詐降，謀夜襲之，兵士以賊眾，皆有懼色。矩令郭誦禱鄭子產祠曰：「君昔相鄭，惡鳥不鳴。凶胡臭羯，何得過庭。」使巫揚言：「東里有教，當遣神兵相助。」將士聞之，皆踴躍爭進。乃使精選勇敢千人，夜掩暢營，獲鎧馬甚多，斬首數千級，暢僅以身免。 |
| | The Jin general Li Ju defended Yingyang City, and Liu Cong's general Liu Chang was sent to attack him. Ju offered oxen and wine in a feigned surrender, planning to launch a night attack; however, the soldiers, fearing the large enemy force, all showed signs of fear. Ju ordered Guo Song to pray at the shrine of Zheng Zichan, saying: "In your time as prime minister of Zheng, evil birds did not cry out. "Now these wicked Hu and Chou Jie, how dare they pass by the courtyard?" He sent a shaman to publicly declare: "There is instruction from the east; divine troops will be dispatched to assist us." The generals and soldiers, upon hearing this, all became eager and vied to advance. Ju then selected a thousand brave and courageous soldiers, launched a night raid on Chang's camp, captured many sets of armor and horses, beheaded several thousand enemy soldiers, and Liu Chang barely escaped with his life.
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十六國後趙石勒使將麻秋等伐張重華於武威，重華將謝艾曰：「乞假臣兵七千，為殿下吞之。」重華以艾為中堅將軍，配步騎五千擊秋。引師出振武，夜有二梟鳴於牙中，艾曰：「梟，邀也，六博得梟者勝。今梟鳴牙中，克敵之兆。」於是進戰，大破之，斬首五千級。 |
| | In the Sixteen Kingdoms period, Hou Zhao's Shi Le sent his general Ma Qiu et al. to attack Zhang Zhonghua at Wuwei. Zhonghua's general Xie Ai said: "I respectfully request that Your Highness grant me 7,000 troops; I shall swallow them up for you." Zhonghua appointed Ai as Zhongjian General and assigned him 5,000 infantry and cavalry to attack Qiu. Leading his troops out from Zhenwu, at night two owls cried within the camp. Ai said: "Owls mean 'yao,' which is to intercept; in the game of Liu Bo, whoever captures an owl wins. Now that owls are crying within our camp, this is a sign of defeating the enemy." Thus he advanced to battle and utterly defeated them, beheading 5,000 enemy soldiers.
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十六國後燕慕容寶遣將慕容賀麟率三萬餘人寇新市。甲子晦，後魏道武帝進軍討之，太史令晁崇奏曰：「昔紂以甲子亡，兵家忌之，不可出。」帝曰：「紂以甲子亡，周武不以甲子勝乎？」崇無以對。帝遂進軍新市，賀麟退阻泒水，依漸洳澤以自固。甲戌，帝臨其營，戰於義臺塢，大破之。 |
| | In the Sixteen Kingdoms era, Hou Yan's Murong Bao dispatched his general Murong Helin to lead more than 30,000 men in an attack on Xinshi. On the last day of the month, which was a Jiazi day, the Daowu Emperor of Later Wei advanced his troops to attack them. The Taishi Ling Chao Chong presented a report saying: "In ancient times, King Zhou perished on a Jiazi day; this is an omen that military men fear, and one must not go out." The emperor said: "King Zhou perished on a Jia zi day; did King Wu of Zhou not achieve victory on such a day?" Chao Chong had no reply. The emperor thus advanced his troops toward Xinshi, and Helin retreated to block the Huai River, relying on the Zhan Ru marshland for defense. On the Jia Xu day, the emperor arrived at their camp and fought a battle at Yitai Wu, where he utterly defeated them.
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東晉末，宋武帝討慕容超，圍廣固城，數月不拔。或說裕曰：「昔石勒將石季龍攻曹嶷，瞻氣者以為澠水帶城，非可攻拔，若塞五龍口，城必自陷。季龍從之，而嶷降。慕容恪圍段龕亦如之，而龕降。降後無幾，又震開之。今舊跡猶在，可塞之。」裕從其言。於是，城中男女患腳弱疾者太半。時有蒼鵝飛入帳坐，眾咸驚愕，其將胡蕃獨賀曰：「蒼者，胡色也。鵝者，我也。胡虜歸我之徵。」眾大悅。將攻城，諸將咸諫曰：「今往亡之日，兵家所忌。」裕曰：「我往彼亡，吉孰大焉！」乃命悉登，遂平廣固。 |
| | At the end of the Eastern Jin dynasty, Emperor Wu of Song launched a campaign against Murong Chao and besieged Guanggu City; after several months, he could not capture it. Some advised Yu, saying: "In the past, Shi Le's general Shi Jilong attacked Cao Yi. A diviner who observed qi said that the Shen River encircled the city; it was not a place to be captured by attack. If one blocks the Wulongkou, the city will surely collapse on its own." Jilong followed this advice, and Yi surrendered. Murong Ke besieged Duan Kan in the same way, and Kan also surrendered. Not long after their surrender, an earthquake opened it up again. "The old traces are still there; one can block it." Yu followed his advice. As a result, more than half of the men and women in the city suffered from leg weakness or illness. At that time, a blue goose flew into the tent and perched there; everyone was greatly surprised. Only his general Hu Fan congratulated them, saying: "Blue is the color of the Hu people. A goose represents me. This is an omen that the Hu bandits will return to my control." The troops were greatly pleased. When preparing to attack the city, all the generals advised against it, saying: "Today is a day of going to one's death; this is what military men fear." Yu said: "It will be their demise when I go. What greater good fortune could there be!" He then ordered a full-scale assault, and thus Guanggu was pacified.
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東晉末，嶺南賊盧循寇建業，宋武帝擊破，走至彭蠡湖，乃悉力柵斷左里。大軍至左里，將戰，帝所執麾竿折，旛沈水，眾並怪懼。帝歡笑曰：「往年覆舟之戰，旛竿亦折，今者復然，賊必破矣。」即攻柵而進。循兵雖殊死戰，弗能禁。諸軍乘勝奔之，循單舸走。所殺及投水死，凡萬餘人。納其降附，宥其逼掠。遣劉藩、孟懷玉輕軍追之。循收散卒，尚有數千人，遙還廣州。 |
| | At the end of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the southern Lingnan bandit Lu Xun attacked Jianye. Emperor Wu of Song defeated him and drove him to Poyang Lake, where he then concentrated all his forces to build a barricade at Zuoli. When the main army arrived at Zuoli and was about to engage in battle, the staff of the banner that Emperor Wu held broke, and the pennant sank into the water; all the soldiers were startled and fearful. The emperor laughed joyfully, saying: "In the past battle of Fu Zhou, the pennant staff also broke; now it has happened again. The bandits must surely be defeated." He immediately attacked the barricade and advanced. Although Lu Xun's troops fought desperately, they could not stop them. The allied forces pursued in the wake of their victory, and Lu Xun fled alone on a small boat. Those killed or who drowned totaled more than ten thousand people. He accepted their surrender and showed leniency to those who had been forced into banditry or committed plundering under coercion. He dispatched Liu Fan and Meng Huaiyu with a light force in pursuit of him. Lu Xun gathered his scattered troops, still having several thousand men left, and returned remotely to Guangzhou.
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梁庾域為華陽太守，後魏軍攻圍南鄭。時糧儲寡少，人情忷懼。州有空倉數十所，域手自封題，指示將士云：「此中粟皆滿，足支二年，但努力堅守。」眾心以安，虜退。 |
| | Liang's Yu Yu served as governor of Huayang when Later Wei forces attacked and besieged Nanzheng. At that time, the stored grain was scarce, and people were anxious and fearful. There were dozens of empty granaries in the state; Yu Yu personally sealed and labeled them, pointing to the generals and soldiers and saying: "The grain inside these stores is all full, enough to last for two years. Just strive hard to hold out." With this, the people's hearts were calmed, and the enemy withdrew.
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隋末，李密據興洛倉，破宇文化及還，士卒皆疲倦。隋將王充欲乘其弊而擊之，恐眾心不一，乃假託鬼神，言夢見周公，乃立祠於洛水之上，遣巫宣言周公欲令僕射急討李密，當有大功，不則兵皆疫死。充兵多楚人，俗信妖。言以惑之，眾皆請戰，遂破密。 |
| | At the end of Sui dynasty, Li Mi occupied Xingluo Granary; after defeating Yuwen Huaji and returning, his soldiers were all exhausted. The Sui general Wang Chong wanted to take advantage of their exhaustion and attack them, but fearing that the soldiers' hearts were not united, he pretended to invoke ghosts and deities. He claimed to have dreamed of Duke of Zhou, built a shrine by the Luo River, sent shamans to publicly declare that the Duke of Zhou wished for the Grand Councillor to urgently attack Li Mi, which would bring great merit; otherwise, all soldiers would die from plague. Many of Chong's troops were from Chu, a region where people commonly believed in omens and superstitions. By using these words to deceive them, the soldiers all requested battle, and thus Mi was defeated.
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