References

• 《四库全书总目提要·卷99 子部·兵家类》

Source: "Sanlue Zhijie" (三略直解) is a three-volume work compiled by Liu Yin during the Ming dynasty. Liu Yin's background is not well-documented, but he identified himself as a Jinshi (imperial scholar) from the Xinhai examination in the Hongwu era. The examination records of the Imperial Academy list a Liu Yin from Ge County, who is likely the same person. Zhang Lun's "Lin Quan Suibi" (林泉随笔) mentions that Liu Yin, from Taiyuan, authored "Liu Shu Zhijie" (六书直解), a work that meticulously examines and corrects errors in classical texts. Liu Yin's annotations cover six books, and "Sanlue Zhijie" is one of them. The "Sanlue" (三略), or "Three Strategies," is not listed in the "Han Shu" (汉书) catalog. Zhang Shangying created a forged "Sushu" (素书) and claimed it was discovered in Zhang Liang's tomb by a thief. He also erroneously attributed the "Sanlue" to the Yellow Stone Old Man. Liu Yin critiqued Zhang Shangying, arguing that the "Sanlue" contains phrases from various texts, with words rearranged and linked together, and thus, Zhang's claims are baseless. Liu Yin's critique is valid, but his assertion that the "Sanlue" was genuinely written by the Duke of Zhou and only later transmitted to Zhang Liang by the Yellow Stone Old Man is problematic. Specifically, Liu Yin struggles to explain the reference to King Goujian of Yue offering liquor to his soldiers, suggesting that this might be an addition by the Yellow Stone Old Man or a different historical event that cannot be verified. This interpretation is as speculative as Zhang Shangying's claims. Zhen Dexiu, in his "Xishan Ji" (西山集), wrote a preface to the "Sanlue," suggesting that while it may not have been written by the Duke of Zhou, it was likely received by Zhang Liang. Liu Yin's interpretation of the "Sanlue" is derived from Huang-Lao philosophy, emphasizing the importance of deep contemplation and strategic observation to ensure one's own strength before seeking to defeat the enemy. This approach is often utilized by military strategists. Liu Yin's annotations effectively elucidate these ideas and also compare different versions of the text, noting their variations. Compared to other editions, Liu Yin's work is particularly detailed and comprehensive. Some characters in the text are missing and cannot be restored, and these have been left as they are in the current edition. ==References== * 《四库全书总目提要·卷99 子部·兵家类》