Mastering Strategy: Sun Tzu and Chinese Military Wisdom

Sun Tzu, a native of Qi, is renowned for his military prowess and strategic insights. Historically linked with Wu Wang Helu, he served as a general under the Wu kingdom, compiling his teachings into the famous “Art of War,” consisting originally of thirteen chapters. It is recorded that upon presenting his work to Wu Wang Helu, the king inquired if the strategies could be effectively applied to women. Sun Tzu, confident in his principles, organized 180 palace maidens into two teams, each led by the king’s favorite consorts.

The exercise began with Sun Tzu’s meticulous instructions: “Do you understand how to look at the heart, left hand, right hand, and back?” The women affirmed their understanding, and Sun Tzu proceeded to demonstrate commands with precision. Initially, he noted mistakes due to unclear instructions and repetition of commands. Upon correcting these, he tested the left team, resulting in laughter among the women. Sun Tzu’s response was swift and insightful: “Unclear instructions and repeated commands lead to mistakes. Once clarity is established, failure to follow commands is the fault of the officers and soldiers.” He proposed the dismissal of the left team leaders, causing alarm to Wu Wang Helu, who intervened to prevent their execution, acknowledging Sun Tzu’s military competence.

After proving his military prowess, Sun Tzu led successful campaigns against Chu and Chu forces, gaining prominence among feudal lords. Sun Wu’s legacy continued through his descendants, notably Sun Bin, who engaged in the study of military strategy alongside Pang Juan. Despite Pang Juan’s appointment as general under King Hui of Wei, he conspired against Sun Bin due to his fears of Sun Bin’s capabilities, resulting in his imprisonment and cruel punishment.

During a diplomatic mission to Liang, Sun Bin was held in captivity. Yet, his exceptional talent and charisma won him favor, leading to his secret transportation back to Qi. Tian Ji, an esteemed general of Qi, often engaged in chariot races and archery contests with the sons of aristocrats. Sun Bin noticed that the horses in the contests were mismatched, prompting him to propose adjustments that allowed Tian Ji to win a significant bet against the aristocrats.

Impressed by Sun Bin’s foresight, Tian Ji introduced him to the Qi court. Recognizing Sun Bin’s military genius, King Wei appointed him as a military adviser, where he strategized from his base in the rear car, devising tactics and providing counsel. During the Wei invasion of Zhao, Zhao sought assistance from Qi. King Wei wanted to appoint Sun Bin, but Sun Bin, still marked with a criminal record, refused the offer, insisting that a convicted person could not lead an army. Tian Ji was subsequently appointed general, with Sun Bin serving as a strategic adviser from his position within the logistics division.

During the campaign, Sun Bin advocated for unconventional tactics, highlighting the importance of surprise attacks and strategic withdrawal. His strategies proved effective, allowing Qi forces to retreat from Handan. Recognizing the value of his insights, King Wei awarded him the title of “Shu,” further solidifying Sun Bin’s reputation.

Sun Wu, originally from Wei, was known for his military prowess and was appointed as a general in the army of the State of Lu. When the Qi army attacked Lu, Lu wanted to appoint Wu to lead the army but doubted his loyalty due to his recent marriage to a woman from Qi. To prove his allegiance, Wu killed his wife and subsequently led the Lu army to victory against the Qi forces.

Critics of Sun Wu describe him as suspicious and ruthless. During his youth, Sun Wu squandered his family fortune, embarking on a failed career in the civil service. When his reputation was tarnished by his hometown, he killed more than 30 people who slandered him and then left his home. He swore never to return to Wei and studied military tactics under Zengzi. After a while, his mother died, and Sun Wu never returned to her, and he broke up with Zengzi. He went to Lu to study military tactics and serve Lu. The king of Lu was suspicious of him and refused him to appoint Wu. Eventually, Wu heard about the wisdom of the Marquis of Wei, and he wanted to do business with him.

The Marquis of Wei asked Li Ke: “What kind of person is Wu Wu?” Li Ke said: “The Green and the Good.” Later, the Marquis of Wei knew how to use Wu and attacked Chin and won five cities.

As a general, Wu is equal to the soldiers. He lived without a chair, and he did not walk with a horse. Personally, the hardships of the crop, the girl’s disease, heard and cried. Someone said: “Your child is also a doctor, and the army has its own rules, why are you crying?” The mother said: “Not a child, and general, the army sucks, the mother will not know.”

The Marquis of Wei is good at doing business, and good leaders can achieve the goal.