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36 War Strategies of Ancient China
Strategy 4
Await the Exhausted Enemy At Your Ease
It is an advantage to choose the time and place for
battle. In this way you know when and where the battle will take place, while
your enemy does not. Encourage your enemy to expend his energy in futile quests
while you conserve your strength. When he is exhausted and confused, you attack
with energy and purpose.
Chinese Folk Tale
The emperor Xuan of Zhou loved to gamble on cock fights
and kept a stable of specially bred fighting roosters. Although they were strong
and fierce they would nevertheless lose against the roosters trained by Ji Xing
Ze. The emperor therefore hired Ji to train his roosters.
Ten days had passed when the emperor went to the stables
to ask if they were ready to fight.
"No." said Ji, " They are far too fierce
and proud of their strength. They rush to attack even the slightest noise."
After another ten days passed the emperor returned to
enquire again.
"Not yet. They are still haughty and jump at
everything that moves."
After another ten days the emperor again asked the
question.
"No, still not yet. Although they no longer rush to
attack, they still raise their hackles and stare fiercely at the slightest
provocation."
After yet another ten days the emperor again asked if
the roosters were ready.
"Yes, they are nearly ready. Although some still
crow from time to time, none ever change their countenance. From a distance they
appear as steady as if they were made of wood. Before them, their untrained
opponents would not dare accept their challenge and could only turn back and
run."
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