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36 War Strategies of Ancient China
Strategy 15
Lure the Tiger Down the Mountain
Never directly attack a well-entrenched opponent.
Instead lure him away from his stronghold and separate him from his source of
strength.
Three Kingdoms Period China
In the year 199, Sun Ce had consolidated his newly
conquered territories in the south and his next goal was the prosperous area of
Lujiang to the north. However, Lujiang had a professional army and was well
defended. In addition it also had the advantage of terrain, being accessible
only through a couple of easily defended passes. Sun Ce's advisors cautioned
against moving directly against such a well-entrenched and powerful state so
they devised another scheme. Sun Ce sent an emissary laden with gifts and a
letter to the king of Lujiang, Liu Xun. The letter praised the King's military
skills and begged for his assistance. Sun Ce wrote: " For years the state
of Shangliao has invaded my territory unhindered and carried away booty, yet we
are too weak to launch a retaliatory raid. If Your Majesty would attack
Shangliao we would give assistance and you could annex the state for
yourself." Flattered and covetous of increasing his domains, The king of
Lujiang disregarded the advice of his counselors and attacked the state of
Shangliao. Several weeks later, while the king of Lujiang was busy laying siege
to Shangliao's capital, Sun Ce attacked the almost undefended Lujiang and easily
seized the capital. Without the expected support from Sun Ce, The king of
Lujiang failed to take the capital of Shangliao and he returned only to find his
own capital already in enemy hands. Sun Ce now had the advantage of the Lujiang
terrain and the former king could do nothing but flee with his army.
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