If one is able and strong, then one should disguise oneself in order to appear inept and weak.
In 200 BC the first Emperor of the Han dynasty Kao-Zu ignored the advice of his advizor that the Northern barbarians were displaying weak horses and tired soldiers so he decided to attack their encampment.
This attack was also against the advice of his scouts who had been sent to investigate the barbarian position.
They believed the barbarians had hidden their sleek horses and fresh soldiers and were preparing a ruse to encourage the Emperor to attack. Kao-Zu had an army of 300,000 and was confident that he would end the depredations of the Northern invaders, so he decided to attack and was defeated.
When you are ready to attack, you must convey the impression that you will not attack.
In Chinese history this deception is used repeatedly.
In 800 the King of Zheng disarmed the suspicions of the King of Hu by giving him his daughter in marriage.
A short time later in mock rage, chopping of the head of his advisor for suggesting they conquer Hu.
His brother in law in Hu on hearing this was then convinced that Zheng was no threat and was unprepared and decimated when Zheng’s army marched in and conquered them.
When you are close, pretend you are far, but when you are far, you must give the illusion of being near.
It is of the utmost importance to disguise your intended point of attack in order to prevent your opponent from concentrating its forces.
This precept refers to temporal as well as spatial distance. If you are going to attack your enemy in the distant future, you must give the illusion that you are going to attack immediately.
205 B.C. Han general arraying his forces directly across the river from the enemy while sending 20,000 men to cross the river and attack the rear of the enemy camp.
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