我之正使敵視之為奇我之奇使敵視之為正正亦為奇奇亦為正. 凡戰者, 以正合, 以奇勝。 In order to secure victory, indirect methods are also important. 戰勢不過奇正, 奇正之變, 不勝窮也。 There are unending series maneuvers derived from 奇 and 正. In a war, we can use so many ways. Why just always think about 正? It’s hard for me to use Zheng, but Qi is also useful. 勢如擴弯, 節如發機。 In this sentence, 勢 equals energy. Release your energy as soon as possible when a war begins. ...
見勝不過思人之所知, 非善之善者也。 Know the ken of the common herd is not enough. 故善戰者, 立於不敗之地, 而不失敵之敗也。 不失敵之敗 equals does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy. 是故勝兵先勝而後求戰 We need to lay plans before the battle. 勝者之戰民也, 若決積水於千例之豁者, 形也。 This kind of conquering force, it’s like the bursting of pent-up waters into a chasm.
故上兵伐謀, 其次伐交, 其次伐兵, 下政攻城 Destroy the enemy’s plan is the best. 攻城之法為不得已。修槽鎮輕、具器械、三月而後成 During the war, we need a full preparation to besiege a walled city. It will spend a lot of time. 將不勝其忿, 而儀附之 The general may lose their patience before the engines of attacking prepared. 拔人之城而非攻也, 人之國而非久也。 Therefore, the skilled generals will overthrow their kingdom without any operations. They will not harm individuals but destroy the government. The typical instance is the Wu Wang, who put an end of the Yin dynasty. ...
故兵聞拙速，未睹巧之久也。 If you exposed a war too long, even you are ingenious, you will make a mistake. leave a little to your opponent. 力屈，財襌（殫），中原內需於家，百姓之費，十去其七 Waging a war, you need to forage on your enemy. 故殺敵者, 怒也;取敵之利者, 貨也 Kill your enemy from the power generated by your anger, get benefits from your foe.
If we need t raising a good army, we need a big cost, such as time, money, but when army needs to go to the war, we cannot be exposed in the war for too long.
sovereign should have moral law. Before the war, you should think about whether moral law is sit on your side, if not, you lose Heaven. Before the war, you should create the situation for success, and make the plan for better circumstances. 兵者, 龍道也。 All warfare is based on deception, so we should deceive both of our friends and enemies. If your opponent is bad temper, irritate him. Observe your enemy, if they are in ease, make him not rest, if they are united, separate him. ...