Chu launched an attack on Chen, and Wu sent troops to rescue it. The two armies camped thirty li apart. It rained for ten days and nights without stop, then cleared up.
Royal Historian Yi Xiang advised General Ziqi (Zi Qi): “After ten days of rain, Wu’s troops have dried their armor and assembled soldiers; they will come to assault us soon, so we must get ready.”
Chu set up battle formations. Before the deployment finished, Wu’s army arrived; seeing Chu’s complete battle array, Wu retreated at once.
Yi Xiang commented: “Wu’s troops have marched back sixty li. Their officers rest while rank-and-file pause for meals. If we advance thirty li and strike now, we shall defeat them.”
Ziqi followed the plan and routed the Wu army.
Note
Observe environmental changes and enemy’s routine to seize fleeting fighting opportunity and win the battle.
Late Warring States Legalist, quotes this battle case to elaborate military observation and flexible tactics.
Yi Xiang
Left Royal Historian of Chu, adept at judging enemy movements via weather and marching distance.
Ziqi (Zi Qi)
Famous Chu military general who adopted the strategist’s suggestions.
Troops of Chu, Wu, Chen
Three warring-state belligerents in this regional conflict.
Pre-Qin military custom
Armies halted combat during long rainy weather; damp armors and weapons needed maintenance, which became key intelligence for opponents.
Ancient troop movement rule
After long-distance retreat, armies normally split to rest and dine, a fixed routine used for tactical interception.
Historian’s auxiliary role
Court historians in Chu not only recorded documents but also participated in military strategic consultation.
荊伐陳，吳救之，軍閒三十里，雨十日夜，星。左史倚相謂子期曰：「雨十日，甲輯而兵聚，吳人必至，不如備之。」乃為陳，陳未成也而吳人至，見荊陳而反。左史曰：「吳反覆六十里，其君子必休，小人必食，我行三十里擊之，必可敗也。」乃從之，遂破吳軍。
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