Wu, originally a backward state, was able to rise rapidly largely due to the strong support of Jin. This was because Jin suffered a defeat in the Battle of Bi in 597 BCE. Jin then adopted the strategy of allying with Wu to jointly confront Chu. Consequently, Jin imparted considerable military technology to Wu, which greatly contributed to its rapid rise.
Wu Zixu’s strategic vision
After helping Prince Guang ascend the throne as King Helü of Wu in 515 BCE, Wu Zixu turned his focus to his lifelong mission: avenging his father and brother by destroying Chu state. To achieve this, he needed more than courage – he needed military genius.
He recommended to King Helü a brilliant strategist from Qi: Sun Wu (later known as Sun zi, or Sun Tzu), who had fled his homeland during internal strife and settled in Wu.
The Art of War
Sun Wu had devoted his youth to studying warfare. He distilled his insights into thirteen concise treatises – the now-famous The Art of War.
When King Helü heard of Sun Wu’s arrival, he rushed down from the throne to greet him personally. Sun Wu presented his thirteen chapters, which covered strategy, deception, terrain, logistics, command, and troop deployment with unmatched clarity.
As Wu Zixu read each chapter aloud, King Helü marveled – but hesitated:
“These principles are superb! But Wu lacks sufficient troops. What can we do?”
Sun Wu replied confidently:
“With true discipline, even women can be trained to fight. Numbers matter less than obedience.”
King Helü laughed:
“Women? Impossible!”
Sun Wu stood firm:
“Let me prove it. Give me your palace women. If I fail, I’ll accept punishment.”
Intrigued, the king agreed.
The test of discipline
King Helü assigned 150 palace maids, dressed them in armor, armed them with weapons, and appointed his two favorite concubines as squad leaders. He also granted Sun Wu full authority, including a military judge and assistants.
Sun Wu issued three clear orders:
- No disorder in ranks.
- No noise or laughter.
- Absolute obedience to commands.
But the women treated the drill as entertainment. The two concubine-captains giggled and ignored instructions; the others followed suit – laughing, lounging, running about like children at play.
Sun Wu gave three warnings. Still, they mocked him.
Then he turned to the military judge:
“What is the penalty for insubordination?”
“Death,” came the reply.
Without hesitation, Sun Wu ordered:
“Execute the two captains – as an example.”
The King’s plea and the general’s resolve
From his viewing platform, King Helü watched in horror as his beloved consorts were seized. He immediately sent a minister to intervene:
“The king acknowledges your point! Spare them – they erred only once!”
Sun Wu refused:
“A commander who cannot enforce discipline cannot lead an army.”
He gave the order. The two women were beheaded.
The remaining 148 palace women trembled in silence. Fear replaced frivolity.
Sun Wu appointed new captains and resumed training. This time, every movement was precise, every command obeyed instantly. Within days, these former court attendants marched like seasoned soldiers.
King Helü, though grieved, recognized the lesson: true power lies not in numbers, but in unwavering discipline.
He appointed Sun Wu as general-in-chief – a decision that would soon reshape the balance of power in ancient China.
Legacy of a military classic
This dramatic episode, recorded in Sima Qian’s Records of the Grand Historian and echoed in later texts, illustrates the core philosophy of The Art of War:
“If words of command are not clear… the general is to blame. But if commands are clear and yet not obeyed, the officers are to blame – and must be punished.”
Sun Wu’s ruthless demonstration proved that any group, however unlikely, could become an effective fighting force under strict, impartial command – a principle that would guide Wu’s rise and its eventual sack of Chu’s capital, Ying, just years later.
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