From Liaozhai, this tale tells of upright official Wang Yuncang visiting the Celestial Master. Learning the Hail‑God will strike his hometown, he pleads for mercy. The deity diverts most hail to valleys, sparing farm crops.
Sun Tzu states preserving the enemy’s state and troops intact is ideal in warfare. Winning every battle is not perfect. The ultimate mastery lies in subduing the enemy completely without engaging in combat.