This article analyzes Sun Tzu’s rule valuing swift victories over drawn-out wars. Long campaigns drain funds, troops and invite rival invasions. King Helü’s prolonged occupation of Chu illustrates the peril of delay, enabling Yue’s sneak attack and Wu’s costly retreat.
Han Feizi recounts Yue sought Chu’s troops to attack Jin post-Wu’s fall. Chu’s minister spotted Yue’s hidden military depletion; Chu followed Yue’s troops. Forced by worn-out forces, Yue yielded vast land to Chu to avoid combat.
Han Feizi tells Qing Feng planned to fee trouble to Yue. True safety comes from self-reform, not escaping far away.