This passage warns against reckless forced marches: rushing ahead loses supplies, while full baggage slows troops. Longer rapid marches cause severe troop attrition. It stresses armies need supplies, plus knowing allies, terrain and guides for safe movement.
Sun Tzu argues that one must recognize war’s harms to grasp its benefits. Wise generals source weapons at home and seize grain from enemies. Long-distance grain transport drains civilian and national resources severely in wartime.
This opening part of The Art of War’s Chapter Two illustrates the huge daily costs of raising a large army. Sun Tzu reminds rulers and generals that warfare drains resources heavily, warning against prolonged military campaigns.