Three military prerequisites are stressed: grasping rival plots, terrain and local guides. A dominant army relies on its own strength, uses special rewards, drives troops into deadly straits, feints compliance and concentrates forces to slay enemy generals far away.
A capable general commands troops like the mountain serpent Shuairan, whose head and tail coordinate instantly. Shared danger unites foes, while smart governance rather than rigid restraints ensures the whole army acts as one.
Sun Tzu puts forward five key elements to assess warfare: morality, heaven, earth, commandership and discipline. Leaders should compare both sides’ strengths based on these factors to fully analyze the real situation before battles.
Han Fei praises Qin’s strict laws, rewards and fearless soldiers. Yet worn arms, empty reserves and disloyal ministers stop it from achieving hegemony.