Strona 83 z 266

But the spies had no sooner departed than Chao She began a forced

march lasting for two days and one night, and arrive on the scene

of action with such astonishing rapidity that he was able to

occupy a commanding position on the "North hill" before the enemy

had got wind of his movements. A crushing defeat followed for the

Ch'in forces, who were obliged to raise the siege of O-yu in all

haste and retreat across the border.]

5. Manoeuvering with an army is advantageous; with an

undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.

[I adopt the reading of the T'ung Tien, Cheng Yu-hsien and the

_T'u Shu_, since they appear to apply the exact nuance required

in order to make sense. The commentators using the standard text

take this line to mean that manoeuvers may be profitable, or they

may be dangerous: it all depends on the ability of the general.]