Master of War - Sun Wu

Sun-Tzu, with the given name of Wu, was born in the Kingdom Wu. Though being well versed in the art of war, he lived in solitude, thus becoming unknown to common people. However, Zi Xu had a good understanding of his talent and truly believed that he was able to win the victory over enemy. One day in discussing the military affairs, Zi Xu repeatedly recommended Sun-Tzu to King Wu. Taking Zi Xu’s advice, King Wu called in Sun-Tzu to test his talent on art of war. After each article of military strategy and tactics was stated, King Wu could not help uttering “very good”. He appreciated Sun-Tzu’s statement at the bottom of his heart, and asked, “Can we have a try of your military strategy and tactics in practice”” “All right. Several hundred court maids can try it.”, replied Sun-Tzu. “But you need to select two of your favorite concubines as the team leaders.”, he added. Three hundred court maids were picked out by King Wu, and were then armed with armor, helmet, weapon and shield. After organizing them into two teams, Sun-Tzu commanded, “You should keep up your spirits and stand straight upon hearing one sound of drum; mark forward in uniform steps upon hearing two sounds of drum; and perform a quick turn and change the formation upon hearing three sounds of drum.” In addition, Sun-Tzu also announced the bans and discipline to these young ladies. On hearing the order, all of them laughed in secrete and took it as fun. Seeing this, Sun-Tzu took up the drumstick to drum himself, and also repeatedly announced the discipline. Even so, the maids still kept laughing. Looking around, Sun-Tzu flew into a great rage, with his eyes wide open, and his voice loud enough even to terrify the tiger. He commanded the law enforcer, “Fetch the cutter now (a kind of instrument of torture in ancient times, including an axe and a cutting board)”. “It is the fault of the general to fail to make the military discipline and orders clear to the soldiers, while it is the fault of the team leader to fail to get these orders implemented”, declared Sun-Tzu. “How the punishment shall be given in accordance with law?”, he turned to the law enforcer. “Beheaded!”, replied the law enforcer. Hearing this, Sun Wu gave orders to get the two team leaders (King Wu’s favorite concubines) killed. The king who was watching the training all the time was shocked and immediately sent someone to plea for mercy for both. “I have well known that you are good at commanding troops. Please do not kill my concubines. Without them, I will feel boring even in my appetite”, said the king. Sun-Tzu replied, “Now that I have been appointed as the general, I have the enforcement power. A field general must decide even against the king’s orders.”