Drumber
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In 684 B.C., Qi declared war on Lu. A native of Lu named Cao Gui sought an audience with Duke Zhuang, the ruler of the country.
“Your Highness, what have you got to fight the enemy with?” Cao Gui asked.
“I’ve got loyal followers. I share food and clothing with them rather than keep it to myself.”
“But they are only a handful. The people of Lu may not rally around you.”
“When I pray to God, I place emphasis on sincerity rather than on the amount of offering.”
“But there is no guarantee God will bless you.”
“I’m not able to review every legal case, but I always strive to be fair and reasonable.”
“Good. That will win the loyalty of the people. If the people are loyal to you, you can fight the enemy and win.”
The armies of Qi and Lu confronted each other at Changshao, near modern Laiwu in Shandong. Duke Zhuang was about to give orders to beat the drums to launch an attack when he was stopped by Cao Gui who was riding with him in his chariot.
“Please wait.”
Then the army of Qi sounded its drums. Duke Zhuang wanted to respond, but was stopped by Cao Gui again.
“Please tell our men to stand firm and hold their ground.”
After the army of Qi beat the drums for the third time, Cao Cui said, “Now beat the drums!”
In the ensuing battle, Lu’s troops roundly defeated the enemy. Seeing the enemy fleeing, Duke Zhuang was ready to order a chase. Again he was stopped by Cao Gui.
Cao Gui got down from the chariot, walked around to examine the wheel-tracks and hoof-prints of the fleeing enemy and then mounted the chariot to observe their movement.
“All right. We can run after them,” he said.
Lu’s army pursued the enemy for ten li, winning a complete victory.
Duke Zhuang asked Cao Gui to explain his tactics.
“The outcome of a battle,” said Cao Gui. “depends on the morale of the soldiers. At the first round of drumbeats, the fighting instinct of the enemy forces was aroused, but we held our ground and did not go forward to meet them. At the second round of drumbeats, the enemy’s morale was a little weakened, but was still high. By the time the drums were beat the third time, their enthusiasm had dwindled while the pent-up emotion had made our troops a fierce force. That’s why we routed the enemy. Now Qi’s army was a formidable one. We must be wary of any possible ambush even when it was retreating. So I got down to take a look at the wheel tracks and hoof-prints. The chaotic condition the enemy left behind, with their banners thrown all over the place, convinced me that it was a genuine retreat. Therefore it was safe to give chase.”
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Five Criteria
Wise Proverbs
- Accomplish in one go.
- 一鼓作气。
- Heaven's fortune is not equal to earthly advantages; and earthly advantages are not equal to people's unity.
- 天时不如地利，地利不如人和。
- The united will of the mass becomes a fortress.
- 众志成城。
Editor Says:
Seizing the psychological moment to strike at your foe goes a long way toward winning victory.