When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.
The Art of War is self-explanatory
Victory is the main object in war.
In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.
In war, numbers alone confer no advantage. Do not advance relying on sheer military power.
If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.