The ultimate in disposing one's troops is to be without ascertainable shape. Then the most penetrating spies cannot pry in nor can the wise lay plans against you.

Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.

They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.

In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

To a surrounded enemy, you must leave a way of escape.

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.

Subtle and insubstantial, the expert leaves no trace; divinely mysterious, he is inaudible. Thus he is master of his enemy's fate.