Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.

To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful... It does not take much strength to lift a hair, it does not take sharp eyes to see the sun and moon, it does not take sharp ears to hear the thunderclap.

The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.

Should the enemy forestall you in occupying a pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned.

It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.

Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.