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Sun Tzu ,named Sunwu, was born in Kingdom of Qi 535BC or
so. Sun Pin ,Sun Wu's father, was a famous militarist, which
gave him a predominant circumstance to read and study military
works. Finally, he finished his greatest works " Sun
Tzu Art of War" which influenced thousands of years.
Today it was also widely used all kinds of aspects such as
business, economy, military affairs.
The story of Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu Wu was a native of the Ch`i State. His ART OF WAR
brought him to the notice of Ho Lu, [2] King of Wu. Ho Lu
said to him: "I have carefully perused your 13 chapters.
May I submit your theory of managing soldiers to a slight
test?"
Sun Tzu replied: "You may."
Ho Lu asked: "May the test be applied to women?"
The answer was again in the affirmative, so arrangements were
made to bring 180 ladies out of the Palace. Sun Tzu divided
them into two companies, and placed one of the King's favorite
concubines at the head of each. He then bade them all take
spears in their hands, and addressed them thus: "I presume
you know the difference between front and back, right hand
and left hand?"
The girls replied: Yes.
Sun Tzu went on: "When I say "Eyes front,"
you must look straight ahead. When I say "Left turn,"
you must face towards your left hand. When I say "Right
turn," you must face towards your right hand. When I
say "About turn," you must face right round towards
your back."
Again the girls assented. The words of command having been
thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in
order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of drums, he
gave the order "Right turn." But the girls only
burst out laughing. Sun Tzu said: "If words of command
are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood,
then the general is to blame."
So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the
order "Left turn," whereupon the girls once more
burst into fits of laughter. Sun Tzu: "If words of command
are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood,
the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and
the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of
their officers."
So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two companies to
be beheaded. Now the king of Wu was watching the scene from
the top of a raised pavilion; and when he saw that his favorite
concubines were about to be executed, he was greatly alarmed
and hurriedly sent down the following message: "We are
now quite satisfied as to our general's ability to handle
troops. If We are bereft of these two concubines, our meat
and drink will lose their savor. It is our wish that they
shall not be beheaded."
Sun Tzu replied: "Having once received His Majesty's
commission to be the general of his forces, there are certain
commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I
am unable to accept."
Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway
installed the pair next in order as leaders in their place.
When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill
once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions,
turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling
back, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision,
not venturing to utter a sound. Then Sun Tzu sent a messenger
to the King saying: "Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly
drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty's inspection.
They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire;
bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey."
But the King replied: "Let our general cease drilling
and return to camp. As for us, We have no wish to come down
and inspect the troops."
Thereupon Sun Tzu said: "The King is only fond of words,
and cannot translate them into deeds." After that, Ho
Lu saw that Sun Tzu was one who knew how to handle an army,
and finally appointed him general. In the west, he defeated
the Ch`u State and forced his way into Ying, the capital;
to the north he put fear into the States of Ch`i and Chin,
and spread his fame abroad amongst the feudal princes. And
Sun Tzu shared in the might of the King.
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