A must use
even the slightest weakness.
Can't be overlooked
even the slightest benefit.
You need to benefit
without getting involved in open combat.
For the sake of getting more
small things can be neglected.


A large army has many weak points during maneuvers that can be used to their advantage without getting involved in open combat. This principle applies in both victory and defeat.

Emperor Xian was captured by rebels in the imperial capital, the city of Chang'an. He escaped from there as soon as circumstances allowed. The goal of his flight was the city of Luoyang, where he hoped to find refuge. Of course, a detachment of horsemen rushed after him. Soon the pursuers almost caught up with the emperor's chariot.

Then the old adviser Dong Cheng, who was accompanying the emperor, advised him: “Let us throw jewelry and other treasures on the road, so that our pursuers will start collecting treasures, and we can continue on our way.”

The Emperor and Dong Cheng threw jewelry on the road, ranging from small ornaments to the empress's jade crown and gold neck chains. When the rioters saw the jewels on the ground, they stopped and jumped off their horses. The warriors did not pay attention to the angry orders of their commander. They greedily began to collect wealth.

The gifts they could now gather were greater than anything they could have earned through hard work in their entire lives. Therefore, they forgot about the persecution of the emperor. The rebels began to collect treasures that suddenly became available - “sheep on the side of the road.” So they missed their previous goal - the emperor. Dong Cheng was confident that the rebels would continue to persecute the emperor. Therefore, he advised to immediately continue east to divert their attention. Ultimately, they found shelter in another city and were able to escape danger.