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9

Watch the fire from the opposite bank.

Interpretation:

Let discord brew in the enemy's camp
and unrest grows relentlessly.
It's better to stay away from everything
and watch the onset of devastation.
Quarrels and glances full of anger,
There is fear and disbelief in the enemy army.
All this means that it is inevitable
The enemy will destroy himself.

During chaos in the enemy camp, light pressure is enough to win. However, it is better to step aside and avoid conflict to prevent chaos from spreading.

Historical example:

In ancient times, there was a story about Bian Zhuangzi, who went to the mountains to hunt. Soon he saw two tigers devouring a bull carcass. Bian Zhuangzi hid behind a stone and began to watch them, knowing that soon hunger and greed would truly awaken in the animals. After some time, the tigers really began to fight for the right to eat prey. The small tiger was killed, but the big one was injured. After the tigers stopped fighting, Bian Zhuangzi jumped out from behind the rock, drew his sword and finished off the wounded tiger. Thus, he easily caught two tigers without risking anything.

This story was told by an advisor to Emperor Hui of Qin when he decided to enter into a war between the warring states. The states of Han and Wei had already been at war for a whole year. Both sides were weakened. Therefore, the wise minister told the story of Bian Zhuangzi, and pointed out that it was better to act according to circumstances rather than risk his life and the lives of his people.

It was not profitable and risky for the Qin kingdom to join the war. In the end, one of the states will win, but will also suffer in the war. Emperor Hui needed to take advantage of the situation and annex both states to his state. As in the story of the tiger hunter, one had to wait to get all the spoils without putting oneself in danger. The emperor took advantage of valuable advice and eventually conquered two warring states without the use of force.