Intelligent Winner

Author: Chen Shufang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: The Art of Sun Bin's War Strategy - Intelligence Over Strength
In the world of strategy, intelligence is the key, not brute force. While everyone possesses intelligence, its levels vary. A master strategist's intelligence is unparalleled. Naturally, those who excel in using their intellect avoid direct confrontation with force, instead maneuvering their moves to strike at the enemy's weak points. Sun Bin relied on his intellect in strategy. He could observe the situation, adapt to changes, and meticulously plan each step of his schemes, making them brilliant and awe-inspiring. Thus, he could defeat his opponents without facing true danger. This is a manifestation of a strategy that prioritizes intelligence over strength.
In the eastern suburbs of Yangcheng during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, there was a valley known as Guigul (Ghost Valley). Due to its towering mountains, deep gorges, dense forests, abundant water, and constant mist, the valley was often filled with the sounds of birds and beasts. Far from the bustling world, it was rarely visited, giving it an air of mystery. A wise old scholar with white hair and a youthful appearance resided in the valley, revered as Guiguzi (Master of the Ghost Valley). Guiguzi traveled far and wide but had no intention of seeking official position. He was drawn to the valley's serene and beautiful scenery and settled there, cutting trees to build a home. He dedicated himself to teaching and mentoring, nurturing talented individuals for society. Historical figures like Su Qin, Zhang Yi, Sun Bin, and Pang Juan were all his disciples.
On a summer day, the sun cast a warm glow over the valley. The mountains and slopes were lush with vegetation, and flowers of all kinds bloomed in abundance. Two men in their early 30s, carrying water buckets on their shoulders, were walking up the steep mountain path toward the spring at the valley's waist. A gentle breeze ruffled their sweaty faces. The shorter, fair-skinned, and slightly thinner man in front turned to his dark-faced, bearded, and tall companion, Pang Juan, and said, "Pang Juan, hurry up! What are you thinking about?"
Pang Juan, the tall and plump Pang Juan, replied, "Coming, coming! You, Sun Bin, with shorter legs than me, yet you walk faster!" Sun Bin smiled and asked, "You have longer legs than me, yet you can't catch up. Why is that?"
Pang Juan sighed and said, "Ah, we've been studying here for three full years. I want to go down the mountain to seek fame and fortune." Sun Bin replied, "Good things don't come from haste! There's still so much of the master's wisdom for us to learn."
"Knowledge is like the boundless sea, endless and unending. How could one ever finish learning?" Pang Juan boasted, tilting his head. "The military strategies I've learned—how to defeat enemies and conquer cities—have already prepared me to be a general or commander, leading hundreds of thousands of troops."
The two reached the edge of the clear spring, filled their buckets, and began the return journey. Due to the uphill climb and the heavy load, they soon became drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. Sun Bin said, "Let's rest for a while."
Pang Juan put down his water bucket and walking stick and sat down abruptly under a large pine tree. "I'm hungry," he said. "Let's go pick some wild fruits."
Sun Bin also put down his load and said, "Rest up! I'll climb the tree and get some."
The Ghost Valley was full of wild fruit trees, most of which had now ripened. Sun Bin climbed the tree skillfully, selecting the best fruits. He used the wide collar of his long robe as a pocket, filling it with plump red peaches and apricots. Excited, he returned to Pang Juan and poured the fruits onto a stone slab. "Here!" he exclaimed, and the peaches and apricots rolled around.
Pang Juan, with drooling eyes, reached for the largest red peach and was about to take a bite. "Wait!" Sun Bin stopped him. "What? You still don't want me to eat?"
"Not because I don't want you to eat," Pang Juan replied, "