Okay, here is the translation following your instructions: Bai Hu San Guo

Author: Jin Geng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: This book uses a satirical language and a unique perspective to present a theory of strategy. When it comes to the word "conspiracy," most people would associate it with "deception." Indeed, conspiracy is the very synonym for cunning schemes. However, Lao Baihu's theory of conspiracy goes far beyond that. Otherwise, how could it be called a "strange theory"? "Yin" means darkness, and "mou" means strategy. "Conspiracy" refers to plotting in secret. According to military strategy, there are distinctions between "zheng" (direct) and "qi" (unconventional). When two armies face each other, arranging troops is zheng; plotting in secret and using strategy is qi. Generally, if one's strength is stronger than the opponent, zheng is the primary approach. If one's strength is weaker, qi is the primary approach. "Zheng" refers to yang (open) strategy, while "qi" refers to yin (hidden) strategy. In the Three Kingdoms period, the two major battles that determined the world's were Cao Cao and Yuan Shao's Battle of Guandu, and Cao Cao and Liu Bei, Sun Quan's Battle of Red Cliffs—all were victories achieved with fewer forces than the opponent, or victories achieved by the weaker over the stronger. The winning sides primarily relied on qi, meaning they primarily used conspiracy. In practical applications, depending on the specific situation, qi can contain zheng, and zheng can contain qi. Qi and zheng complement each other, and the subtlety of their application lies in the mind. However, no matter whether it is qi or zheng, the art of conspiracy runs through it all.