36 Stratagems - Essence of Chinese Traditional Culture (Issue 3)

Author: Ancient Real Person
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Xue Ren Gui designed "Conceal the Truth to Cross the Sea"
The original meaning of "Conceal the Truth to Cross the Sea" is to deceive the emperor and successfully cross the sea to achieve one's goal. This story was originally found in the Yongle Dadian·Xue Ren Gui's Expedition to Liaodong.
— Emperor Taizong personally led a 300,000-strong army to march north. He appointed Zhang Shigui as the supreme commander of the front. Soon, they captured Songting Pass and advanced toward Liaodong. Taizong sighed, "Look! The Liao River has already flowed 5,000 li from the capital Chang'an to here." At this point, he began to regret his decision. A few days later, they reached the coast and captured the enemy's camp. Taizong saw the boundless sea before him and, looking east, could see Anshi (now 70 li northeast of Gaiping County) far in the distance. He said, "Why not cross the sea?" He was particularly regretful for not adopting the strategies proposed by Fang Xuanying and Du Ruhui.
Thus, Taizong gathered all the commanders and inquired about crossing the sea. Jingde said, "May Your Majesty ask Zhang Shigui." Taizong summoned Zhang Shigui and asked, "Do you have any strategies?" Zhang Shigui replied, "Allow me to think." After that, the commanders dispersed. Zhang Shigui went to the camp and discussed the matter with Liu Jun'ang. Liu Jun'ang said, "Ask Xue Ren Gui—he might have some clever ideas!" Zhang Shigui summoned Xue Ren Gui into his tent. Ren Gui leaned on his hips and said, "Now the emperor is blocked by the sea and is anxious about attacking Anshi. I have a plan: tomorrow, under the pretense of not showing the sea, we can cross the vast sea. Then, both the emperor and the soldiers can safely land." Zhang Shigui immediately stepped out of the tent and grasped Ren Gui's hand, saying, "Let's go see the emperor and explain this."
At this moment, Xue Ren Gui whispered something in Zhang Shigui's ear. After hearing it, Zhang Shigui was overjoyed.
One day, Taizong called the commanders together again and asked about crossing the sea. A near minister reported, "There is an old man living near the coast who very much hopes Your Majesty will visit his home. The 300,000 rations of grain needed for the sea crossing have also been prepared." The emperor was delighted and summoned the old man into the imperial tent, where he personally inquired. Soon after, Taizong and the civil and military officials were led to the coast.
Upon arrival, they saw over 10,000 households surrounded by colorful tents. The old man led Taizong to the opposite corner and entered a room. The room was draped with curtains, and the floor was covered with carpets. After Taizong sat down, the officials all toasted him. The emperor felt particularly pleased. Suddenly, the wind blew from all sides, accompanied by the sound of waves like thunder. Soon, the emperor's cup tilted, and his body swayed, yet he remained unaware of what was happening. When the curtains were drawn aside, they saw the boundless sea outside.
Taizong panicked and asked, "Where are we?" Zhang Shigui quickly stood up and replied, "This is the strategy I devised to cross the sea. By taking advantage of the wind, the 300,000 troops on the ship can cross to the east." Upon closer inspection, Taizong realized he was already on the ship.
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