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Sun Tzu stood deferentially in the royal council chamber. He could see his reflection staring back up at him from the teakwood floors, polished to a gleam; it was almost like standing on a floor of burnt glass. Two walls of the spacious and airy room opened to the outside where Wai Bo stood fidgeting nervously at the threshold. The sturdy columns and lattices that decorated the surroundings were made of the same polished wood, finely crafted. It gave the council chamber an impression of both sparseness and lavishness at the same time.
Sun Tzu watched patiently as King Helu, sitting on top of a slightly raised platform, rolled open the bamboo scrolls on a squat flat table in front of him. He read silently, perusing from one scroll to another at random. Minister Shao sat to the side, also waiting patiently. After some time, King Helu said to Sun Tzu without taking his eyes from the scrolls: “So you are native to the State of Qi?”
“Yes, Majesty, I am.” Sun Tzu replied.
“Then why didn’t you bring your manuscript there, to the monarch?”
“I was unable to garner the interest of the King of Qi. His attentions lie in other pursuits.”
King Helu smiled wryly, still not acknowledging Sun Tzu with his eyes. “Qi is a powerful and rich state. I guess if I were in his tenable position, my attentions may also be distracted away from scholarly works.”
Minister Shao laughed heartily. “Your Majesty is too humble. You are much too wise and capable to believe that sentiment. You could never be a fatuous ruler. Qi is bloated with corruption and bureaucracy. It is not unusual for men of talent like Sun Tzu to leave, looking for patrons that will appreciate their abilities. That is why Wu will always be superior, always endure.”
King Helu chuckled and rolled open another scroll. “The King of Qi is not the one I’m concerned with at the moment here, though. Sun Tzu, do you know what it is that concerns me?”
Sun Tzu bowed and said: “I do your majesty. Your concern is with the nature of loyalty – my loyalty. Does my coming to Wu denote disloyalty to my native state? If so, how can Your Majesty ever trust me?”
King Helu raised his head and looked at Sun Tzu, intrigued. “And your answer?”
“I may be native to Qi, but I am Chinese first. My loyalty will always be to the people of China. The great states of China are at constant war, causing great hardship and suffering to the common people of the lands. My endeavor will always be towards ending this suffering of our people. If a sovereign is of like mind, and possesses the wisdom and fortitude of purpose, then it is not an act of disloyalty to pledge my service, my life, my honor, to him.”
“Well said!” King Helu clapped his hands together, pleased.
Minister Shao nodded approvingly, realizing that Sun Tzu had, in one tactful phrase, defended his own character, as well as complimented the king at the same time.
“Well said! Sun Tzu,” King Helu praised. You are indeed a man of the people. A noble sentiment indeed! I can see why Minister Shao speaks so highly of you.” King Helu gestured to the table and chair across from Minister Shao. “Take a seat, Sun Tzu. I am very intrigued with this Art of War of yours. I would hear you explain some of its intricacies.”
Morning repast was brought to the council room as the men studied and evaluated the theories of strategy. Sun Tzu found King Helu to possess a discerning mind. His questions were astute, and his understanding of the passages appeared proficient.
“This passage here,” King Helu pointed out, “you say: If the army’s position must not be protested, the incongruous commands of the sovereign must not be obeyed.” He gave Sun Tzu a wry look. “Surely you are not suggesting that the decree of your king can be ignored? Is this not promoting treason?”
Minister Shao shifted uneasily in his chair, giving an apprehensive chuckle, an attempt to lighten the mood. “Disobeying the king is not what Sun Tzu intended, I’m sure.”
“That is precisely what I intended,” Sun Tzu clarified. “The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin.”
Shao looked quizzically at Sun Tzu. “If I’m not mistaken, those are the first lines of your manuscript. I do not understand why you are quoting them at this time. Please expl—”
King Helu raised his hand, interrupting Shao. He nodded his head contemplatively. “I think I understand. Sun Tzu is saying that the first priority of a general is the welfare of the state.”
Sun Tzu bowed his head deferentially. “The state and the king are the same. One cannot exist without the other. To protect the state is naturally the first duty to the king.”
“Even if it means disobeying the throne?”
“Your Majesty,” Sun Tzu replied respectfully, “commissions generals, commanders, officers and soldiers, to act as an extension of your royal self – to act as your limbs to strike down your enemies. When you touch an apple with your right hand, do you ask your left hand if it feels like an orange? When you hear beautiful music with your ears, do you ask your tongue if it is delicious? So when a general finds his army in a critical position, the king must not expect the general to ask the throne whether he should fight or retreat. A capable general must be certain of his own analysis and planning. And if he is certain that a decree from the sovereign contradicts his plans and will bring the army to certain defeat then it is the duty of the general to ignore the decree for the good of the state.”
King Helu scrunched his brow, deep in thought. “I appreciate your logic. And yes, I agree that the general on the battlefield is the one with the most intimate knowledge of the war, and his judgment of the situation must be taken with great weight. However, to advocate disobedience of royal decrees sets an erroneous and dangerous precedent; because, like with most scholarly works, there is a wide gap between theory and practice. When men are placed in precarious positions, when life and death are on the line, theories break down, and instincts take over. And instincts are often faulty and hastily applied.
“That is why the king is above it all, and must always retain the ultimate authority. It is the king that has the celestial mandate from the heavens to rule. Only the king can make all final decisions when it comes to the welfare of the state. To deny that is to deny the mandate of heaven, risking the wrath of the Celestials.”
Unlike most men standing before someone with ultimate authority over his well-being, Sun Tzu did not acquiesce to the king’s point of view. “If the principles are true then they remain true regardless of who wields the knowledge,” he explained. “The principles do no change with the situation – they are constant. In times of crisis and urgency, it is not the principles that break down; it is the man who breaks. A capable general, well versed in the Art of War, will always be the most knowledgeable on the battlefield and must, according to military doctrine, be the final authority during battle...even above the mandate of the throne.”
King Helu stared down dumbfounded at Sun Tzu, not accustomed to such blatant and unapologetic confidence in a subject. “Sun Tzu, are you saying that your Art of War is infallible?”
“Your Majesty, the Art of War consists of principles derived from pure logic. They are either right or they are wrong – there is no in-between. Regardless of which army it is used in, which battle they are implemented, in which era it is used, if utilized properly, it will always produce the same outcome.”
“You are so sure of yourself.” King Helu laughed. “So Sun Tzu, you are avowing the Art of War can be applied equally to any kind of army?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Are you certain enough to place your life on it?” King Helu asked with a wry smile.
“I am,” Sun Tzu said without hesitation.
“Good!” King Helu slapped his hands together. “I challenge you to train a small army for me, today! If by the end of the day, you can produce a viable fighting force then I will mak
e you a general. However, if you fail, I will have you beheaded.” Sun Tzu bowed and was about to accept the challenge but King Helu raised his hand up, stopping him. “Not so fast. Before you wager your life, there is one thing you must consider. This army I want you to train will be an army of ...” King Helu paused for effect, “...maidens!”
Minister Shao interjected: “Your Majesty jests. You can’t possibly expect Sun Tzu to train maidens. Maidens are capricious by nature, and weak in stature. They are suited to be playthings, admired and pampered, or be used for menial tasks like serving and cleaning. Their potentials are completely contrary to the necessary qualities that make up soldiers. This is not a fair challenge.”
“The expectation is not mine,” King Helu said with a smile. “It is Sun Tzu’s. It is he who maintains that the Art of War can be applied effectively to any army.” King Helu felt satisfaction; he had outwitted Sun Tzu. Surely, Sun Tzu must acquiesce now, and admit his error. No theory, no matter how well thought out, could be universally applied. King Helu had bested Sun Tzu and it gave Helu a sly sense of pleasure. “Well Sun Tzu, what do you say?”
“I humbly accept the challenge.” Sun Tzu accepted with so little affectation that it appeared the king’s little ruse was not even a factor worthy of Sun Tzu’s considerations, whatsoever.
“Do not take this lightly,” King Helu warned. “I will take your life if you fail. Do not throw away your life out of misplaced pride and arrogance.”
“I understand, Your Majesty, and I accept the challenge.”
One hundred and eighty maidens, the concubines of King Helu, were assembled in the courtyard. King Helu brought out his court ministers and together they sat on top of the high pavilion overlooking the spacious yard. The king had plentiful drink and food brought out for his party, preparing to watch some lively entertainment. The atmosphere was cheerful and they all thought this would turn into some sort of jester’s farce. Minister Shao, however, was stern of demeanor and watched Sun Tzu’s activity below with great intent.
Given a small contingent of soldiers to act as Sun Tzu’s officer staff, Sun Tzu had his soldiers separate the concubines into two platoons, and after discerning the two most senior ranking among the maidens, he appointed them platoon leaders. In colorful and delicate silk gossamer dresses, the maidens held light spears limply in their hands; they whispered and giggled to one another as they stood in the uniformed rows that they were directed to stand in. None of them had ever touched a weapon in their pampered lives and thought it quaint and amusing. The maidens treated this gathering no differently than all the other games the king would ask them to play in the palace for his pleasure.
Sun Tzu walked to the front of the companies and directed the war drums to sound. The rhythmic drumming was slow at first and picked up speed as it went on, reverberated through the courtyard and catching everyone’s attention. When the speed of the drums reached a crescendo, it stopped abruptly to utter silence. Sun Tzu spoke with a resounding voice, full of command. “By His Majesty King Helu’s decree, all you subjects of the state are to be trained into a viable fighting force! By royal commission, I am your General! As of this moment, all of you will be held to strict military law! Let us begin!”
The war drums began beating again and Sun Tzu took up a spear. He positioned himself in front and in between the two platoons, and with two other officers, began to demonstrate the six basic spear movements of platoon fighting – once at full speed, and then slowly and methodically, stroke by stroke.
When Sun Tzu finished, it was time for the platoons to demonstrate the movements. “When you hear the first beat of the drums, I want you all to go from the standing position into the ready stance as was shown to you. On the second beat, you go into the thrusting stance. On the third beat, the forward step and thrust stance, and so forth!”
Sun Tzu raised his hand and then brought it down, and the first beat of the drums echoed through the yard.
There was no response from the platoons, no movement, only silence. And then the silence was penetrated by a single giggle, and then two, and then three, until the entire companies were laughing. Sun Tzu walked forward commandingly, and addressed the two platoon leaders. “Why do you not lead your platoons to begin?”
The head concubine, smiling, was flustered by the sudden inquiry. She looked behind her at her fellow concubines and received encouraging looks from the maidens. She turned back to Sun Tzu and said coyly: “We...we...did not understand the movements.”
Sun Tzu contemplated for a brief moment. “Very well,” he said. “If the instructions were unclear then it is the fault of the general. I will demonstrate again, clearly. Pay close attention!” The drums began beating again and Sun Tzu and his officers went through the six spear movements once more, in both real speed and in measured pace. When completed, Sun Tzu ordered the platoons to demonstrate. He signaled for the first drum beat to sound.
Once again, there was no response from the platoons of maidens, and gleeful snickers and giggles pervaded the courtyard. Sun Tzu contemplated for a moment, and then slammed the butt of his spear to the ground. His fury was palpable and overwhelmed all the noise in the courtyard. Everything became silent.
Sun Tzu walked forward and announced: “If the instructions given to the troops are unclear then it is the fault of the general! However, if the instructions are clear and the troops disobey, then it is insubordination! In accordance to military doctrine, insubordination is punished by death!”
Sun Tzu commanded his officers to seize the platoon leaders. The head concubine cried out, indignantly as they dragged her out: “You don’t dare! The king will never allow this!”
Sun Tzu ignored her as the two maidens were seized and forced to kneel together in front of the platoons. At this point, a courtier of King Helu came scrambling down the marble steps from the high pavilion. He ran quickly before Sun Tzu and bowed deferentially. “Oh fine General Sun Tzu,” the courtier said politely, “His Majesty acknowledges your effectiveness in molding an army of maidens. This demonstration can come to an end. Please do not execute the two favorite concubines of His Royal Majesty. For it will spoil the appetites of the feast on top of the pavilion.”
“Ridiculous!” Sun Tzu announced. “By royal decree, I have been commissioned to produce a viable fighting force. I have not yet accomplished this task! Thus, the challenge is not at an end and cannot come to completion without this execution! By military doctrine, the general holds the highest authority amongst his army. I respectfully decline His Majesty’s request.”
The courtier raised his hands up pleadingly. “But General, please consider—”
Sun Tzu did not wait for the courtier to finish his sentence. In one swift and sure motion, he unsheathed his gentleman’s sword and severed both maidens’ heads in one fluid stroke.
The sun hovered in the far horizon, and the sky glowed with a pale yellow-orange, heralding the coming end of the day. Sun Tzu watched with satisfaction as the two platoons marched around the courtyard, in complete synchronicity with the drumbeats. After appointing two new platoon leaders after the executions, the maiden army had progressed quickly through the spear training. Now the platoons were able to march as unified units as well. The maiden army was now both capable of fighting and mobilization – a viable fighting force.
Sun Tzu remarked on the platoons’ abilities as he began ascending the steps to the pavilion. He came to the conclusion that maidens have been far too underestimated. Given time, the maiden army could stand up to any regular force. A few maidens among them even had the potential to become great warriors – there was such untapped potential.
Sun Tzu reached the top of the pavilion and walked into the feast area in triumph. However, he was greeted by an atmosphere of moody somberness. The ministers sat at their tables, silent and unmoving, like they were afraid to draw attention to themselves. Sun Tzu walked through the ta
bles and stood before King Helu. He bowed deferentially and said: “Your Majesty, the maiden army is ready for your inspection.”
King Helu sat hunched over the feasting table, his hand gripped onto a cup of rice wine. He did not look at Sun Tzu; his gaze fixed away. He jerked the cup to his lips, downed the entire content in one giant gulp, and slammed the cup down on the table. “I’m in no mood to inspect!” he said harshly. “Disband them!” King Helu stood up abruptly, turned sharply and began to retreat to the palace with his entourage.
Minister Shao stood up quickly and bowed. “Your Majesty! What of...what of Sun Tzu?”
King Helu paused, and stood unmoving for a moment. He tilted his head back to them and said sparsely: “I appoint Sun Tzu, general of the south flank.” And with that he stomped back into the palace. The ministers filed behind the king, returning to the palace. Minister Shao gave Sun Tzu a smile and a slight bow as he joined the other ministers.
Sun Tzu returned the polite gesture, and his young aide, Wai Bo, came to his side. “Congratulations master! You’ve done it!”
Sun Tzu let out a large sigh and shook his head, disheartened.
“What is the matter master?”
“The king has the erudition to understand theories of military doctrine,” Sun Tzu replied, “but he lacks the fortitude of character to truly implement and practice it.”
Wai Bo scrunched his brow, confused. “What does that mean?”
“It means the King of Wu has limited potential. In which my own accomplishments in Wu will only go so far.”
In time, Sun Tzu will transform the armies of the State of Wu into a formidable fighting force, renown throughout the different great states of China. Sun Tzu will lead Wu to many incredible victories, and annex much territory for Wu. However, Sun Tzu was correct, and his time in Wu was short-lived, but that is only the beginning of his story. What Sun Tzu did not predict though, is that his friend and ally, Minister Shao, will one day become his most deadly adversary.
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Other works from the author:
Bonds of Orphans
Book 1 of A Tale of Orphan Kings
How to Use Sun Tzu’s Art of War:
An Easy Strategy Guide for Modern Day Competition
For more information please visit:
https://www.billwycain.com/
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