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When the King of Wu invited Sun Tzu for a visit, he said to him, "I have carefully perused your 13 chapters. May I submit your theory of managing soldiers to a slight test?" Sun Tzu replied: "Yes, absolutely." Ho Lu then asked: "How about we apply your text to women?" The answer was again in the affirmative, since the theory should apply to any army, so arrangements were made to bring 180 ladies out of the Palace. Sun Tzu divided them into two companies, and placed one of the King's favorite concubines at the head of each. He then instructed them to take spears in their hands, and addressed them: "Ladies, I presume you know the difference between front and back, right hand and left hand?" The girls all replied: "Yes!" Sun Tzu went on: "When I say 'eyes front,' you must look straight ahead. When I say 'turn left,' you must face towards your left hand. When I say 'turn right,' you must face towards your right hand. When I say 'about face,' you must face right round towards your back. Do all of you understand this?" Again the girls assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill.
Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order 'turn right.' But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Tzu said: "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame." So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the order "turn left" loudly and clearly, whereupon the girls once more burst into fits of laughter. Sun Tzu said: "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers." So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two companies to be beheaded.
The King of Wu was watching the scene from the top of a raised pavilion; and when he saw that his favorite concubines were about to be executed, he clutched his chest in worry and hurriedly sent down the following message: "We are now quite satisfied as to our general's ability to handle troops. If We are bereft of these two concubines, our meat and drink will lose their savor. It is our wish that they shall not be beheaded." Sun Tzu replied: "Having received His Majesty's commission to be the general of his forces and beholden assuring the success of your kingdom, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept." Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway installed the next two favorite concubines as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a sound.
Then Sun Tzu sent a messenger to the King saying: "Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty's inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire; bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey." But the King replied: "Let our general cease drilling and return to camp. As for us, We have no wish to come down and inspect the troops." Thereupon Sun Tzu said: "The King is only fond of talking about military action, he has no stomach for the reality of it, and cannot translate words into deeds." After that, Ho Lu realized Sun Tzu was one who knew how to handle an army, and finally appointed him general. Sun Tzu went on to win many battles and insure the stability of the kingdom.
Ken it's time to take the heads off some of the leaders because tinkering with the back end of the 22 sets no example at all. Or beware because they might just bring the general down.
The season is shot.
Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order 'turn right.' But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Tzu said: "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame." So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the order "turn left" loudly and clearly, whereupon the girls once more burst into fits of laughter. Sun Tzu said: "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers." So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two companies to be beheaded.
The King of Wu was watching the scene from the top of a raised pavilion; and when he saw that his favorite concubines were about to be executed, he clutched his chest in worry and hurriedly sent down the following message: "We are now quite satisfied as to our general's ability to handle troops. If We are bereft of these two concubines, our meat and drink will lose their savor. It is our wish that they shall not be beheaded." Sun Tzu replied: "Having received His Majesty's commission to be the general of his forces and beholden assuring the success of your kingdom, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept." Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway installed the next two favorite concubines as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a sound.
Then Sun Tzu sent a messenger to the King saying: "Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty's inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire; bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey." But the King replied: "Let our general cease drilling and return to camp. As for us, We have no wish to come down and inspect the troops." Thereupon Sun Tzu said: "The King is only fond of talking about military action, he has no stomach for the reality of it, and cannot translate words into deeds." After that, Ho Lu realized Sun Tzu was one who knew how to handle an army, and finally appointed him general. Sun Tzu went on to win many battles and insure the stability of the kingdom.
Ken it's time to take the heads off some of the leaders because tinkering with the back end of the 22 sets no example at all. Or beware because they might just bring the general down.
The season is shot.
