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[Chia Lin tells us that these imply five obvious and generally

advantageous lines of action, namely: "if a certain road is

short, it must be followed; if an army is isolated, it must be

attacked; if a town is in a parlous condition, it must be

besieged; if a position can be stormed, it must be attempted; and

if consistent with military operations, the ruler's commands must

be obeyed." But there are circumstances which sometimes forbid a

general to use these advantages. For instance, "a certain road

may be the shortest way for him, but if he knows that it abounds

in natural obstacles, or that the enemy has laid an ambush on it,

he will not follow that road. A hostile force may be open to

attack, but if he knows that it is hard-pressed and likely to

fight with desperation, he will refrain from striking," and so

on.]

7. Hence in the wise leader's plans, considerations of advantage

and of disadvantage will be blended together.