Pagina 165 di 266

If we oppose him in the shifting sands of the desert, we shall be

no match for him, and we must therefore try a different plan. Let

us hasten to occupy the defile at the mouth of the Kao-wu pass,

thus cutting him off from supplies of water, and when his troops

are prostrated with thirst, we can dictate our own terms without

moving. Or if you think that the pass I mention is too far off,

we could make a stand against him at the I-wu pass, which is

nearer. The cunning and resource of Tzŭ-fang himself would be

expended in vain against the enormous strength of these two

positions." Liang Hsi, refusing to act on this advice, was

overwhelmed and swept away by the invader.]

5. Ground on which each side has liberty of movement is open

ground.

[There are various interpretations of the Chinese adjective for

this type of ground. Ts'ao Kung says it means "ground covered

with a network of roads," like a chessboard. Ho Shih suggested:

"ground on which intercommunication is easy."]