70
THE ARTICLES OF SUNTZU
XIII
THE EMPLOYMENT OF SPIES
Sun the Master said:—
Calling 100,000 men to arms, and transporting them a hundred leagues, is such an undertaking that in one day 1,000 taels of the citizens’ and nobles’ money are spent; commotions arise within and without the state; carriers fall down exhausted on the line of march of the army; and the occupations of 700,000[1] homes are upset
Again, for years the armies may face each other; yet the issue may depend on a single day’s victory.
Wherefore, by grudging slight expense in titles and salaries to spies, to remain in ignorance of the enemy’s circumstances, is
- ↑ The population was divided, for military purposes, into groups of eight families. In time of war, each group sent one man into the field, furnished his wants, and provided for his family. Therefore if 100,000 men are taken, 700,000 homes are affected.
