乾坤大略十部
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《乾坤大略》是一部專講戰略的兵書。《乾坤大略》的指導思想是專論大端，即專論「王霸大略」。覽天下之大勢，求帝王之得失成敗，闡述逐鹿問鼎、扭轉乾坤的大方略。對於此一性質，作者王餘佑明確指出：「此非談兵也，談略也。」「至於選將、練兵、安營、布陣、器械、旗鼓、間諜、嚮導、地利、賞罰、號令種種諸法，各有專書，不在此列。」
卷一、兵起先知所向
兵之未起，其說甚長，不必詳也。已起矣，貴進取，貴疾速。進取則勢張，疾速則機得，呼吸間耳，成敗判焉！此不可不知所向也。而所向又以敵之強弱為準：敵弱，或可直衝其腹；敵強，斷宜旁翦其支，此定理也。
翦其支者云何？曰：避實而擊虛也，乘勢而趨利也。避實擊虛，則敵駭不及圖，如自天而下。乘勢趨利，則我義聲先大振，而遠近向風。不觀唐太宗之趨咸陽乎？進乃勝矣。不觀黥布之歸長沙乎？退乃敗矣。微乎！其不可以一瞬失也。
霸王大略，此其首矣！故不惜備錄之。知其說者，夫固無餘蘊焉耳。若夫一時之利鈍，一事之堅瑕，又何足云！
卷二、兵進必有奇道
兵只一道耶？曰：不然。所向既明，則正道在不必言矣。然不得奇道以佐之，則不能取勝。項羽戰章邯於巨鹿，而後高祖得以乘虛入關；鐘會持姜維於劍閣，而後鄧艾得以逾險入蜀。故一陣有一陣之奇道，一國有一國之奇道，天下有天下之奇道。即有時正可為奇，奇亦可為正，而決然斷之曰：必有。
夫兵進而不識奇道者，愚主也，黯將也，名之曰「棄師」。不觀之蘇氏抉門旁戶逾垣之喻乎？其論甚精，無以易也。昔劉濞之攻大梁，田祿伯請以五萬人別循江、淮，收淮南、長沙，以會武關；岑彭攻公孫述，自江州溯都江破侯丹兵，徑拔武陽，繞出延岑軍後；曹操拒袁紹於官渡，移軍欲向延津，而潛以輕兵襲白馬，用此道也。然則，用兵慎勿曰：吾兵可以一路直至，而無煩於旁趨曲徑為也。是以人國僥倖也，戒之哉！
卷三、初起之兵遇敵以決戰為上
兵之進也，固有所過城邑不及下者矣。必以戰乎？曰：非我樂戰也，不得已而與敵遇，非戰無以卻之。蓋兵既深入，則敵必併力傾國以圖蹂蕩我，恐我聲勢之成；此而不猛戰疾鬥，一為所乘，魚散鳥驚，無可救矣！誠能出其不意，一戰以挫其銳，則敵眾喪膽，我軍氣倍，志定威立，而後可攻取以圖敵。古所謂一戰而定天下，其在斯乎！漢光武之於昆陽，唐太宗之於霍邑，可以觀也。昔沈田子以千餘人遇姚泓數萬之眾於青泥，其言曰：「兵貴用奇，不必在眾。今眾寡不敵，勢不兩立，若彼圍既固，則我無所逃，不如擊之。」遂敗泓兵。此深合機要，百慮不易之道也。
卷四、決戰之道在於出奇設伏
戰固無疑矣。然不得其道，禍更深於無戰。古有百戰之說，以吾言之，不啻百也。將從何處說起耶？吾言吾初起之戰焉耳。以烏合之市人，當追風之鐵騎，列陣廣原，堂堂正正，而與之角，不俟智者而知其無幸矣。出奇設伏又何待再計焉。孫臏之破龐涓以怯卒，韓信之破陳餘以市人，李密之破張須陀以群盜。用寡以覆眾，因弱而為強。善戰之術，固不止此；然當其事者，斷斷乎於此二者求之，則萬舉萬當；不然者，必敗。
卷五、乘勝略地莫過於招降
戰失其道，未有不敗者；戰得其道，未有不勝者。勝則破竹之勢成，迎刃之機順矣。自此招攬豪傑，部署長吏，撫輯人民，收按圖籍，頒布教章。所謂略地也，顧其策何先？曰：是有機焉！蹈之而動耳，不煩兵也。
昔武信君下趙十餘城，餘皆城守，乃引兵擊范陽，不能下。使非納蒯徹之說，以侯印授范陽令，而使之朱輪華轂以驅馳燕趙郊，則三十餘城烏能不戰而服乎？善乎！李左車之對淮陰也，曰：「將軍虜魏王、禽夏說，不終朝而破趙二十餘萬眾，威震天下，此將軍之所長也。然眾勞卒疲，其實難用。今以罷弊之卒，屯之燕堅城之下，燕若不服，齊拒境以自強，此將軍之所短也。為將軍計，莫若按甲休兵，北首燕路，而遣辨士奉咫尺之書於燕，暴其所長，燕必不敢不聽從。燕已從而東臨齊，雖有智者，不知為齊計矣。」兵固有先聲而後實者，此之謂也。至今思之，雖孫、吳復生，何以易焉！而要非戰勝之後，則斷不及此。何也？勝則人懾吾威而庇吾勢，利害迫於前而禍福怵其心，故說易行而從者順。若在我無可恃之形，而徒以虛言嬲眾，是猶夢者之墮井，無怪乎疾呼而人不聞也。此又不可不留意也。
卷六、攻取必於要害
《兵法》：「城有所不攻者。」當奉之以為主。至於要害之地，我不得此則進退不能如意，而形相制、勢相禁，於是反旗鳴鼓以試吾鋒，霍然如探喉骨而拔胸塊也。昔高帝長驅入關，已行過宛西，張良云：「今不下宛而西進，前有強敵，宛乘其後。我腹背受敵，此危道也。」乃夜回兵圍宛，克之，遂得前進無慮。
夫以深入重地之師，計必制敵之死命，而留中梗以貽後患，豈良圖哉？古恒有軍既全勝，而一城扼險，制吾首尾，幾覆大業者，皆由於謀之不早也。狄青之取昆侖，神矣！不然，屈力殫貨，鈍兵挫銳之，豈不聞之？吾知有不顧而疾趨焉耳，何必攻？
卷七、據守必審形勝
能取非難，取而能守之為難；汛守非難，守而能得其要之為難。昔項羽委敖倉而不守，棄關中而不居，而卒使漢資之以收天下，此最彰明較著者也。他如陳豨之不知據邯鄲而阻漳水，董卓之不知依舊京而守洛陽，自古及今，坐此患者，不可勝數。而獨南宋君臣守江失策，尤為可笑。試取當日諸巨公奏議觀之，了然矣。
卷八、立國在有規模
隆中數語，野夫常談。然亦曾有取其言細求之者乎？今其言曰：「荊州北據漢、沔，利盡南海，東連吳、會，西通巴、蜀，此用武之國。益州險塞，沃野千里，高祖因之以成帝業。若跨有荊、益，保其巖險，西和諸戎，南撫夷越，外結好孫權，內修政理；天下有事，則命一上將將荊州之軍以向宛、洛；將軍身率益州之眾，出於泰川。」天下規模，孰大於是！所以，當時英雄，所見略同。
周瑜既敗曹瞞，因言於孫權曰：「今曹操既敗，方憂在腹心，未能與將軍連兵相事也。乞與奮威俱進，取蜀而並張魯，因留奮威固守其所，與馬超結援。瑜還與將軍據襄陽以蹙曹，北方可圖也。」江南形勝可以進窺中原者，其論蓋本諸此。
厥後，六朝勝敗不常，力皆不副。至於南宋諸公，有其言而無其事，然而其言亦精且悉矣。其所云：立都建業，築行宮於武昌及重鎮襄陽，以繫中原之望。又云：天下形勢，居西北足以控制東南，居東南不足以控制西北等語，具關至極，聖人復起，無以易也。
若夫朝廷之上置中書以綜機務，疆埸之外建專閫以總征伐，經理度支，撫馭軍民，適寬嚴之宜，得緩急之序，崇大體，立宏綱，破因循之舊格，布簡快之新條，使人人輯志，處處向向，斯立國之初政，又不可以一事不周者也。嗚呼！盜賊之與帝王，無俟觀其成敗，其規模氣象，蓋已不同矣。
卷九、兵聚必資屯田
干戈屢興，民不安業，郡縣蕭條，無雞犬聲。大兵一起，立見此景。語云：「師之所處，荊棘生焉。」信非虛也。如此，而擁大眾以征伐，掠無可掠，何況轉輸乎？
古所謂百萬之眾，無食不可一日支，正此時矣！李密以霸王之才，徒以用粟不節，卒致米盡人散之憂。昔漢之興也，食敖倉之粟；唐之興也，資黎陽之利。今天下俱匱，既無秦、隋之富以貽之，何所借以成漢、唐之大業乎？
屯田一著，所謂以人力而補天工也。其法不一，或兵屯，或民屯。大抵創業之屯與守成之屯不同。懷遠圖者，當於此處求之，無煩詳載也。
卷十、克敵在勿欲速
君見博虎者乎？平原廣澤，不惮馳騖以逐之。至於虎負隅矣，則當設網羅，掘陷阱，圍繞其出路，旁睨而伺之，久將自困。若奮不顧身，徑進而與之鬥，鮮不傷人矣！
吾之用兵，自初起以至於勢成，敵境日蹙而力亦日專，此亦負隅之虎也。吾欲一舉而斃之，豈可不厚為之防哉？
昔周世宗既平關南，宴諸將於行營，議取幽州。諸將曰：「陛下離京四十二日，兵不血刃，取燕南之地，此不世之功也。今虜騎皆聚幽州之北，未宜深入。」世宗卒還師。宋曹彬伐江南，欲速戰速決，謀臣劉昌言曰：「今江南地廣而兵多，國初財用豐盈，民心未離，非可以鋭兵快取者。宜遣使諭降，分兵守險，吾兵無戰而江南可得矣。」遂行其計而克之。
凡此用兵，重在耐心。速則易敗，徐則易成，此古今之定理也。
"Essentials of Strategy"
Volume 1: Knowing the Direction Before Raising Troops
Before the troops are deployed, there is much to consider, though not every detail needs to be expounded. Once mobilized, success lies in advancing decisively and swiftly. Advancement amplifies momentum, while swiftness seizes opportunity; in a matter of moments, victory or defeat is decided! Understanding the direction of movement is critical, and this direction depends on the relative strength of the enemy. If the enemy is weak, a direct strike to their core might be possible. If the enemy is strong, it is imperative to flank and weaken their periphery—this is a fundamental principle.
What does it mean to weaken their periphery? It means to "avoid the strong and attack the weak" and "capitalize on favorable opportunities." Avoiding the strong and attacking the weak throws the enemy into disarray, as if struck by a bolt from the blue. Capitalizing on opportunity spreads your fame and garners support far and wide. Consider how Emperor Taizong of Tang advanced toward Xianyang; he triumphed through progression. Conversely, note how Ying Bu retreated to Changsha and was defeated. Such moments of decision are fleeting and must not be squandered.
Mastering these foundational principles of strategy is key to achieving dominance. Those who understand this need nothing more. As for temporary advantages or minor tactical decisions, they are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Volume 2: The Essential Role of Unconventional Tactics
Is there only one way to wage war? Certainly not. Once the direction is clear, the conventional approach becomes self-evident. However, without unconventional tactics to complement the conventional, victory cannot be achieved. For example, Xiang Yu fought Zhang Han at Julu, enabling Liu Bang to take advantage and enter the heartland. Similarly, Zhong Hui engaged Jiang Wei at Jiange, allowing Deng Ai to bypass obstacles and penetrate Shu.
Thus, every battle has its unique unconventional tactic, every nation its distinctive strategy, and the world its overarching unconventional approaches. Sometimes, the conventional can serve as the unconventional, and vice versa. Yet, unconventional tactics are indispensable.
Commanders who fail to recognize the importance of unconventional tactics are either incompetent rulers or blind generals, deserving the label "abandoning one's troops." Consider Su Shi’s analogy of scaling walls by unconventional means—his insight is irreplaceable. For instance, Liu Bi’s advisor proposed taking five thousand troops to secure the regions of Huainan and Changsha, then converging at Wuguan. Likewise, Cao Cao’s feigned retreat at Yan Ford while secretly attacking Baima illustrates the power of unconventional methods. Therefore, never presume a direct path suffices without complementary maneuvers; doing so courts failure.
Volume 3: Decisive Engagements in Initial Encounters
Should armies invariably engage in battle when passing cities they do not intend to occupy? The answer is no. Battles occur not because they are desired but because they are unavoidable. When encountering an adversary, fighting becomes essential to deter pursuit. Deep within enemy territory, the opposing forces will rally their full strength against you, hoping to crush your momentum. In such cases, swift and decisive action is necessary to break the enemy's will, lest your troops scatter in panic. Striking unexpectedly demoralizes the enemy while bolstering your forces, laying the groundwork for further advances.
Historical examples abound: the decisive battles of Emperor Guangwu at Kunyang and Emperor Taizong at Huoyi are illuminating. Another instance is Shen Tianzi’s small force of a thousand defeating Yao Hong’s tens of thousands at Qingni. Shen declared, "Victory relies on ingenuity, not numbers. Facing overwhelming odds, it’s better to strike than be cornered." His success epitomizes the critical importance of seizing opportunity.
Volume 4: The Art of Ambush and Surprise
Combat is inevitable, but ill-conceived engagements bring ruin worse than inaction. Skillful commanders achieve victory through ambush and surprise. Examples include Sun Bin's defeat of Pang Juan, Han Xin's triumph over Chen Yu, and Li Mi's victory against Zhang Xu. Each employed weak forces to overcome the strong. While these are not the only techniques for victory, mastery of these methods guarantees success. Failure to employ them invites inevitable defeat.
Volume 5: Consolidating Victory Through Diplomacy
After victory, one must consolidate gains wisely. Subduing adversaries is best achieved through diplomacy, minimizing bloodshed. Following triumph, leaders must attract talent, stabilize governance, and integrate local populations, ensuring lasting control. For instance, granting titles to regional leaders often secures their loyalty without further combat.
Victory breeds authority; fear compels compliance. Conversely, reliance on empty promises in moments of weakness leads to failure. Diplomacy succeeds only when backed by the weight of victory.
Volume 6: Prioritizing Strategic Strongholds
The ancient adage, "Do not attack unassailable cities," is fundamental. Strategic locations determine the success of campaigns. For instance, Emperor Gaozu’s decision to first capture Wan before advancing westward secured his rear, enabling unhindered progression.
Neglecting critical strongholds often results in catastrophic setbacks. Examples like Di Qing’s capture of Kunlun showcase the decisive impact of securing strategic positions.
Volume 7: Defending Strongholds with Tactical Foresight
Conquering territory is easier than defending it effectively. Examples like Xiang Yu’s abandonment of critical locations, ultimately enabling Liu Bang to consolidate power, highlight the necessity of strategic foresight in defense. Mismanagement in this regard has repeatedly led to defeat throughout history.
Volume 8: Building a Nation on Strong Foundations
The advice of Zhuge Liang, advocating for a dual base in Jingzhou and Yizhou, exemplifies long-term planning. Establishing governance, securing alliances, and maintaining order are integral to nation-building. The decline of later dynasties often stemmed not from a lack of insight but from a failure to act decisively on sound strategies.
Volume 9: Sustaining Armies Through Agriculture
Warfare devastates civilian life and resources. Maintaining large armies becomes unsustainable without effective logistical planning. Historical successes often relied on agricultural initiatives like military settlements to sustain troops.
Volume 10: Patience Over Hastiness
Like cornering a tiger, overwhelming an enemy requires careful preparation. Rash actions often lead to unnecessary losses. Historical campaigns by Zhou Shizong and Song generals demonstrate the wisdom of patience. Victory is more often achieved through calculated restraint than reckless speed. This is an unchanging principle of warfare.
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