One who sets the entire army in motion to chase an advantage will not attain it.

The proximity of an army causes prices to go up; and high prices cause people's substance to be drained away. When their substance is drained away, they will be afflicted by heavy exactions. With this loss of substance and exhaustion of strength, the homes of the people will be stripped bare, and their incomes dissipated.

Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.

It is imperative to contest all factions for complete victory, so the army is not garrisoned and the profit can be total. This is the law of strategic siege.

He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.

Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.