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.

Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu

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

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

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.

ArmyProfitVictory

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

armybaitenemies

Victory usually goes to the army who has better trained officers and men.