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

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.

Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.

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.

To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good.