Sun Tzu and The Army of Concubines

This is actually a moral story which I think everyone can adapt this... Not by it's violence but similar situation. For those who knows who is Sun Tzu and concubines then you may skip this paragraph. Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese military general and strategist who is traditionally believed to have authored The Art of War, an influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy considered to be a prime example of Taoist thinking. Today we can still see many people using it culturally, politically or simply for job purposes like sealing a deal or getting higher chances for promotion. Concubines are meant as...well... wives in a not so official sort of way. Their purpose is to entertain the emperor and fulfill the emperor's sexual pleasure. In the Wu nation alone stands 180 concubines and the concubines who manage to persuade the king to sleep with her for the night gain popularity points in the palace. As the popularity points rose higher, you're more respectable by other concubines. But besides that, all as a concubine all you ever need to do is get dressed in the prettiest clothes and walk around the palace.(I know..., it's like every girl's dream isn't it?) But there is a catch, once enter, you can't resign or leave the palace. Okay, enough definitions on with the story...

The period was a time of constant conflict between seven nations (Zhao, Qi, Qin, Chu, Han, Wei and Yan) seeking to control all of China.

It is said that the king of Wu tested Sun Tzu’s skills in military tactics by commanding him to train 180 concubines into soldiers. Sun Tzu divided them into two companies, and placed one of the King’s favorite concubines at the head of each. He then bade them all take spears in their hands, and addressed them thus: “I presume you know the difference between front and back, right hand and left hand?” The girls replied: Yes. Sun Tzu went on: “When I say “Eyes front,” you must look straight ahead. When I say “Left turn,” you must face towards your left hand.

When I say “Right turn,” you must face towards your right hand. When I say “About turn,” you must face right round towards your back.” Again the girls assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order “Right turn.” But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Tzu said: “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame.” So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the order “Left turn,” whereupon the girls once more burst into fits of laughter.Once again Sun Tzu said “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.” So after saying this, he ordered the leaders of the two groups be beheaded

Now the king of Wu was watching the scene from the top of a raised pavilion; and when he saw that his favorite concubines were about to be executed, he was greatly alarmed and hurriedly sent down the following message: “We are now quite satisfied as to our general’s ability to handle troops. If We are bereft of these two concubines, our meat and drink will lose their savor. It is our wish that they shall not be beheaded.” Sun Tzu replied: “Having once received His Majesty’s commission to be the general of his forces, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept.”

Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway installed the pair next in order as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a sound. Then Sun Tzu sent a messenger to the King saying: “Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty’s inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire; bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey.”

But the King replied: “Let our general cease drilling and return to camp. As for us, We have no wish to come down and inspect the troops.” Thereupon Sun Tzu said: “The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.” After that, Ho Lu saw that Sun Tzu was one who knew how to handle an army, and finally appointed him general.

Now, you might say that what is this gotta to do with our daily lives? The answer lies in all our childhood all the time. If the teacher is not strict then, I think we won't be able to get our homework or a simple task done. Morale of the story: Spare the rod, spoil the child. I hope you see the connection. If you think the morale is not related leave me a shoutout and I'll try some example more recent...

Anyway, I hope you like the pictures, nice art right? I get it from here.