8. Openly repair the road, secretly march through Chencang
“Openly repair the road, secretly march through Chencang” was an actual event during ancient time where “Zhang Liang” advised King “Liu Bang” to sent his men openly to repair a destroyed road that would take years to rebuild. Meanwhile, tactician “Han Xin” secretly sent “Liu Bang” troops though the passage of Chencang to retake Guanzhong. This took the enemy king by surprise and “Liu Bang” came out victorious.
Openly do the obvious, while secretly doing the subtle. This tactic makes it more likely for people to fall into your bait as the enemy can literally see the things you are doing. This tactic does not arouse suspicion since the enemy can actually observe your movement and actions. The best tactics are things that can be observed but cannot be followed.
The whole art of war is based on deception. People who are easily distracted, careless or love to underestimate will be preyed by this tactic. Exhaust all possibilities, explore all discoveries. Use this tactic on your enemies; prevent this tactic from becoming your reality. That is what it means to “Openly repair the road, secretly march through Chencang”.
4 Comments
Great short post but very accurate. One of many tactics that can be very beneficial if used wisely.
Indeed Apollo, indeed.
Aahh!Correction,dude.It was Liu Bang’s strategist,Zhang Liang,who came up with the “openly repair the road” distraction.& his tactician,Han Xin,who “secretly marched thru Chencang”.Well,least you got the idea…
Thanks a lot, I really appreciated it! I’m going to correct it!