28. Remove the ladder when the enemy has ascended
This phrase means to lure the enemy out and then trapping them in order to cut off their escape route. Lure the enemy out with a bait to trap them in an unfavorable position. The trapped place will be treacherous and full of dangers for the enemy. Now the enemy has to deal with unfavorable positioning and your force after you lure and seal them in.
By cutting off your enemy’s reinforcement, escape route and communication while putting fear and unfavorable positioning to the enemy will they be easily defeated. Fighting where the enemy is at its low while you are at your highest creates the perfect opportunity to win with ease. This stratagem lures and seals your enemy’s fate with the least of effort. That is what it means to “remove the ladder when the enemy has ascended“.
