Classical Text 古典文獻 · Sun Tzu Art of War 孫子兵法
Chapter 9 — The Army on the March
行軍 (The Army on the March)
行軍
The Army on the March
Chapter 9
Chapter Summary
本章概要
Describes the different situations in which an army finds itself as it moves through new enemy territories, and how to respond to these situations. Much focuses on evaluating the intentions of others.
Key Quote
重要引語
辭卑而益備者，進也；辭強而進驅者，退也。
“Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.”
Application in the Five Arts
五術應用
In Mian Xiang (Face Reading): Overcompensating facial features (e.g., excessively aggressive jawline paired with weak eyes) indicate internal retreat/fear masking as strength.
Study Translation
導讀譯文
Core teaching. Describes the different situations in which an army finds itself as it moves through new enemy territories, and how to respond to these situations. Much focuses on evaluating the intentions of others.
Canonical maxim. Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat. 辭卑而益備者，進也；辭強而進驅者，退也。
Chapter focus. Chapter 9 (行軍) centers on decoding enemy behavior—such as speech and readiness—to predict their moves during marches.
Source. Sunzi Bingfa (孫子兵法), public-domain classical editions.
Liuren Fajiao Commentary
六壬法教評注
Five Arts application. In Mian Xiang (Face Reading): Overcompensating facial features (e.g., excessively aggressive jawline paired with weak eyes) indicate internal retreat/fear masking as strength.
Tactical insight. This chapter's emphasis on observing subtle signs translates to modern strategy as the art of reading between the lines in negotiations and conflicts.
Study point. Chapter 9 is key for understanding how apparent strength can hide weakness, a principle applied in both military and civilian contexts.
Source Note
來源說明
Source: Sun Tzu Art of War (孫子兵法), Chapter 9