Sun Tzu: The Art of War

🏷  Chinese interlinear · text   —   by Gerry · Sep 2022 · 10132 words

The book Art of War by Sun Tzu may or may not be an encrypted text. I assume it is, but unlike many other ancient text, the literal contents are not obvious nonsense or mysticist gobbledygook. Rather, it’s well done, and realistically describes wars as decided by budgets, logistics & deceit, instead of telling fairytales of divine fate & heroism. The text is still suspicious though in that it never gives any details or examples, but only unspecific lists of things that are “important”. These would be of little use for any concrete planning. However, these lists can easily be reinterpreted as encrypted advice to cheat one’s own subjects through theatrical hoaxes. The text would then have a double-meaning, but would be valuable in both meanings.

Introduction

Sun Tzu’s Art of War兵法 bīngfǎ “way of armies” in Chinese — is not suited to make a case for encryption. If you want to get clear evidence that ancient Chinese texts were encrypted, you can instead look at Confucius or Xu Guangqi. Both are pretty obvious.

For Sun Tzu’s text, it’s not so obvious. On the surface, it’s refreshingly realistic. It doesn’t question the motives behind wars, and it doesn’t condemn them as the horrible evil that they are. But otherwise, it paints a relatively blunt picture of wars, much as they unfold in reality. Most people today would agree that an actual war is generally not won by heroism, but mostly by sheer superiority, and that in addition bureaucratic measures like strategic planning, logistics & financing are important, like the text says. Sun Tzu even officially acknowledges the usage of spycraft & deception, though of course only towards the enemy, not one’s own subjects as it happens in reality.

Still, the text is suspicous, and there is also evidence that it may be encrypted in subtle ways:

Overall, Art of War is still a very intelligent & educational text. For common readers, who may have the silly idea that wars would be romantic or heroic, it lays out in detail the opposite. For military experts, it is probably still a valuable source as to which topics may be important for wars & armies, but without any detailed advice concerning those topics.

However, the Art of War is not the brilliant work of some strategic genius that it’s made to be. It does not offer any specific strategies for winning a war. Much of the text is generic. And many strange wordings are still hinting at an encrypted second message, though it’s better hidden than in other texts. I have only analyzed a small part of it, but I am sure that more evidence can be found in the rest. Read for yourself, and make up your own mind.

How to read this

A protective screen is a must.

Sun Tzu’s book is called 兵法 bīngfǎ. bīng means “soldiers”, but it could easily be a pun with bǐng “hiding”. The same character in the pronunciation píng also means “shield” & “screen”. In Sunzi’s time the pronunciation could even have been identical. Other than that, there’s no confirmation that the text is really about war: The terms to describe this war are not very specific (“great national affairs”, “life & death”), and could easily have been chosen for the encryption puns.

The Art of War 1.1.a

Encrypted: Sun Tzu says: A protective / screen / [for] hiding, [of] a wrapping the great appearance [??], [of] resembling the multitudes these situations, [of] harboring deception the path, not can [one] not [i.e. one must] investigate [it].

Official: Sun Tzu says: Soldiers, [of] nations the great affairs, [of] death [and] life these situations, [of] surviving [or] perishing the path, not can [one] not [i.e. one must] investigate [it].

Sun Tzu
孫子 sūnzǐ: Sun Tzu
孫子   sun zi
孫子 sūnzǐ: Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu

says:
yuē: say
  yue
yuē: say
says:

A protective / screen / [for] hiding,
bǐng: hide, suppress; píng: protect, shield, screen
  bing
bīng: soldiers
Soldiers,

 
zhě: (define term)
  zhe
zhě: (define term)
 

[of] a wrapping
guǒ: bind, wrap
  guo
guó: nation, country
[of] nations

 
zhī: (possession)
  zhi
zhī: (possession)
 

the great
: great
  da shi
: great
the great

appearance [??],
shì: power, potential, outward appearance
  shi
shì: affair
affairs,

[of] resembling
: seem, appear, resemble
  si
: die
[of] death

the multitudes
shēn: crowd, multitude
  sheng
shēng: life, live
[and] life

 
zhī: (possession)
  zhi
zhī: (possession)
 

these situations,
: place, field, situation
  di
: place, field, situation
these situations,

[of] harboring
cún: cherish, harbor
  cun
cún: exist, survive
[of] surviving

deception
wǎng: deceive, hide truth
  wang
wáng: lose, die
[or] perishing

 
zhī: (possession)
  zhi
zhī: (possession)
 

the path,
dào: way, path
  dao
dào: way, path
the path,

not
: not
  bu
: not
not

can [one]
: can, may
  ke
: can, may
can [one]

not [i.e. one must]
: not
  bu
: not
not [i.e. one must]

investigate [it].
chá: examine, inspect, investigate
  cha
chá: examine, inspect, investigate
investigate [it].

 
: (affirmation)
  ye
: (affirmation)
 

The Art of War 1.1.a

Cover, personality, status, speech, method

The text now lists the 5 most important “things” to consider: Principles, weather, location, generals, and laws. For me, those wouldn’t be the first to come mind. What about budgets, weapons, technology, fortifications, defense, recruitment, training, intel, scouting, timing? For promoted famous authors like Sun Tzu, its often claimed that their works seem so banal, or so weird, because we simply don’t understand their genius. But if you read this text carefully, you’ll find little genius, but often generic phrases. And those could very easily be encryption keywords for something else, as I show here.

The Art of War 1.2.a

Encrypted: The old scripture it uses five things, [to] account [for] it with [one’s] schemes, when asking [about] [one’s] [cover-up?] situation: The first is said [to be] the cover [in general], the second is said [to be] [one’s] innate / nature [personality?], the third is said [to be] the [role’s?] status / position, the fourth is said [to be] the speech [of it], the fifth is said [to be] the method / [of] emulation [??].

Official: The old scripture it uses five things, [to] account [for] it with [one’s] planning, when asking [about] [one’s] [military?] situation: The first is said [to be] [moral] principles, the second is said [to be] the seasons, the third is said [to be] the land, the fourth is said [to be] the commanders, the fifth is said [to be] the laws / rules [??].

The old
: old
  gu
: old
The old

scripture
jīng: scripture
  jing
jīng: scripture
scripture

it
zhī: it
  zhi
zhī: it
it

uses
: use, by, with
  yi
: use, by, with
uses

five
: five
  wu
: five
five

things,
shì: thing
  shi
shì: thing
things,

[to] account [for]
jiào: check, compare
  jiao
jiào: check, compare
[to] account [for]

it
zhī: it
  zhi
zhī: it
it

with
: use, by, with
  yi
: use, by, with
with

[one’s] schemes,
: count, plan, ruse, scheme
  ji
: count, plan, ruse, scheme
[one’s] planning,

when
ér: but, yet, then
  er
ér: but, yet, then
when

asking [about]
suǒ: search, ask, demand
  suo
suǒ: search, ask, demand
asking [about]

[one’s]
: his, its
  qi
: his, its
[one’s]

[cover-up?] situation:
qíng: situation
  qing
qíng: situation
[military?] situation:

The first
: one
  yi
: one
The first

is said [to be]
yue say:
  yue
yue say:
is said [to be]

the cover [in general],
dào: cover, shroud, canopy; dào: cover, envelop
  dao
dào: way, path, principle
[moral] principles,

the second
èr: two
  er
èr: two
the second

is said [to be]
yue say:
  yue
yue say:
is said [to be]

[one’s] innate / nature [personality?],
tiān: nature, natural, innate
  tian
tiān: sky, weather, season
the seasons,

the third
sān: three
  san
sān: three
the third

is said [to be]
yue say:
  yue
yue say:
is said [to be]

the [role’s?] status / position,
: status, situation, position
  di
: ground, land, locality
the land,

the fourth
: four
  si
: four
the fourth

is said [to be]
yue say:
  yue
yue say:
is said [to be]

the speech [of it],
jiǎng: speak, speech
  jiang
jiàng: general, command, lead
the commanders,

the fifth
: five
  wu
: five
the fifth

is said [to be]
yue say:
  yue
yue say:
is said [to be]

the method / [of] emulation [??].
: imitate, emulate, method, way
  fa
: law, rule, method
the laws / rules [??].

The Art of War 1.2.a

Covers cause people to agree with their ruler.

Now here’s a real nugget: The text says you just have to make people agree with their ruler, and then it doesn’t matter to them if they live or die! The text doesn’t say that you should use this carefully, and only for noble causes. The thing that’s supposed to make people agree with just anything is dào “principles”, but that could easily be a codeword for dào “cover”. I suspect that this is the main pun behind Daoism.

The Art of War 1.3.a

Encrypted: [As for] covers [in general], [they] cause the people with their ruler [to] agree, [whether] may [it be] with [that] they die, [whether] may [it be] with [that] they live, yet [they do] not disobey [??] a [convincing?] falsehood [??].

Official: [Moral] principles, [they] cause the people with their ruler [to] agree, [whether] may [it be] with [that] they die, [whether] may [it be] with [that] they live, yet [they do] not fear [any] danger.

[As for] covers [in general],
dào: cover, shroud, canopy; dào: cover, envelop
  dao
dào: way, path, principle
[Moral] principles,

 
zhě: (define term)
  zhe
zhě: (define term)
 

[they] cause
lìng: make, cause
  ling
lìng: make, cause
[they] cause

the people
mín: people
  min
mín: people
the people

with
: and, with
  yu
: and, with
with

their ruler
shàng: emperor, superior
  shang
shàng: emperor, superior
their ruler

[to] agree,
同意 tóngyì: agree, consent
同意   tong yi
同意 tóngyì: agree, consent
[to] agree,

 
: (affirmation)
  ye
: (affirmation)
 

[whether] may
: can, may
  ke
: can, may
[whether] may

[it be] with
: with
  yu
: with
[it be] with

[that] they
zhī: him, them
  zhi
zhī: him, them
[that] they

die,
: die
  si
: die
die,

[whether] may
: can, may
  ke
: can, may
[whether] may

[it be] with
: with
  yu
: with
[it be] with

[that] they
zhī: him, them
  zhi
zhī: him, them
[that] they

live,
shēng: life, live
  sheng
shēng: life, live
live,

yet
ér: but, yet
  er
ér: but, yet
yet

[they do] not
: not
  bu
: not
[they do] not

disobey [??]
wéi: disobey
  wei
wèi: fear
fear

a [convincing?] falsehood [??].
wěi: false, fake; wèi: exaggerate, falsehood
  wei
wēi: danger
[any] danger.

The Art of War 1.3.a

Hiding or feigning? Sinister or easy?

The text now lists considerations for each of the 5 important “things”. But again, there are only very few words that have to do with war, and those few could easily be codewords. An important pun is 陰陽 yīnyáng “cloudy & sunny” with 陰佯 yīnyáng “hiding vs. feigning”. It’s the Yin & Yang pun.

The Art of War 1.3.b

Encrypted: [As for one’s] innate / nature [personality?], hiding or feigning, keeping the mouth shut or narrating, the deception [must] be decided [by it].

Official: [As for] the seasons, [that is] cloudy and sunny [weather], cold and heat, the seasons control [it].

[As for one’s] innate / nature [personality?],
tiān: nature, natural, innate
  tian
tiān: sky, weather, season
[As for] the seasons,

 
zhě: (define term)
  zhe
zhě: (define term)
 

hiding
yīn: hidden
  yin
yīn: cloudy, shady, Yin
[that is] cloudy

or feigning,
yáng: feign, pretend; yàng: appearance
  yang
yáng: sun, Yang
and sunny [weather],

keeping the mouth shut
hán: keep in the mouth, contain inside
  han
hán: cold
cold

or narrating,
shù: state, tell, narrate; shū: unfold
  shu
shǔ: heat
and heat,

the deception
shì: hide, cover up, conceal, deceive
  shi
shí: time, season
the seasons

[must] be decided [by it].
zhì: restrict, limit, decide
  zhi
zhì: system, regulate, control
control [it].

 
: (affirmation)
  ye
: (affirmation)
 

The Art of War 1.3.b

The Art of War 1.3.c

Encrypted: [As for] [the role’s?] status / position, [it can be] distanced or close [to the people], sinister or easy [towards the people], enlarged [or] [more] limited, a [mere] semblance [or] [one’s real] life.

Official: [As for] the land, [that is] far [and] near, dangerous [and] easy [terrain], wide [or] narrow, [chances of] death [and] life.

[As for] [the role’s?] status / position,
: status, situation, position
  di
: ground, land, locality
[As for] the land,

 
zhě: (define term)
  zhe
zhě: (define term)
 

[it can be] distanced
yuǎn: far, distant
  yuan
yuǎn: far, distant
[that is] far

or close [to the people],
jìn: near, close
  jin
jìn: near, close
[and] near,

sinister
xiǎn: sinister, vicious
  xian
xiǎn: rugged, danger, dangerous
dangerous

or easy [towards the people],
: easy
  yi
: easy
[and] easy [terrain],

enlarged
guǎng: expand, enlarge
  guang
guǎng: wide
wide

[or] [more] limited,
xiá: narrow-minded, limited
  xia
xiá: narrow
[or] narrow,

a [mere] semblance
: seem, appear, resemble
  si
: die
[chances of] death

[or] [one’s real] life.
shēng: innate, natural, born with
  sheng
shēng: life, live
[and] life.

 
: (affirmation)
  ye
: (affirmation)
 

The Art of War 1.3.c

The Art of War 1.3.d

Encrypted: [As for one’s] speech, [one can] express trustworthiness and virtue, employing [only] speech.

Official: [As for] the commander, [he stands for] wisdom, trust, virtue, bravery, strictness.

[As for one’s] speech,
jiǎng: speak, speech
  jiang
jiàng: general, command, lead
[As for] the commander,

 
zhě: (define term)
  zhe
zhě: (define term)
 

[one can] express
zhì: present, convey, express
  zhi
zhì: wisdom, knowledge
[he stands for] wisdom,

trustworthiness
xìn: truthful, trust, believe
  xin
xìn: truthful, trust, believe
trust,

and virtue,
rén: virtue, benevolence
  ren
rén: virtue, benevolence
virtue,

employing
yòng: use, employ
  yong
yǒng: brave
bravery,

[only] speech.
yán: words, speech, say, talk
  yan
yán: stern, strict
strictness.

 
: (affirmation)
  ye
: (affirmation)
 

The Art of War 1.3.d

The Art of War 1.3.e

Encrypted: [As for] the method / [of] emulation [??], [there are?] bent / not straight [indirect??] and straightforward [ones?], [it is about how to] control the cover, and [the] main [methods?] [to] employ.

Official: [As for] the laws / rules [??], [they are about] [punishing??] wrongdoing [???] and regulating [the army??], [maintaining??] public roads, and [of] the host [??] [the] expenses.

[As for] the method / [of] emulation [??],
: imitate, emulate, method, way
  fa
: law, rule, method
[As for] the laws / rules [??],

 
zhě: (define term)
  zhe
zhě: (define term)
 

[there are?] bent / not straight [indirect??]
: bent, crooked, twisted, not straight
  qu
: wrong, not right
[they are about] [punishing??] wrongdoing [???]

and straightforward [ones?],
zhí: directly, straight, straightforward
  zhi
zhì: system, regulate, control
and regulating [the army??],

[it is about how to] control
guǎn: control, manage
  guan
guān: public, official
[maintaining??] public

the cover,
dào: cover, shroud, canopy; dào: cover, envelop
  dao
dào: way, path, principle
roads,

and [the] main [methods?]
zhǔ: main, master, lead, command
  zhu
zhǔ: main, major, command, host
and [of] the host [??]

[to] employ.
yòng: use, employ, usefulness
  yong
yòng: expenses, outlay
[the] expenses.

 
: (affirmation)
  ye
: (affirmation)
 

The Art of War 1.3.e

The Art of War 1.3.f

Encrypted: All these five [things], [there] will be no one [who has] not heard [of them]. Knowing them this person [will have] success. Not knowing [them] this person [will] not [have] success.

Official: All these five [things], [there] will be no one [who has] not heard [of them]. Knowing them this person [will have] victory. Not knowing [them] this person [will] not [have] victory.

All
fán: every, all
  fan
fán: every, all
All

these
: this, these
  ci
: this, these
these

five
: five
  wu
: five
five

[things],
zhě: (define term)
  zhe
zhě: (define term)
[things],

[there] will be
jiāng: shall, will, use
  jiang
jiāng: shall, will, use
[there] will be

no one
: do not, there is none who
  mo
: do not, there is none who
no one

[who has] not
: not
  bu
: not
[who has] not

heard [of them].
wén: hear, news
  wen
wén: hear, news
heard [of them].

Knowing
zhī: know
  zhi
zhī: know
Knowing

them
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them

this person
zhě: one who
  zhe
zhě: one who
this person

[will have] success.
shèng: victory, success
  sheng
shèng: victory, success
[will have] victory.

Not
: not
  bu
: not
Not

knowing [them]
zhī: know
  zhi
zhī: know
knowing [them]

this person
zhě: one who
  zhe
zhě: one who
this person

[will] not
: not
  bu
: not
[will] not

[have] success.
shèng: victory, success
  sheng
shèng: victory, success
[have] victory.

The Art of War 1.3.f

Which curtain has the better cover?

The text now lists comparisons for each of the 5 important “things”. But again, everything is extremely generic: Which one is “more effective”, “stronger”, “clearer”. In a real war scenario, this text would not be any help at all!

The Art of War 1.4.a

Encrypted: Therefore, [when] feigning this [successfully] with a ruse / scheme, then inquire [of it] [with] this reasoning.

Official: Therefore, [when] comparing this [victorious vs. not] by the [military?] planning, then inquire [of it] [with] this reasoning.

Therefore,
: cause, therefore, reason
  gu
: cause, therefore, reason
Therefore,

[when] feigning
jiǎo: pretend, feign
  jiao
jiào: check, compare
[when] comparing

this [successfully]
zhī: him, it
  zhi
zhī: him, it
this [victorious vs. not]

with
: use, by, with
  yi
: use, by, with
by

a ruse / scheme,
: count, plan, ruse, scheme
  ji
: count, plan, ruse, scheme
the [military?] planning,

then
ér: but, yet
  er
ér: but, yet
then

inquire [of it]
suǒ: search, ask, inquire
  suo
suǒ: search, ask, inquire
inquire [of it]

[with] this
: he, it
  qi
: he, it
[with] this

reasoning.
qíng: situation, reason
  qing
qíng: situation, reason
reasoning.

The Art of War 1.4.a

The Art of War 1.4.b

Encrypted: [It is] said: [Of two] curtains / screens [??], which [one] has the [better] cover?

Official: [It is] said: [Of two] rulers, which [one] has [moral] principles [on his side]?

[It is] said:
yuē: say
  yue
yuē: say
[It is] said:

[Of two] curtains / screens [??],
chú: curtain, screen
  zhu
zhǔ: master, emperor
[Of two] rulers,

which [one]
shú: who, which
  shu
shú: who, which
which [one]

has
yǒu: have
  you
yǒu: have
has

the [better] cover?
dào: cover, shroud, canopy; dào: cover, envelop
  dao
dào: way, path, principle
[moral] principles [on his side]?

The Art of War 1.4.b

The Art of War 1.4.c

Encrypted: [Of the ways of] speech, which [one] has [more] capability?

Official: [Of the] generals, which [one] has [more] ability?

[Of the ways of] speech,
jiǎng: speak, speech
  jiang
jiàng: general, command, lead
[Of the] generals,

which [one]
shú: who, which
  shu
shú: who, which
which [one]

has
yǒu: have
  you
yǒu: have
has

[more] capability?
néng: can, able, ability, capability
  neng
néng: can, able, ability, capability
[more] ability?

The Art of War 1.4.c

The Art of War 1.4.d

Encrypted: [Of] the nature [personality] [and] [the role’s?] status / position, which [one] [is more] suitable?

Official: [Of the] seasons and locations, which [one] [is more] suitable?

[Of] the nature [personality]
tiān: nature, natural, innate
  tian
tiān: sky, weather, season
[Of the] seasons

[and] [the role’s?] status / position,
: status, situation, position
  di
: ground, land, locality
and locations,

which [one]
shú: who, which
  shu
shú: who, which
which [one]

[is more] suitable?
: obtain, get, suitable
  de
: obtain, get, suitable
[is more] suitable?

The Art of War 1.4.d

The Art of War 1.4.e

Encrypted: [Of] the methods / [of] emulation [??] [their] effectiveness, which [one] [is more] effective?

Official: [Of how] the laws / rules [??] are commanded [enforced], which [one] [is more] effective?

[Of] the methods / [of] emulation [??]
: imitate, emulate, method, way
  fa
: law, rule, method
[Of how] the laws / rules [??]

[their] effectiveness,
líng: effective, spirit
  ling
lìng: cause, command, order, directive
are commanded [enforced],

which [one]
shú: who, which
  shu
shú: who, which
which [one]

[is more] effective?
xíng: capable, competent, effective
  xing
xíng: capable, competent, effective
[is more] effective?

The Art of War 1.4.e

The Art of War 1.4.f

Encrypted: [Of the] protective / screen / [for] hiding [for] the multitudes, which [one] [is more] powerful?

Official: [Of the] soldiers [their] multitude, which [one] [is] stronger?

[Of the] protective / screen / [for] hiding
bǐng: hide, suppress; píng: protect, shield, screen
  bing
bīng: soldiers
[Of the] soldiers

[for] the multitudes,
zhòng: many, crowd, multitude
  zhong
zhòng: many, crowd, multitude
[their] multitude,

which [one]
shú: who, which
  shu
shú: who, which
which [one]

[is more] powerful?
qiáng: strong, powerful
  qiang
qiáng: strong, powerful
[is] stronger?

The Art of War 1.4.f

Which role-players are better trained?

The title of Sun Tzu’s book is bīng “troops”. But here, the text suddenly uses shì for “soldiers”, perhaps because that also means “specialist”. It could also be a pun with shì “role-player”, or both. A similar pun occurs in The Art of War 2.1.

The Art of War 1.4.g

Encrypted: [Of] the decorating / role-playing / specialist [??] servants, which [ones] are [more] trained?

Official: [Of] the soldier privates, which [ones] are [more] trained?

[Of] the decorating / role-playing / specialist [??]
shì: cover up, decorate, deceive, play a role
  shi
shì: soldier, specialist worker, skilled person
[Of] the soldier

servants,
: soldier, servant, private
  zu
: soldier, servant, private
privates,

which [ones]
shú: who, which
  shu
shú: who, which
which [ones]

are [more] trained?
liàn: practice, train, drill
  lian
liàn: practice, train, drill
are [more] trained?

The Art of War 1.4.g

The Art of War 1.4.h

Encrypted: [Of] the views / visuals [???] [of] the wrapper [veil], which [one] is clearer?

Official: [Of] reward [and] punishment, which [one] is clearer?

[Of] the views / visuals [???]
shǎng: admire view, enjoy sight, appreciate visuals
  shang
shǎng: bestow, award, reward
[Of] reward

[of] the wrapper [veil],
: wrap, kerchief, headscarf
  fa
: punish
[and] punishment,

which [one]
shú: who, which
  shu
shú: who, which
which [one]

is clearer?
míng: bright, clear
  ming
míng: bright, clear
is clearer?

The Art of War 1.4.h

Compare in advance.

No punnery needed here, because war isn’t mentioned with a single word. The advice to “judge beforehand” can be applied to anything.

The Art of War 1.4.i

Encrypted: I use these [to beforehand] know success [or] failure. [Those] leaders [who] listen [to] my schemes [and] use them, will [have] victory. Keep them! [Those] leaders [who do] not listen [to] my schemes [and do not] use them, will fail. Remove them!

Official: I use these [to beforehand] know victory [or] defeat. [Those] generals [who] listen [to] my plans [and] use them, will [have] victory. Keep them! [Those] generals [who do] not listen [to] my plans [and do not] use them, will [be] defeated. Remove them!

I
: I, my
  wu
: I, my
I

use
: use, by, with
  yi
: use, by, with
use

these
: this, these
  ci
: this, these
these

[to beforehand] know
zhī: know
  zhi
zhī: know
[to beforehand] know

success
shèng: victory, success
  sheng
shèng: victory, success
victory

[or] failure.
: lose, defeated
  fu
: lose, defeated
[or] defeat.

 
: (final particle)
  yi
: (final particle)
 

[Those] leaders
jiàng: general, command, lead
  jiang
jiàng: general, command, lead
[Those] generals

[who] listen
tīng: listen, hear
  ting
tīng: listen, hear
[who] listen

[to] my
: I, my
  wu
: I, my
[to] my

schemes
: count, plan, ruse, scheme
  ji
: count, plan, ruse, scheme
plans

[and] use
yòng: use
  yong
yòng: use
[and] use

them,
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them,

will [have]
: must, will
  bi
: must, will
will [have]

victory.
shèng: victory, success
  sheng
shèng: victory, success
victory.

Keep
liú: remain, keep
  liu
liú: remain, keep
Keep

them!
zhī: him, it, them
之;   zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them!

[Those] leaders
jiàng: general, command, lead
  jiang
jiàng: general, command, lead
[Those] generals

[who do] not
: not
  bu
: not
[who do] not

listen
tīng: listen, hear
  ting
tīng: listen, hear
listen

[to] my
: I, my
  wu
: I, my
[to] my

schemes
: count, plan, ruse, scheme
  ji
: count, plan, ruse, scheme
plans

[and do not] use
yòng: use
  yong
yòng: use
[and do not] use

them,
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them,

will
: must, will
  bi
: must, will
will [be]

fail.
bài: defeat, lose, fail
  bai
bài: defeat, lose, fail
defeated.

Remove
: go, send, remove
  qu
: go, send, remove
Remove

them!
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them!

The Art of War 1.4.i

Adapt to the situation.

No punnery needed here, because war isn’t mentioned with a single word.

The Art of War 1.5.a

Encrypted: [When from these] schemes [you want to] profit by listening [to them], then for this situation / condition, use [also] [for] assisting [you] [in] this [anything] else. The situations / conditions, for benefiting [one must] yet decide [and] adapt [to them].

Official: [When from these] plans [you want to] profit by listening [to them], then for this situation / condition, use [also] [for] assisting [you] [in] this [anything] else. The situations / conditions, for benefiting [one must] yet decide [and] adapt [to them].

[When from these] schemes
: count, plan, ruse, scheme
  ji
: count, plan, ruse, scheme
[When from these] plans

[you want to] profit
: benefit, profit
  li
: benefit, profit
[you want to] profit

by
: use, by, with
  yi
: use, by, with
by

listening [to them],
tīng: listen, hear
  ting
tīng: listen, hear
listening [to them],

then
nǎi: then, only
  nai
nǎi: then, only
then

for
wèi: because of, for, to
  wei
wèi: because of, for, to
for

this
zhī: him, it
  zhi
zhī: him, it
this

situation / condition,
shì: situation, conditions
  shi
shì: situation, conditions
situation / condition,

use [also]
: use, by, with
  yi
: use, by, with
use [also]

[for] assisting [you]
zuǒ: assist, aide
  zuo
zuǒ: assist, aide
[for] assisting [you]

[in] this
: he, it
  qi
: he, it
[in] this

[anything] else.
wài: out, other, other than
外;   wai
wài: out, other, other than
[anything] else.

The situations / conditions,
shì: situation, conditions
  shi
shì: situation, conditions
The situations / conditions,

 
zhě: (define term)
  zhe
zhě: (define term)
 

for
yīn: cause, because
  yin
yīn: cause, because
for

benefiting
: benefit, profit
  li
: benefit, profit
benefiting

[one must] yet
ér: and, but, yet
  er
ér: and, but, yet
[one must] yet

decide
zhì: control, plan, decide
  zhi
zhì: control, plan, decide
decide

[and] adapt [to them].
quán: weigh, expediency, adaptability
  quan
quán: weigh, expediency, adaptability
[and] adapt [to them].

 
: (affirmation)
  ye
: (affirmation)
 

The Art of War 1.5.a

All protective screens are deception.

The official text says here: “war is deception”. For our rulers as they really are, everything is a deception. The only necessary pun is again of bīng “soldiers” with bǐng “hiding”. The rest of the meaning is implicit: The text doesn’t say anywhere against whom all these schemes are to be used, so they could be anyone, even one’s subjects.

The Art of War 1.6.a

Encrypted: A protective / screen / [for] hiding, [is of] deception a path. Therefore [when you have] power, then show it [as if you do] not [have] power. [When] using [your power], then show it [as if] not using [it]. [Of a mere] perception / reflection [??], yet show it [as] the original [truth??]. [Of] the original [truth??], yet show it [as a mere] perception / reflection [??].

Official: [A war with] soldiers, [is of] craftiness / trickery a path. Therefore [when you have] capabilities, then show it [as if you do] not [have these] capabilities. [When] using [your forces], then show it [as if] not using [them]. [When being] near, then show it [as if you are] far. [When being] far, then show it [as if you are] near.

A protective / screen / [for] hiding,
bǐng: hide, suppress; píng: protect, shield, screen
  bing
bīng: soldiers
[A war with] soldiers,

 
zhě: (define term)
  zhe
zhě: (define term)
 

[is of] deception
guǐ: sly, crafty, tricky, deceitful
  gui
guǐ: sly, crafty, tricky, deceitful
[is of] craftiness / trickery

a path.
dào: way, path, method
  dao
dào: way, path, method
a path.

 
: (affirmation)
  ye
: (affirmation)
 

Therefore
: cause, therefore, reason
  gu
: cause, therefore, reason
Therefore

[when you have] power,
néng: ability, capability, power
  neng
néng: ability, capability, power
[when you have] capabilities,

then
ér: and, then
  er
ér: and, then
then

show
shì: show, reveal
  shi
shì: show, reveal
show

it
zhī: him, it
  zhi
zhī: him, it
it

[as if you do] not
: not
  bu
: not
[as if you do] not

[have] power.
néng: can, able, ability, capability
  neng
néng: can, able, ability, capability
[have these] capabilities.

[When] using [your power],
yòng: use, employ
  yong
yòng: use, employ
[When] using [your forces],

then
ér: and, then
  er
ér: and, then
then

show
shì: show, reveal
  shi
shì: show, reveal
show

it
zhī: him, it
  zhi
zhī: him, it
it

[as if] not
: not
  bu
: not
[as if] not

using [it].
yòng: use, employ
  yong
yòng: use, employ
using [them].

[Of a mere] perception / reflection [??],
jìng: mirror, reflect, reflect, perceive
  jin
jìn: near, close
[When being] near,

yet
ér: and, then
  er
ér: and, then
then

show
shì: show, reveal
  shi
shì: show, reveal
show

it
zhī: him, it
  zhi
zhī: him, it
it

[as] the original [truth??].
yuán: original, primary
  yuan
yuǎn: far, distant
[as if you are] far.

[Of] the original [truth??],
yuán: original, primary
  yuan
yuǎn: far, distant
[When being] far,

yet
ér: yet, then
  er
ér: yet, then
then

show
shì: show, reveal
  shi
shì: show, reveal
show

it
zhī: him, it
  zhi
zhī: him, it
it

[as a mere] perception / reflection [??].
jìng: mirror, reflect, reflect, perceive
  jin
jìn: near, close
[as if you are] near.

The Art of War 1.6.a

Spread confusion, hide the truth, make them labor.

Again, these advices about deception need very little punnery to be applied to general spooky ruling, i.e. deceiving one’s subjects. Again, the mentioned schemes are supposedly to be used against some enemy, but the word “enemy” is never used in the text, it’s only ever “them”. Note especially the part about “making them labor”!

The Art of War 1.6.b

Encrypted: Benefit yet [from] enticing them [your subjects?]. [Throw them into] confusion, then exhaust them. [As for] the truth, yet hide it from them. [If they are] violent, then force / press them. [If they are easy to] anger, then disturb / scold / stir / [have] vent [?] them. [Feign to be?] humble, and pretend / feign it / [towards] them. [When they are] at ease / leisure, then [make] toil / labor them.

Official: Benefit yet [from] tempting them [your enemies?]. [Throw them into] confusion, then get / take them. [If they have] solid [forces?], then be prepared [for] them. [If they are] strong, then avoid them. [If they are easy to] anger, then disturb / bother / upset them. [Feign to be?] humble, then [make] arrogant them. [When they are] at ease / leisure, then [make] toil / labor them.

Benefit
: benefit, profit
  li
: benefit, profit
Benefit

yet [from]
ér: and, yet, then
  er
ér: and, yet, then
yet [from]

enticing
yòu: entice, tempt
  you
yòu: entice, tempt
tempting

them [your subjects?].
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them [your enemies?].

[Throw them into] confusion,
luàn: confusion, disorder
  luan
luàn: confusion, disorder
[Throw them into] confusion,

then
ér: and, then
  er
ér: and, then
then

exhaust
: bend, yield, exhaust
  qu
: take, get
get / take

them.
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them.

[As for] the truth,
shí: real, true, honest
  shi
shí: solid
[If they have] solid [forces?],

yet
ér: and, then
  er
ér: and, then
then

hide it from
bèi: hide something from
  bei
bèi: prepare, get ready
be prepared

them.
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
[for] them.

[If they are] violent,
qiáng: violent
  qiang
qiáng: strong, powerful
[If they are] strong,

then
ér: and, then
  er
ér: and, then
then

force / press
: force, press, extort, compel
  bi
: avoid, shun, flee, hide from
avoid

them.
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them.

[If they are easy to] anger,
: anger, fury
  nu
: anger, fury
[If they are easy to] anger,

then
ér: and, then
  er
ér: and, then
then

disturb / scold / stir / [have] vent [?]
nào: disturb, joke, scold, vent (feelings)
  nao
náo: stir, disturb, bother, upset
disturb / bother / upset

them.
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them.

[Feign to be?] humble,
bēi: low, vulgar, inferior, humble
  bei
bēi: low, vulgar, inferior, humble
[Feign to be?] humble,

and
ér: and, then
  er
ér: and, then
then

pretend / feign
jiǎo: pretend, feign; jiǎo: pretend, counterfeit
  jiao
jiāo: proud, arrogant
[make] arrogant

it / [towards] them.
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them.

[When they are] at ease / leisure,
: easy, leisurely
  yi
: easy, leisurely
[When they are] at ease / leisure,

then
ér: and, then
  er
ér: and, then
then

[make] toil / labor
láo: toil, labor
  lao
láo: toil, labor
[make] toil / labor

them.
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them.

The Art of War 1.6.b

Separate from your relatives.

The literal meaning of this paragraph is again of not much use: “if they get close, then leave”. Brilliant! But it may encrypt a key concept of spookery: Hiding of all family relations, to conceal the aristocratic nepotism. And you don’t need to change a single character: qīn means “close”, but also “relatives”!

That aristocrats must hide their nepotist family relations is written in Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 18:6, Art of War 1.6, Bello Judaico 1.34.

The Art of War 1.6.c

Encrypted: [As for your] parents / relatives, yet [feign to] be separate / independent [of] them.

Official: [When their armies] approach / are close [???], then part / go away from [???] them.

[As for your] parents / relatives,
qīn: intimate, parent, relative, related
  qin
qīn: close, approach
[When their armies] approach / are close [???],

yet
ér: and, then
  er
ér: and, then
then

[feign to] be separate / independent
: separate, independent of
  li
: leave, part from, away from
part / go away from [???]

[of] them.
zhī: him, it, them
  zhi
zhī: him, it, them
them.

The Art of War 1.6.c

Let them have no idea. Don’t put on the mask when seen.

Again, the literal text isn’t much of a big secret: “Don’t make your plans known in advance.” That’s hardly strategic genius. The encrypted text is almost as obvious: “Don’t put on the disguise when seen.”

The Art of War 1.6.d

Encrypted: Handle [all] this [when they are] not prepared. Appear [to] them [so they have] no idea. [For] this protective / screen / [for] hiding school of thought [of it] the success, not may [one] visibly put it on.

Official: Attack them [when they are] not prepared. Appear [on] them [when they have] no idea. [For] this military school of thought [of it] the success, not may [one] in advance pass on [this information].

Handle
gōng: accuse, study, handle
  gong
gōng: attack
Attack

[all] this
: he, it, they
  qi
: he, it, they
them

[when they are] not
: no, not, none
  wu
: no, not, none
[when they are] not

prepared.
bèi: prepare, get ready
  bei
bèi: prepare, get ready
prepared.

Appear
chū: go out, put forth, appear
  chu
chū: go out, put forth, appear
Appear

[to] them
: he, it, they
  qi
: he, it, they
[on] them

[so they have] no
: not
  bu
: not
[when they have] no

idea.
: idea, intention
  yi
: idea, intention
idea.

[For] this
: this, these
  ci
: this, these
[For] this

protective / screen / [for] hiding
bǐng: hide, suppress; píng: protect, shield, screen
  bing
bīng: soldiers
military

school of thought
jiā: school of thought
  jia
jiā: school of thought
school of thought

[of it]
zhī: him, it
  zhi
zhī: him, it
[of it]

the success,
shèng: victory, success
  sheng
shèng: victory, success
the success,

not
: not
  bu
: not
not

may [one]
: can, may
  ke
: can, may
may [one]

visibly
xiàn: appear, present, manifest, visible
  xian
xiān: early, in advance
in advance

put it on.
穿 chuān: put on, dress, wear
  chuan
chuán: pass on, spread, transmit
pass on [this information].

 
: (affirmation)
  ye
: (affirmation)
 

The Art of War 1.6.d

Much planning will succeed.

Again, only a single word mentions zhàn “war”, which could easily be a codeword for zhàng “veiling”. The generic advice for “better planning” could again be applied to anything.

The Art of War 1.7.a

Encrypted: [When] not yet [in his] covering veil yet ingeniously [?] planning [it] [the] successful one, [he] will [??] plan a lot. [When] not yet [in his] covering veil yet ingeniously [?] planning [it] [the] not successful one, [he] will [??] plan [only] little. Much planning [will] succeed, little planning [will] not succeed, yet let alone as to no planning, [is it not]? I use these [ideas] [for the] display / show [of it] the success [or] failure [to] see.

Official: [When] not yet [in] battle yet [in his?] shrine [???] planning [it] [the] successful one, [he] will [??] plan a lot. [When] not yet [in] battle yet [in his?] shrine [???] planning [it] [the] not successful one, [he] will [??] plan [only] little. Much planning [will] succeed, little planning [will] not succeed, yet let alone as to no planning, [is it not]? I use these [ideas] [to] see this, victory [or] defeat [I] see.

 
: (introduce topic)
  fu
: (introduce topic)
 

[When] not yet
wèi: not yet
  wei
wèi: not yet
[When] not yet

[in his] covering veil
zhàng: covering veil, curtain, screen
  zhan
zhàn: fight, war, battle
[in] battle

yet
ér: and, but, yet
  er
ér: and, but, yet
yet

ingeniously [?]
miào: ingenious, clever
  miao
miào: temple, shrine
[in his?] shrine [???]

planning [it]
shuàn: trick, fool
  suan
suàn: calculate, plan, design
planning [it]

[the] successful
shèng: victory, success
  sheng
shèng: victory, success
[the] successful

one,
zhě: one who
  zhe
zhě: one who
one,

[he] will [??]
děi: must, will
  dei
děi: must, will
[he] will [??]

plan
suàn: calculate, plan, design
  suan
suàn: calculate, plan, design
plan

a lot.
duō: many, much
  duo
duō: many, much
a lot.

 
: (affirmation)
也;   ye
: (affirmation)
 

[When] not yet
wèi: not yet, not
  wei
wèi: not yet, not
[When] not yet

[in his] covering veil
zhàng: covering veil, curtain, screen
  zhan
zhàn: fight, war, battle
[in] battle

yet
ér: and, but, yet
  er
ér: and, but, yet
yet

ingeniously [?]
miào: ingenious, clever
  miao
miào: temple, shrine
[in his?] shrine [???]

planning [it]
suàn: calculate, plan, design
  suan
suàn: calculate, plan, design
planning [it]

[the] not
: not
  bu
: not
[the] not

successful
shèng: victory, success
  sheng
shèng: victory, success
successful

one,
zhě: (define term)
  zhe
zhě: (define term)
one,

[he] will [??]
děi: must, will
  dei
děi: must, will
[he] will [??]

plan
suàn: calculate, plan, design
  suan
suàn: calculate, plan, design
plan

[only] little.
shǎo: few, less
  shao
shǎo: few, less
[only] little.

 
: (affirmation)
也;   ye
: (affirmation)
 

Much
duō: many, much
  duo
duō: many, much
Much

planning
suàn: calculate, plan, design
  suan
suàn: calculate, plan, design
planning

[will] succeed,
shèng: victory, success
  sheng
shèng: victory, success
[will] succeed,

little
shǎo: few, less
  shao
shǎo: few, less
little

planning
suàn: calculate, plan, design
  suan
suàn: calculate, plan, design
planning

[will] not
: not
  bu
: not
[will] not

succeed,
shèng: victory, success
  sheng
shèng: victory, success
succeed,

yet
ér: and, but, yet
  er
ér: and, but, yet
yet

let alone
kuàng: moreover, let alone
  kuang
kuàng: moreover, let alone
let alone

as to
: in, at, to, from
  yu
: in, at, to, from
as to

no
: no, none
  wu
: no, none
no

planning,
suàn: calculate, plan, design
  suan
suàn: calculate, plan, design
planning,

[is it not]?
: (question)
乎?   hu
: (question)
[is it not]?

I
: I, my
  wu
: I, my
I

use
: use, by, with
  yi
: use, by, with
use

these [ideas]
: this, these
  ci
: this, these
these [ideas]

[for the] display / show
guān: play, display, show, appearance
  guan
guān: see, observe, behold
[to] see

[of it]
zhī: (possession)
  zhi
zhī: this, these
this,

the success
shèng: victory, success
  sheng
shèng: victory, success
victory

[or] failure
: lose, defeated
  fu
: lose, defeated
[or] defeat

[to] see.
jiàn: see
  jian
jiàn: see
[I] see.

 
: (final particle)
  yi
: (final particle)
 

The Art of War 1.7.a

Actors and costumes are expensive.

In this list of war expenses, we finally find some very obvious hints that the whole text is not about war. Instead, there are clues that it’s all about huge theatrical mock-ups:

The Art of War 2.1.a

Encrypted: Sun Tzu says: All usage / expenses [of] a protective / screen / [for] hiding [these] methods, [with] spread-out / supportive [?] theater [workers?] [in the] tousands [of] teams, [with] changed / altered / individual [?] theater [actors?] [in the] tousands [of] presented appearances / shapes, the girding shells [dresses] tens [of] ten thousands;

Official: Sun Tzu says: All expenses [for using] soldiers [these] methods, [with] fast running chariots [in the] tousands [of] teams, [with supporting] weapons / armor chariots [in the] tousands [of] chariots, [soldiers] girded [in] armor tens [of] ten thousands;

Sun Tzu
孫子 sūnzǐ: Sun Tzu
孫子   sun zi
孫子 sūnzǐ: Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu

says:
yuē: say
  yue
yuē: say
says:

All
fán: every, all
  fan
fán: every, all
All

usage / expenses
yòng: use, employ
  yong
yòng: expenses, outlay
expenses

[of] a protective / screen / [for] hiding
bǐng: hide, suppress; píng: protect, shield, screen
  bing
bīng: soldiers
[for using] soldiers

 
zhī: (possession)
  zhi
zhī: (possession)
 

[these] methods,
: law, rule, method
  fa
: law, rule, method
[these] methods,

[with] spread-out / supportive [?]
chí: disseminate, spread afar; chí: support
  chi
chí: run fast, gallop
[with] fast running

theater [workers?]
: theatrical work, play, opera, drama
  ju
: chariot
chariots

[in the] tousands
qiān: thousand
  qian
qiān: thousand
[in the] tousands

[of] teams,
: team of 4 horses
  si
: team of 4 horses
[of] teams,

[with] changed / altered / individual [?]
: change, alter; : individual
  ge
: leather, leather armour, leather weaponry
[with supporting] weapons / armor

theater [actors?]
: theatrical work, play, opera, drama
  ju
: chariot
chariots

[in the] tousands
qiān: thousand
  qian
qiān: thousand
[in the] tousands

[of] presented appearances / shapes,
chéng: present appearance, assume shape
  sheng
shèng: 4 horse chariot; chéng: ride, mount
[of] chariots,

the girding
dài: band, belt, girdle
  dai
dài: band, belt, girdle
[soldiers] girded

shells [dresses]
jiǎ: armor, plating, shell
  jia
jiǎ: armor, plating, shell
[in] armor

tens
shí: ten
  shi
shí: ten
tens

[of] ten thousands;
wàn: ten thousand
萬;   wan
wàn: ten thousand
[of] ten thousands;

The Art of War 2.1.a

Stage changes, glue & paint are expensive.

The giveaway list of ridiculous “expenses” continues:

The Art of War 2.1.b

Encrypted: [For] thousands of veiled [people] the food / the masking [?], then [of] inside [rooms!] [and] outside [locations!] the expenses [including of all] the changes / transformations the expenses, [of] glue [!!!] [and] paint [!!!] the material, [of] theatrical shells the sewing [!!!]; [Every] day the expenses [will be] thousands [of] gold [coins], after tens [of] ten thousands of experts [have been] raised.

Official: [For them to march?] thousands of Li the food [and] grain, then [of] inner [and] outer [territory?] the expenses [including those of all] visitors / guests the expenses, [of] glue [???] [and] paint [???] the material, [of] chariots [and] armor the received / services [???]; [Every] day the expenses [will be] thousands [of] gold [coins], after tens [of] ten thousands of troops [have been] raised.

[For] thousands
qiān: thousand
  qian
qiān: thousand
[For them to march?] thousands

of veiled [people]
: veil, kerchief
  li
: li, ancient measure of length
of Li

the food / the masking [?],
鬼臉 guǐliǎn: grimace, face mask
饋糧   kui liang
kuì: food; liáng: grain, food
the food [and] grain,

then
: but, then
  ze
: but, then
then

[of] inside [rooms!]
nèi: inner room, room
  nei
nèi: inside, inner
[of] inner

[and] outside [locations!]
wài: outside, external
  wai
wài: outside, out
[and] outer [territory?]

 
zhī: (possession)
  zhi
zhī: (possession)
 

the expenses
fèi: cost, spend, expenses
  fei
fèi: cost, spend, expenses
the expenses

[including of all] the changes / transformations
變革 biàngé: change, transform
賓客   bin ke
賓客 bīnkè: visitors, guests
[including those of all] visitors / guests

 
zhī: (possession)
  zhi
zhī: (possession)
 

the expenses,
yòng: expenses, outlay
  yong
yòng: expenses, outlay
the expenses,

[of] glue [!!!]
jiāo: glue
  jiao
jiāo: glue
[of] glue [???]

[and] paint [!!!]
: paint
  qi
: paint
[and] paint [???]

 
zhī: (possession)
  zhi
zhī: (possession)
 

the material,
cái: timber, material
  cai
cái: timber, material
the material,

[of] theatrical
: theatrical work, play, opera, drama
  ju
: chariot
[of] chariots

shells
jiǎ: armor, plating, shell
  jia
jiǎ: armor, plating, shell
[and] armor

 
zhī: (possession)
  zhi
zhī: (possession)
 

the sewing [!!!];
féng: sew, stitch
  feng
fèng: offer, receive, serve
the received / services [???];

[Every] day
: sun, day
  ri
: sun, day
[Every] day

the expenses
fèi: cost, spend, expenses
  fei
fèi: cost, spend, expenses
the expenses

[will be] thousands
qiān: thousand
  qian
qiān: thousand
[will be] thousands

[of] gold [coins],
jīn: gold, money
  jin
jīn: gold, money
[of] gold [coins],

after
然後 ránhòu: after, afterwards
然後   ran hou
然後 ránhòu: after, afterwards
after

tens
shí: ten
  shi
shí: ten
tens

[of] ten thousands
wàn: ten thousand
  wan
wàn: ten thousand
[of] ten thousands

 
zhī: (possession)
  zhi
zhī: (possession)
 

of experts
shī: master, expert, model
  shi
shī: troops
of troops

[have been] raised.
: lift, raise
  ju
: lift, raise
[have been] raised.

 
: (final particle)
  yi
: (final particle)
 

The Art of War 2.1.b

🏷  Chinese interlinear · text