Letting Go of the Small Fish to Catch the Big Fish
故事全文
In the early years of the Han dynasty, news that prince Mao Dun of the country Syong Nu country murdered his own father and enthroned himself as the new king spread to neighboring country of Dong Hu . The Dong Hu country wanted to see what kind of person Mao Dun was, so they sent an emissary requesting for the king's horse. The officials of Syong Nu country disapprove, "This is the horse left by the late king. How can we give it away?" But Mao Dun smiled and said, "Dong Hu country is our neighbor. How can we lose their precious friendship just because of a horse?" So he gave his horse to Dong Hu country.
Later Dong Hu country sent the emissary again, this time requesting for the queen of Syong Nu country. The officials were up at arms in protest. But Mao Dun just smiled and said, "I can not afford to lose the friendship with our neighbor just because of a woman." So again he gave his queen to Dong Hu country .
Three months later, Dong Hu country sent the emissary again, this time demanding a piece of land from Syong Nu country. But this time, Mao Dun rose from his chair and said furiously, "Land is the foundation of a country. How can we give it away?" He ordered the emissary arrested and ordered an attack on Dong Hu country as soon as possible. Because Mao Dun invaded Dong Hu country without any prior warning, Dong Hu country was caught completely off guard. As a result, Mao Dun conquered Dong Hu country in no time.
Strategy 16: Letting Go of the Small Fish to Catch the Big Fish
Don not push your enemy too hard. Let him expend his strength first. Then when his morale and his guard are down, attack him at once. The enemy will fall into chaos, and we will be able to achieve victory at the lowest cost.
