Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 114: Military Resources; Defense; Fortification Regulations, Part 1

Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 114

Military Resources

Defense, Part 5

Fortification Regulations, Part 1

Master Mao referring to the author, Mao Yuanyi (1594–1640) says: I have indeed spoken in great detail regarding the defense of cities. However, along the various northwestern borders, our lands are interlocked like dog’s teeth A Chinese idiom meaning a jagged, complex, or overlapping border with the territories of the enemy invadersoriginal: "lu" (虜). A term historically used in Chinese texts to refer to northern nomadic groups, often translated as "barbarians" or "captives," here used to denote the mobile invading forces of the northern frontier.. If we do not establish small forts throughout the local terrain, then our children, women, cattle, sheep, grain stores, and fodder will all become resources for the enemy.

Since the enemy relies on our land for their food and supplies, we must first clear the fieldsoriginal: "qingye" (清野). A "scorched-earth" defensive strategy involving the removal or destruction of all crops and resources to prevent an invading army from living off the land. before we can engage them in battle. Only by having these local forts can we effectively "clear the fields" Without a fort to retreat into, farmers could not stay to clear their fields or would lose their own lives and property to the enemy. The enemy warriors fight for their own individual gain; therefore, we must ensure that every one of our people is prepared to...