Espionage & Victory-Sun Zi

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Espionage & Victory by Sun Zi

English: In ancient times, the rise of the Shang Dynasty over the Xia Dynasty was because its military advisor Yi Yin, had served as an official in the kingdom of Xia. Similarly, the rise of the Zhou Dynasty over the Yin Dynasty was because its military advisor, Lu Ya, had served as an official in the kingdom of Yin. Thus, it is the enlightened ruler and the capable general who are able to use the most intelligent ones from within their ranks to be deployed as spies and secret agents so as to achieve the greatest and complete victories in war. Secret operations and espionage activities form an integral part of any military campaign as the planning of strategies and the movement of troops depend heavily on them.

Modern: 从前商朝的兴起，是因为重用了曾经在夏为臣的伊尹；周朝的兴起，是因为重用了在殷为官的姜子牙。所以，明智的国君、贤能的将帅，能用高超智慧的人做间谍，一定能成就大业。这是用兵作战重要的一着，整个军队都要依靠他提供情报来采取行动。

Original: 昔殷之兴也，伊挚在夏；周之兴也，吕牙在殷。故明君贤将，能以上智为间者，必成大功。此兵之要，三军所恃而动也。

Business Application:

From: Sun Zi Art of War Chapter 13