Signals from Envoy-Sun Tzu

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Signals from Envoy - Sun Tzu

English: When the envoy of the enemy speaks humbly and lowly while preparations are being intensified, the enemy is planning to attack. When the envoy of the enemy speaks in arrogantly and aggressively with threats to attack, the enemy is preparing to withdraw. When the envoy of the enemy asks for a truce when there is no prior agreement nor understanding, the enemy is scheming.

Modern: 敌方使者言辞谦卑而实际上又积极备战，表示是要向我进攻；敌方使者言辞强硬而军队有向我逼近，表示他要撤退；敌方使者在没有前提下求和，其中必有阴谋；

Original: 辞卑而益备者，进也；辞强而进驱者，退也；无约而请和者，谋也；

Business Application:

From: Sun Tzu Art of War Chapter 9