shiji-kb

Use when commanding infantry-heavy forces against cavalry on flat terrain. Prioritizes speed over siege warfare, bypasses fortified cities, and seizes strategic objectives (armories like Luoyang武库, granaries like Ao) to neutralize cavalry advantages.

Use when facing a powerful enemy dependent on long supply lines. Based on Deng Duwei's advice during the Seven States Rebellion, employs fortified defense, allied distraction, and mobile forces to cut supply routes and starve the enemy into defeat.

Use when performing pulse examination (脉诊) to determine organ pathology and prognosis. Covers the three positions (寸关尺), three depths of pressure (浮中沉), eight pulse qualities, and seasonal correlation as practiced by Bian Que and Cang Gong.

Use when facing overwhelming opposition and deciding between fighting, retreating, or surrendering. Provides a decision matrix based on force balance, time pressure, and strategic value, with implementation steps for each option.

Use when persuading officials or leaders by aligning your proposal with their self-interest. Demonstrated by Kuai Tong and Li Yiji, this technique researches the target's fears, frames problems objectively, and presents solutions that benefit the listener.

Use when performing a comprehensive Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis. Applies the 四诊 framework (望诊 observation, 闻诊 listening/smelling, 问诊 inquiry, 切诊 pulse) to achieve pattern differentiation (辨证) and treatment planning.

Use when screening patients before committing treatment resources. Applies Bian Que's 六不治 framework to identify six incurable conditions (arrogance, greed, poor self-care, yin-yang chaos, extreme weakness, trust in shamans over physicians).

Use when commanding an inferior force that needs maximum motivation against a superior enemy. Applies Han Xin's 井陉之战 tactic: position troops in death ground (陷之死地而后生) with hidden cavalry to capture the enemy camp.

Use when defending against accusations of disloyalty or treason. Employs a rhetorical framework of family service records, historical precedents of wrongful execution (Bigan, Wu Zixu), and principle-based appeals to preserve reputation.

Use when planning to gain close access to a heavily guarded target through diplomatic channels. Based on Jing Ke's approach to the Qin King, covers intelligence gathering, asset acquisition, intermediary cultivation, and access execution.

Use when writing persuasive petitions to reverse policy decisions. Based on Li Si's 谏逐客书, combines historical precedent, analogical reasoning (reductio ad absurdum), cost-benefit analysis, and principle appeals.

Use when persuading powerful figures by appealing to their long-term self-interest. Analyzes the target's vulnerabilities (aging, lack of heirs, fading influence), formulates warnings, and presents solutions that create mutual benefit.

Use when identifying and cultivating undervalued political figures for long-term gain. Follows Lu Buwei's 奇货可居 method: assess investability, provide resources, influence gatekeepers, and secure commitment from promising candidates.

Use when you need to deliver sensitive political counsel to a new or distrustful leader. Builds trust gradually through demonstrated competence, acknowledged risk, and escalating from safe topics to dangerous internal politics.

Use when arguing against appeasement of an aggressive power demanding supremacy. Frames submission as total loss of sovereignty, cites historical precedents of destruction through capitulation, and proposes coalition resistance.

Use when advising a powerful figure to change course or retire gracefully. Systematically presents cautionary and positive historical examples to illustrate the wisdom of timely withdrawal before success reverses.

Use when facing a superior mobile enemy force, especially nomadic cavalry like the Xiongnu. Builds long-term deception through feigned cowardice, resource stockpiling, and a devastating ambush when the enemy grows overconfident.

Use when negotiating with a stronger adversary who may act in bad faith. Covers establishing baselines, demonstrating resolve through credible threats, demanding reciprocal formality, and preparing escape routes.

Use when defending a besieged city with limited forces against a superior enemy. Combines divine legitimacy, psychological manipulation, feigned weakness, and surprise attack (e.g., Tian Dan's fire cattle) to shatter enemy morale.

Use when an effective enemy commander has political vulnerabilities exploitable through disinformation. Plants rumors of rebellion or disloyalty to trigger the commander's replacement by a less competent successor.

Use when planning systematic territorial expansion across multiple neighboring states. Applies the 远交近攻 doctrine: befriend distant powers, isolate nearby targets, and conquer incrementally for secure, contiguous gains.

Use when extracting a VIP from hostile territory under surveillance. Covers disguise preparation, cover stories, timing extraction with legitimate travel, and the facilitator's willingness to accept consequences.

Use when persuading a powerful adversary to change their military or political course of action. Employs historical analogies, risk analysis, and alternative alliance proposals to redirect an opponent's strategy.

Use when facing coordinated disinformation or slander campaigns targeting your reputation. Identifies warning signs of bribery and planted criticism, and outlines defensive measures including transparent communication and alliance-building.

Use when your homeland faces an existential threat despite personal grievances with its leadership. Guides the decision to set aside conflicts, mobilize resources, and reconcile with former adversaries for collective survival.