Chinese Idiom: 兵贵神速 (Bing Gui Shen Su)
English Translation: Speed is of utmost importance in warfare
pīn yīn: bīng guì shén sù
Idiom Meaning: This idiom emphasizes that the essence of military operations lies in their swiftness and unpredictability, making it difficult for the enemy to respond effectively.
Historical Source: From Sunzi’s Art of War, specifically in the chapter Jiu Di (九地)
Idiom Story:
The concept of “兵贵神速” is illustrated through an account from Records of the Three Kingdoms, specifically in the biography of Guo Jia, a military strategist who served under Cao Cao. In 207 AD, Cao Cao led a large army to pursue the remnants of Yuan Shao’s forces, led by his sons Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, who had retreated to the territory of the Wuhuan people (a nomadic group).
Due to the long journey and the heavy baggage of supplies, Cao Cao’s army moved slowly, taking over a month to reach the town of Yicheng. Recognizing the need for a rapid response, strategist Guo Jia advised Cao Cao, stating, “Speed is of utmost importance in warfare. We should leave behind much of our heavy baggage and send a lighter force to penetrate deep into enemy territory unexpectedly.”
Cao Cao took this advice to heart, taking a contingent of several thousand light troops and marching quickly north. They traversed rugged terrain, covering over five hundred miles to reach the stronghold of the Wuhuan leader, Tatu, in Liucheng (modern-day Liaoning). In a surprise attack at Bailang Mountain, over a hundred miles from Liucheng, Cao Cao’s forces inflicted a crushing defeat on Tatu’s cavalry, leading to the death of many of Tatu’s generals in the chaos.
Following this unexpected victory, the remaining Yuan forces, realizing their situation was hopeless, fled to seek refuge with Gongsun Kang in Liaodong but were soon killed. Cao Cao’s swift maneuvering not only secured a decisive victory but also eliminated a significant threat from the north.
This story exemplifies the principle of “兵贵神速,” highlighting that in military operations, the element of speed and surprise can lead to success against larger forces.
