The translation and annotations of "On the War of Cao GUI" are as follows:

Translation:

In the spring of the tenth year of Duke Zhuang of Lu, the Qi army attacked our Lu State. Duke Zhuang of Lu was about to fight, and Cao GUI asked to see Duke Zhuang of Lu. His fellow countrymen said: "The people in power will plan this matter, so why do you need to participate?" Cao GUI said: "The people in power are short-sighted and cannot make far-sighted plans." So he went to the court to see Duke Zhuang of Lu. Cao GUI asked: "What do you rely on to fight?"

Gong Zhuang of Lu said: "I never dare to keep food, clothing, and health-promoting things to myself. I will definitely distribute them to the ministers around me. Cao GUI replied: "Such small favors cannot spread to the people, and the people will not obey you." Lu Zhuanggong said: "I never dare to exaggerate the number of pigs, cattle, sheep, jade, silk and other sacrifices. You must tell the truth to God." Cao GUI replied: "If you can't gain the trust of the gods, the gods will not bless you."

Notes:

1. Cao GUI. (guì): A doctor of the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period. Famous military theorist.

2. Qi Division: the army of Qi State.

3. Cut: attack.

4. Gong: The general name of the princes, here refers to Duke Zhuang of Lu.

5. Plan: make plans.

Original text:

Pre-Qin Dynasty Zuo Qiuming's "On the Battle of Cao GUI"

In the spring of ten years, the Qi army attacked me. The general is fighting, and Cao GUI invites him to see him. His countrymen said: "Meat-eaters plan for it, so what's the point?" GUI said: "Meat-eaters are despicable and cannot plan far." So he came to see him. Asked: "Why fight?"

The duke said: "The food and clothing are safe. If you dare to specialize, you must divide the people." He said to him: "If the small benefits are not universal, the people will not follow." The duke said: "Sacrifice jade and silk, if you dare to add more, you must have faith." He said: "If you have little faith, you will be blessed by gods."

Appreciation of "Cao GUI's Debate"

"Cao GUI" "The Debate" comes from "Zuo Zhuan: Ten Years of Duke Zhuang". It tells the historical facts of Cao GUI's comments on the war during the Battle of Changshao, and the historical fact that he used the principle of "strengthening one force, then weakening, and three times to exhaust" during the war to defeat the powerful Qi army. The language of the article, whether it is narration or character dialogue, is extremely concise, expressive, and clear.

The article explains how to correctly apply the principle of strategic defense in war - only by "gaining the trust of the people", implementing the correct policy of "attacking when the enemy is tired", and choosing favorable opportunities for counterattack and pursuit can we win with a small force. When the enemy is strong, the weak will defeat the strong. The prose, parallelism, and even sentences are well-proportioned, which enhances the vivid effect of narrative writing.

The above content refers to Baidu Encyclopedia-Cao GUI Debate