# Six Greatest Stratagems in History

**Favor Redistribution Edict → The Greatest Stratagem of All Time**
(Emperor Wu of Han) Forced feudal lords to divide their fiefdoms among all their sons, including illegitimate ones, fragmenting their territories. Non-compliance = internal chaos; compliance = territories shrink continuously.

**Two Peaches Kill Three Warriors → The Most Ruthless Human Nature Stratagem**
(Yan Zi) Rewarded two peaches to incite three warriors to compete for credit. Competing for peaches = lose face; not competing = inferior to others. Result: all three committed suicide.

**Besiege Wei to Rescue Zhao → The Most Classic Military Stratagem**
(Sun Bin) Wei attacked Zhao, and Zhao sought help. Sun Bin didn't directly rescue Zhao; instead, he attacked Wei. Pang Juan knew it was a trap but had to withdraw troops to defend Wei.

**Hold the Emperor Hostage to Command the Feudal Lords → The Strongest Moral Stratagem**
(Cao Cao) Cao Cao brought Emperor Xian of Han to his side and issued orders using the emperor's name. Opposing him = opposing the court; not opposing = going along with him.

**Distant Alliance and Nearby Attack → The Clearest Geopolitical Stratagem**
(Fan Ju) Formed alliances with distant Qi and Chu while concentrating military force to attack neighboring Han and Wei. Intentions clear, gradual encroachment, ultimately unified the Six States.

**A Cup of Wine, Relinquishing Military Power → The Most Direct Stratagem**
(Zhao Kuangyin) Zhao Kuangyin invited major generals for wine and said directly: "I fear you might also be forced into rebellion by your subordinates through the Yellow Robe Incident. You can now surrender your military power, and I'll guarantee you wealth and honor for life." Military power was surrendered without resistance.