《墨子》Vol. 15

When enemies approach from the east, erect an altar in the eastern sector of the city. The altar should stand eight chi high, with a platform width corresponding to the number eight years. Eight elders aged eighty shall preside over the ceremony, using cyan banners and enshrining an eight-chi-tall Qing Shen (the Azure Deity of the East). Prepare eight crossbows, each firing eight arrows before ceasing. Commanders must wear cyan attire and offer chickens as sacrifices.

For invaders from the south, construct a seven-chi altar in the southern sector with a platform spanning seven years' measure. Seven septuagenarian elders officiate with vermilion banners and a seven-chi Chi Shen (the Crimson Deity of the South), deploying seven crossbows that each release seven arrows. Commanders don red garments and sacrifice dogs.

Western adversaries warrant a nine-chi western altar matching nine years' span. Nine nonagenarians conduct rites with white banners and a nine-chi Su Shen (the White Deity of the West), employing nine crossbows that each shoot nine bolts. Officers wear white and offer sheep.

Northern incursions require a six-chi northern altar corresponding to six years. Six elders of sixty perform rituals with black banners and a six-chi Hei Shen (the Black Deity of the North), six crossbows discharging six arrows each. Commanders attire in black with swine sacrifices (textual lacuna supplemented by ritual conventions).

At renowned shrines beyond the walls, effective shamans shall perform invocations with complete sacrificial livestock. Cloud-observers must discern qi patterns indicating general's aura, lieutenant's aura, enemy movement qi, and victory/defeat omens—mastery of these signs predicts battle outcomes. Recruit experts in shamanism, medicine, and divination while stockpiling medicinal supplies. Shaman quarters must adjoin public altars, maintaining reverence for spirits. When consulting oracles about defense strategies, the city commander alone judges their veracity.

Officials or civilians spreading rumors to incite panic face severe investigation and punishment. Cloud-diviners reside near government offices. Select virtuous physicians and specialists—even butchers and brewers—assigning roles like kitchen supervision according to their skills.

Fundamental defense protocols include: county overseers inspecting fortifications, dredging moats, repairing roads, and strengthening walls; officials allocating resources with craftsmen performing specialized duties; military commanders patrolling defenses and deploying troops. Each gate requires three men managing right-side bolts, two controlling left-side mechanisms, and four operating crossbars. On battlements, station one armored soldier bearing a halberd per bu (double-step), appointing a squad leader every five bu, platoon leader every ten bu, company commander every hundred bu. Critical positions fall under intermediate Dalu and senior generals, each with dedicated officers. Every rampart stairway has designated guardians.

This passage documents the material allocation, defensive deployments, and flag signaling systems used in ancient city defense. When defending a city, all firewood, grass, and drinking water within a thirty-li radius were to be gathered inside the walls. Livestock like dogs, pigs, and chickens were slaughtered to make preserved meat paste, while bones were collected as raw materials. The exterior walls of all buildings within the city were reinforced with mud plaster to protect against enemy arrows.

For nighttime defense, dogs and horses were to be tethered to maintain silence. At the sound of drums, defenders would shout in unison—a tactic that both intimidated enemies and steadied civilian morale. Commanders would don plain garments and take oaths at the ancestral temple (the imperial place of ancestor worship), declaring: "Should the enemy act without Dao (the Way), I shall defend our state, joining my officers and men in holding this city unto death." After the oath, officials assumed their positions: the Zhu Shi (ritual officers) guarded the Altar of Soil and Grain, while other officials waited at the right side of the central ancestral temple.

The flag system was meticulously designed: blue flags represented timber, red for fire, yellow for kindling, white for stones, black for water, and mushroom-shaped flags denoted grain supplies. Special units had distinctive banners—the suicide corps used goshawk flags, elite troops the Yu banners, infantry double-hare flags, youth squads child flags, and female soldiers ladder-tip flags. Weapons too had dedicated standards: crossbow units flew dog flags, halberdiers the Ji banners, sword-and-shield troops feather flags, chariots dragon flags, and cavalry bird flags. Unforeseen situations required improvised flags matching the object's shape. When a specific flag was raised on the walls, the corresponding official had to immediately prepare the designated materials.

Defensive stockpiles included abundant reserves of stones, firewood, reeds, lumber, charcoal, sand, pine, cypress, mugwort, and wormwood. This comprehensive system reflects the meticulous defensive thinking of the ancient military strategist Mozi (founder of Mohism) regarding urban fortifications.

This passage comes from the "Commands" chapter of Mozi, detailing the comprehensive defensive systems of ancient walled cities. In modern terms:

Regarding material reserves and defensive arrangements: Ample supplies of hemp oil, metals, and grain must be stockpiled, with wells and stoves strategically positioned. Essential materials should have designated storage areas, weapons must be categorized and labeled (the "Five Weapons" refer to dagger-axes, staffs, halberds, long spears, and short spears), different military units distinguished by unique banners, and all regulations clearly documented.

The signaling system for defense: Roadside sentry posts (tingwei) should erect flagpoles 2.5 zhang (approx. 5.8m) high, displaying 1.5 zhang (3.5m) long, half-width banners as alarm markers. When facing large-scale enemy attacks, drums should be beaten three to eight times sequentially as enemies advance through different defensive zones (outer moats, wall approaches, parapets), accompanied by raising corresponding numbers of flags. At night, fire beacons replace flags, with the same count used for lowering signals upon enemy retreat.

Wall construction standards: The main city wall measures 50 chi (approx. 11.5m) in length with four gates. Officers' garrison sections decrease progressively from 40 chi to 30 chi segments, with minimum wall height set at 45 chi (10m). Defenders wear distinctive insignia—wall sentries on their backs, ground troops on left helmet flaps, and central command (zhongjun) personnel on their chests.

The drum command system: Central command maintains three drums while other posts keep one each. Thirty drumbeats constitute a complete signal, with officers required to respond strictly in sequence—failure to comply or improper responses warrant execution of responsible parties. Main thoroughfares measure 30 bu (45m) wide with dual staircases on each side.

Residential management: Public latrines (hun) should be built beyond roadways, enclosed by walls over 12 chi high. Intersection checkpoints require dual guards who must deny passage without proper credentials. All civilians and soldiers wear distinct colored uniforms for identification.

Defensive works specifications: Livestock pens (defensive barriers) maintain interior widths of 25 bu and exterior widths of 10 bu, arranged according to terrain. Exhausted guards must be rotated, with outstanding performers rewarded food and honored with "Hundred-Household Settlement" banners. All markers must clearly indicate ownership (e.g., "So-and-so's banner").

The essence of these meticulous defensive regulations lies in strategic geographical utilization. When terrain advantages are properly leveraged, defense succeeds; when mismanaged, it fails.

This passage outlines the key principles and concrete arrangements for ancient city defense. It primarily covers the following aspects:

If the commander is incompetent, the soldiers' efforts will be in vain. Thorough preparations must be made before defending a city, otherwise it will be difficult to stabilize both troops and civilians. If officers, soldiers and citizens are not united in purpose, the responsibility falls entirely on the commander.

Rewards, punishments and governance should all be based on merit. The ruler should regularly send envoys to comfort and reward troops stationed at border posts defending against barbarian invasions. Inspect whether border regions have sufficient material reserves and whether the terrain is suitable for defense. Border county towns must be well-equipped with weapons and armor, while also observing local vegetation conditions—if trees grow poorly, their use should be conserved. Uncultivated land leads to food shortages, and without large buildings, more thatch must be used.

City defense arrangements should be meticulous: set up interior wall walkways to store weapons, and properly arrange soldiers' quarters atop the walls. Every road must have designated personnel in charge, with two service personnel assigned per ten soldiers. City gates require specialized guards who prohibit unauthorized access, with severe punishment for violators.

The fundamental principles of city defense are: if enemies remain beyond a thousand zhang (about 3km), troops may sally forth to engage; if within a thousand zhang, do not attack. Respond flexibly according to changes in enemy formations. The highest achievement in defense is effectively inflicting casualties while holding out until reinforcements arrive. If this cannot be achieved, rely on strategy and manpower to compensate.

Specific defensive deployments: when enemies are within a hundred li (50km), the defending general must summon all officials and wealthy families' relatives to be housed and strictly protected in government offices. Each of the four city walls requires at least three hundred defenders. All four gates must be guarded by meritorious officers with one hundred soldiers per gate. Build tall towers above gates to station archers, with sentry posts every fifty paces. Divide the city into eight districts, each with an official leading four patrolmen. The elderly and children don't participate in defense but assist with census work, with each neighborhood appointing a supervisor to inspect passersby.

This passage documents the strict disciplinary regulations for ancient military defense, primarily detailing various prohibitions and punitive measures during city guarding.

When anomalies are detected during city defense, suspicious individuals must be apprehended. For missions involving four or more personnel, they must carry the identity credentials (信符 xinfu) issued by the supreme commander (大将 dajiang). If the credentials do not match or the password is incorrect, officers at the rank of 伯长 bozhang (low-ranking officer) or above must immediately detain the suspects and report to the supreme commander. Those who fail to apprehend or deliberately allow suspects to escape will be executed.

For criminals sentenced to death, their family members will also be implicated under the collective punishment system (连坐 lianzuo). The defensive configuration on the city walls requires six out of ten soldiers to wield crossbows, while the remaining four carry close-combat weapons. Women, the elderly, and children are each assigned a spear. During emergencies, three consecutive drumbeats from the central command (中军 zhongjun) will signal a complete lockdown of all city roads—violators will be beheaded.

During troop movements, men and women must use separate paths: men on the left, women on the right, with no intermingling allowed. Those who abandon their posts without authorization will be publicly executed after three days. Local wardens (里缶 lifou) and village elders (父老 fulao) must take turns guarding the residential gates (里门 limen). Rebels caught plotting against the state will suffer the punishment of 车裂 chelie (dismemberment by chariots), while accomplices will also be executed. Informants will be rewarded with two yi (镒) of gold (an ancient unit of weight).

The supreme commander dispatches patrols day and night, while defensive units on all four sides conduct self-inspections. Chimneys must extend at least four chi (尺) above rooftops to prevent fires. Arsonists will face dismemberment, and members of the same squad (同伍 tongwu) who fail to report them will be collectively punished. During firefighting, no noise is permitted, and those who leave their posts will be executed. Wardens and elders must organize firefighting efforts and promptly report to the supreme commander.

Female offenders or those involved in fires will also face collective punishment. However, those who exploit fires to create chaos will be severely punished according to law. When enemies launch sudden attacks, civilians and soldiers are strictly forbidden from making noise, gathering in groups, weeping, or using hand signals—violators will face heavy penalties. These regulations aim to prevent espionage and maintain wartime order.

This passage details the disciplinary and reward systems in ancient military forces, primarily covering behavioral norms during combat, punitive measures, and honors bestowed for meritorious service.

Battlefield Discipline: Soldiers were prohibited from pushing, colliding with, or pulling at each other's clothing, as well as from quarreling or making noise. Those who observed enemy movements without orders faced execution. If soldiers in the same five-man unit (wu) failed to stop violations, they would also be punished; however, those who intervened promptly could avoid penalties.

Punishments for Desertion: If a soldier scaled the city wall to defect, his unit members would be punished for failing to stop him. Officers who defected alongside their subordinates were to be executed, as were generals who fled with their troops. The parents, spouses, and children of deserters were subjected to the brutal punishment of dismemberment by chariots. However, those who detected and reported desertion plans in advance were exempt from punishment.

Combat Rewards: Soldiers who repelled enemy attacks so decisively that the foe could not launch another assault earned high-grade salary bonuses for their two-man team. Defending a besieged city successfully entitled the commanding general to the title of Marquis Within the Passes (a high-ranking nobility), while deputies received treatment equivalent to senior ministers. Other officials were granted noble ranks according to their positions. Male civilians who participated in the defense received two grades of honorary titles, women were awarded 5,000 coins, and the elderly or children who assisted received 1,000 coins each, along with three years of tax exemption.

Daily Guard Duties: No more than two guards were stationed per gate shift, and soldiers had to remain at their assigned posts—unauthorized absence meant death. The gate captain inspected three times daily, signaling gate closure with drumbeats. Guards had to eat at their posts, forbidden from dining elsewhere.

Behavioral Standards: Close attention was paid to the conduct of attendants like messengers, shield-bearing guards, and maids. Food offerings had to be tested for poison first. Violations of attendant regulations or delays in executing orders warranted immediate execution. Gate sentries rotated shifts morning and evening by seniority, with position adjustments made after five days based on performance. Officials were required to report individuals with frivolous behavior or bullying tendencies. Those returning from missions had to debrief, and inspectors touring counties were mandated to....

This passage from Mozi outlines military regulations for city defense, detailing specific operational protocols during wartime:

When guarding the city, designated personnel must prepare reception areas in advance before going out to meet arrivals. After the officer-in-charge enters his quarters, subordinates must follow their superiors at all times, though superiors need not accompany subordinates. Guards and hosts must mutually supervise defensive operations.

For stationed troops, detailed registries must record soldiers from the same hometown, who are prohibited from garrisoning together. Gate officials must verify tally tokens (ancient passes) — those with mismatched tokens shall not pass. Anyone ascending city walls wearing non-regulation attire must await orders inside the gates during night drum signals; only envoys bearing credentials may open or close gates.

All city gates close after ten night drumbeats, with unauthorized movers subject to interrogation. Gates reopen at morning drums, when officials must surrender keys — though token-holders are exempt. When enemies approach, five warning drumbeats precede coordinated drum responses.

Military orders demand strict enforcement with clear rewards and punishments. Public notice boards on streets ensure universal regulation awareness. Assassinating officers warrants treason charges, with informants receiving heavy rewards. Those exceeding authority face penalties, while unauthorized entry into non-jurisdictional areas requires escort to the Chief Minister of Works (Dusikong).

Reporting or capturing defectors grants exemptions: one such case commutes death sentences, two cases exempt chengdan (wall-building corvée). Families of deserters undergo registration and monitoring. Civilian resources like timber and boulders for defense must be inventoried by quantity and specification, with negligent officials held accountable.

Wall guards mutually supervise teammates — entire squads face collective punishment for unreported crimes within their group. Those apprehending criminals or reporting offenses receive immunity. Non-squad members shielding offenders incur harboring charges.

This passage describes the stringent legal codes governing ancient city defense management, comprising several key regulations:

First was the system of official accountability. If major crimes occurred outside the city walls, the garrison officials inside would be held responsible. If over ten escapees fled, the responsible officials would be demoted two ranks; if over a hundred escaped, they would be dismissed outright and reassigned as frontier soldiers. When capturing fugitives, only live apprehension of enemies counted as mission completion.

Second was material management. Commoners were permitted to exchange goods or grain for daily utensils, but all transactions had to go through officially designated intermediaries. Even for crimes committed by relatives or friends from other regions, redemption could be made through grain, money, or cloth.

The city defense communication system was extremely rigorous. Messengers were stationed every ten paces, with delays or missing transmissions punishable offenses. Both officials and citizens had to report matters through formal channels—officials delaying reports were likewise subject to punishment. Counties were required to regularly report on local elites, strategists, and officials.

Fire prevention and theft control measures were exceptionally strict. A collective responsibility system was implemented, requiring residents to monitor each other. Those whose fires spread to neighboring houses faced penalties. Acts like bullying the weak, harassing women, or causing public disturbances were strictly prohibited.

City gates and guard posts rigorously inspected all passersby. Those without official tally passes (ancient travel permits) were escorted to county offices for interrogation. Tally holders could stay at government post stations, with family visits arranged through neighborhood chiefs (local administrators).

At the grassroots level, the "Three Elders" (village officials) and neighborhood chiefs strictly controlled movement. Ordinary citizens were forbidden from entering officials' residences without authorization—violators faced punishment. Theft of military supplies or private property, even items worth just one coin, warranted penalties.

Finally, all soldiers and civilians were required to visibly display their unit affiliations. Unauthorized entry into others' defense zones was punishable. Defense materials like mats and bedding were distributed in cross-checked batches. Concealing others' contraband incurred automatic penalties. Any deaths among soldiers or civilians had to be immediately reported to relevant officials.

This passage comes from the "Defense of Cities" chapter of Mozi, documenting the harsh military laws and social control measures implemented during ancient city defenses. The content primarily outlines three types of regulations:

First, the system for caring for the wounded. It stipulates that those who die in battle should be buried simply to prevent excessive grief among their families. Injured soldiers must be sent home to recuperate, with the government providing two sheng of wine and two jin of meat daily, along with regular inspections by officials. Anyone feigning injury to evade combat would bring punishment upon their entire clan. After the battle, commanding officers were required to personally visit the homes of the fallen to offer condolences.

Second, a strict collective responsibility system. Soldiers and officials on the city walls were to monitor each other. Anyone discovering an attempt at betrayal had to report it immediately—failure to do so would result in shared guilt. Informants would be rewarded with a fief of a thousand households; if the informant was from a different unit, the reward doubled to two thousand households. Contact between soldiers or civilians and the enemy was strictly forbidden, punishable by execution.

Lastly, rigorous wartime discipline: unauthorized issuance of orders, negligence of duty, spreading panic among troops, private gatherings, failing to report to posts upon hearing battle drums, unauthorized relocation of defensive positions, personal matters delaying official duties, theft—even of infants—were all unforgivable offenses. Anyone moving without authorization in the army, lacking proper documentation, would be executed. Exaggerating enemy strength was also prohibited: falsely claiming large numbers when the enemy was few, or describing clumsy attacks as skillful, would result in severe punishment. Defenders were forbidden from conversing with the enemy or revealing conditions within the city.

This passage describes the stringent laws and personnel arrangements in ancient city defense management. The main points are:

All those who disobey orders must be severely punished and prohibited from participating in military operations. If anyone violates military commands, their parents, wives and children will also be punished under the principle of collective responsibility. Those who capture or report violators on the city walls will be rewarded with twenty jin of gold. Only the prefect (local governor) and special envoys bearing the prefect's tally are exempt from restrictions on unauthorized movements during non-designated times.

When defending the city, local elders and officials must be carefully questioned. If there are unresolved personal grievances, the involved parties should be summoned for face-to-face mediation. The city defense commander must pay special attention to such individuals and document their cases. Anyone who endangers city defense or obstructs official duties due to personal grudges will have their entire family executed. Those colluding with external enemies will be exterminated to three generations of kin, while those capturing or reporting such traitors will be rewarded according to the size of the city they help protect.

Outstanding individuals should be cultivated and maintained in contact with feudal lords to report intelligence promptly. The relatives of village elders and prominent figures should receive preferential treatment, with the government supporting those in poverty. Brave warriors and their families should receive regular supplies of wine and meat, with residences arranged near the prefect's quarters.

Defensive structures must be rigorously maintained, with city walls triple-reinforced and covered with pottery jars serving as alarm devices. City gates are guarded by designated personnel, requiring the prefect's tally for passage. Select honest and reliable garrison soldiers as guards, constructing ten-foot high walls at strategic positions.

Diviners who practice cloud observation (an ancient method of divination) should reside near the prefect, while shamans live near the community altar (site for earth god worship), both to be treated with respect. Shamans and scribes should use auspicious words to reassure the populace, but report the true situation privately to the prefect alone.

This passage records the strict regulations of the ancient Mohist school regarding grain management and city defense vigilance, primarily encompassing the following aspects:

On grain management:

Authorities required every household to truthfully report their stored quantities of the five staple crops ("five types measured in dan and sheng units"). Those found concealing or falsifying reports faced severe punishment upon verification. Whistleblowers would receive a reward equivalent to thirty percent of the confiscated grain's value, which could be paid in grain, cloth, coins, or gold. When purchasing livestock from civilians, officials had to conduct transactions at fair prices with written documentation, later compensating the owners at double the original price.

On city defense vigilance:

Special attention was given to the selection and treatment of scouts ("hou") during city defense. Scouts had to be recruited from loyal and reliable local gentry families with established households. They received privileged treatment including private residences and ample provisions of food, clothing, wine, and meat. Upon returning from missions, each scout underwent rigorous verification, with substantial rewards granted for credible intelligence. Those declining material compensation could alternatively be appointed as officials with a salary of two hundred dan.

On reward and punishment systems:

Individuals obtaining intelligence deep within enemy territory received double rewards after verification. Authorities also mandated that all reward and punishment measures be conducted secretly, preventing civilians from learning the government's actual grain reserves. Grain not delivered within stipulated deadlines would be confiscated for royal use.

These regulations reflect the Mohist emphasis on practicality and discipline, employing meticulous systems and generous benefits to ensure both city defense security and grain supply stability.

This passage details the ancient system of vigilance and regulations regarding rewards and punishments for city defense.

Regarding scout deployment: If scouts prefer benefits other than standard rewards, they may be granted an allowance of three dan of grain. Rewards for guards must be personally delivered before their parents as witnesses. Soldiers wishing to continue serving their superiors may receive double rewards and honorary titles. The scouting perimeter should not exceed ten li, with observation posts established on high ground, each manned by three sentinels.

The city's signaling system requires three markers erected from the northern approach to the walls, coordinating with beacon towers. Smoke signals are used by day and torches by night. When enemy movements are detected, their intentions must be assessed. If a small outpost appears vulnerable, evacuate the elderly, children, livestock and provisions, deploying no more than fifty scouts.

Defensive preparations demand caution when enemies approach—never underestimate them. The guard detail should not exceed three hundred, with night patrols dispatched at dusk. Each critical passage must have inspectors—at least three per li—with markers coordinating with the city walls. Scouts crossing the perimeter markers should have minimal guards stationed both inside and outside the gates.

The alarm system activates when enemies breach marker lines: city towers direct with flags while patrols sound drums (fou). Flag signals indicate threat levels—one flag for border intrusion, two for outer wall proximity, three for outer wall breach, four for main wall approach, five for main wall penetration (torches substitute flags at night).

Defensive measures require clearing all walls and trees within a hundred paces, and sealing wells to deny water. All usable materials must be cataloged and stored within walls; surplus lumber should be burned. Military discipline imposes "arrow punishment" for disturbances, obstruction, delays or missed deadlines. Death awaits rumor-mongers and slanderers of superiors. Unauthorized musical instruments incur arrow punishment unless officially permitted.

This passage comes from the "Miscellaneous Defenses" chapter of Mozi, primarily discussing ancient military discipline and city defense deployments. Here's a simplified interpretation:

Regarding military discipline: Galloping chariots or running crowds within the army are strictly prohibited—violators face execution by archery. Unauthorized grazing of oxen or horses is punishable by execution. Those who fail to observe designated meal times face execution. Singing or weeping in camp is forbidden under penalty of death. Officers must enforce punishments strictly—those who witness offenses without punishment will share the guilt, while those harboring deserters will be executed. If commanders violate military regulations and cause troop disorder, they too face execution.

Concerning city defense arrangements: Executions must be conducted publicly in marketplaces. City gates require double sentries, with rotating shifts ensuring no gaps during meal breaks. The gate captain must conduct headcounts and investigate unauthorized absences. Four guards are stationed at inner gates, two at outer gates. Visitors must stand armed, while sentries maintain watch from elevated palace positions. Any sightings of chariots outside the walls or unusual activity within must be reported immediately to the city prefect for verification.

Defensive structures: Roads around the palace should have barriers with three-meter-high parapets on both sides. Defensive preparations begin at cockcrow, with strict document inspections. Garrison troops are stationed along roads outside the walls, while watchtowers with alarm drums are erected at high points in streets. Torches guide drum signals at night. A latrine is established every fifty paces, maintained by minor offenders as punishment.

Finally, the disciple Qinzi discusses siege tactics with Mozi: When enemies employ the "sheep mound" tactic (building earthen siege ramps), Mozi points out this clumsy method merely exhausts troops without breaching defenses. Against such tactics: engage distant attackers with ranged weapons, and meet close assaults with hand-to-hand combat.

(Note: "Sheep mound" refers to the ancient tactic of building earthen platforms for height advantage in sieges; "parapets" are low defensive walls; and "palace aides" refers to court attendant-officials.)

This passage discusses tactical arrangements for defending ancient cities and specifications for constructing defensive weaponry.

When defending a city, prevent enemy forces from approaching to avoid arrow and projectile attacks. Install rapid-firing devices (lanwei pillars) on both sides of the city walls, with sturdy fortifications at the rear to maintain troop morale. Commanders must exercise caution in directing operations, preventing defensive troops from developing fear of battle while making besieging enemies feel pressured.

Cultivate soldiers' courage and boost civilian morale. Troop deployment requires strategic planning—victory against superior numbers makes defeat less likely. Continuous troop training is essential, otherwise defenses will crumble. Against scaling ladders, widen the walls for defense. Where walls cannot be widened, reinforce with wooden stakes, constructing fortifications every hundred paces on both sides.

Defenders must prepare multiple weapons: dropping stones, sand and charcoal from heights, using fire attacks and boiling water as supplementary defenses. Select elite soldiers and strictly enforce reward-punishment systems to maintain discipline. Commanders must remain composed, avoiding anxiety that impairs judgment. With boosted morale, one soldier can withstand a hundred.

Detailed specifications for defensive structures are recorded: Qu (a type of fortification) measures fifteen chi long, buried three chi underground; arrows measure twelve chi long; Qu width measures sixteen chi, with other sections twelve chi; vertical sections measure four chi. Install one ladder-Qu every ten zhang, approximately 258 Qu nodes every two li.

Construct outposts at crucial approaches outside the city to obstruct enemies. At particularly dangerous locations, build three watchtowers in triangular formation (Weaver Girl formation) for mutual support. Defend key positions like mountains, hills and city gates, deploying scouts to monitor enemy movements.

Before battle, properly settle civilians within the city, registering government and private residences to coordinate housing allocation. Allow civilians to stay with relatives if desired, but requisition grain, livestock and valuables for city reserves. During emergencies, assemble civilians inside gates, evacuating immediately when enemies attack. Compensate civilians for donated supplies at market rates with proper documentation.

Finally, circular watchtowers should exceed three zhang in height, equipped with retractable ladders (bi ladders) having three-chi-long arms connected to city gates for rapid response. These fortifications must be rationally deployed according to terrain strengths to perfect the defensive system.

This passage documents ancient military defense systems, focusing on beacon fire signaling and resource management protocols.

The beacon fire warning system utilized ropes to connect wooden posts, creating makeshift bridges and observation platforms. Signals were transmitted using smoke (feng) during daytime and fire (fan) at night, with distinct sequences indicating different threat levels: one beacon for enemy sightings, two for border crossings, three for arrow attacks, four for approaches to outer walls, and five for assaults on inner fortifications. Beacon guards maintained constant vigilance, required to signal emergencies even after dark.

For reconnaissance and surveillance, markers were established along strategic routes through hills and forests, with daily morning patrols. Coordinating flags were positioned inside and outside city walls, while guards worked in alternating shifts. Upon detecting threats, specific flag signals were raised—command flags on the walls directed troop movements by drum signals. All able-bodied male peasants were mobilized for combat, with women and children retreating behind city defenses.

The grain rationing system specified annual consumption rates ranging from two to six sheng per day per person. Emergency relief measures implemented graduated rations: two sheng daily for the first 20 days, increasing to three sheng for the next 30 days, then four sheng for 40 subsequent days—a ninety-day crisis management plan.

Regarding wartime resource management, civilian metal tools were confiscated when enemies approached, with non-essential government construction materials prioritized for requisition. Emergency protocols permitted immediate demolition of buildings and lumber harvesting without bureaucratic approval. Timber was stacked in overlapping "fish-scale" patterns for efficient access, with any surplus burned outside city walls to prevent enemy appropriation.

This passage details the defensive deployments and city protection strategies of ancient fortifications. When defending a city, timber should be systematically stacked by length and size, arranged outward from all four sides of the walls. Large logs must be fitted with lifting rings (guanbi) for easy transportation. The families of defense officials (those ranked Sima and above) must remain within the city as hostages to ensure their steadfast commitment to duty.

Defensive organizational structure: The Chief of Works (Dusikong) is assigned four assistants, two scouts (hou), and each city gate is guarded by one Pavilion Captain (tingwei). Lower-ranking officials can only serve if their families reside in the city (baogong), with all appointments requiring hostage guarantees. Each gate is guarded by two sentries who expedite pedestrian flow, flanked by four halberds planted outside, beneath which guards remain stationed.

Defensive measures include: establishing sentry posts along the moat—any suspicious approaching individuals are to be shot; embedding bamboo spikes (zhubi), each 1.2 chi long, at staggered heights in the waters beyond the walls; installing crossbow platforms (nulu) every thirty paces, each 10 chi wide and 12 chi long. During emergencies, crossbows are to be fired immediately, with nearby personnel providing support.

Passage protocols: Tallies (zhujie) serve as permits, with meticulous records of entries and exits verified upon return. Patrol teams are stationed every hundred paces. Secret tunnels and covered passageways connect official compounds, with observation slits carved into walls. Before siege, defense plans must be thoroughly evaluated; once combat readiness is declared, unauthorized movement is prohibited.

Logistical preparations: Civilians must store three years' worth of grain and vegetables against droughts or floods. Border counties must cultivate medicinal herbs (such as yuan yun and wu hui) in advance. When enemies approach, wells and ditches must be blocked. Psychological tactics: Appear weak in peacetime but demonstrate strength during war. As adversaries near, slaughter livestock to prevent enemy use. Drill holes in all gates and doors to thread ropes—each four chi long and finger-thick—as emergency devices.

This passage primarily discusses the methods of material preparation and personnel management for ancient city defense.

It first mentions the collection of various military supplies: animal hides, tendons, ox horns, grease, and feathers must be gathered and stored; tung wood should be used to make defensive equipment; iron weapons must be heavy and sturdy to handle emergencies. Trees outside the city should be felled moderately, as they can be used both for building city walls (there is a missing character in the original text here) and for making triangular weapons weighing up to five jin. All timber must undergo soaking treatment, and thatched roofs or firewood piles should be at least five cun thick.

Officials must inventory the available resources within their jurisdiction and prepare for defense. Defending a city requires various talents: advisors, strategists, virtuous individuals, tough characters, capable people, tacticians, brave warriors, skilled craftsmen, and messengers, including both locals and outsiders. The city defense commander must assess each person's strengths and assign roles accordingly. Disputes among civilians and cases handled by officials should all be documented for future reference.

Those shorter than five chi (approximately 1.2 meters) or too weak to fight can be assigned duties in government offices. Projectiles like defensive stones and sharp arrows must be properly managed, categorized, and counted. Chariot production follows detailed specifications: the wheel axle should be ten chi wide, the shaft one zhang long, with three spokes spanning six chi. The carriage compartment should match the shaft in length, stand four chi high, have a sturdy roof, and be designed to hold arrows effectively.

Mozi summarizes five scenarios where a city cannot be defended: first, when the city is large but the defending force is small; second, when the city is small but overcrowded; third, when the population is large but food supplies are insufficient; fourth, when the marketplace is too far from the city; and fifth, when provisions are stored outside the city walls while the wealthy reside in the suburbs. According to standards, a city with a three-li radius should accommodate ten thousand households.