ABSTRACT
Whenever engaging an enemy in battle, if there are any within the army who are fearful and afraid, who do not advance when the drums are sounded but retreat before hearing the sound of the gongs, you must pick them out and execute them in order to provide a warning to the mass of troops. However, if everyone within the army is afraid, you cannot punish them with execution. You must bestow a congenial countenance upon them, showing that there is nothing to fear, and persuade them with talk about profit and loss. Once they realize they will not die, then the minds of the masses will be eased by themselves. A tactical principle from the Ssu-ma Fa states: "Seize and execute deserters in order to stop fear. If they are too terrified, do not threaten them with execution but display a magnanimous countenance and speak to them about what they have to live for."
