The Story of King Helü and Sun Tzu – True War Begins Before the First Sword Is Drawn
“Battles are won long before soldiers march or kings make commands.” No story illustrates this better than the legendary tale of Sun Tzu, the author of The Art of War , and King Helü of the state of Wu. 1. A Fateful Encounter: King Helü Meets Sun Tzu In the late Spring and Autumn period, King Helü of Wu sought a brilliant strategist to strengthen his military. A man named Sun Wu was recommended—carrying only a scroll of military theory, but no record of battlefield command. Skeptical, King Helü decided to put his theories to the test. 2. The Trial: Turning Palace Maids into Soldiers To test Sun Tzu’s doctrine, Helü gave him 180 palace maids and ordered him to demonstrate military discipline. Sun Tzu appointed two of the king’s favorite concubines as squad leaders and issued clear commands. When the women laughed and disobeyed, Sun Tzu declared: “If orders are clear but not obeyed, the fault lies with the commanders.” He then executed the two concubines without he...