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Son the Master said:

Calling 10,000 men to arms, and transporting them a hundred leagues, is such that in one day 1,000 taels of the citizens’ and state’s money are spent; domestic and foreign complications arise; industrial pursuits are neglected on the line of march of the army; and the occupations of 70,000 homes are upset.

Again, for years the armies may face each other ; yet the issue may depend on a single day’s victory.

Wherefore, by grudging slight expense in titles and salaries to spies, to remain in ignorance of the enemy’s circumstances, is the personification of cruelty. Such a person is no general; he is no assistance to his lord; he is no master of victory.

The enlightened ruler and the able general who act, win, and are distinguished beyond the common, are informed beforehand.