Exploit external forces to create favorable conditions, so that a small army acquires great energy. The wild goose gradually approaches the cloudy paths. Its feathers can be used in ritual decoration.

Attach lifelike silk flowers to a flowerless tree, and any but the most discerning people will think the tree capable of bearing flowers. In warfare, one who lacks strength may resort to external forces (natural conditions, allies, or even unwitting enemies) to achieve his strategic goal. At the least, one will be able to intimidate or distract the enemy and delay its attack at one’s weak point. At the most one can turn the external forces into powerful weapons to destroy the enemy, as shown in the story below.