The chapter records
荀子 debating warfare before King Xiaocheng of Zhao against a general who stressed timing, terrain and surprise. Xunzi answers that
善附民者，
是乃善用兵者也 'he who is good at winning the people is good at war', and that the army of a humane ruler is welcomed near and far and wins
兵不血刃, 'without blood on its blades'.
