This setting of this story is China, thousands of years ago, and features a general who was famous for his quick wit and intelligence.
At one point in this general’s military operation, he and his army came to a small stronghold and decided to stop temporarily. The general sent the main body of the troops off elsewhere to take some rest time, retaining only a few soldiers to stay with him.
Somehow the enemies found out that the general was in a vulnerable position and began preparations to overwhelm him and the few men he had retained.
During the night the general’s sleep was abruptly disturbed by news that a huge battalion led by the enemy was fast approaching, leaving no time to muster any kind of a defense.
The general paused, thought and then began giving instructions. He told his men to take down their banners, open the gates and hide themselves away.
The general then took off his armour, put on a simple cloak and sat on the battlement playing a mandolin as he calmly watched the enemy army approach.
The leader of the enemy immediately realized it was the general sitting out in the open, seemingly undefended and undisturbed by the army bearing down on him. This brought him and his troops to a complete halt.
As he gazed at the lone figure in front of him, questions began to enter the enemy leader’s mind because he had studied the general closely and knew him well. The general was capable of great cunning.
After many long moments, in an agony of indecision, he waited still a little longer.
Then abruptly he turned and ordered his huge battalion to retreat.