The Thirteen Chapters of the Art of War

Vast Taihu Lake, its waters shimmering in the sunlight. Sun Wu solemnly bids a final farewell to his friends, including Wu Zixu, then leaves the State of Wu and the place that holds so many memories for him.

It has been thirty years. The past drifts by like smoke, seeming both a lifetime ago and vivid as ever... Back then, he left his homeland of Le'an in the State of Qi and went into hiding in Wu. He advised his friends, assassinated King Liao, killed Qingji, and subdued the rebels. He presented the Thirteen Chapters of the Art of War to King Helu of Wu and won his favor. At the Wu palace training ground, he resolutely executed Helu’s beloved concubine, upholding military discipline and the dignity of the art of war. At the generals’ platform in Gusu, he was appointed supreme commander, admired by thousands and full of ambition. Then he led an army thousands of miles to attack Chu, winning five battles in a row and marching straight into Ying, bringing Chu to the brink of ruin and making his name known throughout the land.

Yet he still cannot find peace. His son Sun Chi continues to suffer from the endless physical and emotional trauma. The “wise ruler” he had wholeheartedly served has turned out to be greedy, deceitful, stubborn, and cruel. The immense suffering this campaign brought to the people of Wu and Chu has left him lost in thought: Can the art of war he takes such pride in truly save this chaotic world?

He ponders for a long time, but finds no answer. Let it be. None of it matters anymore. He’ll leave it to future generations to decide.