It revolves around the grievances and power struggles between Sun Bin and Pang Juan, classmates. The novel begins with Bai Qi stealing a camp in Tongguan Town and Sun Pang joining forces with each other in Zhuxian Town. It tells the story of Sun Bin and Pang Juan who joined the sect of Guiguzi and studied military strategies. The two initially fell in love with each other and formed a deep friendship. Pang Juan was less talented but narrow-minded, and was jealous of Sun Bin's unique talent. After he went down to join the Wei State and was favored by King Hui of Wei, he designed to deceive Sun Bin to the Wei State, framed him for liaison with the Qi State, and sentenced him to death, in an attempt to completely bury Sun Bin's talents. Sun Bin was seriously injured but not depressed. He pretended to be crazy and deceived Pang Juan. Later, with the help of Qi envoys, Jin Chan escaped from his shell and returned to Qi. After being recommended by Tian Ji, he was reused by King Wei of Qi and became Qi's military advisor. Afterwards, Sun Bin relied on his extraordinary strategy to defeat Pang Juan in the Battle of Guiling with the strategy of "surrounding Wei and rescuing Zhao". He also set up an ambush in the Battle of Maling and defeated the Wei army with the strategy of "cutting the stove to lure the enemy", and finally forced Pang Juan to die. The novel vividly depicts Sun Bin's forbearance and wisdom and Pang Juan's jealousy of talents, connects the struggle for hegemony during the Warring States period, and shows the strategic wisdom of ancient counselors and the ups and downs of war. It has both historical heritage and literary interest.
