The enemy's strength was potent, their numbers vast.
Without time to establish a complete defensive position, what should we do?
An excellent commander, when faced with an impossible situation, would usually choose to retreat.
Unless absolutely necessary; preserving the living forces and adapting flexibly is what's most important.
To save the people and lose the land is to keep both; the people and the land.
To save the land and lose the people is to lose both; the people and the land.
Average commanders would usually choose to "do their best and leave the rest to fate."
Do well in their own affairs and silently wait for the opponent's arrival.
Incompetent commanders would choose to act on impulse.
"The enemy army has travelled far and is not yet stable; if we strike proactively and catch them off guard, we can surely achieve a great victory and return triumphant!"
Then, they'd be directly sending themselves to their doom!
