Chapter 6 · Desperate Stratagems
空城計
Kōng chéng jì
The Empty Fort
空城計
empty · city · scheme
When you're too weak to defend, project total calm. An enemy who fears a trap won't attack an open gate.
今 Today
You have not read the book club book. When your turn comes you don't bluff a summary — you lean back, unhurried, and ask "so what did everyone make of the ending?" Nobody probes the person who looks most at ease.
反 When it backfires
The trick needs an enemy cautious enough to suspect a trap. A bold one just walks in — and finds the walls undefended, exactly as empty as they look.