River Flooding Siege Tactic

A military engineering procedure for breaching fortified cities through hydraulic warfare.

Overview

When facing a well-fortified city that resists conventional assault, use water diversion to compromise defensive structures.

Steps

1. Survey the terrain: Identify nearby rivers or water sources that can be diverted
2. Plan diversion routes: Construct canals or channels (河沟) to direct water toward the target city
3. Execute diversion: Breach or redirect water flow toward city walls
4. Monitor effects: Wait for water pressure to compromise walls and foundations
5. Accept surrender: Once walls collapse, the defending ruler will typically surrender
6. Secure territory: Take control of the entire region

Prerequisites

• Target city must be situated in a location vulnerable to flooding
• Sufficient engineering resources and labor force