Baozi studies the map and keeps his silence while he thinks. Of course, it is now his job to give his opinions and he will have to get used to it, but he wants to see what attitude the others take, before he speaks.
Wenchang is right, in his opinion, to suggest making one unit of the cavalry even though this makes one small company and the rest very large. There are not enough of them to split up and horsemen ought not be burdened with foot soldiers. But he does not quite agree about the disposition of the foot.
"I agree with Captain Wenchang," he says, still looking at the map rather than meeting anyone's eyes, "in making three companies of our foot soldiers and one of the horse. But I would prefer to see each of the three being two hundred spears supported by one third of the archers."
Infantry, unsupported, are helpless against a rain of arrows, and archers, unguarded, may be vulnerable to ambush or to an enemy with the numbers and boldness to endure the missiles and close with them. Were the bows to be separated from the spears, the three companies could not act independently of one another without exposing themselves to such risks.
Of course Colonel Liu's thousand men are only a third part of the army under General Zou, and in a battle might be expected to act as one unit. But they are still too many to march all together, and being in the van they must guard against ambush, especially amongst the hills and woods through which they will be travelling. Besides, the smaller units will be more manoeuvrable, an advantage they must make the most of as they are likely to be greatly outnumbered by the rebels.
"I think the mixed companies will be better able to manoeuvre separately, and so to make the most of the terrain, where one large force might be at a disadvantage.
"As for administrators, I know of some men who would be suitable, and may be willing: I can make a list of names. I also second the recommendation of De Wang for Quartermaster, if he is willing: I have not known him long, but he was so kind as to assist me in a certain matter recently, so I can attest to his capability."