Seizing the Initiative: An Analysis of Ancient Chinese Espionage Incidents

Analyzing ancient Chinese espionage incidents through modern intelligence science.

From the Spring and Autumn period to the FBI, covering intelligence theoretical systems from all times and places.

To save the State of Lu from the State of Qi's invasion, Zi Gong acted as a double agent and set a serial ruse:

Provoking Qi to challenge Wu, asking Wu to irritate Qi, and inducing Yue to sneak attack Wu.

With every plot connected, the situation in the Central Plains changed drastically!

"The author's writing bridges the ancient and modern with humor. Even a dry subject like espionage is made accessible through engaging prose, allowing readers to understand the importance of intelligence activities today. For example, the 'Guanzi' chapter mentioned in the book explains how the State of Qi used intelligence to gradually control Lu's economy; by the time Lu discovered its over-reliance, it was too late. This allusion mirrors current cross-strait events and illustrates that modern espionage extends beyond the military into diverse fields like economy, politics, and society." — Tsai Tzu-hao, Associate Professor, College of Technology Management, National Tsing Hua University.

"Through the author's ingenious interpretation, historical events are transformed into themes common in modern international diplomacy, 007, or Hollywood movies. Readers interested in international relations and war history should read this book! Fans of contemporary spy novels and video games should read it even more!" — Chao Hsiu-pei, Assistant Professor, General Education Center, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology.

"Cicero said: 'History is the torch of truth.' This book fully utilizes history as a mirror for the future, making the secret nature of espionage clear before the torch of wisdom." — Wu Chao-chia, Assistant Professor, Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Taipei City University.

"The author leads us through time, depicting vivid stories of spies and counter-espionage. These scenarios are also applicable to the business environment, reminding readers to value corporate information security, follow proper internal control procedures, and preserve evidence to protect the enterprise beforehand and mitigate damage afterward." — Chou Ting-kai, Associate Professor, Department of Accountancy, National Cheng Kung University.

"Looking across history, intelligence has evolved from secret operations like spy wars and assassinations into the prevention of terrorist activities. Regarding professional intelligence training, beyond combat skills, one must cultivate the ability to analyze and judge Big Data. 'Seizing the Initiative' uses the experiences of ancient rulers to give readers the wisdom to make the most favorable decisions at critical moments in life." — Chen Yong-fu, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Central Police University.

"Ancient espionage literature becomes a vivid and gripping narrative under the author's interpretation. The most unique aspect is the exploration of twenty intelligence concepts. While watching 007 agents perform missions, it is easy to imagine how turbulent the espionage and deception experienced by our ancestors were." — He Kun-yi, Assistant Professor, Department of Oriental Languages and Literature, Tzu Chi University.

"This book interprets ancient historical espionage incidents with a modern touch, introducing related cases from a wide range of sources across time. With a passionate heart and a rational perspective, the authors lead readers to explore the landscape of intelligence—intellectual, active, organizational, and confidential." — Li Hsiu-ling, Assistant Professor, Department of Chinese Literature, Feng Chia University.

"'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' The importance of intelligence activities and personnel to a nation is self-evident. This book provides detailed analysis in an accessible way; it is truly worth reading again and again." — Chen Chia-ling, Lecturer, Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Preparatory Programs for Overseas Chinese Students, National Taiwan Normal University.

"This book integrates the ancient and modern, citing cases from vast ancient texts to illuminate intelligence science knowledge. It is of great reference value for both professional study and leisure reading." — Lin Wan-rong, Lecturer, Mandarin Training Center, National Tsing Hua University.