When you want to control someone, you first purposely let him run. When you want to weaken someone, you first purposely make him stronger. When you want to discard someone, we first recommend him on purpose. When you want to despoil someone, you first purposely offer him gifts. This is called the subtle strategy.
What is soft triumphs over what is hard; what is weak triumphs over what is strong.
Fish must not leave the depths. These subtle strategies of the realm are not to be shown to outsiders.