Introduction sun wu and his book

ssu-ma chien gives the following biography of sun tzu 1
sun tzu wu sun tzu was a native of the chi state. his art of war brought him to the notice of ho lu, 2 king of wu. ho lu said to him i have carefully perused your 13 chapters. may i submit your theory of managing soldiers to a slight test sun tzu replied you may. ho lu asked may the test be applied to women the answer was again in the affirmative, so arrangements were made to bring 180 ladies out of the palace.
sun tzu divided them into two companies, and placed one of the kings favorite concubines at the head of each. he then bade them all take spears in their hands, and addressed them thus i presume you know the difference between front and back, right h and and left hand the girls replied yes.
sun tzu went on when i say eyes front, you must look straight ahead. when i say left turn, you must face towards your left hand. when i say right turn, you must face towa...