When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign
that the enemy wishes for a truce.
Tu Mu says: 所以委質來謝此乃勢已窮或有他故必欲休息也 “If the enemy
open friendly relations by sending hostages, it is a sign that
they are anxious for an armistice, either because their strength
is exhausted or for some other reason.” But it hardly needs a Sun
Tzŭ to draw such an obvious inference; and although Tu Mu is
supported by Mei Yao-ch‘ên and Chang Yü, I cannot think that
hostages are indicated by the word 委.