सामन्तादीनामन्यतमं वास्य दुर्गे स्थापयित्वापगच्छेत् ॥ कZ_०५.६.२० ॥
sāmantādīnām anyatamaṃ vā asya durge sthāpayitvā āpagacchet
Or he should station one among the feudatories and the like in a fortress on his behalf, and then withdraw.
A fortress-held strongpoint preserves bargaining power, protects lines of retreat, and prevents total collapse during a crisis.