military strategy – Page 11 – SuaveG

The old horse knows the way [Spring & Autumn]

December 5, 2025

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Rob

This article recounts Duke Huan of Qi’s northern campaign against the Shanrong nomads in 663 BCE. After defeating the invaders, Duke Huan and his strategist Guan Zhong pursued the retreating enemy into the state of Guzhu, only to be lured into the treacherous “Migu” (Valley of Confusion), a vast desert where they became hopelessly…
One Drumbeat, One Victory [Spring & Autumn]

December 5, 2025

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Rob

This article recounts the Battle of Changshao (684 BCE) between the states of Qi and Lu. It details how Duke Huan of Qi, ignoring Guan Zhong’s advice, launched an invasion to prove his strength. Facing the formidable Qi army, Duke Zhuang of Lu appointed the commoner Cao Gui as commander. The narrative highlights Cao…
Chapter 53. Guan Yu’s Chivalry and Zhang Liao’s Deception [Three Kingdoms]

November 30, 2025

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Rob

Chapter 53 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms – presents a striking contrast between two kinds of heroism: one rooted in Confucian virtue and martial honor, the other in tactical mastery. In the south, Guan Yu and Huang Zhong engage in a duel that transcends enmity, bound by mutual respect and chivalry. In the…
How Liu Bei seized Yizhou? [Three Kingdoms]

November 28, 2025

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Juan

This article details Liu Bei’s strategic conquest of Yizhou (Sichuan) in 211 CE, a critical turning point in the Three Kingdoms era. It recounts how Liu Bei, aided by the strategist Pang Tong and a conspiracy led by Zhang Song, deceived Governor Liu Zhang to gain entry. The narrative highlights the shift from political…
The Battle of Guandu [Three Kingdoms]

November 27, 2025

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Juan

This article recounts the pivotal Battle of Guandu (200 CE), a turning point in the Three Kingdoms era. It details how Cao Cao, vastly outnumbered by Yuan Shao’s massive army, utilized ingenious engineering – such as the “Thunder Wagon” – to neutralize early assaults. The narrative highlights the decisive moment when the disgruntled advisor…
The Arrow at the Gate [Three Kingdoms]

November 26, 2025

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Juan

This article recounts the dramatic power struggles involving the warlord Lü Bu. It details how he seized Xu Province from Liu Bei after being bribed by Yuan Shu, only to betray Yuan Shu when the rewards were delayed. The narrative highlights the legendary “Arrow at the Gate” incident, where Lü Bu used a miraculous…
Pang Tong’s “Chain Stratagem”: Myth and Reality [Three Kingdoms]

November 24, 2025

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Juan

In the popular imagination shaped by Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Pang Tong – the “Young Phoenix” – is forever linked to one of the most iconic ruses in Chinese military history: the Chain Stratagem.
Chapter 30. How did Cao Cao defeat Yuan Shao at the Battle of Guandu? [Three Kingdoms]

November 10, 2025

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Rob

The Battle of Guandu (200 CE) stands as one of the most pivotal military confrontations in Chinese history- a battle where the weaker side triumphed over the stronger in which Cao Cao, with only 70,000 troops, triumphed over Yuan Shao’s colossal force of 700,000.
How Wang Yun’s selfishness altered the course of history? [Three Kingdoms]

November 3, 2025

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Rob

The assassination of Dong Zhuo in 192 AD was meant to restore the Han dynasty. Masterminded by Wang Yun and executed with the sword of Lü Bu, it was celebrated as a heroic act that liberated Emperor Xian from tyranny.