In the core conflict of “Zhang Fei Wrathfully Flogs Du You” in the second chapter of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the attitudes and actions of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei toward the government inspector Du You are totally different.
Zhang Fei rages and seeks to kill, Guan Yu advises to kill and then departure, and Liu Bei acts with benevolence and resigns. These differences are not accidental but rather embodiment of their inherent personalities and approaches to life.
Zhang Fei: Clear-cut morality and Reckless vengeance
Zhang Fei’s attitude toward Du You (“Why keep such a villain alive who harms the people?”) and actions (binding, flogging, and attempting to kill him) align perfectly with his fiery temperament and highlight his “black-and-white” approach to life.
However, his method of using violence to counter violence—responding to power-based oppression with physical force—lacks strategy and reckless.
Although in this conflict, Zhang Fei’s “ferocity” becomes a key force in breaking corrupt oppression, it also carries hidden risks. Had no one intervened in time, he might have actually killed Du You, bringing greater disaster upon Liu Bei.
Guan Yu: Calmness and Pragmatism
Guan Yu’s behavior in the conflict stands in stark contrast to Zhang Fei’s “ferocity” and “impulsiveness.” He does not let anger cloud his judgment. Though equally furious, he remains restrained and avoids participating in verbal or physical confrontation. Only after Zhang Fei whips Du You does he recognize the need for dicision, calmly analyzing the situation from the perspective of his elder brother’s future and team development before proposing to kill Du You to vent anger and resign to seek another path.
Unlike Zhang Fei, who acts directly, Guan Yu first assesses the situation and then formulates a response. He does not insist on his own opinion but leaves the final decision to Liu Bei—this “strategic but non-authoritative” approach reflects his respect for Liu Bei’s authority as an elder brother and demonstrates a maturity in prioritizing team unity. These are areas where Guan Yu surpasses Zhang Fei.
Liu Bei: Benevolence, Principles, and Broad Perspective
Liu Bei’s main actions in the conflict are: stopping Zhang Fei’s reckless behavior to prevent escalation, reprimanding Du You without killing him, and resigning from office to flee.
He neither vents anger like Zhang Fei nor adopts the “extreme measures” proposed by Guan Yu. Instead, he finds a balance between punishment and benevolence, ultimately choosing to “resign without killing” to achieve a break with the corrupt system while upholding his principle.
Liu Bei refused to stoop to the inspector’s corruption, and refused to fight evil with evil. Recognizing no resolution could be found, he left with principle and integrity. This showcases his “compassionate, principled, and broad-minded” character traits and lays the foundation for his image as a benevolent and legitimate leader in chaotic times.
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