🏃 Story 5 : Sun Jian's Escape Plan

🏃 Story 5 : Sun Jian's Escape Plan

Hua Xiong (a subordinate of Dong Zhuo) followed this advice, ordering his soldiers to eat their fill and then march out of the pass at night. That night, the moon was bright and the wind was clear. When Hua Xiong's army arrived at Sun Jian's camp, it was already midnight. They sounded the war drums, and the sound was deafening as they advanced. Sun Jian hurriedly donned his armor and mounted his horse, only to encounter Hua Xiong. The two horses galloped, clashing, and the two fierce generals fought for no more than a few rounds before Li Su's army (Dong Zhuo's subordinate) arrived and ordered his soldiers to set fire to the camp. Sun Jian's camp was thrown into chaos by the surprise attack, and only Zu Mao accompanied him as they broke through the encirclement. Hua Xiong led his troops in hot pursuit. Sun Jian fired two arrows, both of which Hua Xiong dodged. The third arrow, however, broke the bowstring when he drew it too hard, forcing him to abandon it and flee on horseback.

Zu Mao said, "My lord, the red turban you wear is too conspicuous; the enemy will easily recognize you. Let me wear it!" Sun Jian then took off his turban, exchanged helmets with Zu Mao, and the two fled in different directions. Hua Xiong, seeing the red turban, led his troops to pursue only Zu Mao's group, allowing Sun Jian to escape via a side path. Zu Mao, pursued relentlessly, hung the red turban on a charred but not yet burned pillar and hid in the woods. Hua Xiong's soldiers, seeing the red turban from afar, mistook it for Sun Jian and surrounded him, afraid to approach. They shot arrows at it before realizing they had been tricked. As they removed the turban, Zu Mao suddenly emerged from the woods, wielding two swords and charging at Hua Xiong. Hua Xiong roared and with a backhand strike, cut Zu Mao off his horse.

The fighting continued until dawn, when Hua Xiong finally led his troops back to the pass.

Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and others later found Sun Jian, reorganized their troops, and re-established their camp.

1. Why was Sun Jian able to escape successfully?

Because he had help; Sun Jian had subordinates and loyal brothers.

Because Zu Mao used a stratagem to lure the enemy away. He used a feint to escape, like a cicada shedding its shell.

Because Zu Mao was quick-witted and resourceful.

Because Zu Mao hung his robes and armor on a tree,

making the enemy believe that the robes and armor belonged to Sun Jian.

His headdress was very distinctive. In a crowd of thousands or tens of thousands, he was quite conspicuous.

Therefore, when he gave the helmet decorations to others,

in the midst of battle, those in the opposing camp who didn't recognize him would mistake him for someone else.

Because he used a good plan and had a good general. A good vice-general.

2. Cruel Question <If you feel uncomfortable, don't ask, don't answer>

Assume TSMC's Kumamoto plant in Japan; TSMC's Arizona plant in the United States.

In this scenario, who could be Sun Jian's ancestor?