🤝 Story 9 : Dong Zhuo's Diplomacy

🤝 Story 9 : Dong Zhuo's Diplomacy

When Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan's armies clashed, Yuan Shao suffered an initial defeat and then held his ground, daring not to engage in further battle. The two armies remained locked in a stalemate for over a month. Someone reported this to Dong Zhuo in Chang'an. Li Ru said to Dong Zhuo, "Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan are both very powerful men. They are currently fighting each other at Pan River. We can use the Emperor's name to send someone to persuade them to cease hostilities. If they receive the Emperor's favor, they will certainly follow your arrangements, Grand Tutor."

Dong Zhuo was delighted. The next day, he dispatched Grand Tutor Ma Ridi and Grand Master of the Palace Zhao Qi with an imperial edict to Hebei to mediate.

Upon arriving in Hebei, Yuan Shao personally greeted the envoys a hundred li away, kneeling to accept the edict. The following day, they went to Gongsun Zan's camp to read the Emperor's decree. Gongsun Zan then sent a messenger to Yuan Shao, and both sides agreed to a truce. After the matter was concluded, the two messengers returned to the capital to report to Dong Zhuo.

Gongsun Zan immediately withdrew his troops and recommended Liu Bei for the position of Chancellor of Pingyuan. When Liu Bei was about to leave, he and Zhao Yun were reluctant to part, holding hands and shedding tears, unwilling to separate.

Zhao Yun sighed, "I previously mistook Gongsun Zan for a true hero, but now, seeing his actions, he's no different from Yuan Shao."

Liu Bei said, "You will serve under him for now; we will surely meet again in the future." With that, the two parted with tears in their eyes.

1. Based on the circumstances presented in this text, how would Dong Zhuo have treated Yuan Shao if he had the opportunity?

1. Based on the circumstances presented in this text, how would Dong Zhuo have treated Yuan Shao if he had the opportunity?

Making good friends, forming an alliance through marriage, developing trade, or directly crushing him…

 Making good friends: Lacking strength and distance. First, put on a diplomatic show.

• Alliance through marriage: Strength is almost there, but still not enough; to weaken the opponent's resolve.

• Developing trade: Superficial trade in goods and economics will occur, but control and management will be exercised over weapons and key resources.

• Directly crush them: This will happen when strength is sufficient.