Liu Bei, the hero of the Three Kingdoms era, has gathered countless talents around him, including Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhuge Liang and other famous generals and wise men. Liu Bei never reused Zhao Yun, a victorious general, in his life.
What kind of secret is hidden in this?
Why did Zhao Yun's contribution to Liu Bei not get the attention it deserved?
What did Liu Bei say to Zhao Yun before he died, so that this mystery was revealed?
The friendship between Zhao Yun and Liu Bei
Zhao Yun, the word Zilong, Changshan Zhendingren, has practiced martial arts since childhood, and is strong in martial arts. In 191 AD, Zhao Yun took refuge in Yuan Shao and became a general. Yuan Shao's indecision made Zhao Yun disheartened, and he soon switched to Gongsun Zhan. Under Gongsun Zhan's account, Zhao Yun demonstrated outstanding military prowess and gradually won the trust of his colleagues and superiors.
In 192 AD, Liu Bei was pursued by Cao Cao and borrowed troops from Gongsun Zhan. In this process, Liu Bei met Zhao Yun, and the two hit it off at first sight. Liu Bei was deeply moved by Zhao Yun's loyalty and wisdom, and the two soon established a deep friendship. Zhao Yun decided to follow Liu Bei, and the two began a decades-long cooperation between monarchs and ministers.
In 208 AD, the Battle of Changbanpo became a touchstone for the friendship between Zhao Yun and Liu Bei. Liu Bei's army was defeated under Cao Cao's pursuit, and at the critical moment, Zhao Yun stepped forward and rescued Liu Bei's son Liu Chan (Adou) on a single horse, and escorted him safely from the battlefield. Liu Bei was moved by this move, and praised Zhao Yun as "Zilong is a guts".
Although Zhao Yun showed unparalleled loyalty and bravery in the Battle of Changbanpo, his position in Liu Bei's group has been relatively low-key. Although Zhao Yun held an important position as a general, he never became a member of the core decision-making level like Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang. Liu Bei's trust in Zhao Yun was more reflected in the execution of key battles than in the formulation of high-level strategies.
Liu Bei's advice to Zhao Yun before he died
In 223 AD, Liu Bei was seriously ill and died shortly. He summoned Zhao Yun in the White Emperor City and asked him to be alone. Liu Bei said to Zhao Yun: "Zilong, I know that you are loyal and brave, but I have never reused you, it is really difficult. Now I entrust my son Liu Chan to you, and I hope you will assist you wholeheartedly. When Zhao Yun heard this, tears rained down and swore allegiance.
Why didn't Liu Bei reuse Zhao Yun?
On his deathbed, he revealed the secret that had been hidden in his heart for many years.
Liu Bei explained that the reason why he did not reuse Zhao Yun was because:
Reason 1: Let Zhao Yun give full play to his talents
Liu Bei believes that Zhao Yun's duty is to protect his safety, and taking on the role of a guard can better use Zhao Yun's talents. Zhao Yun was strong in martial arts and resourceful, and protected Liu Bei's safety on the battlefield many times. Liu Bei believed that Zhao Yun could play a greater role in the position of guard, rather than simply playing the role of a general.
Reason 2: I haven't bowed to Liu Bei
Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei have a Taoyuan relationship, deep feelings, and the trust between each other is irreplaceable. In contrast, Zhao Yun took refuge later and lacked this brotherly righteousness. Liu Bei's trust in Guan Yu and Zhang Fei is unparalleled, and Zhao Yun is difficult to compare. Liu Bei's affection for Zhao Yun is more of a monarch's affection than a brother's affection.
Reason 3: Zhao Yun's ability made Liu Bei jealous
Zhao Yun is a victorious general, and his achievements are high. Liu Bei was worried that Zhao Yungong would be the master and support the army to stand on his own, so he did not dare to reuse him. Although Zhao Yun's performance on the battlefield was excellent, Liu Bei always had some scruples about him, fearing that he might rebel at a critical moment. This kind of psychological check and balance made Liu Bei have to carefully handle the relationship with Zhao Yun.
Reason 4: Zhao Yun is in Shuying, and his heart is in Han
Zhao Yun was loyal to the Great Han, not to Liu Bei personally. Liu Bei believed that Zhao Yun was always a courtier of the Han Dynasty, not a courtier of his Liu Bei. This loyalty made Liu Bei have reservations about him. Although Zhao Yun's loyalty is admirable, Liu Bei and Zhao Yun have always been in a relationship of monarch and minister, and they cannot become true brothers. When Liu Bei was dealing with national affairs, he often rejected Zhao Yun's advice, such as sending troops to attack Wu, indicating the estrangement between the two.
Relationship between Liu Bei and Zhao Yun:
Liu Bei and Zhao Yun's acquaintance stemmed from adversity, and the relationship between the two was deep. Zhao Yun's loyalty and bravery earned Liu Bei's trust, but this trust was based more on battlefield performance than personal feelings.
Liu Bei is a generation of heroes, and every decision he makes is full of strategic considerations. As for Zhao Yun's arrangement, it is more out of consideration of the general trend of the world and careful consideration of the stability of his own regime. Liu Bei must balance the forces and ensure that his authority is not challenged.
Zhao Yun's loyalty to Liu Bei is undoubted, but this loyalty is also mixed with loyalty to the Han court. Within Liu Bei's group, Zhao Yun's identity is a little special. He was both a loyal minister of Liu Bei and a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty, and this dual loyalty made him seem somewhat contradictory in some decisions. It was precisely when Liu Bei saw this that he had reservations about Zhao Yun and did not dare to reuse it.
In Chinese history, the relationship between monarchs and ministers has often been fraught with complex emotions and political considerations. Liu Bei's relationship with Zhao Yun is no exception. Liu Bei's emphasis on and reservation of Zhao Yun reflects a politician's keen grasp of the balance of power. Zhao Yun's loyalty and courage show a general's infinite loyalty to the lord and adherence to his ideals.
Modern people often look at the relationship between Liu Bei and Zhao Yun with more emotional factors. We appreciate Zhao Yun's loyalty, but we also have doubts about Liu Bei's decision. However, no matter how you interpret it, the relationship between Liu Bei and Zhao Yun is a historical legend worth remembering. The friendship between them has shone brightly in the long river of history and has become a valuable asset for future generations to read and think.
epilogue
Liu Bei and Zhao Yun met in adversity and had a deep relationship. Although Liu Bei did not reuse Zhao Yun, their friendship between kings and ministers has been passed down through the ages and should not be interpreted as conspiracy theories. Liu Bei's choice was more out of strategic considerations than suspicion of Zhao Yun.
Liu Bei's choice was more of a consideration of the general trend of the world and a thoughtful consideration of the stability of his own regime. Although Zhao Yun has not been reused, his loyalty and courage have always been a peace of mind in Liu Bei's heart. The entrustment at the time of his death expressed Liu Bei's deep friendship with Zhao Yun.
What do you think of the relationship between Liu Bei and Zhao Yun?
Do you think Liu Bei's choice is right?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. Let's explore the mysteries of this history and pursue the truth of history together.
Information sources:
Baidu Encyclopedia
CNKI - white and flawless but flawed - on Zhao Yun in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".
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