Cattle Dealer
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In 627 B.C., the army of Qin approached the state of Zheng in stealth, planning to launch a surprise attack. Xian Gao, a cattle dealer from Zheng, heard the news while he was on his way to sell a herd of cattle near the border.
He was greatly alarmed because the ruler of Zheng had just died and the country was not prepared for war at all. To save his country from the impending disaster, Xian Gao came up with an idea. He picked twelve cattle, dressed up and went to the camp of Qin’s troops.
“I am sent by Duke Mu, the new ruler of Zheng, to greet you,” he told the commander of the Qin army. “He heard that you are coming to our country, and bade me to bring these cattle to you as gift. They might provide a good meal for your men.”
The Qin commander was taken by surprise. This visitor was as much as telling him that Zheng was prepared. He had planned for a quick victory, but it would be impossible now.
“No, no, we are not coming to your country,” he told Xian Gao.
Xian Gao looked incredulous.
“We are here because we’ve lost our way,” The general added sheepishly.
After Xian Gao left, the army of Qin made a detour and attacked the state of Hua instead.
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Wise Proverbs
- To fight a hundred battles and win a hundred is not supreme excellence; what would be more supreme is breaking the enemy's resistance wothout fighting.
- 百战百胜，非善之善也；不战而屈人之兵，善之善者也。
- To suddenly hit upon a way out of an emergency.
- 急中生智。
- Everyone has a duty towards his country; everyone is responsible for its fate.
- 天下兴亡，匹夫有责。
Editor Says:
This was a fine example of subduing the enemy without a fight—the best of all victories. But Xian Gao would not have prevailed if he was not backed by the strength of Zheng.