Quach Gia - A Genius With Exceptional Strategies Who Never Made A Mistake

Welcome back to Battlecry, Chinese History. In late 208 AD, a peculiar banquet was held in Nanjun. Amidst the celebration of survival, only Chao Chao wept bitterly. Chao Chao, the peerless hero, known for his unmatched cunning. Why, despite facing death before, did he never cry? Yet now he sobs at a victory banquet? Was he broken by defeat, or was his capacity limited? Neither is true. You see, that autumn, Chao Chao led his grand army southward. Conquering Jingzhou without losing a single man. And crushing Lu Bei with ease. He was certain he would seize the Yangtze region. Fulfilling his grand ambition of unification. To carve his name in history for eternity. But at Red Cliffs, his fleet was utterly decimated. First, Zhou Yu's fire attack. Then torrential rains turned his forces to ash. Now, he leads his shattered remnants back to Nanjun. His men host a banquet to wash away his misfortune. So why does Chao Chao weep after escaping the Dragon's Den? He uses the wine to mourn, for this defeat reminds him of one man. His top strategist and most trusted advisor. The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Chapter 50, notes. After escaping Huarong Path and reaching Gucheng. He looked back to find only 27 cavalrymen left. Night was falling near Nanjun. He led them into Nanjun to find shelter. Assessing his remaining troops, he saw many wounded and ordered a rest. Chao Ren prepared wine to soothe his lord. The advisors all gathered. This is why the scene mentioned earlier took place. Chao Chao felt deeply sorrowful and pained. Suddenly, he looked up and wept aloud. His advisors asked why. After the prime minister escaped the Dragon's Den, he showed no fear. Now we are safe in the city, the troops are fed, why do you weep? Chao Chao replied, I weep for Feng Xiao. Had he lived, I would not have failed. He struck his chest and cried out in grief. The advisors bowed their heads in shame. So, who was Hua Feng Xiao? What made him so extraordinary? How could he leave such an indelible mark on a genius like Chao Chao? Even after his crushing defeat at Red Cliffs, he still mourned him. Let us continue to learn more about this legendary figure. Guo Jia was no prophet, yet his predictions were incredibly precise. His grasp of personality and tactics, from Yuan Shao to Sun Tzu, was unique. Chao Chao recognized his brilliance and trusted him without doubt. Guo Jia saw his vision, and together, they formed the era's greatest bond. Assessing Yuan Shao, the path to hegemony was blocked. Born in 170, Guo Jia was recommended to Yuan Shao in his 20s. Yuan Shao crushed rivals and seized four provinces, dominating Hebei. With his reputation and power, he was the strongest warlord in the land. Many believed Yuan Shao was destined to unify the empire. Yet after meeting Yuan Shao, Guo Jia saw his true nature. A wise man must be able to judge the lord he serves. Only then can he devise successful strategies and earn glory. He assessed Yuan Shao, concluding. He overthinks but lacks resolve, indecisive in all things. He seems resourceful, yet falters when crucial decisions arise. Building an empire with him is truly impossible. Guo Jia left Yuan Shao's service shortly after. This choice revealed Guo Jia's unique vision. Compared to Yuan Shao, Chao Chao held only a tiny territory. With scarce troops and limited power. Yet Guo Jia abandoned the powerful Yuan Shao without hesitation. He chose to join Chao Chao, whose strength was far inferior. Seeing him as the true lord to pin his future on. This proved Guo Jia possessed extraordinary foresight. And the decisiveness of a true talent. Discussing the 10 victories and 10 defeats. In 196, Chao Chao's trusted advisor, Xi Jizai, passed away. Chao Chao wrote to Xinyu, asking him to recommend a strategist. Since Xi Jizai's death, Chao Chao had found no one to share his plans. Knowing Yinchuan was full of talent, he urged Xinyu to find a replacement. Thus, Xinyu recommended Guo Jia to Chao Chao. Upon meeting, they discussed the fate of the realm. Chao Chao exclaimed, he is the one who will help me achieve greatness. Guo Jia left, remarking happily, he is truly my lord. Guo Jia was appointed Minister of Works, becoming Chao Chao's most trusted advisor. In 197 AD, Chao Chao welcomed Emperor Xian to Shidu, naming Yuan Shao Grand Marshal. Yuan Shao felt insulted, so Chao Chao yelled at the post of Grand General to him. Yuan Shao controlled Jizhou, Qingzhou, Bingzhou, and Yuzhou, vast territories. With such immense military might that a word could mobilize a hundred thousand. Two years later, in 199, Chao Chao planned to campaign against Yuan Shao. But worried he was outmatched, he sought counsel from Guo Jia. Guo Jia cited the rivalry between Lu Bang and Xiong Yu, arguing. Though Lu Bang was weaker, he triumphed through superior strategy. Despite his strength, Xiong Yu was ultimately driven to defeat. Guo Jia proposed his ten victories, ten defeats, contrasting their strengths and flaws. He analyzed their morality, wisdom, and leadership, concluding Chao Chao would win. Yuan Shao was suspicious, relying heavily on his own kin. Chao Chao was open-minded, trusting his talented subordinates regardless of status. To Guo Jia, Yuan Shao's character paled in comparison to Chao Chao's. Chao Chao was honest, pragmatic, and generous in rewarding merit. He utilized talent fully, thus, Chao Chao held the moral advantage. Yuan Shao lacked the decisiveness to adapt to changing situations. His officials vied for power, causing internal chaos and division. Yuan Shao was easily swayed, while Chao Chao was firm in reward and punishment. Chao Chao's swift, brilliant command eclipsed Yuan Shao in every strategic aspect. Guo Jia's ten points were the very essence of military mastery. As clear and effective as the art of war itself. Inspired by this, Chao Chao's resolve solidified as he prepared to contain Lu Bei. But as Chao Chao moved against Xu Zhou, rebellion struck his rear in Yanzhou. Zhang Miao followed Qin Gong's advice and welcomed Lu Bu, intending to seize Yanzhou while Chao Chao was away. Fortunately, Xinyu and Qingyu held Wanqing, Fan, and Dong Yi, securing a base for Chao Chao. Chao Chao returned immediately and defeated Lu Bu at Zhuanya, narrowly saving his position. After his defeat, Lu Bu fled to Xu Zhou to seek refuge under Lu Bei. Lu Bu then betrayed Lu Bei, seized Xiapi, and declared himself governor of Xu Zhou. With nowhere else to turn, Lu Bei surrendered to Chao Chao. Recognizing Lu Bei's ambition, Chao Chao treated him with high honors to join forces against Lu Bu. Xinyu warned Chao Chao that Lu Bei was a threat who must be killed early. Chao Chao fell silent, caught in a dilemma. As Xinyu left, Guo Jia entered. Chao Chao asked. Xinyu advised me to kill Lu Bei. What should I do? Guo Jia replied. You cannot. You rose to bring justice and save the people. Your success relies on trust to attract heroes. We already fear they might not come. Lu Bei is known as a hero, he came here only because he is desperate. Killing him will ruin your efforts to recruit talent. Every brilliant mind in the land will hear of it and fear to join you. Without them, how can my lord hope to pacify the world? Killing one man to prevent future trouble, but losing the trust of all others, that is too dangerous. Better to keep Lu Bei and hold him close to control him. Chao Chao was delighted, saying, your words match my thoughts exactly. The next day, Chao Chao wrote a memorial recommending Lu Bei as governor of Xu Zhou. Xinyu pleaded, Lu Bei will never submit to others, he must be killed now. Chao Chao replied, these times require heroes, I cannot kill one man and lose the hearts of the world. His views aligned with Guo Jia's, so he disregarded Xinyu's advice. In such small matters, the strategic vision of both Chao Chao and Guo Jia proved identical. Even the brilliant advisors Xinyu and Xinyu could not match them. While Guo Jia did not advocate killing Lu Bei, he knew he was a hero who won men's hearts. With fierce generals like Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, he could not be kept under Chao Chao's command. Thus, he warned Chao Chao, to spare an enemy for a day is to invite disaster for generations. He insisted that Lu Bei must never be set free. Giving him a nominal title would be enough. Chao Chao, acting in the emperor's name, sought to win over heroes to display his benevolence, thus, he rejected Guo Jia's advice. In 199, Chao Chao sent Lu Bei to attack Yuan Shao. Guo Jia and Xinyu rushed to stop him, but Lu Bei had already departed. As expected, Lu Bei rebelled, and Chao Chao regretted not listening to Guo Jia. Lu Bei seized Xuzhou, killed the governor, and took control of the province. Chao Chao knew Lu Bei was a hero who would become a major threat if left unchecked. He decided to strike Lu Bei to ensure his rear was secure before fighting Yuan Shao. Yet, his generals argued, Yuan Shao is our true rival for the throne. If we march east, what if Yuan Shao seizes the chance to attack from behind? Chao Chao asked for Guo Jia's strategy. Guo Jia was firm. Yuan Shao is slow and suspicious, he will not move quickly. Lu Bei's hold on Xuzhou is unstable, strike now, and he will surely fall. This critical moment of survival must not be missed. Chao Chao agreed and marched his troops against Lu Bei. Indeed, Yuan Shao did not launch an attack. Chao Chao crushed Lu Bei, who fled to join Yuan Shao. Guan Yu surrendered to Chao Chao, while Zhao Yun and Zhang Fei scattered. In the autumn of 198, Chao Chao decided to strike at Lu Bu in the east. However, his inner circle held differing opinions. Some generals feared Lu Biao would attack from the rear. If they marched against Lu Bu, they might be exposed to danger. Chao Chao turned to Xinyu and Guo Jia for advice. I want to strike, but if my strength is insufficient, what should I do? Xinyu advocated for the attack, arguing that without subduing Lu Bu, Yuan Shao would remain a constant threat. Guo Jia noted that Yuan Shao was busy with Gongsun Zan in the north. Making this the perfect time to march east against Lu Bu. If Lu Bu is not eliminated, and Yuan Shao attacks later, Lu Bu could join him, causing catastrophic consequences for the rear. Another strategist, Xinyu, agreed. Stating that Lu Bu is a formidable warrior. Relying on support from Yuan Shu. If he is allowed to control the Huai and Sea River regions, many local heroes would surely rally to him. We must act while Lu Bu has just betrayed us. And his forces are still divided. An immediate strike will guarantee our success. Bolstered by their council, that autumn. Chao Chao personally led his army east to punish Lu Bu. By October, Pingqing fell, forcing Lu Bu to retreat to Shopee. Chao Chao beseeched the city and demanded Lu Bu's surrender. Lu Bu intended to surrender, but his advisor Qin Gong urged him to hold Shopee. Then break through the lines to seek reinforcements from Yuan Shao. Lu Bu's troops defended fiercely, repelling Chao Chao's relentless assaults for two months. Yet Shopee remained standing, stubbornly defiant. Chao Chao grew frustrated, unable to breach the city despite the long siege. Furthermore, his army had been campaigning without pause. The soldiers were exhausted, and provisions were running low. He considered withdrawing to Shidu to regroup and plan a future strike. Leading a weary army deep into enemy territory is a fatal military blunder. The main force was bogged down outside a fortified stronghold. A prolonged, inconclusive siege would only invite disaster. Both Chao Chao's and Lu Bu's armies were near their breaking point. Whichever side held out longer would ultimately claim victory. At this critical juncture, Chao Chao's advisors were alarmed by his talk of retreat. Sun Yu immediately rushed to dissuade him from pulling back. Guo Jia argued, Sun Yu won 70 straight battles without a single defeat. Yet, after one loss at Geisha, he faced total ruin and death. He relied solely on his might, but lacked true strategic depth. Lu Bu is similarly valiant but witless, and he has suffered repeated losses. His morale is broken and his courage spent, he is no match for Sun Yu. His current plight is far more dire than that of Sun Yu in the past. If we press the attack now, Shopee will fall, and Lu Bu will surely be captured. Convinced by their sound reasoning, Chao Chao ordered his men to intensify the siege. Persuading Chao Chao to stay was hard, but the true challenge lay within the city. Terrified of what would follow defeat, the soldiers and citizens resolved to hold at all costs. So, how can they breach the city? Clearly, a frontal assault is not the best plan. This is exactly where a strategist proves his worth. Guo Jia once again rose to the occasion. He proposed diverting the C&E rivers, using water to conquer the city instead of soldiers. Chao Chao was desperate and overjoyed by this brilliant strategy. He immediately ordered his troops to dig channels, letting the water surge toward the walls of Shopee. The fortress, once thought to be impregnable, could not withstand the force of the flood. In an instant, it was submerged, seeing all hope lost. The soldiers and citizens sought their own survival. Abandoning any thought of defense, they fled in every direction. Lu Bu's own generals, such as Hou Qing, Song Xian, and Wei Su, mutinied, choosing survival over certain death. They captured Qin Gong and other key figures, and dragged them to surrender to Chao Chao. Lu Bu retreated to the White Gate Tower in Shopee. But eventually, he too had to surrender. Later, Chao Chao defeated Yuan Shao, eliminating a major rival. He also correctly predicted the death of Sun Tzu. In the fifth year of Jianan, 200 AD, Chao Chao faced Yuan Shao at the Battle of Guandu. This clash would determine the master of the north. Yet, intelligence arrived with alarming news. Sun Tzu planned to cross the river and raid Chao Chao's rear, his troops were terrified. Wu Jia immediately calmed the ranks and restored their morale. He noted that Sun Tzu had offended many heroes since taking Jiangdong. While he could inspire his men to fight to the death, Sun Tzu was reckless, often traveling alone without a guard. Despite his vast armies, he walked the central plains as a solitary man. Against an assassin in hiding, he stood no chance. He will surely die at the hands of a commoner, I expect. Sun Tzu was indeed assassinated, proving Wu Jia's foresight regarding the Yuan heirs. In the seventh year of Jianan, 202 AD, Yuan Shao lost at Guandu. He soon died of illness, leaving sons Yuan Tan and Yuan Shan to face Chao Chao's pursuit. Chao Chao's generals urged an immediate strike to crush the Yuan remnants. However, Wu Jia argued that the brothers would inevitably turn on each other. Yuan Shao loved both sons and had failed to name a successor. With advisors like Guo Tu and Feng Ji backing opposing sides, we should not press the attack yet. If pushed, the brothers will unite to resist us. Once the pressure eases, internal strife will erupt. We should strike Lu Biao in the south and bide our time. When their infighting begins, we shall march to pacify them both. Wu Jia's counsel proved once again that Chao Chao knew how to heed good advice. He employed men without suspicion. Chao Chao then led his army south to strike Lu Biao. Reaching Xiping, word arrived that Yuan Tan and Yuan Shao were tearing each other apart for Jizhou. Losing ground, Yuan Tan begged Chao Chao for aid. Chao Chao marched to assist Yuan Tan, easily pacifying Jizhou. After securing Hebei, he settled administration in Qingzhou, Jizhou, and Yuzhou. Following Wu Jia's plan, he was named Marquis of Yangdi and urged to strike Wu Huan. In 207, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shi fled to the Wu Huan territories. Chao Chao planned to strike, but his subordinates feared a Lu Bei ambush. Wu Jia insisted the nomads would be caught off guard by a swift, unexpected strike. He noted Lu Biao would never trust Lu Bei, so he posed no real threat. As predicted, Lu Biao ignored Lu Bei's pleas to attack Xuzhou while Chao Chao was away. When Chao Chao returned, Lu Biao deeply regretted missing his chance. The expedition to Wu Huan was sluggish due to heavy supply wagons. Wu Jia warned that speed is the essence of war and their delay risked discovery. He advised abandoning the heavy gear for a lightning strike with light cavalry. Caught unprepared, the Wu Huan were routed, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shi fled to Liaodong. Yet, on this very campaign, Wu Jia fell ill and passed away. Serving Chao Chao for 11 years, his brilliance rivaled the legends of old. He was pivotal to Chao Chao's success and great achievements. A hero cut down in his prime, a profound loss for the realm. Chao Chao lamented, how tragic, how painful, how heartbreaking, to honor his friend.