The story unfolds during the period of the Tao Tao’s rebellion against the Gong Dong dynasty. Sun Quan and Liu Bei allied to combat Tao; Zhuge Liang and Chu Du also came together to strategize against Tao’s forces. Ultimately, they managed to mobilize 800,000 troops of the Tao Tao army at the battle of Xich Bich. Tao Tao faced a significant setback, retreating towards the Hoa Dung island.
The situation for Tao Tao became dire as Zhuge Liang’s army began to press on. Consequently, Zhuge Liang had prepared thoroughly, ensuring that three of his armies were in position on the battlefield, leading to the tale of “Tao Tao escaping three times but once in despair”!
First Instance: Tao Tao vs. Zhao Yun
The Tao army suffered a lack of supplies, and Tao Tao, along with his generals, faced the threat of being cut off. When the troops began to retreat on the orders of Zhao Yun, they saw tall trees and towering mountains, causing Tao Tao to suddenly raise his head in disbelief.
As the troops were being cornered, Tao Tao remarked: “I am confronted by Zhao Yun and his relentless pursuit. If we were to deploy our troops, the first order of business would be to firmly establish ourselves against this army; what can they possibly do to us?”
Despite the dire situation, Zhao Yun led his troops into battle, and the confrontation led to a fierce clash, with blood being shed to protect Tao Tao’s retreat, narrowly allowing for a successful escape.
Second Instance: Tao Tao vs. Zhang Fei
Tao Tao managed to evade Zhang Fei’s relentless pursuit and fled towards the area of Nam Di Lang. At this time, he had fortuitously joined forces with a group of determined individuals. While the situation seemed stable, Tao Tao ordered his troops to temporarily rest at the location.
It is unclear why Tao Tao decided to raise his head in disbelief at the sight before him, but nonetheless, he expressed: “I am faced with Zhuge Liang and Zhang Fei, who will not relent. If we were indeed to mobilize our troops, we would be forced to confront that army. Given the current circumstances, even if we manage to escape with our lives, we cannot afford to be complacent. Both of those individuals cannot be underestimated, as it would mean we would not be able to escape their scorn.”
Despite the stillness, Zhang Fei led a contingent of troops to charge forward with renewed vigor. Tao Tao found himself quickly swept into the fray, as they fought fiercely with the intent to survive.
Third Instance: Tao Tao vs. Guan Yu
After evading the pursuit of Zhang Fei, Tao Tao fled to Hoa Dung Dao. The troops alongside him were still in a state of disarray, their morale low, and their resources dwindling. Yet, once again, Tao Tao managed to rally his troops, raising his head high.
As the situation evolved, Tao Tao spoke to his troops: “Everyone knows of the might of Zhuge Liang and Zhang Fei. From my perspective, these battles are merely a chance for survival. If we are to face a determined army, we must not forget that we are merely pawns in this game.”
As a result, a loud proclamation echoed, and both sides, totaling 500,000 troops, engaged in battle, led by the formidable Guan Yu wielding the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, as they clashed on the battlefield.
After the battle, Tao Tao implored Guan Yu for mercy, and Guan Yu, recognizing Tao Tao’s situation, granted him a chance to escape. Finally, Tao Tao was able to slip away from further pursuit orchestrated by Zhuge Liang.
Tao Tao’s Despair
Having escaped from the dire circumstances, Tao Tao found himself in a state of melancholy as he took in the scenery of the southern plains, reflecting on the challenges he had faced. Yet in this moment, he could not help but feel a sense of sorrow.
Tao Tao lamented: “I weep for the loss of Guo Feng Xiu! Had Xiu been here, we would have surely avoided a great defeat like this!”. After expressing his sorrow, he continued to cry, feeling the weight of the burdens he carried heavily on his heart.
It is known that Guo Feng Xiu, also referred to as Guo Jia, was a strategic advisor and a dear friend to Tao Tao. Here, amidst the tears shed by Tao Tao, lies the poignant truth of his struggles and the weight of his responsibilities, especially in the face of the challenges posed by Zhuge Liang – a figure he could not afford to underestimate.
