Zhao Yun – The Haunting Psychological Presence of the Three Kingdoms
In the classic work “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” the character Zhao Yun is depicted as a noble and valiant warrior. On the side of the Shu Kingdom, apart from the renowned strategist Zhuge Liang, he is regarded as one of the most outstanding generals. Together with Liu Bei’s loyal followers, Zhao Yun is known for his courage and leadership in critical battles. However, both Zhao Yun and Liu Bei’s generals, despite their prowess, appeared to hesitate when facing the formidable forces of Cao Cao.
As described in the narrative: “Zhao Yun let out a loud roar, charging into the enemy ranks like a fierce tiger, his battle cries echoing, as if the heavens themselves were trembling. The thick rain fell, and amidst the chaos, he stood unyielding, with his mighty steed soaring through the air. Zhao Yun, along with his companions, felt a sense of awe yet did not dare engage in combat.”
Liu Bei and Zhao Yun are both depicted as brave warriors. Liu Bei often clashed with Cao Cao in fierce battles, while Zhao Yun stood as a pillar of strength in the “Battle of Changban.” Each individual was a formidable character, and considering their close ties, what caused them to fear Zhao Yun’s presence?
According to Sohu, the primary reason is the psychological impact of the “Battle of Changban” which instilled fear in Liu Bei’s generals, making them wary of Zhao Yun.
In the chaotic battle at Changban, Liu Bei’s forces faced a dire situation when Cao Cao’s army advanced aggressively into southern territories, leading to a split in their ranks. At that moment, both Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were absent, leaving only Zhao Yun to confront Cao Cao’s forces. Liu Bei managed to escape, while Zhao Yun stayed behind, bravely holding his ground against the combined forces of Cao Cao, Xu Huang, and Li Dian. After a fierce engagement, Zhao Yun achieved a remarkable victory, rescuing Liu Bei’s son and escaping the encirclement of Cao Cao’s troops.
It is evident that Zhang Fei was not a worthy opponent for Zhao Yun. If Zhao Yun was in a state of readiness, he certainly did not need to wait for the battle to unfold. During the battle at Changban, Zhang Fei once again faced Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun, even when surrounded, fought valiantly, his bravery shining through in stark contrast to Zhang Fei’s hesitance.
After the battle at Changban, both Zhang Fei and Liu Bei found themselves in a state of fear, reluctant to engage in combat despite their previous victories, haunted by the psychological implications of their encounters with Zhao Yun.
In the battle at Xich Bich, “Cao Cao ordered Liu Bei and Zhang Fei to confront Zhao Yun, but they sought to escape instead. Zhao Yun, however, did not pursue, focusing instead on protecting his own forces while Cao Cao managed to retreat.”
According to Cao Cao, none of his men dared to face Zhao Yun. Even though Zhang Fei was a renowned warrior, when confronting Zhao Yun alongside Xu Huang and Li Dian, the three were unable to overcome Zhao Yun, leading to a grim conclusion. Even Cao Cao himself could not lay the blame on his men for their fear. It should be noted that the author Luo Guanzhong has built Zhao Yun’s character to be incredibly imposing, with each appearance evoking a sense of dread.
The Perfect Image of Zhao Yun
In the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” during chapter 92, Cao Cao held Zhao Yun in contempt, believing him to be an insignificant threat. The character Liu Bei, representing the fears of many, regarded Zhao Yun as a formidable enemy. Liu Bei had several sons, all of whom were skilled in martial arts and capable of leading troops. The eldest son was known for his bravery, while the second son was noted for his intelligence, and the third son was recognized for his strategic mind.
Cao Cao remarked: “His name brings fear, daring to confront our forces!” Zhao Yun, feeling the pressure, charged into battle, his reputation preceding him, and in the ensuing chaos, he left a trail of victory.
The third son, Han Yi, witnessed Zhao Yun’s prowess, realizing the threat he posed. Zhao Yun demonstrated his might, repelling attacks with unmatched skill. Han Yi, unable to engage, felt the weight of Zhao Yun’s presence on the battlefield, unable to shake off the fear.
After a brief moment, Han Yi attempted to retreat, only to find himself ensnared in the chaos of battle against Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun’s ferocity became apparent as he cut down enemies left and right, proving himself a formidable force. The forces of Cao Cao, once confident, found themselves demoralized in the face of Zhao Yun’s onslaught.
Cao Cao noticed that many of his men fell to Zhao Yun’s blade, their morale shattered. The Western Army, once confident, now hesitated to confront Zhao Yun, unsure of their chances for victory. Zhao Yun, a lone warrior, pressed forward, charging into the fray as if the heavens themselves had opened before him.
The fear instilled by Zhao Yun’s presence was palpable, as his mere reputation preceded him. The Western forces, once bold, faltered in the face of his unwavering resolve. Zhao Yun’s image as a relentless warrior became a source of inspiration for his allies and a source of dread for his enemies.
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