Since the cinemas are screening of Three Kingdoms (三国之见龙御甲), and the main cast is on Zhao Yun （赵云， 赵子龙), let’s discuss on him a bit. Ok, I am not an expert on the history, I’m just a fan of Three Kingdoms. Pardon me if it’s not the truth that you know.
Zhao Yun, a loyal general of Liu Bei (刘备) was claim to be the most courageous (一生是胆) general in country of Shu (蜀国). How did he got the “full of courage” title?
It was during the time when Cao Cao (曹操) army was chasing Liu Bei’s army, being having a weak army, Liu Bei has no choice but to leave his wife and son, Ah Dou (阿斗) behind. It was Zhao Yun who rode back to the enemy frontline, fought with 54 enemy generals to save Ah Dou.
It shows the loyalty Zhao Yun had for Liu Bei.
Another time was between a political marriage of Sun Quan’s (孙权) sister and Liu Bei. Due to the tension between Country of Shu and Country of Wu (吴国), Sun Quan’s sister went back to Country of Wu bringing Ah Dou with her. It was Zhao Yun again who got back Ah Dou while she’s on the way back.
Although Zhao Yun was highly skilled in martial art, full of courage but he never lead an army for any battle. And he was not in the rank of the 4 main generals (正牌将军). I am always wondering how can that be? He is definitely a talent not to be miss. Is it because Liu Bei didn’t trust him?
That’s because Zhao Yun was Liu Bei most trusted subordinate. Zhao Yun was given the role of taking care of the inside, meaning taking care of Liu Bei and his family. I wonder again, isn’t it a waste of talent?
Well, Liu Bei identify Zhao Yun as a meticulous person compared to Guan Yu (关羽) or Zhang Fei (张飞). Zhao Yun is the best person to take care of the inside, like a bodyguard, while the rest goes for war. Beside meticulous, Zhao Yun was also reliable, he will complete any task given to him, saving Ah Dou twice proved it.
It was said that Zhao Yun also has the political brain. When Liu Bei first got his first city after many years of struggle, he wants to share it with his subordinates. Zhao Yun was the only one who object, saying that this is only the beginning. They should consolidate all the resources to fight Cao Cao. This of course made Liu Bei unhappy, but accepted his idea.
This shows that Zhao Yun is not afraid to speak up, selfless, and had a political vision.
Another time when Liu Bei declare war on Country of Wu, to take revenge for Guan Yu’s death, Zhao Yun again advise him that it’s not the time to fight Wu, the real enemy is Cao Cao. Liu Bei lost the war, that’s the beginning of the fall of the Country of Shu.
Once again Zhao Yun proves his political point of view is correct.
In today’s term, Zhao Yun is like a idol, gaining lots of popularity among the Three Kingdoms fan. A person full of courage and vision, that is Zhao Yun or Zhao Zilong for you.
