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Despite never having slain any renowned generals, Triệu Vân is always hailed as the most perfect martial strategist, even ranking second in martial prowess during the Three Kingdoms.
In a historical period marked by numerous upheavals like the Three Kingdoms, countless heroes and geniuses emerged, earning the admiration and reverence of future generations. Among them, one cannot overlook Triệu Vân, a late Eastern Han and Three Kingdoms era general, also known as a military genius of the Thục Hán dynasty.
Triệu Vân (?-229), also known as Tử Long, was a founding father of the Thục Hán dynasty. Possessing a formidable appearance and commanding presence, Triệu Vân was praised as a martial strategist with unparalleled skill, cunning, and unwavering loyalty to the state.
Triệu Vân stands as one of the few martial strategists possessing both intellect and integrity. He is highly regarded by posterity for his talent and sense of righteousness.
In folk tradition, there exists the saying: 'First Lã, second Triệu, third Điển Vi, fourth Quan, fifth Mã, and sixth Trương Phi.' This encapsulates and evaluates the martial prowess of the foremost generals of the Three Kingdoms era.
From this saying, it can be seen that many people from later generations regard Lã Bố as the most skilled martial artist in the Three Kingdoms. Following Lã Bố, Triệu Vân ranks second, Điển Vi third, Quan Vũ fourth, Mã Siêu fifth, and Trương Phi sixth.
Triệu Vân is highly esteemed by later generations for both talent and moral character. However, when compared to other generals, Triệu Vân's achievements are somewhat inferior.
In terms of martial prowess, he ranks second in the Three Kingdoms, just behind the 'war god' Lã Bố. His ranking is even higher than the other four (Quan Vũ, Trương Phi, Mã Siêu, Hoàng Trung) in the 'Five Tiger Generals'.
Triệu Vân is a rare hero and talent during the Three Kingdoms period. He followed Liu Bei for many years but rarely led troops to govern a region. Throughout his years of warfare, Triệu Vân's most glorious achievements were the two times he rushed to save Liu Thiện, the son of Liu Bei. However, in those perilous battles, it seems this general never encountered any famous generals.
There are quite a few opinions that since Triệu Vân never killed any top generals in his lifetime, why does he have such a high ranking in the Three Kingdoms?
However, after carefully considering Triệu Vân's life, it turns out there are three reasons why Triệu Vân becoming the second-ranked general in the Three Kingdoms is entirely deserving.
Why does Triệu Vân rank below Lã Bố?
Firstly, combat ability: In 201 AD, at the Battle of Nhữ Nam, Triệu Vân, single-handedly faced three generals of Wei - Vu Cấm, Hứa Chử, and Lý Điển. Despite the dire situation, Triệu Vân remained undaunted.
As a result, Triệu Vân not only managed to break through the encirclement of the three generals but also timely rescued the endangered Liu Bei. In less than three bouts, Triệu Vân fatally wounded Cao Lãm, a subordinate general of Viên Thiệu, and defeated Trương Cáp after 30 bouts, to save Liu Bei.
This battle showcased the extraordinary combat prowess and courage of Triệu Vân. Single-handedly breaking through the encirclement of three generals while ensuring the safety of Liu Bei, this is something even Quan Vũ, Trương Phi, Mã Siêu, and Hoàng Trung would find challenging.
Secondly, never been wounded: Throughout his illustrious life, Triệu Vân fought in numerous battles yet remained unscathed. This is truly remarkable in the era of the Three Kingdoms. Even a mighty warrior like Quan Vũ suffered injuries from poisoned arrows.
Meanwhile, despite facing numerous perilous situations, even being single-handedly surrounded by the massive army of Wei, Triệu Vân managed to break through enemy lines successfully, successfully rescuing the young prince Liu Thiện and returning unharmed.
Thirdly, never experienced defeat. Following Liu Bei for many years, participating in numerous major battles among the three factions of Wei, Shu, and Wu, Triệu Vân has never tasted defeat. He has defeated opponents multiple times, broken through sieges, excellently fulfilled missions in battles, especially ensuring the safety of Liu Bei and his entourage.
Devoting his entire life to serving Liu Bei and the House of Shu Han, achieving numerous illustrious feats, Triệu Vân is honored with the title of 'Eternal Victor General'.
With the aforementioned three reasons, in terms of martial prowess, Triệu Vân's ranking as the second distinguished general of the Three Kingdoms (only after Lã Bố) is completely deserved and rational.
References: Sohu, Baidu
