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Surpassing Gia Cát Lượng and Tư Mã Ý, this figure stands as the most formidable military strategist of the Three Kingdoms, altering history on four occasions.
In the waning years of the Eastern Han and throughout the Three Kingdoms era, despite widespread chaos, countless talents emerged. This resonates with the phrase ' turmoil breeds heroes '. During this historical period, talents not only included skilled military commanders but also brilliant strategists who served as invaluable aides to the foremost warlords of that time.
When it comes to military strategists, some argue that Gia Cát Lượng is the most powerful due to his pivotal role in establishing the Shu Han dynasty. Others contend that Tư Mã Ý holds this title as he not only surpassed Gia Cát Lượng but also wielded significant influence within the Cao Wei dynasty.
However, in reality, the greatest military strategist of the Three Kingdoms is neither Gia Cát Lượng nor Tư Mã Ý. Instead, this strategist brought numerous surprises to the political landscape. That individual is none other than Tuân Úc.
Tuân Úc (163 – 212) , also known by the courtesy name Văn Nhược, was a prominent strategist and official during the Eastern Han period. He played a pivotal role in aiding Tào Tháo's rise during the Three Kingdoms era. Throughout his lifetime, Tuân Úc was a highly esteemed courtier among the renowned strategists of Tào Tháo. He was even referred to as ' Ngộ chi Tử Phòng ' by Tào Tháo, likening him to Trương Lương, one of the Three Worthy Men of the early Han dynasty.
In the captivating tales penned by Trương Thức, Tuân Úc is portrayed as a paragon of virtue, his inner nobility matched only by his dedication to righteousness and his renowned fame. He stands as a shining exemplar of the nation's elite.
According to experts' analysis, without Tuân Úc's invaluable counsel, Cao Cao would have long been vanquished, unable to establish the mighty realm of Cao Wei. Tuân Úc's interventions altered the course of history four times over, earning him the title of Cao Cao's most brilliant strategist.
So, what were these four pivotal moments?
The first was the Battle of Tú Châu.
Tuân Úc's inaugural historical intervention occurred during the Battle of Tú Châu. Despite initial advantages, Cao Cao's stronghold in Đuện Châu faced imminent capture by Lã Bố.
In 193 AD, the regional governor Trần Lưu, under Cao Cao's banner, along with his companions Trương Siêu and strategist Trần Cung, disillusioned by Cao Cao's massacre in Tú Châu, sought a new leader to overthrow the House of Cao. Coincidentally, Lã Bố, drifting from Viên Thiệu's domain, prompted Trần Cung to advise Trần Lưu to welcome Lã Bố and proclaim him ruler of Đuện Châu, supplanting Cao Cao.
Considering the counsel given by Australian strategists to Caesar, it's evident this tactician held significant power and influence to sway the Caesar family's leader. Despite the crumbling Han Dynasty backdrop, many remained loyal to this monarchy. Australian strategies aimed to elevate the concept of 'virtue' to win over hearts amidst chaotic times.
Without the strategic playbook 'serving the emperor to command all vassals,' the force of Caesar wouldn't have surged so remarkably. Thus, the actions and strategies of Australian have completely altered the course of history.
Thirdly, the Battle of Guandu
The third instance Australian reshaped the historical trajectory was during the Battle of Guandu in 200. As documented in history, during the early and middle stages of the Battle of Guandu, Caesar was actually at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, Viện Thiệu possessed a formidable military force, vastly surpassing Caesar.
The conflict between the two sides was fierce. Specifically, both sides endured prolonged combat without a clear victor, indicating Caesar's forces were weaker. As supplies dwindled, Caesar, intending to retreat to Hứa Xương, wrote to seek Australian's advice.
Following that, Tuân Úc penned a letter advising Tào Tháo, 'never entertain the thought of retreat; once you retreat, you cannot hold on any longer. Instead, according to Tuân Úc, this is a crucial moment to employ strategy because both sides, after prolonged conflict, are weary.
Tào Tháo heeded Tuân Úc's counsel, opting for a defensive stance to await developments. Sure enough, not long after, Hứa Du, a strategist of Viên Thiệu, defected and proposed to Tào Tháo to seize the grain depots at Ô Sào. This led to the disintegration of Viên Thiệu's grand army.
Wednesday, post the Battle of Quan Độ
Following the Battle of Quan Độ, despite Viên Thiệu's entire army suffering a devastating defeat, it only marked the beginning of the decline of the Viên clan rather than its complete collapse. While the Battle of Quan Độ gradually altered the dynamics of the power struggle, Tào Tháo would find it exceedingly difficult to utterly vanquish Viên Thiệu and unify the northern region. However, at that time, Tào Tháo failed to recognize this, eager to confront the Viên clan. Should he have done so, the outcome for Tào Tháo would have been defeat.
At this pivotal juncture, Tuân Úc rose to the occasion and successfully advised Tào Tháo. Tuân Úc believed that while Viên Thiệu's 'coalition' appeared formidable, internally, they lacked unity. Therefore, if Tào Tháo launched a premature attack, they would be forced to unite against external threats. If Tào Tháo refrained from attacking, the Viên faction would naturally splinter. Waiting until they became disjointed and weakened, if Tào Tháo were to attack again, the likelihood of success would be even greater.
Indeed, after Tào Tháo heeded Tuân Úc's advice, events unfolded for the Viên clan precisely as predicted by this strategist. Internal conflicts erupted within the Viên clan, leading to their weakening, enabling Tào Tháo to completely annihilate Viên Thiệu's descendants by 207 and unify the northern region. During this period, Tuân Úc held Hứa Xương steadfastly, ensuring no disturbances occurred.
Throughout history, from the four pivotal changes, it is evident that Tuân Úc rightfully stands as the most powerful and influential strategist in the Three Kingdoms era. Without him, Cao Cao would have been vanquished long ago. Unfortunately, differences arose between Cao Cao and Tuân Úc regarding their ambitions to seize the Han dynasty's throne. Ultimately, Tuân Úc passed away under mysterious circumstances in 212 AD, at the age of 50. He was posthumously awarded the title of Major and was given the honorary name Jing Hou.
Experts speculate that if conflicts hadn't arisen and Tuân Úc hadn't departed prematurely, this talented strategist could have wholeheartedly assisted Cao Cao in unifying the realm. The departure of Tuân Úc could also be deemed a significant loss for Cao Cao.
Reference sources: Sohu, Baidu, Zhihu
