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Truong Phi's reputation as a formidable general in the Three Kingdoms is well-deserved.
When discussing the military leaders of the Three Kingdoms era, it's impossible not to mention Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Truong Phi. Liu Bei, known for his integrity and intelligence, rose from being a humble shoemaker to establishing the Shu Han kingdom, leaving behind a legendary legacy for future generations to admire.
Guan Yu, revered as the God of War, wielded the Green Dragon Crescent Blade with unparalleled skill. However, Truong Phi's impact on people is akin to a profound revelation, evoking deep emotions rather than mere admiration.
According to historical records, Truong Phi's martial prowess was on par with Guan Yu's. Yet, while Guan Yu was born into nobility, Truong Phi, originating from a common background and having worked as a butcher in his youth, rose to such martial heights. What were the reasons behind this extraordinary achievement? There are three main factors:
1. Truong Phi's upbringing
Before meeting Liu Bei and Guan Yu, Truong Phi worked as a swine butcher, a genuine villain. However, being a villain is no easy task; one must understand that a pig can weigh up to 100kg. A butcher needs to use their strength to control the pig. Truong Phi honed his strength thanks to this circumstance.
According to historical records, Truong Phi could carry over a ton of pork, move as swiftly as the wind, and wield a knife with mastery. Therefore, in military service, this experience helped Truong Phi like a tiger with added wings.
Moreover, Truong Phi not only possessed strength but also had a foundation in martial arts from an early age. Generations of Truong Phi's family were butchers, enjoying a higher economic status than ordinary families. From a young age, he enjoyed practicing with swords and staffs, even studying martial arts under a 70-year-old master, ingraining martial skills in his blood, improving with each passing year of growth.
2. Accumulated experience in real combat
Truong Phi followed Liu Bei in the struggle for supremacy, building everything up from scratch.
Truong Phi, along with Liu Bei and Guan Yu, fiercely battled against Lu Bu, participating in battles such as Xingbi, Han Trung... with the most remarkable battle being the Battle of Changban.
When discussing the Battle of Changban, the first impression for many is often Zhao Yun's heroic solo rescue of Liu Bei's son. However, Truong Phi's performance in this battle is equally remarkable, not inferior to Zhao Yun.
At that time, under Liu Bei's command, Truong Phi faced Zhao Yun with only 20 soldiers against tens of thousands of troops led by Cao Cao. Yet, this also made Cao Cao utter the words, 'cannot be underestimated.'
People often rank the top generals in the Three Kingdoms as follows: 'First Lu Bu, second Zhao Yun, third Zhang Fei, fourth Guan Yu, fifth Ma Chao, sixth Truong Phi.'
We can see Truong Phi's extraordinary strength in three battles.
Firstly, Truong Phi fought against Zhang Liao. Zhang Liao's strength was formidable, yet he was defeated by Truong Phi after only 20 rounds.
Secondly, after the Battle of Xingbi, Truong Phi was ordered to hold the line at Huadong Road. Facing the siege of Hua Xiong, Zhang Liao, and Xu Huang, Truong Phi remained calm and composed, fighting valiantly.
Although at that time, three generals from the Wei kingdom only intended to assist Cao Cao in fleeing, avoiding direct combat with Truong Phi, after several bouts, they realized that even their combined strength couldn't match Truong Phi.
The final battle was against Truong Cap. Truong Phi was ordered to station at Ngokhau Gate, where the forces of Cao sent Tao Hong, Xiahou Yuan, and Truong Cap to attack Truong Phi. Truong Phi managed to defeat Cao's forces in less than an hour.
Therefore, it's evident that Truong Phi, as a renowned general of the Three Kingdoms, is not just a mere title.
3. Alongside Truong Phi: Liu Bei and Guan Yu
Truong Phi's intelligence is not on par with Liu Bei, and he falls slightly short of Guan Yu in terms of righteousness. Many powerful generals surpass Truong Phi, such as Lu Bu, but unfortunately, their lack of judgment in choosing sides led to their tragic demise under the blade of Cao Cao.
If placed under the command of Cao Cao, Truong Phi would merely be considered an ordinary general, not valued for his talents.
Tao Thao is renowned for the saying, 'It's better to deceive others than to be deceived by others,' while Liu Bei believes in 'Brothers are like limbs, wives and children are like clothes and pants.'
Through this, it can be seen that Truong Phi could have become a prominent general of the Three Kingdoms, with Liu Bei making significant contributions.
However, Truong Phi had a fatal flaw, which was his impulsiveness and lack of composure. Liu Bei had advised Truong Phi numerous times to rectify this flaw, but unfortunately, he did not heed the advice. In the end, due to minor conflicts with subordinates and his impulsive nature, Truong Phi was assassinated in the middle of the night, falling victim to his own shortcomings.
Source: Sohu
