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Why does Tào Tháo insist on intervening in the outcome of the match between Hua Chu and Lao Bo despite Hua Chu's brave solo combat?
In the Three Kingdoms era, alongside intense strategic battles among prominent warlords like Tào Tháo, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan, individual duels between top generals always fascinated and captivated.
According to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Lao Bo is one of the generals with the most individual duels. Historical records describe Lao Bo as skilled in horse riding, archery, and exceptionally strong. Regardless of the opponent, Lao Bo remains an extremely formidable adversary, even a 'nightmare' for the top generals of that time.
Among these individual duels, Lao Bo once clashed with Hua Chu, a trusted general under Tào Tháo, renowned for extraordinary strength and unwavering loyalty to his lord.
At Boc Duong, during the late Eastern Han period, Lao Bo, a regional lord at the time, had a duel with Hua Chu, a general known as the 'Tiger General' under the command of Tào Tháo. Hua Chu boldly engaged in a duel with Lao Bo, yet after 20 rounds, there was still no clear victor. Hua Chu's ability to endure 20 rounds against a renowned champion like Lao Bo illustrates his remarkable strength and combat prowess.
Why does Tào Tháo intervene in the duel between Lã Bố and Hứa Chử?
Tào Tháo unexpectedly interferes in the match, believing that Hứa Chử alone may not be able to defeat Lã Bố. Furthermore, regardless of Lã Bố's strength, it's challenging to repel multiple united generals. Hence, he orders Dien Vi, along with 4 generals Ha Hao Don, Ha Hao Uyen, Ly Dien, and Nhac Tien, to join forces with Hứa Chử to fight Lã Bố. The combined forces of Tào Tháo's six generals force Lã Bố to retreat.
Why does Tào Tháo intervene in the duel between Lã Bố and Hứa Chử?
Firstly, Tào Tháo is concerned that Hứa Chử may get injured and be unable to endure the solo duel with Lã Bố, so he insists on interfering in the outcome of this match.
Having participated in numerous strategic battles and witnessing many individual duels, Tào Tháo naturally knows Lã Bố's true strength. In 190, at Tiger Trap Pass, Tào Tháo witnessed Lã Bố's excellent combat capabilities against the coalition of 18 regional lords, even praising Lã Bố as a fearless champion.
Secondly, breaking the final outcome of the duel between Lã Bố and Hứa Chử not only protects the 'Tiger General' but also aims to concentrate forces to eliminate the general hailed as the top warlord of the era. Tào Tháo's plan to 'adjust the scores' may protect Hứa Chử but ultimately fails to capture Lã Bố alive. Truly regrettable!
What are the rare treasures possessed by Lã Bố during his lifetime, making him famous and feared across the land?
Lã Bố not only gained widespread fame for his exceptional martial arts skills, bravery, and prowess in battle but also possessed two rare treasures in the world. They are the Xích Thố Horse and the Phương Thiên Fire Lance. While the Xích Thố Horse excelled in battlefield mobility, the Phương Thiên Fire Lance was a weapon capable of inflicting significant damage. There was a saying at the time, 'Within a man, there is Lã Bố, within a horse, there is Xích Thố', praising the two rare treasures of that era. That was Lã Bố and the warhorse Xích Thố.
Reference sources: Sohu, Baidu, 163
