During 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, the Chinese idiom has been a shining pearl in the treasure of the Chinese language. It is concise, vivid, and expressive, accumulating historical facts and rich ethnic culture.
The formation of each phrase reflects historical truths that mirror politics, the military, culture, folk customs, ethics, and ideals. These idioms allow us to understand better China’s long history, superior wisdom, and timeless language.
背 (bèi) against 水 (shuǐ) water, 一 (yī) one, 戰 (zhàn) battle
The great Chinese general for Liu Bang
Han Xin was the general and chief strategist for Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty. Liu Bang wanted to take over all of central China. Han Xin defeated Liu Bang’s chief rival Xiang Yu and crossed the Yellow River to capture Wei Bao of the state of Wei, who served under Xiang Yu. Han Xin then marched east to attack the state of Zhao.
Han Xin’s troops needed to pass through a narrow mountain called the Jingxing opening. However, the enemy’s camp sent troops to block the Jingxing opening and, at the same time, cut off the supply line for Han’s troops.
The general of Zhao’s forces had many more soldiers than Han’s army and insisted they would fight face-to-face. Han’s troops set up their tents 30 miles from the Jingxing opening. Han Xin arranged for 10,000 soldiers to take their position in front of the river bank to lure the enemy.
At the same time, 2,000 lightly dressed soldiers would sneak into the enemy’s camp when no one was there and replace the Zhao flags with Han flags. Fighting in front of the river was a risky strategy and not one recommended in any book on how to win a battle.
The general of Zhao’s forces was pleased and thought this was an excellent opportunity for them to win since Han’s army would have nowhere to run. The following day, Han’s soldiers started to attack first, and both sides fought vigorously.
Han Xin’s battle at the riverfront
Han’s soldiers pretended to be defeated and returned to the river bank. Zhao’s soldiers joined them in the chase, leaving the camp empty. Meanwhile, as Han had sent his best forces to attack the enemy soldiers in the battle at the riverfront, they fought as hard as they could, and as they had no place to run, they had to win the battle or die.
Zhao’s army could not win, so they retreated to their camp. When they reached the base, they found that Han flags had replaced all their banners. They panicked and ran off in all different directions. Han’s soldiers chased them, and they won a huge battle.
Sometime later, his officers asked Han Xin: “In all the books of The Art of War, it is said that one can fight a war in front of a mountain, but not in front of a river. However, you managed to win. What kind of strategy was that?”
Han Xin replied laughingly, “My strategy is also in the book. Putting soldiers in a situation where they have nowhere to run off means fighting for their lives. If everyone can retreat, how will you make them fight as hard as possible?”
“Battle at the riverfront” means that you will succeed if you are determined to fight as if your life depended on it.
