Read history with insight

Author: Wang Yu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: 9. Only by taking risks can one seize opportunities
Looking at countless successful people, their success is not because opportunities only favor them, but because they dare to take risks, dare to do what others dare not, dare to break the conventions, and thus they seized the opportunity a step ahead. This is the cleverness of those with "strategic minds." They deeply understand that taking risks naturally involves risks, but the greater the risk, the greater the reward. Risk and reward are directly proportional. If one always follows in others' footsteps and never dares to take a risk in a lifetime, then such a person will never succeed. History is full of people who achieved great things through taking risks. For example, the renowned Xiang Yu, the of Western Chu, began his glorious life by daring to seize power.
At that time, during the late Qin Dynasty, the general Zhang Han killed Xiang Yu's uncle, Xiang Liang, and then led the main Qin army to attack the rebel forces of Zhao. Zhang Han's 300,000 troops encircled the Zhao army at Julu (now in Hebei Province). The Zhao army was in dire straits and sent a messenger to the King of Chu to request aid. The King of Chu decided to appoint a man named Song Yi as the commander of the relief army, with Xiang Yu serving as the "second general," or deputy commander. The Chu army set off in grand style under the leadership of Song Yi and Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu had long been eager to fight the Qin army and prove his worth against Zhang Han.
However, halfway there, Song Yi suddenly ordered a halt, and they remained stationary for several days. This greatly frustrated Xiang Yu. He said to Song Yi, "The siege of Julu has lasted so long. We must quickly relieve them! You should give the order to march!" Song Yi replied dismissively, "War is not just about brute force; it requires strategy. Let the Qin and Zhao armies fight it out first. We will then intervene when they have suffered heavy losses." With that, Song Yi paused, slowly stroking his beard, glancing sideways at Xiang Yu, and continued, "I may not be as skilled in horseback riding and battle as you, but when it comes to strategy, you are no match for me. Go back to your camp and rest. Leave the rest to me."
Xiang Yu was displeased with Song Yi's mockery. Knowing that Xiang Yu would not submit to him, Song Yi issued an order: "Anyone who disobeys my command will be executed!" Song Yi had made up his mind to inaction. By then, it was winter. Rain fell, and the Chu army had no food. The soldiers could only rely on taro and black beans for sustenance. Discontent grew among the troops, and Xiang Yu felt even more furious. Determined to launch an attack sooner, he decided to take a risk.
At dawn, Xiang Yu burst into Song Yi's tent, shouting at him, "Relief is like putting out a fire! We have been here for forty-six days. How can you bear this any longer?" Song Yi flew into a rage upon hearing this and demanded, "Do you dare to disobey my orders?" Before Song Yi could finish speaking, Xiang Yu drew his sword and killed him. Then he announced to the entire army, "Song Yi was plotting to betray the Chu state. I was ordered by the King of Chu to kill him."