The reason why Song Jiang attacked Zengtou City in "Water Margin": not to avenge Chao Gai, let alone to seize the horse.
In "Water Margin", the story of Song Jiang's attack on Zengtou City is fascinating. Many people believe that Song Jiang was trying to avenge Chao Gai, or to recapture the horses that had been stolen by Zengtou City. However, these were not the fundamental reasons why Song Jiang attacked Zengtou City.
Song Jiang did not immediately avenge Chao Gai. After Chao Gai's death, Song Jiang did not immediately send troops to attack Zengtou City. Instead, he strengthened the defenses of the cottage and did not send troops in the name of mourning. This shows that Song Jiang has no serious intention of avenging Chao Gai. Jin Shengsi's criticism also pointed out that Song Jiang's attack on Zengtou City was not for Chao Gai's hatred.
Song Jiang's attack on Zengtou City was not to recapture the horses. Although Zengtou City did steal Liangshan's horses, Song Jiang didn't care much about it. When he questioned Zeng Toushi, he lightly blamed Shi Wengong for killing Chao Gai, and heavily blamed him for returning the horse. This shows that Song Jiang was more concerned about the overall interests of Liangshan than the gains and losses of the horses.
What was the real reason why Song Jiang attacked Zengtou City?In fact, this should be considered from the overall strategy of Liangshan. After the Battle of Lingzhou, the army of Zengtou City was dispatched to save Lingzhou. The joint forces of Zengtou City and Lingzhou will pose a serious threat to Liangshan. In order to avoid being attacked on both sides, Song Jiang decided to defeat Zengtou City before the two families joined forces. In this way, Liangshan was able to concentrate his forces on Lingzhou and ensure the safety of Liangshan.
The real reason why Song Jiang attacked Zengtou City was for the overall interests and security of Liangshan. He used various methods to defeat Zengtou City first, and then deal with Lingzhou. Chao Gai and horses were just the reasons that Song Jiang used to boost morale and improve the morale of the army. This is also the embodiment of Song Jiang's strategic vision and decision-making ability as an outstanding leader.
The story of Song Jiang's attack on Zengtou City in "Water Margin" tells us that when a leader makes decisions, he should consider the interests and safety of the whole, rather than personal grievances. This is also the truth that we should learn Xi in real life.