In the winter of 219 AD, Guan Yu, the governor of Shu Han, was defeated in the battle of Xiangfan and was defeated by Lu Xun, the governor of Eastern Wu. Guan Yu struggled to break through the siege in a difficult situation, but was eventually surrounded by Lü Meng's army in Maicheng. He was desperate for reinforcements, hoping to get out of danger.
Therefore, he immediately sent a signal for help to Liu Feng, who was stationed in Shangyong.
However, Guan Yu's expectations were not answered. His uncle Liu Feng did not actively organize reinforcements, but shirked it for various reasons, and finally caused Guan Yu to be beheaded by Lü Meng in Maicheng. After this incident, Liu Cover severely questioned and reprimanded Liu Bei, and finally Liu Bei ordered Liu Feng to be killed. So, why did Liu Feng choose to give up after knowing the importance of rescuing Guan Yu? We need to think deeply, at that critical moment, how did Liu Feng choose in his heart?
1. Guan Yu's tragic failure.
In October 219, the Sun-Liu alliance broke down, and Sun Quan sent the general Lu Xun to attack Guan Yu's defense area. Guan Yu was careless and lost the battle of Xiangfan, which should have been a sure victory, on the Linjiang steps. This news shocked the military and civilians of Shu Han. Guan Yu, the general who once took the lead in martial arts, suffered such a fiasco. He lost the strategic place of Xiangyang, and lost tens of thousands of excellent generals. Guan Yu fled in embarrassment as he threw away his armor, his self-confidence and pride lost in this defeat, replaced by deep shame, self-blame and despair.
Second, Liu Feng's entanglement and hesitation.
When this news reached Liu Feng's ears, he was stationed in Shangyong, and his heart was full of nervousness and apprehension. As Liu Bei's adopted son, Liu Feng knows Guan Yu's status in Liu Bei's heart. He understood that whether or not to send troops to rescue this time was directly related to the survival of Shu Han.
However, Liu Feng is also well aware of the predicament he faces. He had just seized Shangyong from Meng Da, and his military spirit was not yet stable. As soon as the army is dispatched, the rear is empty and it is likely to be attacked. Moreover, the Eastern Wu army is menacing, who can guarantee that they will not take the opportunity to sneak attack the hinterland of Shu Han?
In hesitation, Liu Feng remembered Liu Bei's defeat in the Battle of Chibi that year. The battle that seemed to be won was lost due to a tactical mistake. Liu Feng began to wonder if he had the ability to change the current situation.
3. Mengda's incitement and discord.
To make matters worse, Liu Feng's men were not united. He has always been at odds with the adjutant general Meng Da, and even had a dispute over the propaganda. At this time, Meng Da took the opportunity to incite discord: "If you don't send troops to rescue, Soochow will definitely take advantage of the situation to capture Xiangyang." When the time comes, all the blame will be put on you. It is better to take advantage of Shen Yigang's rebellion now and surrender to Wei as soon as possible, this is the best policy. ”
Liu Feng was shocked in his heart, and responded with a sneer: "What kind of person do you think I am?" Can just Xiangyang make me betray my lord? I'll take care of it myself, you don't need to say more! Meng Da snorted coldly and turned to leave, leaving Liu Feng alone in the tent to worry.
IV. Final Decision and Consequences.
After careful consideration, Liu Feng finally decided to give up rescuing Guan Yu. He believed that Shu Han's strength was not enough to compete with Eastern Wu, and there was a rebellion by Shen Yi in the rear, so he could not disperse his forces. In order to preserve his strength, he chose to stand still. This decision undoubtedly pushed Guan Yu to a dead end.
5. Deplore the missed rescue opportunity.
In the winter of 219, the bad news came that Guan Yu had been beheaded in Maicheng, and Lü Meng had dedicated his head to Cao Pi. Liu Bei was furious when he heard the news and immediately summoned Liu Feng to ask about the crime. "If you had rescued Guan Yu at that time, how could my brother have ended up like this! Liu Bei's tone was full of grief and disappointment.
Liu Feng was speechless. The lord's rebuke was like a slap in the face to him. He knew that his decision had indirectly led to Guan Yu's death. Having missed the opportunity to come to the rescue, he will never be able to make up for it.
At that time, I was unable to do my best and did not think about it well, which led to the death of my second uncle in a foreign land. Forgive me! Liu Feng pleaded guilty in pain.
Liu Bei sneered and ordered someone to pour poisoned wine on Liu Feng. Liu Feng committed suicide by taking poison and died soon after.
Sixth, if Wei Yan guards the mediocrity.
We can't help but think, if it was Hanzhong who guarded Wei Yan at that time, what would have been the result? Wei Yan has a straightforward personality, enthusiastic and brave to take responsibility, flexible in the use of soldiers, and good at maneuvering. In the face of such a situation, he will definitely not back down. What's more, Wei Yan and Guan Yu have a very good relationship, and both of them are brave and good at fighting. Wei Yan will definitely wave his army to rescue Guan Yu in danger and vow not to abandon him. With Wei Yan's prestige and talent, how could Guan Yu end up like this?
However, fate made Liu Feng, a person who lost his courage and responsibility at a critical moment, guard the mediocrity. We have to deplore Guan Yu's tragic end. If it could be replaced by Wei Yanlai to guard the mediocrity at that time, maybe history would be rewritten.