2008, July, 28
I recently read the very interesting story "The Thief Retreats to the Qi Army". It tells the story of a man who turned out to be a thief. After reforming his evil ways, he joined the King of Chu. The King of Chu accepted him as his right general, and the two countries were at war. As a result, the Chu army was defeated three times in a row. In the military tent, Zifa summoned the generals to discuss a strategy to repel the Qi soldiers. The generals thought of many strategies and were extremely loyal, but they were unable to defeat the Qi soldiers. However, the Qi soldiers became stronger and stronger as they fought. The thief said: " I have a way, please let me try it." At night, the thief sneaked into the Qi army camp, unknowingly stole the curtain of the Qi general leader, and returned to the Chu camp to hand it over to Zifa. Zifa then sent an envoy to return the curtain to the Qi camp and said to the Qi army: "One of our soldiers went out to chop wood and got the general's curtain. He is here to return it." The Qi soldiers looked at each other, dumbfounded.
The next day, the thief sneaked into the Qi camp again and retrieved the pillow of the leader of the Qi army. Zifa sent someone to return it. On the third day, the thief entered the Qi camp for the third time and took back the hairpin of the leader of the Qi army. Zifa sent someone to return the hairpin for the third time. This time, the leader of the Qi army was frightened and at a loss. There was a lot of discussion in the Qi army camp, and the generals at all levels were horrified. So, the leader of the Qi army summoned the generals to discuss countermeasures. The leader said to everyone: "If I don't retreat today, the Chu army will probably take my head!" The soldiers were speechless, and the leader immediately ordered the withdrawal.
The Qi army finally retreated. The thief who had made meritorious service was greatly rewarded in the Chu camp. All the soldiers admired Zifa's skill in employing people. After reading this story, I feel that Zifa has a very good vision and appreciates talents. I couldn't help but secretly admire the thief's cleverness, admire the King of Chu for his appreciation of talents, and feel shameful for the timidity of the King of Qi.
This story makes me understand a truth. If you harm the society and the people, you will be a sinner through the ages; Can make great achievements! You can get people's respect! Just a person who helps people!