To retreat or give up when encountering difficulties; to know when to withdraw because a task is too challenging.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, the states of Jin and Chu were constantly warring for dominance. The state of Zheng, caught between them, typically allied with Jin.
When Chu launched an invasion to subjugate Zheng, Jin responded by dispatching a large army led by generals such as Xun Linfu, Shi Hui, and Xian Gu.
As the Jin army approached, they learned that Chu and Zheng had already formed a strong alliance, making a direct military confrontation highly disadvantageous. General Xun Linfu, recognizing the formidable challenge, proposed to retreat, advocating the principle of 'knowing when to retreat in the face of difficulties.' General Shi Hui concurred with this prudent decision.
However, General Xian Gu vehemently disagreed and insisted on engaging the enemy. His stubbornness led to a disastrous battle where the Jin army suffered a crushing defeat.