niú牛xì饩tuì退dí敌
To deter or repel an enemy by offering livestock as a feint or a deceptive gesture, often to gain time or to signal awareness of their intentions.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Qi Zi, a man from the State of Qin, held the key to the northern gate of the capital of the State of Zheng. He sent a message to Duke Mu of Qin, encouraging him to attack Zheng.
Duke Mu of Qin, ignoring the warnings of his advisor Jian Shu, dispatched his general Meng Mingshi and others to lead an expedition.
However, a merchant from Zheng named Xuan Gao discovered the Qin army's movements. He cleverly pretended to be a welcoming envoy, presenting cattle and sheep to the Qin army, while secretly sending word back to Zheng about the invasion.
Realizing their surprise attack was compromised, the Qin army had no choice but to retreat. The State of Jin then seized this opportune moment to launch an attack and decisively defeat the retreating Qin forces.