兵不血刃 — “To achieve victory or success effortlessly”

During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Guo Mo, a cavalry commandant, was a courageous warrior whose reputation instilled fear in many, including Shi Le, the founder of the Later Zhao state. However, Guo Mo was also notoriously arrogant and disregarded everyone. On one occasion, he killed Liu Yin, the General of Pacifying the South, to vent personal anger. Afterward, he boldly forged an imperial edict, falsely accusing Liu Yin of rebellion, and circulated this claim to various prefectures. When this deception was exposed, Prime Minister Wang Dao, fearing the imperial court lacked the power to punish Guo Mo, not only excused him but even promoted his official rank.

Upon learning of this, Tao Kan not only submitted a petition to the court requesting to suppress Guo Mo but also wrote a letter to Wang Dao, urging him to take decisive action. His letter contained a powerful statement: "Guo Mo killed a provincial official, and the court appointed him a provincial official. Does this mean if he kills a prime minister, he will also be made a prime minister?" Deeply moved by this letter, Wang Dao dispatched Tao Kan to lead an army against Guo Mo.

Guo Mo, well aware of Tao Kan's formidable military skills, grew anxious upon hearing that Tao Kan was personally leading the campaign. He planned to leave Jiangzhou and head south. However, Tao Kan's army moved with remarkable speed, surrounding Jiangzhou before Guo Mo could even depart the city. Guo Mo considered defending the city but knew he was no match for Tao Kan and feared for his life if the city fell. He also hesitated to surrender, fearing execution by the court. Caught in a dilemma, one of his treacherous subordinates, seeing the hopelessness of the situation, arrested Guo Mo and opened the city gates to surrender. Thus, Tao Kan achieved victory without fighting, successfully quelling the rebellion.