To repeatedly conquer and then release an adversary, demonstrating strategic wisdom and generosity to ultimately win their sincere loyalty and submission.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang, the Prime Minister of the Shu Han kingdom, led an expedition to the south to consolidate the rear.
Just as his campaign was successfully concluding and he was withdrawing his troops, Meng Huo, the leader of the southern Yi tribes, gathered his remaining forces to attack the Shu army.
Upon their first encounter, Meng Huo was captured alive. Zhuge Liang, considering the larger picture, released him to go home.
Meng Huo was captured and released seven times in total, and eventually, he sincerely submitted to the Shu Han kingdom.