Opening Warning: Three Types of Colleagues Never to Befriend Closely
A Guide to Avoiding Career Pitfalls The Self‑Serving: They flatter and cling to you when profitable, but turn hostile once benefits disappear — a classic case of "easy to invite, hard to get rid of." The Two-Faced: Once exposed, they may plot revenge. Stay alert to those who "act one way to your face and another behind your back." The Constant Complainers: They first blame others, then eventually turn on you. Negative energy is highly contagious.
Core Idea: Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Recommended reading: Four Lessons of Liao-Fan (strongly recommended by Zeng Guofan and Kazuo Inamori), to understand the underlying logic of how misfortunes arise.
Liu Bei's Career Comeback: From Dependent Underling to Ruler of One of the Three Kingdoms (I) Strategic Awakening: The Top-Level Design of the Longzhong Plan
Time: Winter 207 AD (12th year of Jian'an) Key Figures: 26-year-old Zhuge Liang and 51-year-old Liu Bei (then a subordinate of Liu Biao, guarding the frontier like a "gatekeeper")
Core Strategy:
First seize Jing Province (Liu Biao "only talks but cannot defend it"). Then conquer Yi Province (Liu Zhang "foolish and weak"). Finally launch a two-pronged northern expedition from "Jing Province + Yi Province" to revive the Han Dynasty. (II) Core Competitiveness: The Identity Leverage of Being a Descendant of Liu Sheng, Prince of Zhongshan Identity Value Specific Performance Political Legitimacy Descended from the Western Han imperial clan (a descendant of Liu Sheng, son of Emperor Jing), honored as "Imperial Uncle Liu." Distinguished from Cao Cao (who "holds the emperor hostage") and Sun Quan (a regional warlord). Talent Attraction Elites like Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang loyally followed him for the cause of "reviving the Han Dynasty." Popular Credibility Remained influential even in poverty, forming the foundation of his charisma and early rise. ⚔️ Playbook of a High-Level Player: Seven Years of Patience to Conquer Yi Province (I) Jing Province: Gradual Expansion from Borrowing to Seizing After the Battle of Red Cliffs (209 AD): Captured the four southern commanderies of Jing — Wuling, Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang. 210 AD: Borrowed Nan Commandery from Sun Quan, gaining the core territory of Jing Province. 215 AD: Traded Changsha and Guiyang for peace via the Xiang River Boundary Agreement, keeping Nan Commandery, Lingling, and Wuling. (II) Yi Province: A Strategic Takeover Cloaked in "Benevolence and Righteousness" Disguised Entry (211 AD)
Plagued by internal and external troubles, Liu Zhang invited Liu Bei into Yi Province to help attack Zhang Lu. They feasted for a hundred days at Fu City, where Liu Bei put on a show of brotherly affection, declaring: "Brother, we shall share wealth and never forget each other!"
Finding an Excuse (212 AD)
When Liu Zhang refused Liu Bei's demand for 10,000 soldiers and provisions, Liu Bei publicly denounced him as "unjust." With the support of Zhang Song and Fa Zheng (Liu Zhang's subordinates who were secretly his agents), Liu Bei formally declared war.
Critical Turning Point Zheng Du, a strategist of Liu Zhang, proposed a "scorched-earth policy" (burning grain, evacuating people to starve Liu Bei out), but Liu Zhang rejected it as "unchivalrous." Top generals including Wu Yi and Li Yan defected one after another. Liu Zhang retreated to Luo City, and his general Zhang Ren died in battle. Final Outcome (214 AD)
Totally isolated, Liu Zhang finally surrendered and was exiled to Gong'an in Nan Commandery, Jing Province, to "live out his retirement."
Liu Bei successfully occupied Yi Province, completing the second step of the Longzhong Plan and laying the foundation for ruling one of the Three Kingdoms.
Career Insights: Survival Rules for High-Level Players Strategic Focus: From the Longzhong Plan in 207 AD to conquering Yi Province in 214 AD, Liu Bei endured patiently for seven years, refusing to rush for instant success. Image Management: The label of "benevolence and virtue" provided moral cover for his rise to power — for example, he always sought "proper justifications to uphold his righteous image" when seizing territories. Using Others' Strength: Skilled at using insiders like Zhang Song and Fa Zheng to divide the enemy camp. Overcoming Age Anxiety: Liu Bei did not gain a firm foothold until age 51, proving that "there is no need for excessive anxiety in one's thirties."