Deflecting and countering blows has been a stratagem long known by ancient strategists of China during the struggle between Wu, Wei and Shu. During the three kingdom era when Guan Yu was captured by Wu, he would rather die than to serve his captors. Guan was then decapitated under Sun Quan’s order and then realized the mistake of doing so. Guan and the ruler of Shu are sworn brothers and with the rising power of Shu, Sun Quan now has to deal with Shu’s vengeance.
Zhang Zhao, an advisor of Wu then told Sun Quan to deliver Guan’s head to Cao Cao as a way to deflect a blow that was meant for Sun Quan. With this new measure, it seems as though Cao Cao ordered the onslaught of Guan Yu, pushing the blame to Cao Cao instead of Sun Quan, thus preventing a war between Shu and Wu.
However, Sima Yi, an advisor of Wei explained the situation to Cao Cao on why Sun Quan would send Guan Yu’s head to him. He advised Cao Cao to give a grand burial ceremony befitting of a high minster to Guan and bury him whole with wooden torso and limbs carved out of fragrant wood. This would then shift the blame back to Sun Quan, making it look like he was the aggressor and violator. Thus, this was Sima Yi’s way of countering a blow that was meant for Cao Cao.
Deflecting and countering blows is in many aspects… very psychological. Actions, movements, behavior, facial expression, and speech will be a factor on how the situation will be viewed. By deceiving the eye of the beholder, one would be able to exploit the situation.
