In the Three Kingdoms era, during the struggle between Wei, Shu, and Wu; Shu and Wu allied together in order to fight back Cao Cao (Wei) million army. During that time, Zhao Yu of Wu knew that Zhuge Liang of Shu exceeded him in strategy and decided he had to get rid of Zhuge; knowing he will become a powerful threat to Wu’s kingdom later on. Zhao Yu decided to give an impossible task for Zhuge Liang to do in order to kill him if he fails.

Zhao Yu decided to give Zhuge Liang the task to make 100,000 arrows in 10 days as a pretext to kill him since he will neglect Zhuge of men and resources to make them. However, Zhuge Liang proposed that he can do it in 3 days. Zhuge pledged his life on the success of delivering 100,000 arrows in 3 days or he will receive the maximum punishment. Zhao Yu was very happy about this course of event.

Zhuge Liang then told Lu Su of Wu (Lu Su admires Zhuge) to prepare him twenty boats and a thousand bundles of straw wrapped with black cloth. Lu Su was confused on why Zhuge needed the boats but decided to do it and see what will happen (without informing Zhao Yu). During the third night, the boats set sail and both Zhuge and Lu Su sail across Cao Cao’s territory during a night of heavy fog.

At that time, the drums rang across the twenty boats and Cao Cao was informed of the invasion. Thinking it was an ambush, he ordered his archers to shoot across the foggy sea instead of meeting the enemy head on with boats. Cao Cao archers shot with everything they got. As the fog was about to lift, Zhuge ordered a retreat and told his men to chant “thank you Cao Cao for the arrows”. So, without the slightest effort of resources and men, Zhuge was able to obtain 100,000 arrows for Zhao Yu. This left Cao Cao with immense rage. Zhuge divined that there will be a fog on the third night and told Lu Su that his life is linked to heaven. Lu Su admired Zhuge even more after that event.

As the morning came the twenty boats landed on shore exceeding 100,000 arrows. All the arrows were stuck on the twenty boats, waiting to be plucked off. Zhao Yu was amazed by Zhuge’s strategy and lost his composure. Lu Su kept telling Zhao that they should focus on Cao Cao first to prevent the alliance from breaking. Zhao Yu had to agree… until his next scheme during the event of the southeast wind.

From this one event you can learn so much. Always remember to use the enemy’s resources as your own (all you need is a little strategy). Calculating the time when your business is most advantageous is critical to the success of your business.