Original article: 一鼓作氣
The idiom "the first drumbeat ignites morale" originally referred to the ancient practice of starting a battle by beating a drum, which greatly inspired the soldiers' morale. Later, it was used metaphorically to emphasize the importance of seizing the right moment and using the initial burst of energy to achieve success in endeavors.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the "Battle of Changshao" in the historical record "The Commentary of Zuo." In this account, Cao Gui discussed war strategies, stating: “the key to victory in battle lies in the spirit of courage and morale: at the first drumbeat the Qi soldiers’ spirits were raised. On the second time, their spirits declined. Finally, on the third time, their spirits had been exhausted. Their spirits were exhausted while those of our soldiers' still brimmed. Consequently we defeated them.”
In the tenth year of Duke Zhuang's reign in the State of Lu, the powerful State of Qi violated an agreement and launched an invasion against Lu, initiating a war of aggression against the weaker state.
In preparation for the battle, Duke Zhuang of Lu was willing to lead his army into the fight. At this critical juncture, Cao Gui sought an audience with Duke Zhuang. His fellow villagers advised him against it, saying, "Officials are already planning the strategy, what can you contribute?"
Cao Gui responded, "Those officials lack broad vision and understanding; they cannot devise far-reaching strategies." He pointed out that only a genuine concern for the welfare of the people could move them and gain blessings from the gods.
Cao Gui was then granted an audience with Duke Zhuang, where he inquired about the ruler's audacity to engage in the battle.
Duke Zhuang replied, "I never keep the warmth of my clothes and the fullness of my meals to myself; they are always shared with the people.” Cao Gui commented, "These small favors may not reach everyone; the people won't follow you just because of these."
Duke Zhuang continued, "I never add anything extra to the livestock and precious offerings used in sacrifices, and the prayers of the ritual officials always reflect reality.” Cao Gui remarked, "Even a sincere thought may not represent everything; the gods may not bless you solely based on that."
Duke Zhuang further said, "Though I may not personally investigate every case, I always handle them with fairness and reason.” Cao Gui replied, "This is genuinely caring for the people's well-being; with this spirit, you can lead the army to victory. Please let me join the expedition!"
Duke Zhuang personally led the army and commanded the operation, inviting Cao Gui to ride in the same chariot to consult him at any time.
During the Battle of Changshao (located in present-day Laiwu, Jinan, Shandong Province, China), as the Lu army began to form its battle formation, Duke Zhuang ordered the drums to sound, signaling the advance. But Cao Gui urgently advised, "Not yet! Wait a moment."
When the Qi army began to beat their drums in response, Cao Gui said, "Still not time!” Only after the third beat of the enemy's drums did Cao Gui say to Duke Zhuang, "Now you can order the drums to sound!" The Lu army bravely charged forward amid the resounding drums and decisively defeated the Qi forces.
Witnessing the Qi army's retreat, Duke Zhuang immediately ordered pursuit. But Cao Gui quickly intervened, saying, "Wait a moment." He dismounted and carefully examined the tracks left by the enemy's chariots, then climbed onto the front of their chariots, gazing into the distance for quite some time before declaring, "You can proceed now. Please order the pursuit.” The valiant Lu army went on to rout the enemy, capturing their flags and vanquishing the entire Qi force.
After the victorious battle, Duke Zhuang sought advice from Cao Gui on how to conquer enemies and secure victories.
Cao Gui explained, "In warfare, it's all about courage and morale. The first drumbeat is the most invigorating, but with the second beat, the soldiers may falter. With the third beat, their spirit wanes, and at that moment, we must confront the weakened enemy with our abundant vigor to achieve an easy victory. Additionally, powerful adversaries are often hard to predict; I feared that the Qi army might pretend to be defeated but had secretly laid ambushes. Therefore, I examined the tracks left by their chariots, which were disordered, and also observed their battle flags scattered about. Based on this, I concluded that they had indeed suffered a complete collapse. Hence, I suggested that Your Highness give the order to pursue."
This is the famous "Battle of Changshao," a prime example from the Spring and Autumn Period of a weaker state defeating a stronger adversary.
Now, how can we apply this idiom "the first drumbeat ignites morale" in our daily lives?
- Let's charge up the mountain with the first drumbeat igniting morale.
- In team competitions, we must work together and with the first drumbeat igniting morale, only then we can win the championship.
- With a determined spirit of the first drumbeat igniting morale, we can overcome obstacles.
Written by Shuzhen He
Sponsored by Mei-Hua Hall