The Jiangdong Tiger General True to His Word
A renowned Wu general who in his youth broke a siege single-handedly to fetch relief for Kong Rong of Beihai, then fought Sun Ce to a draw at Shenting Ridge and, in mutual admiration, submitted to him. Famed for keeping his word — released by Sun Ce on a set date to return, he came back exactly on time, and the fame of his fidelity spread from there. Sadly he died young, his last words a lament: "A true man born in a chaotic age should bear a three-foot sword to climb to the emperor’s steps; my ambition unfulfilled, how can I die?"
Taishi Ci and Sun Ce met by chance at Shenting Ridge, and the two rode out alone to fight, from horseback to the ground: Sun Ce seized the hand-halberd from Taishi Ci’s back, and Taishi Ci snatched Sun Ce’s helmet, locked in an even fight until both sides’ reinforcements arrived and they broke off. This evenly matched duel bred mutual admiration, and Taishi Ci afterward submitted to Sun Ce, becoming an important fighting strength of Jiangdong.
Taishi Ci was once captured by Sun Ce, who not only spared him but personally unbound him and treated him with courtesy; moved, Taishi Ci offered to go recruit his old followers, setting a return date of sixty days. His officers all warned Sun Ce the man would surely not come back, but Sun Ce trusted his character. On the appointed day Taishi Ci returned exactly on time, and with over a thousand men in tow — fidelity made good by deeds, clean and complete.
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