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How a Drunk Man Embodies Leadership with Sun Tzu Art of War

How Xie Laishun Embodies Leadership with Sun Tzu Art of War

Most people remember Nanzhi's father Xie Laishun as the "drunk old man" in Dear You.

He is always drunk and leaves the heavy lifting of running the hostel to his daughter.  He cannot even do his role properly as a watchman, and he led the police to the room upstairs where the children are secretly learning Chinese. 

But I remember this drunk man differently.  Read the greatness of this drunk man at here https://andyngtrainer.blogspot.com/2026/07/the-drunked-great-man-xie-laishun-in.html

He is a leader who perfectly demonstrates Sun Tzu's highest wisdom.

1. He Won Hearts Without Fighting

Sun Tzu's greatest strategy is not defeating people, but winning without fighting.

Xie Laishun never relied on authority, wealth, or force. Instead, he earned trust through kindness, sacrifice, and unwavering character.

People followed him not because they had to, but because they wanted to.

That is the highest form of leadership.

2. He Led Through Dao and Qing Yi

Sun Tzu placed Dao (道): shared purpose and moral leadership as the foundation of victory.

Dear You expresses this same idea through Qing Yi (情义): care, loyalty, integrity, and responsibility.

Xie Laishun united people through his values, not his position.

He proved that character is more powerful than authority.

3. Love Intelligence Explains How

Sun Tzu tells us what great leaders achieve.

Love Intelligence explains how they do it.

Xie Laishun consistently demonstrated:

  • Care for others before himself.

  • Courage to do the right thing without seeking recognition.

  • Connection that kept relationships alive across generations.

That is why his influence lasted far beyond his lifetime.

Perhaps this is the timeless lesson shared by Sun Tzu and Dear You:

The greatest leaders do not fight for control. They win hearts through character, purpose, and genuine care.

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