When Zhuge Liang first emerged, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were skeptical of him: "Kongming is young, what talents does he possess?" However, at the Battle of Bowang Slope, Zhuge Liang used fire to repel the enemy, leaving both Guan and Zhang in awe: "Kongming is truly a hero!" To them, this young man was profound and exceptionally wise. With the cooperation of Guan and Zhang, Kongming's wisdom began to shine throughout history.
Sometimes, people may underestimate your strength or overestimate the difficulty of your tasks. When they fully recognize the challenges involved, they may not hold unrealistic expectations of you, which may actually create favorable conditions for your success.
During the "Coalition against Dong Zhuo," Hua Xiong's prowess struck fear into many. The leader, Yuan Shao, merely hoped someone could hold him back. When Guan Yu went to face him, even Cao Cao had low expectations. Cao Cao persuaded Yuan Shu, saying, "If he fails, it will not be too late," and secured a command medallion and celebratory wine for Guan Yu.
To seize the opportunity that comes with being underestimated, one must remain calm. As the saying goes, "Heaven is high without speaking, and the Earth is thick without words." Lu Xun once faced skepticism from the civil and military officials of Eastern Wu. When Sun Quan appointed him as the Grand Commander, there was widespread opposition: "Lu Xun is but a scholar; he cannot bear such a heavy responsibility." During council meetings, generals were even more defiant: "If this child is appointed as a general, Eastern Wu is doomed." However, he remained unperturbed, even feigning weakness before Guan Yu and Liu Bei to let them underestimate him. Ultimately, it was he who secured the glorious victory for Eastern Wu, capturing Jing Province and winning the battle through the "fire that burned seven hundred miles."
It is fine to be underestimated by others, as long as you do not underestimate yourself.
