Retreat — 三九

The Line

Interpretation

When it is time to retreat, and one is held back, this is unpleasant and dangerous at the same time, since one's freedom of action is taken from one. In such a case the only way out is to take into one's service, so to speak, the people who do not let one go, so as at least to preserve the initiative and not come defenselessly under their rule. But even if this is a way out, the situation does not become pleasant. For what can one accomplish with such servants?