An enemy general allows a small force of cavalry and artillery to become trapped in a siege, then fails to exploit the cavalry's charge as the force enters a fight it cannot win. Killing such an ineffective general may even help the opposing side because a more capable replacement could use its army better. The joke carries a serious scenario lesson about command quality. Strong commanders are dangerous targets, while weak ones can remain liabilities to their own forces.
Notable Point · 34:05-37:19
Why a poor enemy commander may be useful alive
A general who mishandles a small cavalry-and-artillery force becomes a campaign liability to his own side, reversing the usual impulse to eliminate enemy leadership.