What does this mean? Is it implying that he lacks the ability to match the opponents' general, and that term 'slain under the horse'—why does it sound so unsettling? As soon as one hears that phrase, it brings bad luck. Moreover, there's a hint of admiration for Han Yu in those words—what's that all about?!
"Hmmph!" Vice General Zhang had a few dark lines appear on his forehead upon hearing what the minor officer below him said. They had already lost the battle, which was depressing enough, but this guy just had to rub salt in the wound without being explicit, merely hinting with a look.
Unfortunately, the minor officer failed to grasp Vice General Zhang's good intentions. Seeing that Zhao Fan and Zhang Meng were not speaking up, he continued, "General, perhaps we should retreat. With a general like Han Yu under Liu Xiu, our chances of victory are too slim. Instead of wasting our efforts, it might be better to return to the Imperial Court..."