Zhuge Liang, styled Kongming, was born in Langya, Yangdu. He was a descendant of Zhuge Feng, a Colonel of the Imperial Secretariat during the Han Dynasty. His father was Zhuge Gui, styled Jungong, who served as the Magistrate of Tai Shan County in the late Han Dynasty. Zhuge Liang lost his father at a young age and followed his uncle Zhuge Xuan, who was appointed as the Prefect of Yuzhang by Yuan Shu. Zhuge Liang and his brother Zhuge Jun accompanied him. Later, the Han Dynasty sent Zhu Hao to replace Zhuge Xuan. Zhuge Xuan had a good relationship with the Governor of Jingzhou, Liu Biao, so he decided to join Liu Biao. After Zhuge Xuan's death, Zhuge Liang led a quiet life as a farmer at home and took pleasure in reciting the poem "Liáng Fù Yín." He stood eight chi tall and often compared himself to famous ministers like Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, believing he could achieve great things. However, most people considered him arrogant and doubted his potential. Only a few friends, such as Cui Zhouping and Xu Shu, who were well-acquainted with Zhuge Liang, believed he had genuine talent and would undoubtedly make a mark in the future.
At that time, Liu Bei was stationed in Xinye. Xu Shu saw Liu Bei, and Liu Bei held him in high regard. Xu Shu said to Liu Bei, "Zhuge Liang, known as the Sleeping Dragon. General, would you like to meet him?" Liu Bei said, "Take me to him." Xu Shu replied, "You can go see him, but you can't force him to come to you. General, you should personally visit him." So Liu Bei went to visit Zhuge Liang in person, and it took him three tries to finally meet him.
Liu Bei dismissed his attendants and said to Zhuge Liang, "The Han Dynasty has already declined; treacherous officials have usurped power, and the emperor has been deceived. My abilities are limited, yet I wish to uphold righteousness in the world, but my talents are lacking, and I've encountered numerous setbacks, which has brought me to my current predicament. Nevertheless, my ambitions remain unchanged. Sir, what do you think I should do?"
Zhuge Liang replied, "Since Dong Zhuo, heroes and warriors have risen up in rebellion, occupying countless regions. Cao Cao is less renowned and has a smaller army than Yuan Shao, but he was able to defeat Yuan Shao in the end, defeating the strong with a weaker force. This was not only due to timing, but also through strategy. Now Cao Cao has a million-strong army, using the emperor to command the feudal lords. Sun Quan controls Jiangdong, having inherited it for three generations, with strategic terrain, the people's support, and talented individuals serving him. This can be a reliable support, but should not be plotted against. Jingzhou is bordered by the Han River and Mian River to the north, with clear waterways, connecting to the South Sea to the south, linked to Wu in the east, and connecting to Bashu in the west. It is a suitable place for military use, but its current ruler cannot maintain control over it. Perhaps heaven intends to assist you, General, don't you think so? Yizhou features strategic terrain and stretches of fertile land, often referred to as the land of plenty, where the founding emperor achieved his imperial ambitions. Liu Zhang is incompetent, while Zhang Lu is in the north, with wealthy people and a strong country, but they fail to care for their people. Talented individuals yearn for a wise ruler. General, you are a descendant of the imperial family, renowned for your integrity, drawing heroes to you and eagerly seeking talent. If you can seize Jingzhou and Yizhou and secure these strategic locations, make peace with the Western Qiang, pacify the Yi and Yue to the south, forge an alliance with Sun Quan, and govern internally; if there is any change in the world, send a general to lead the army of Jingzhou to attack Wancheng and Luoyang, while you personally lead the army of Yizhou from Qinchuan, who would dare not to welcome you with food and drink? If that's the case, then you can achieve hegemony and restore the Han dynasty."
Liu Bei said, "Good!" So his relationship with Zhuge Liang became increasingly close. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and others were unhappy, but Liu Bei explained, "Having Kongming is as vital to me as water is to a fish. I hope you all will not mention it again." Guan Yu and Zhang Fei then stopped.
Liu Biao's eldest son, Liu Qi, highly valued Zhuge Liang. However, Liu Biao was swayed by his second wife and favored his younger son Liu Cong, which left him very dissatisfied with Liu Qi. Liu Qi often wanted to consult Zhuge Liang on how to ensure his safety, but Zhuge Liang always dodged the topic and refused to offer any advice.
Once, Liu Qi took Zhuge Liang to the garden for some leisure; they climbed a high tower, drinking and chatting. After a few rounds of drinks, Liu Qi had the ladder taken away and said to Zhuge Liang, "Today we can't reach the sky or the ground; what we say here will be between us, can we speak openly?" Zhuge Liang replied, "Haven't you heard the tale of Shen Sheng, who was in danger at court but safe in exile?" Liu Qi found this very enlightening and secretly began to plan his escape.
Later, when Huang Zu died, Liu Qi seized the chance to escape and became the Governor of Jiangxia. Not long after, Liu Biao died. Upon hearing that Cao Cao was approaching with an attack, Liu Cong sent someone to surrender. Liu Bei heard about this in Fancheng, so he led his army south, with Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu in tow. They were soon caught and defeated by Cao Cao, and Xu Shu's mother was taken captive. Xu Shu bid farewell to Liu Bei, pointing to his heart, he said, "I originally wanted to help achieve greatness with you, General; this is all I have in my heart. Now that my mother has been captured, my heart is troubled, and I can no longer be of help to you, please allow me to leave." He then went to join Cao Cao.
Liu Bei arrived in Xiakou. Zhuge Liang addressed Sun Quan, saying, "The situation is urgent. General, you have taken control of Jiangdong, and Liu Bei has also gathered troops in Hannan to compete with Cao Cao for the realm. Now that Cao Cao has overcome significant challenges and has nearly pacified the realm, he has also conquered Jingzhou and struck fear across the land. Heroes and talents have nowhere to show their abilities, so Liu Bei fled here. General, you must decide based on your own strength: if you can compete with the Central Plains using the forces of Wu and Yue, it is better to draw a clear boundary with him early; if you cannot resist, why not lay down your weapons and surrender to him? General, you’re putting on a show of obedience while hesitating inside; the situation is urgent, yet you delay in making a decision. Disaster is about to come!"
Sun Quan said, "If that's the case, why doesn't Liu Bei surrender directly?" Zhuge Liang replied, "Tian Hong, just a hero of Qi, can still uphold justice and not be humiliated, let alone Liu Bei, who is a member of the imperial family and a renowned talent. Many soldiers admire him. Just like water flows downhill, if things go wrong, it’s the will of heaven; how can he submit to him again?" Sun Quan angrily said, "I can’t let the whole Wu region and its hundred thousand troops be at someone else's mercy. I have made a decision! Except for Liu Bei, no one can resist Cao Cao, but Liu Bei just lost a battle; how can he handle this crisis?"
Zhuge Liang said: "Although Liu Yuzhou's army was defeated at Changbanpo, the soldiers who have returned, along with Guan Yu's elite naval forces, number at least ten thousand. The soldiers led by Liu Qi in Jiangxia also number at least ten thousand. Cao Cao's army, having traveled a long distance, is already exhausted. It is said that in pursuit of Liu Yuzhou, his light cavalry covered over three hundred miles in a day and a night. This is what is known as 'the last gasp of a strong crossbow, unable to pierce through silk.' Therefore, as stated in the Art of War, one must avoid such a situation, as it is said to guarantee a defeat for the commanding general. Moreover, northerners are not skilled in naval warfare; furthermore, the people of Jingzhou only submit to Cao Cao because of his military strength, not out of genuine loyalty. If you, General, can command a fierce general to lead tens of thousands of troops to cooperate with Liu Yuzhou in battle, we will surely be able to defeat Cao Cao's army. If Cao Cao's army is defeated, they will surely retreat to the north, strengthening the power of Jingzhou and Wu, creating a situation of tripartite balance. The key to victory or defeat lies in today!"
Sun Quan was very pleased and immediately dispatched Zhou Yu, Cheng Pu, Lu Su, and others to accompany Zhuge Liang to meet Liu Bei and jointly resist Cao Cao. Cao Cao was defeated at the Battle of Chibi and retreated to Ye City. Liu Bei then regained control of Jiangnan, appointing Zhuge Liang as the Chief Military Strategist, responsible for overseeing Lingling, Guiyang, and Changsha, managing tax allocation and military supplies.
In the year 211 AD, Liu Zhang requested Zhuge Liang's help to fight against Zhang Lu. Zhuge Liang and Guan Yu guarded Jingzhou, while Liu Bei himself returned from Jiameng to attack Liu Zhang. Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and their troops traveled up the river, pacifying various counties along the way, and together with Liu Bei, besieged Chengdu. After the fall of Chengdu, Liu Bei appointed Zhuge Liang as the Military Strategist General, overseeing the Left General's Office. When Liu Bei was away, Zhuge Liang often guarded Chengdu, ensuring ample provisions and a strong army.
In the year 226 AD, everyone advised Liu Bei to declare himself emperor. Before Liu Bei had a chance to agree, Zhuge Liang said, "In the past, when Wu Han and Geng Yan urged Emperor Guangwu, Liu Xiu, to declare himself emperor, Liu Xiu declined several times. Geng Chun said, 'All the heroes of the world are waiting for it, hoping for a leader. If you don't agree, those loyal scholars will find another master; who will follow you then?' After hearing Geng Chun's words, Liu Xiu found this to be quite reasonable and agreed. Now that Cao Cao has usurped the Han Dynasty, there is no ruler left. As a descendant of the Liu family, you should inherit the throne. Now is the perfect time to declare yourself emperor! Those loyal scholars who have fought hard alongside you are also eager for recognition, just as Geng Chun said." After hearing Zhuge Liang's words, Liu Bei declared himself emperor, appointed Zhuge Liang as prime minister, and said, "As I inherit the throne, I do so with caution and diligence, determined not to slack off, with a heartfelt desire to stabilize the people, but I am afraid I cannot achieve it. Oh, Prime Minister, you must grasp my intentions; don't let me down; help me restore the Han Dynasty and bring light to the world. You must strive!" Zhuge Liang also took on the role of Minister of Works and was granted the authority of the Chancellor. Following Zhang Fei's death, Zhuge Liang also took on the role of Colonel-Director of Retainers.
In the spring of 223 AD, Liu Bei was on his deathbed in Yong'an and summoned Zhuge Liang from Chengdu, entrusting him with affairs after my passing, saying, "Your talent surpasses Cao Pi's by tenfold; you will surely stabilize the nation and ultimately accomplish great things. If my son Liu Chan is capable, you should support him; if he is incompetent, then you may take over yourself!" Zhuge Liang tearfully replied, "I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly, remain loyal until the end, and never falter!" Liu Bei also issued a decree to Liu Chan, stating, "You must heed the Prime Minister and treat him as you would your own father." In 223 AD, Zhuge Liang was granted the title of Marquis of Wu Xiang and allowed to establish his own office. Shortly after, he also took on the role of Governor of Yizhou. All political affairs, big and small, were overseen by Zhuge Liang. Several counties in the south had rebelled, but Zhuge Liang, still in mourning, chose to hold off on sending troops. He also sent envoys to Wu to bolster ties between the two states.
In the spring of 223 AD, Zhuge Liang led a large army on a southern campaign, and by autumn, he had successfully quelled the rebellion. This campaign not only suppressed the rebellion but also captured a large amount of military resources, resulting in a full treasury for Shu and prosperity for its people. Zhuge Liang took advantage of this opportunity to enhance military training and prepare for a northern campaign into the Central Plains.
Two years later, in 225 AD, Zhuge Liang led a large army stationed in Hanzhong, preparing for the northern expedition. Before departing, he wrote a memorial to Liu Chan, voicing his concerns for the nation's future and his earnest hopes for Liu Chan. He said:
"The late Emperor Liu Bei passed away before completing half of his ambitions, and now the world is divided into three kingdoms. Our Yi Province is relatively impoverished; this is a critical moment that concerns the survival of our nation. However, the officials serving in the palace are diligent and responsible, and the loyal ministers working outside are selflessly serving the nation at personal risk. They do this out of gratitude for Emperor Liu Bei's recognition and want to repay your kindness. You should be open to various opinions, carry on Emperor Liu Bei's legacy, encourage talented individuals, and not undervalue or misapply talents due to personal biases, hindering officials from offering counsel. Rewards and punishments must be administered fairly and justly, without favoritism. If someone breaks the law or does good deeds, they should be handled by the appropriate authorities in accordance with the law. Only then can your wise governance be truly reflected, without favoring anyone and enforcing different laws inside and outside the palace.
Officials like Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun are loyal and capable individuals whom Emperor Liu Bei valued and recommended to you. I believe that all decisions in the palace, whether large or small, should involve their counsel to address shortcomings and achieve greater outcomes. General Xiang Chong is an upright man, well-versed in military affairs, and was highly recommended by Emperor Liu Bei and others for the position of army supervisor. I think military matters should also be discussed with him to foster unity within the army, assign roles appropriately, and leverage individual talents.
Fostering relationships with virtuous officials while distancing from villains was key to the prosperity of the Western Han Dynasty, while being close to villains and distant from virtuous officials led to the decline of the Eastern Han Dynasty. When Emperor Liu Bei was alive, he often discussed this issue with me, lamenting the decline resulting from the reigns of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling. Officials such as the Attendant, the Chief Secretary, the Chief Historian, and the Military Adviser are loyal, virtuous, and principled officials. I hope Your Majesty will cultivate close ties with them and place your trust in them, so the prosperity of the Han Dynasty is within reach!"
I am merely a commoner, honestly farming in Nanyang, only hoping to survive in troubled times, never once dreamed of seeking fame or power. But the late emperor did not look down on my humble background; he personally visited my simple thatched hut three times and discussed important state matters with me. Touched by his sincerity, I agreed to serve him. Later, when Shu Han suffered a major defeat, I was entrusted with a heavy responsibility during the darkest hour and have been carrying out orders for twenty-one years now. The late emperor knew me to be cautious, so he entrusted me with such an important task before his death.
Since taking on this heavy responsibility, I have been unable to sleep at night, filled with worry, fearing that I might disappoint the late emperor's expectations and fail to live up to his kindness. Therefore, I led the troops to cross the Lu River in the month of May, deep into the desolate wilderness. Now the south has been pacified, the army is fully equipped, and I should lead the troops north to reclaim the Central Plains, to the best of my ability, to eliminate treachery and restore the Han dynasty, returning to our capital Chang'an. This is how I repay the late emperor and fulfill my duty to Your Majesty.
As for specific strategies and recommendations, as well as loyal advice, that is the responsibility of Fa Zheng, Li Yan, Liu Yun, and others. I hope Your Majesty will assign me the task of quelling the rebels and restoring the Han dynasty; if I fail, punish me for my failures and offer my apologies to the late emperor's spirit. If I fail, then investigate the responsibilities of Fa Zheng, Li Yan, Liu Yun, and others, and make their faults known to all. Your Majesty should reflect deeply, listen to good advice, adopt beneficial suggestions, and earnestly carry out the late emperor's wishes. I am genuinely moved and in tears; now I must leave for the front lines. As I write this, my eyes are filled with tears, and I do not know what else to say.
And so I set off, taking up my post at Mianyang.
In the spring of the year 228 AD, Zhuge Liang gave the order to march out from Xiegu Road and prepare to attack Meixian County. At the same time, he sent Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi to lead troops as a feigned attack to occupy Jigu Pass, attracting the attention of the Wei Kingdom. Wei general Cao Zhen led his troops to counter. Zhuge Liang himself led the main army to attack Qishan with strict discipline, clear rewards and punishments, and clear commands, creating an impressive momentum! As a result, the people of Nan'an, Tianshui, and Anding counties rallied behind Zhuge Liang and revolted against Wei, causing a stir throughout the Guanzhong region! Emperor Ming of Wei, Cao Rui, personally traveled to Chang'an to take command, and sent Zhang He to face Zhuge Liang. As for Zhuge Liang, he appointed Ma Su to command the frontline troops to fight against Zhang He. However, Ma Su ignored Zhuge Liang's orders and mismanaged the command, resulting in a crushing defeat at the hands of Zhang He. Zhuge Liang was forced to withdraw his troops, bringing over a thousand households from Xixian back to Hanzhong, and then executed Ma Su to atone for his mistakes. Zhuge Liang also wrote to the emperor, acknowledging his own shortcomings, stating that he was unfit for the role of Prime Minister, and that his military campaigns had failed because of his poor choices in personnel. He requested a demotion of three ranks as a form of punishment. However, the emperor still permitted him to retain his position as General of the Right, allowing him to continue managing the Prime Minister's affairs without any change in authority.
In winter, Zhuge Liang led troops from Sangguan again and besieged Chencang, where Cao Zhen mounted a defense. Ultimately, Zhuge Liang ran out of supplies and was forced to retreat. General Wang Shuang of Wei led cavalry to pursue Zhuge Liang, but was ultimately defeated and killed by him. In the year 229, Zhuge Liang dispatched Chen Shi to attack Wudu and Yinpings. Wei's governor of Yongzhou, Guo Huai, intended to confront Chen Shi, but upon Zhuge Liang's personal arrival at Jianwei, Guo Huai was intimidated and quickly retreated, resulting in the pacification of Wudu and Yinpings. The emperor issued a decree commending Zhuge Liang for taking responsibility for Ma Su's defeat at Jieting and for his remarkable humility. After defeating Wang Shuang last year, causing Guo Huai to flee this year, and subduing the Di and Qiang minority tribes, as well as pacifying both Wudu and Yinpings, his achievements were outstanding. Despite the persistent unrest and formidable foes, Zhuge Liang, ever humble, accepted the heavy responsibilities and was appointed as the Prime Minister by the emperor, who urged him to accept the appointment. In the ninth year of Zhuge Liang's leadership, he led troops from Qishan using wooden oxen and flowing horses for transporting supplies, but ultimately ran out of supplies and had to retreat. He engaged in battle with General Zhang He of Wei and shot him dead.
In the spring of the twelfth year, Zhuge Liang led all the troops out of the Xiegu, this time using pack horses to transport supplies, and captured Wuzhengyuan in Wugong, confronting Sima Yi in Weinan. Zhuge Liang had been worried that the supply of food supplies would not be sufficient to affect his plan, so he ordered the troops to be divided to establish a long-term garrison. The soldiers who farmed mixed with the local people by the Wei River, who lived and worked peacefully, and there were no corruption incidents within the army. The two sides remained in a stalemate for over a hundred days. In August of that year, Zhuge Liang fell ill and died at the age of fifty-four. After Zhuge Liang's death, Sima Yi personally inspected Zhuge Liang's camp and sighed, "A rare talent in the world!" Zhuge Liang's dying wish was to be buried at Dingjun Mountain in Hanzhong. He requested to be buried in ordinary clothes without any burial items. The imperial edict said, "You, Zhuge Liang, excel in both civil and military affairs, intelligent, wise, loyal, and trustworthy, entrusted with assisting the young king, supporting the state, inheriting previous achievements, restoring prosperity, and wholeheartedly seeking to quell the rebellion; you reorganized the army and led expeditions year after year, with a majestic demeanor, awe-inspiring, and intimidating all directions, it seemed you were on the verge of achieving unprecedented glory for Shu Han, comparable to the great achievements of Yi Yin and Duke of Zhou. However, fate was not kind to you; just when you were about to achieve victory, you unfortunately fell ill and died! I am heartbroken and inconsolable. To honor your contributions and commemorate your deeds, to honor your ancestors and ensure your legacy lives on. Now, I specially appoint the envoy Du Qiong to present you with the seal of the Marquis of Wuxiang County, posthumously bestow upon you the title of Marquis of Zhongwu. Your noble spirit in the heavens will surely feel this honor. Alas!"
Zhuge Liang initially submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying, "I only have eight hundred mulberry trees and fifteen acres of poor fields in Chengdu. My children have no worries about food and clothing, and we are self-sufficient. As for my position outside, I have no other income. I rely on the court for my daily necessities. I have no other property, nor have I accumulated any wealth. If I die, there will be no extra cloth left at home, and no extra money left outside. I will not disappoint Your Majesty." After his death, it was just as he had said.
Zhuge Liang was particularly good at conceiving ingenious ideas; the improvements to the repeating crossbow and the inventions of wooden oxen and flowing horses were all his concepts. He studied military strategy and created the "Eight Formation Diagram," capturing the essence of military tactics. Zhuge Liang left behind many letters and memorials that are worth reading, which were compiled into a book.
In the spring of the sixth year of Jingyao, the court ordered a temple to be built for Zhuge Liang in Mianyang. In the autumn, the Western General of Wei, Zhong Hui, led his troops to attack Shu Han. After arriving in Hanchuan, he specifically visited Zhuge Liang's temple to pay his respects and forbade his soldiers from grazing, chopping wood, or gathering grass near Zhuge Liang's tomb. Zhuge Liang's brother, Zhuge Jun, achieved the rank of Chief Water Officer; Zhuge Liang's son, Zhuge Zhan, inherited his father's rank.
Table of Contents of "The Collected Works of the Zhuge Family":
1. Establishment of the Imperial Office; 2. Power System; 3. Southern Expedition;
4. Northern Departure; 5. Calculation; 6. Training;
7. Summary of the Above; 8. Summary of the Below; 9. Miscellaneous Words Above;
10. Miscellaneous Words Below; 11. Noble Harmony; 12. Essential Military Requirements;
13. Transmission; 14. Letter to Sun Quan; 15. Letter to Zhuge Jin;
16. Letter to Meng Da; 17. Abolition of Li Ping; 18. Legal Inspection Above;
19. Legal Inspection Below; 20. Official Orders Above; 21. Official Orders Below;
22. Military Orders Above; 23. Military Orders Middle; 24. Military Orders Below;
In total, there are twenty-four articles comprising 104,112 words.
I presented my report to the other officials: When I was serving as a scribe, Marquis Xun Xu of Jibei, who also served as a Privy Councilor, and Marquis He Qiao of Guannei, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, ordered me to compile the deeds of the former Prime Minister of Shu, Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang aided the nation during its crises, dealt with regions that resisted the court, yet he diligently gathered and organized his writings, not ashamed to document his accomplishments. This exemplifies the great virtues of the illustrious Jin Dynasty, with blessings spreading throughout the world. Such an event has never occurred in history! I carefully simplified and reorganized the material, eventually compiling it into twenty-four chapters, as shown above.
Zhuge Liang was exceptionally gifted from a young age, tall and imposing in stature, and had an exceptionally handsome appearance. Contemporaries regarded him as extraordinary. Amidst the chaos of the late Han Dynasty, he fled to Jingzhou with his uncle Zhuge Xuan, working the land without seeking fame or fortune. Later, General Liu Bei recognized Zhuge Liang's exceptional abilities and visited him at his cottage three times; Zhuge Liang also admired Liu Bei's heroic stature, so he loosened his belt to signify his sincerity, forming a deep friendship with Liu Bei.
When Cao Cao marched south to attack Jingzhou, Liu Cong surrendered the entire province to Cao Cao, leaving Liu Bei with no place to go. At just twenty-seven years old, Zhuge Liang devised a brilliant strategy, personally going to Dong Wu to request assistance from Sun Quan. Sun Quan already admired Liu Bei, and upon seeing Zhuge Liang's talent, he held him in high regard, immediately sending thirty thousand troops to aid Liu Bei. Consequently, Liu Bei successfully defeated Cao Cao's forces, pursued them in victory, and pacified the entire Jiangnan region. Later, Liu Bei also took over Yizhou. After pacifying Yizhou, Zhuge Liang was appointed as the Chief Military Advisor. Upon Liu Bei's ascension to the throne, he appointed Zhuge Liang as Prime Minister, overseeing the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat. After Liu Bei's death, his son was still a child, and Zhuge Liang managed all affairs.
Zhuge Liang simultaneously reached out to Dong Wu while pacifying Nan Yue, established laws and regulations, reorganized the army, developed industry and agriculture, and advanced various technologies to their peak. He maintained a strict educational system with clear rewards and punishments; no wrongdoing went unpunished, and no good deed went unrecognized, resulting in officials daring not to embezzle and the populace being motivated to strive for progress. On the roads, lost items were left untouched, the strong did not prey on the weak, and the social climate was exceptionally positive.
At this time, Zhuge Liang envisioned leading his army to soar like a dragon and strike like a tiger, unifying the country. Even if things did not go smoothly, he wanted to control the border and intimidate his adversaries. He also thought that after his death, perhaps no one would be able to launch a northern expedition against the powerful northern regime, so he continued to engage in military campaigns, frequently showcasing his military prowess. However, Zhuge Liang excelled in military management but was somewhat lacking in strategic ingenuity, and he was stronger in governing the people than in leading troops in battle. The enemies he faced were all heroes among men, and the disparity in military strength between his forces and the enemy, as well as the different offensive and defensive situations, meant that despite years of military campaigns, he was unable to secure a decisive victory.
In ancient times, Xiao He recommended Han Xin, and Guan Zhong recommended Wang Zichengfu. They recommended talents based on their strengths, without attempting to cover all bases. Zhuge Liang's political and governance skills were comparable to those of Guan Zhong and Xiao He, but at that time, there were no generals of the caliber of Wang Zichengfu or Han Xin, resulting in a delay in his achievements and the failure to realize his grand ambitions. Perhaps this was simply fate, something beyond human control.
In the spring of 234 AD, Zhuge Liang advanced to Wugong and also divided the troops to cultivate the fields, laying the groundwork for a long-term garrison. In the autumn, Zhuge Liang fell ill and passed away. The common people held him in fond memory and regarded him as a role model. Even now, the people of Shu Han in Liangzhou and Yizhou still speak highly of Zhuge Liang, just as people praise Zhaogong's "Song of Gantang" and commemorate Zichan's "Song of Zhengguo"; these praises have endured through the ages! Mencius once said, "If you guide the people in a light-hearted way, even if they work hard, they will not resent it; if you kill the people in a cruel way, even if they die, they will not submit." This statement rings so true! Some people think that Zhuge Liang's writing is not grand enough, and overly verbose. I think, much like Jiu Yao and Zhou Gong, both are great sages and saints. If you look at the "Book of Documents," you'll find that Jiu Yao's memorials are succinct and clear, while Zhou Gong made oaths before many ministers and subjects, hence the difference in literary style. Who did Zhuge Liang talk to? Just everyday folks, so his writings naturally can't be overly profound or mysterious. However, his teachings and final words are practical and reflect his sincere and just nature, all of which are written in his articles, enough for us to understand his thoughts and virtues, which can greatly benefit us even today. Your Majesty, if you can emulate the ancient sages by being open-minded and unafraid of any discourse, even if slander arises from enemy nations, boldly speak out without hesitation; this is a true testament to your broad-mindedness! I have specially recorded these and presented them to you. Your humble servant, Chen Shou, bows deeply in fear and reverence, kowtowing repeatedly, fully aware of my offenses! On the Guisi day of the second month in the tenth year of Taishi, Pingyang Hou's minister Chen Shou submitted this.
Zhuge Qiao, courtesy name Bosong, was Zhuge Liang's brother Zhuge Jin's second son. He was originally named Zhongshen, and he and his brother Zhuge Yunxun were both famous. It is said that Zhuge Qiao's talents were inferior to his brother's, but his character was even better. Initially, Zhuge Liang had no sons, so he wished for Zhuge Qiao to become his successor. Zhuge Jin requested Sun Quan to send Zhuge Qiao to the western Shu. Zhuge Liang regarded Zhuge Qiao as his own son, and thus changed his courtesy name. Zhuge Qiao was appointed as Cavalry Commandant and followed Zhuge Liang to Hanzhong. He died at the age of 25 in the sixth year of Jianxing. His son Zhuge Pan achieved the rank of General Yiwu, but he too died young. Zhuge Ke was murdered in Wu, and his lineage was extinguished, whereas Zhuge Liang's lineage continued, thus Zhuge Pan once again became the heir to Zhuge Jin's lineage.
Ge Liang, whose courtesy name was Gongxiu, was a man of long-term vision. In the twelfth year of Jianxing, Zhuge Liang showcased his military prowess. He wrote to his brother Zhuge Jin, stating, "Zhan is now eight years old, bright and endearing, but I'm concerned that he might grow up too fast and may not be able to handle big responsibilities later." At seventeen, he married a princess and was appointed as a cavalry commander. The following year, he was promoted to the rank of Yulin General, and later received multiple promotions, becoming a Colonel of Archery, Attendant, Minister Steward, and was also appointed as Military Strategist General. Ge Liang was skilled in calligraphy and painting and had an exceptional memory, and the people of Shu cherished his talent and quick wit. Whenever the court announced a good policy or event, even if it was not done by Ge Liang, the people would say to one another, "This was all thanks to Marquis Ge!" So his reputation far surpassed his actual accomplishments. In the fourth year of Jingyao, he was appointed as the Capital Guard General and, together with Dong Jue, the Grand General of the State, handled the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel. In the winter of the sixth year of Jingyao, Wei's General Who Conquers the West, Deng Ai, attacked Shu Han, entering Shu territory via the Jinggu Road from Yinping. Ge Liang urged the various armies to stop after reaching Fucheng. After the vanguard was defeated, he retreated to Mianzhu. Deng Ai sent a messenger to convince Ge Liang to surrender, saying, "If you surrender, I will definitely recommend you to the court to become the King of Langya." Ge Liang was furious and killed Deng Ai's messenger. This led to war between the two sides, and the Shu army was defeated, with Ge Liang dying in battle at the age of thirty-seven. The Shu soldiers scattered and retreated, and Deng Ai advanced and captured Chengdu. Ge Liang's eldest son, Ge Shang, also fell in battle alongside him. His second son, Ge Jing, and cousin, Ge Xian, were relocated to Hedong in the first year of Xianxi.
Dong Jue, during Zhuge Liang's tenure as Prime Minister, served as Zhuge Liang's secretary. Zhuge Liang once praised him, saying, "Secretary Dong is a good official! Every time I speak with him, I feel that I should be cautious, paying attention to my words." Later, Dong Jue was promoted to Chief Clerk. After Zhuge Liang's death, Dong Jue gradually rose through the ranks, becoming the Minister of Rites, succeeding Chen Zhi, and then promoted to Grand General, handling state affairs. Later, Fan Jian of Yi Yang succeeded him. In the fourteenth year of the Yanxi era, Dong Jue was sent as an envoy to the Wu Kingdom in the capacity of Colonel, but arrived just as Sun Quan was gravely ill and was unable to meet him. Sun Quan asked Zhuge Ke, "How does Fan Jian stack up against Zong Yu?" Zhuge Ke replied, "Fan Jian's talent is not as good as Zong Yu's, but he is more upright." Later, Dong Jue became a Palace Attendant and retained his role as Minister of Rites. From the time when Zhuge Liang, Dong Jue, and Fan Jian took charge of the court, Jiang Wei frequently campaigned outside, while the eunuch Huang Hao held power and mismanaged. Although they all assisted the last lord, they struggled to rein in Huang Hao's abuse of power, but Fan Jian in particular did not associate with Huang Hao. In the second year after the fall of Shu Han, Dong Jue and Fan Jian both arrived in Luoyang and were appointed as military advisors to the Chancellor. That autumn, they were also named Cavalier Attendants and were dispatched to Shu to comfort the people.
When Zhuge Liang was the Prime Minister, he governed the people well! He established various rules and regulations to restrain the behavior of officials, using power appropriately. He was honest and fair in his dealings. Those who served the country faithfully and diligently, even if they were enemies, he rewarded them handsomely; those who violated the law or were negligent, even if they were his relatives, he punished them without mercy. He would show leniency to those who confessed and repented, even for serious crimes; but those who were manipulative, even if the crimes were minor, he would definitely punish them severely. In short, he took everything seriously and handled government affairs diligently, always pursuing the root causes of issues, adhering to principles, and cracking down on hypocrisy without mercy.
Therefore, within the territory of Shu, everyone both revered and loved him. Although his laws were strict, no one resented him because he acted fairly and justly, with clear admonitions. He was truly a remarkable talent for governance, comparable to outstanding figures like Guan Zhong and Xiao He! However, Zhuge Liang led troops into battle every year yet never secured a decisive victory, probably because he was not very good at adapting to changing circumstances and lacked exceptional military acumen!
