Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This article recounts the fall of Shu Han and the tragic fates of Deng Ai, Zhong Hui, and Jiang Wei. After Deng Ai’s daring strike conquered Chengdu, his arrogance sparked rivalry. Jiang Wei plotted to restore Shu by inciting Zhong Hui’s rebellion. All three perished in chaos, while Liu Shan’s contented captivity became a…
This article profiles Ji Kang, a bold scholar of the Three Kingdoms era. As one of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, he openly defied Sima Zhao’s regime by forging iron and refusing office. His critical letter and defense of a friend led to his execution. Before death, he played Guangling San, becoming an…
This article tells Zhuge Ke’s tragic rise and fall. As regent of Eastern Wu, he launched a disastrous northern campaign against Wei. His arrogance and tyranny turned allies into enemies. Sun Jun plotted against him and lured him to a fatal banquet. Zhuge Ke was killed, ending his turbulent regency.
This article narrates Sima Yi’s legendary coup. Faking frailty to lull Cao Shuang, he seized control during the Gaopingling ceremony in 249 AD. He tricked Cao Shuang into surrender with false clemency, then eliminated him. The coup shifted power from the Cao clan to the Sima family, reshaping the Three Kingdoms.
This article depicts Zhuge Liang’s last Northern Expedition in 234 AD. Stationed at Wuzhangyuan, he farmed for supplies and invented transport tools to end shortages. He taunted Sima Yi to fight, but overwork killed him at 54. His final stratagem let Shu retreat safely, closing a heroic era.
This article tells the Battle of Shiting. Zhou Fang of Eastern Wu feigned defection to lure Cao Xiu’s Wei army into a trap. At Shiting, Lu Xun’s three‑pronged ambush crushed Wei’s forces. Cao Xiu escaped but died of humiliation. The victory secured Wu’s southern defense for years.
This article tells of Zhuge Liang’s first Northern Expedition. He won early victories and recruited Jiang Wei, but Ma Su’s blunder lost Jieting. Though grieved, Zhuge punished Ma Su, took full blame, and requested demotion. His integrity and accountability became a timeless model of leadership.
This article tells Zhuge Liang’s legendary southern campaign to pacify Nanzhong. Following the “win hearts” strategy, he captured and released Meng Huo seven times. Finally subdued, Meng Huo swore lifelong loyalty. This wisdom secured Shu’s southern border, clearing the way for Zhuge’s Northern Expeditions.
Chapter 62 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms marks the irreversible descent of Liu Bei’s western campaign from diplomatic maneuver into open warfare. What began as a mission to “aid” Liu Zhang against Zhang Lu now transforms into a full-scale conquest of Yizhou (modern Sichuan), driven by strategic necessity but stained by betrayal and…