The Seven Captures of Meng Huo [Three Kingdoms]

Following Liu Bei’s death in 223 CE, the fledgling state of Shu Han faced internal instability and external threats. In the southern frontier – comprising modern-day Yunnan, Guizhou, and parts of Sichuan – local leaders saw an opportunity to break away.

Yong Kai, a regional chieftain, launched a rebellion, soon joined by Gao Ding and Zhu Bao. With Shu’s northern border threatened by Cao Wei and its eastern ally Sun Wu still fragile, the south became a critical vulnerability.

By 225 CE, Emperor Cao Pi of Wei had suffered a major defeat in his campaign against Eastern Wu, temporarily neutralizing the northern threat. Seizing this window, Zhuge Liang, Shu’s Chancellor and de facto ruler, decided to personally lead a southern expedition to pacify the region – a move essential before launching his long-planned Northern Expeditions against Wei.

The Strategy of “Conquering Hearts”

Before departure, Ma Su, Zhuge Liang’s trusted military advisor, offered pivotal counsel recorded in both the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi) and dramatized in Chapter 87 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms:

“The southern lands are rugged and ethnically diverse. Military suppression alone will not bring lasting peace. Today you crush them; tomorrow they rebel again. If you wish to march north without rear worries, win their hearts, not just their territory. Attack the mind, not just the city.”

Zhuge Liang embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly: “You have spoken my very thoughts.” This principle – “attacking the heart is paramount” – would define the entire campaign.

The Seven Captures of Meng Huo

Historically, the “Seven Captures of Meng Huo” is not explicitly detailed in Chen Shou’s Sanguozhi. However, Pei Songzhi’s later annotation cites the now-lost Han Jin Chunqiu by Xi Zuochi, which provides the full narrative of seven captures and releases. Luo Guanzhong expanded this into one of the most beloved episodes in the Romance, blending folklore, moral instruction, and military ingenuity.

After swiftly defeating Yong Kai, Gao Ding, and Zhu Bao, Zhuge Liang encountered Meng Huo – a charismatic local leader revered by both Yi and Han communities for his bravery, generosity, and deep roots in the land. Unlike opportunistic rebels, Meng Huo fought for homeland and dignity, making brute force counterproductive.

Thus began the legendary cycle:

1. First Capture: Meng Huo charges recklessly, falls into ambush. Released after touring Zhuge Liang’s camp.
2. Second Capture: He attempts a night raid on an empty camp – only to be surrounded. Released again.
3. Third Capture: Meng Huo fortifies south of the Lushui River (modern Yalong River). Zhuge Liang feints a frontal crossing while secretly flanking from upstream.
4. Fourth Capture: In the treacherous “barren lands”, rife with venomous snakes and miasmic vapors, Zhuge Liang equips his troops with antidotes and herbal remedies, overcoming environmental hazards to capture Meng Huo once more.
   5–6. Fifth and Sixth Captures: Though details vary across versions, each ends with Meng Huo citing tactical unfairness – never moral defeat.
5. Seventh Capture: Finally humbled, Meng Huo weeps and declares:
   “Your grace knows no bounds. I shall never rebel again!”

Governance through trust, Not occupation

True to his word, Zhuge Liang appointed Meng Huo as an official of Shu Han, entrusting him with governing the southern tribes. Crucially, he left no Han garrisons or administrators behind – a radical policy criticized by some officers.

“If we station troops, they will suspect us. If we impose officials, they will resent us. Let them govern themselves under a broad framework of loyalty. Only then will peace endure.”

This approach reflected Confucian ideals of benevolent rule and practical frontier wisdom. In return, southern tribes sent tribute – gold, cinnabar, lacquer, oxen, and warhorses – while Shu provided grain and medicine, fostering mutual trust.

Historical records confirm that the Nanzhong region remained largely peaceful for decades, enabling Zhuge Liang to focus on his Northern Expeditions without southern distraction.

Fact vs. Fiction: Legacy of a moral campaign

While modern historians debate whether Meng Huo was a real person (some suggest he symbolizes collective tribal resistance), the story’s enduring power lies in its ethical message: true victory comes not from destruction, but from transformation through respect.

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms immortalizes this as a parable of wisdom over wrath, patience over punishment, and integration over domination – values that elevated Zhuge Liang from strategist to sage.