Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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.
Huang Quan (courtesy name Gongheng), born in Langzhong, Baxi Commandery (modern-day Langzhong, Sichuan), stands out in the turbulent Three Kingdoms era as a rare figure whose reputation grew with every change of master. Though he served three regimes – Liu Zhang, Liu Bei, and Cao Wei – he was never branded a turncoat. Instead,…