This article takes Jingzhou’s fall as a deception case for Sun Tzu’s rule. Eastern Wu used Lü Meng’s feigned illness and Lu Xun’s flattering letters to lull arrogant Guan Yu, bribed his discontented subordinates, and seized Jingzhou stealthily, costing Guan Yu his life.
Lady Mi, sister of the wealthy merchants Mi Zhu and Mi Fang from Donghai (modern-day Lianyungang), entered Liu Bei’s life in 196 CE under extraordinary circumstances.
Among the many figures of the Three Kingdoms era, few are as enigmatic – or as influential – as Sima Hui, styled Decao, the reclusive scholar known as Master Water Mirror. Though he never held office, raised an army, or penned a single decree, his quiet words altered the course of history.
The “Green Plum and Wine” episode is a classic scene from Chapter 21 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, titled “Cao Cao Brews Wine and Discusses Heroes,” depicting Cao Cao testing Liu Bei’s political ambitions through a banquet. This reveals Cao Cao’s great appreciation for Liu Bei’s abilities. It could even be said that…
In 194 AD, Cao Cao launched a massive invasion of Xu Province (Xuzhou) to punish Tao Qian for the murder of his father, Cao Song. Overwhelmed by Cao Cao’s forces, Tao Qian was unable to resist. Liu Bei, then a minor warlord, personally led reinforcements to aid Xu Province, demonstrating his growing reputation for…