Records of the Three Kingdoms

  • Art of War Chapter – 6.3

    This passage explains Sun Tzu’s core tactic: conceal your troop deployment while exposing the enemy’s, concentrating your unified force to split theirs. The Battle of Baima illustrates it – Cao Cao used a feint to scatter Yuan Shao’s army, then struck Baima with elite cavalry for victory.

  • Attack the Unprepared, Strike Unexpectedly: Deng Ai’s deadly surprise march that ended Shu Han

    This article illustrates the tactic of striking unprepared foes via Deng Ai’s risky Yinping march. Bypassing heavily guarded Jiange Pass through harsh unguarded mountains, Deng Ai launched a surprise assault on Chengdu, toppling Shu Han by breaking the enemy’s fixed defensive mindset.

  • The Fall of Jingzhou: A Masterclass in Strategic Deception

    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.

  • Fàng Hǔ Guī Shān (放虎归山)

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 放虎归山 Pinyin: fàng hǔ guī shān Literal Meaning: Set a tiger free and send it back to the mountains. Figurative Meaning: Spare a dangerous foe and let them escape, thus leaving hidden troubles and future threats.  Cultural Background This is a common cautionary Chinese idiom rooted in ancient military history.…

  • The Princes’ Catastrophe [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

    This article recounts the catastrophic War of the Eight Princes. Empress Jia framed and killed Crown Prince Sima Yu, triggering a power struggle. Sima Lun seized the throne, sparking years of civil war that devastated Western Jin. The bloody infighting weakened China, opening the door to foreign invasions and long-term division.

  • Zhou Chu’s Last Stand [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

    This article tells the heroic tragedy of Zhou Chu. Once a local troublemaker, he reformed, slew the “three scourges,” and became a loyal Jin general. Sent to suppress a Di rebellion, he was betrayed by Prince Sima Rong – sent into battle with 5,000 men against 70,000. He fought to his last breath, a…

  • Records of the Three Kingdoms – Sanguo Zhi

    A historical text compiled by Chen Shou (233–297 CE) during the Western Jin dynasty. It is a biographical state-by-state history chronicling the Three Kingdoms period – Wei, Shu, and Wu – and comprises 65 scrolls: Book of Wei (30 scrolls),Book of Shu (15 scrolls), and Book of Wu (20 scrolls).

  • When victory breeds doom [Three Kingdoms]

    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…

  • The iron-striking scholar: Ji Kang [Three Kingdoms]

    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…