Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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.
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,…
This article narrates Lü Meng’s stealthy conquest of Jingzhou. He feigned illness to lull Guan Yu, then used the “White‑Robed Crossing” to seize Guan’s rear bases. Lü Meng won local hearts, collapsing Guan Yu’s army. Trapped and defeated, Guan Yu was captured and killed, shattering the Sun‑Liu alliance.