Sun Wu

  • Romance of the Three Kingdoms: China’s Epic Saga of Heroes, War, and Strategy

    Regarded as one of China’s “Four Great Classical Novels,” Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguo Yanyi) is more than a literary masterpiece – it is a cultural touchstone that has shaped Chinese ideas of heroism, loyalty, and strategy for over 600 years. Written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty,…

  • Sun Tzu: Training palace maids into soldiers [Spring & Autumn]

    Wu, originally a backward state, was able to rise rapidly largely due to the strong support of Jin. This was because Jin suffered a defeat in the Battle of Bi in 597 BCE. Jin then adopted the strategy of allying with Wu to jointly confront Chu. Consequently, Jin imparted considerable military technology to Wu,…

  • Zhuge Liang’s self-demotion [Three Kingdoms]

    In 227 AD, following the successful pacification of the Nanzhong rebellion, Zhuge Liang returned to Chengdu to prepare for his long-planned Northern Expeditions against Cao Wei. With the death of Emperor Cao Pi and the ascension of the young Cao Rui (Emperor Ming of Wei), Zhuge Liang saw a strategic opening.