The Downfall of Zhuge Liang: A New Interpretation of the Three Kingdoms History

Author: Zhu Ziyan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Zhuge Liang's unwavering loyalty to the Han Dynasty and his noble integrity, as well as his selfless dedication, have been praised by scholars across generations. His personal charm and moral demeanor have been elevated to the height of Kunlun Mountain. However, from a historical perspective, Zhuge Liang was neither a deity nor a sage. This book attempts to reinterpret Zhuge Liang with a rational approach, boldly exploring such topics as his criteria for choosing a ruler, his elimination and suppression of rivals, the purpose of his northern expeditions, his relationship with Emperor Liu Shan, and his desire to receive the Nine Honors and usurp the Han Dynasty. Additionally, the author provides rigorous evaluations and fresh insights on famous figures from the Three Kingdoms era, such as Lü Bu, Wei Yan, and Sima Zhao, based on historical records. The study of the Nine Honors system, the relationship between the Han, Wei, and Jin dynasties during the transition period, and the dual monarchy theory are unique aspects of this book, which contribute to research on the Three Kingdoms era and the entire Northern and Southern Dynasties period from both institutional and ideological perspectives. Steel and iron determined the () of the Three Kingdoms, and "human strategy" was the key factor in deciding the outcomes of wars during that time. Exploring the reasons behind the establishment of the Three Kingdoms from the perspective of the (gains and losses) of human strategy and military tactics is another distinctive feature of this book.