Chapter 11: Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions
After Liu Bei's death, Zhuge Liang took control of Shu Han's military and political power. He decided to continue realizing Liu Bei's dying wish: to attack the Central Plains from the north and restore the Han Dynasty. This was the most important mission of Zhuge Liang's life.
Zhuge Liang began preparing for the Northern Expedition. He reorganized the army, stockpiled grain and forage, and trained the soldiers. He also formed an alliance with Eastern Wu to ensure the security of the south. These preparations took several years.
In the initial stage of the Northern Expedition, Zhuge Liang achieved a series of victories. He led his army out of Qishan, occupied the Longyou region, and his prestige shook the Central Plains. The Wei court was panic-stricken and sent Sima Yi to lead troops to resist.
Sima Yi was a famous general of Wei, possessing exceptional wisdom. He saw Zhuge Liang's weakness: the Shu army was far from its homeland, and grain supply was difficult. Therefore, he adopted a strategy of holding firm and not engaging, intending to wear down the Shu army.
Zhuge Liang repeatedly attempted to lure Sima Yi into battle, but Sima Yi remained unmoved. The two sides stood in confrontation on both banks of the Wei River, reaching a stalemate. Although Zhuge Liang's wisdom was unparalleled, he was also at wit's end.
Zhuge Liang fell ill from overwork at Wuzhang Plain and eventually died of illness. Before his death, he left the famous "Memorial on Deploying the Army," expressing his loyalty to the country and his dedication to the Northern Expedition. Zhuge Liang's death deprived Shu Han of its last pillar.