Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, The Genius of The Three Kingdoms

Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, The Genius of The Three Kingdoms 

Zhuge Liang 181–234

Throughout history many talented figures have left behind great legacies that influence and inspire future generations. Although my main interest is ritual magick, I am also extremely fond of military strategy and imperial Chinese history. I have two bookshelves in my Throne Room, one shelf dedicated to occultism and the other to battle tactics and warfare. Within the contemporary "occult community" these two paths never really cross, the majority of sorcerors and spiritualists that I know, are not interested in the art of war. Despite this, the two subjects are deeply interwoven with each other, especially in China's past, many generals use Taoist philosophy to help give them an advantage on the battlefield. Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming. A remarkable polymath from The Three Kingdoms era of Imperial China, Kongming was an inventor, a strategist, a writer, an occultist, an engineer, a politician, and a general. He is perhaps best known for being the advisor to Liu Bei and then later becoming the Prime Minister of the Shu-Han state. Zhuge Liang was born in 181, in a turbulent age of war and strife, he lived a reclusive life in his early years. Whilst living in seclusion, he had the nickname "Wolong" literally meaning "Sleeping Dragon" or "Crouching Dragon" Due to his brilliance, he is often compared to Sun Tzu. Many of the depictions show Kongming wearing Taoist robes whilst carrying his iconic feather fan, a symbol that has become associated with wisdom, intellect, and cleverness. He is regarded as the most accomplished strategist of his era. Zhuge Liang was a Confucian-oriented Legalist and would often compare himself with Guan Zhong. His style of political administration was firm but fair, he was regarded as an exceptional politician, he refused to indulge the local elites, and was known for his strict use of Legalism and discipline. Local people created shrines dedicated to his honor. Kongming was born in Yangdu County, Langya Commandery in Shandong. He was a descendant of Zhuge Feng. His father, Zhuge Gui died whilst Kongming was still young so he was raised by his cousin-uncle Zhuge Xuan. Kongming grew to be a tall man (186cm) he enjoyed reciting "Liangfu Yin" a popular folksong in the Shandong area. His uncle died from illness and Kongming went to live in Longzhong, leading the life of a farmer scholar, tilling the fields by day and studying by night. Whilst in Longzhong, he made friendships with other local intellectuals such as Sima Hui, Pang Degong, Xu Shu, and Huang Chengyan. 

Liu Bei successfully recruiting Zhuge Liang after the three famous visits to his thatched cottage.

Huang Chengyan told Kongming "I heard you are looking for a wife, I have an ugly daughter with yellow hair and dark skin but her talent matches yours" Zhuge Liang agreed and married the daughter whose real name is not recorded in history. Her fictional name is "Huang Yueying" As time went on Kongming had garnered a solid reputation as a hidden genius and this caught the attention of Liu Bei, courtesy name Xuande who was stationed at Xinye County. Kongming's friend Xu Shu recommended him to Liu Bei. Liu Bei wanted to invite Kongming but was told "You must visit this man in person, he cannot be invited to meet you" Liu agreed and paid him three personal visits to his thatched cottage. In 207, Zhuge Liang proposed his Longzhong Plan to Liu Bei. This plan formed the basis for the establishment of the Shu-Han state, Kongming accurately predicted The Three Kingdoms era as he foresaw the tripartite division of China and how the land would be divided into three. He is praised for this brilliant foresight and many have described his vision as remarkable. The Longzhong Plan required Liu Bei to gain control over Jing and Yi Provinces, in order to secure a foothold from which to attack Cao-Wei. The Plan also required Liu Bei to form a strategic alliance with Sun Quan of the Wu state. It noted that Cao Cao controlled the large-scale North China Plain and Sun Quan held the lower Yangtze River region in an area known as Jiangdong. I have covered Zhuge Liang's Longzhong Plan in a video in great detail, please watch it for more information. Liu Bei was incredibly impressed with the young Kongming, he successfully recruited him, and together they left the cottage. At the time of the recruitment, Zhuge Liang was twenty-seven years old. Both Liu Bei and Kongming become very close friends, this annoyed the two brave generals whom Liu Bei was close with, the famous Guan Yu and Zhang Fei who both made comments about the friendship. Liu Bei even remarked "Now that I have Kongming, I am like a fish that has found water" After he told them this, they stopped complaining. Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei were known to have many deep conversations with each other. Finally, the Shu-Han founder had an advisor who not only possessed immeasurable talent but also one who had unwavering loyalty to his cause. Liu Bei had found his water, The Crouching Dragon had gained his wings. 

Zhuge Liang holding his iconic feather fan in his chariot. 

“The Sleeping Dragon” Poem 

"There is a hermit in the mountains of Wolong

His reputation as a capable scholar is strong

He spends his days reading scrolls of history

He is an enigma concealed with total mystery

Living in a humble cottage with a thatched roof

He cultivates his mind whilst still in his youth

Then one day a fateful knock came at his door

Standing there were three mighty heroes of war

A distant relative of the Han empire named Liu Bei

He wanted to talk about the current affairs of the day

The great Kongming was very gracious and nice

Liu Bei had visited his thatched cottage thrice

The two men discussed the warlords of the age

Liu Bei was impressed with the secluded sage

Kongming showed him the famous Longzhong plan

Whilst he sat there waving his feathered crane fan

Liu Bei found his advice to be sincere and true

Zhuge Liang finally left his mountain to join Shu

A long and dangerous journey awaited the men

Kongming knew the sword couldn’t match the pen

Many schemes needed to be thought through

Such as waiting to attack Wei whilst allying with Wu

But destiny decided against restoring the Han

Zhuge Liang tearfully died of illness in the Wuzhang

His memory continues to live during this modern time

His contributions to his master were simply sublime” - 

Lord Josh Allen