Zhū Gě Liàng (诸葛亮)

**Zhuge Liang: The Brilliant Strategist of the Three Kingdoms** **Early Life and Background** Zhuge Liang (181–234 CE), also known as Kongming, was born during the tumultuous late Han Dynasty in Yangdu (modern-day Shandong, China). Orphaned young, he and his siblings were raised by relatives. Despite humble beginnings, Zhuge immersed himself in literature, military strategy, and astronomy, earning a reputation as a "Crouching Dragon" for his unassuming yet extraordinary intellect. **Major Achievements and Contributions** Zhuge Liang rose to prominence as the chief strategist for Liu Bei, founder of the Shu Han kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. His most famous feat was the *Longzhong Plan*, a grand strategy to secure Shu’s dominance. He masterminded key victories, such as the *Battle of Red Cliffs* (208 CE), where his tactics defeated the larger forces of Cao Cao. As chancellor of Shu, he reformed agriculture, legal systems, and infrastructure, boosting the kingdom’s stability. **Historical Significance** Zhuge’s brilliance in statecraft and warfare cemented his status as China’s greatest strategist. His loyalty to Shu and tireless efforts to unify China—despite overwhelming odds—made him a symbol of wisdom and dedication. **Interesting Facts** - He invented the *repeating crossbow* and *mechanical transport devices* for supplies. - The phrase *"Borrowing arrows with straw boats"* stems from his cunning ruse to replenish arrows during war. - His rivalry with Sima Yi, Wei’s strategist, is legendary, culminating in the psychological duel of the *Empty Fort Strategy*. **Legacy and Influence** Zhuge Liang’s legacy endures in Chinese culture as the epitome of wisdom. He’s immortalized in literature (e.g., *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*), opera, and proverbs like *"Three visits to the thatched cottage"*—referencing Liu Bei’s persistence to recruit him. Today, his tomb in Chengdu and temples across China honor his enduring influence on leadership and strategy. A blend of genius, integrity, and innovation, Zhuge Liang remains a timeless icon in Chinese history.