Last update: 2023/11/03
Author: Linkai
"In peace, prepare for war. In war, prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state."
If you ever meet a much stronger guild in "CS Guild War" in Fate of The Empress, what would you do? The "God of War" Zhuge Liang can give you an idea.
During the Battle of Xiaoting, Zhuge Liang found himself in a difficult situation and faced the formidable army of Sima Yi. Knowing that his own forces were no match for the enemy's, Zhuge Liang decided to employ a daring tactic. He ordered the gates of the fort to be opened wide, while he sat atop the gates, playing a zither and calmly enjoying the music, literally opened a free public concert.
Surprisingly, instead of attacking immediately, Sima Yi became suspicious of this unusual sight. He feared it might be a trap, suspecting an ambush within the fort. Thus, Sima Yi withdrew his forces without engaging in battle. Lucky for him because who knows once he entered, he would be charged for tickets.
So, lesson learned. Next time in Guild War, just remove your whole embattle and leave it empty. Auto win. Smart! Yayyy!
In the classic Chinese historical novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", which was written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, Zhuge Liang, aka Kongming, is portrayed as the epitome of wisdom and foresight, with a deep understanding of the principles of governance and warfare.
However, are they all truths? Or is that just Luo Guanzhong being a fanboy since 14th-century and created his own fanfics? Following the footprints of history, we will unveil the deepest truths of the AD era's showbiz superstar, Zhuge Liang. And I, Investigate Journalist Lin Linkai, will assist you today.
(Zhuge Liang played by Takeshi Kaneshiro in "Red Cliff" 2009)
"Liu Bei's three visits" - Really? Are you that hot, Liang boy?
Knowing as one of the UR Scholar hero in Fate of The Empress with a passive skill called "Winning Strategy", you can always get him for free in the game. However, Zhuge Liang is definitely not a F2P-friendly hero for Liu Bei.
According to "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", Liu Bei, the founder of the Shu Han state, visited Zhuge Liang three times before finally convincing him to become his strategist and advisor. During the first visit, Zhuge Liang refused to meet Liu Bei, as he was testing Liu Bei's sincerity and determination. Liu Bei returned for a second visit, and Zhuge Liang again declined to see him. Finally, during the third visit, Zhuge Liang was impressed by Liu Bei's unwavering commitment and agreed to serve him.
("Liu Bei's three visits" by artist Kunisada III.
From left to right, Liu Bei, Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, Zhuge Liang)
If I don't know I would think Zhuge Liang was a girl playing hard to get. However, is it true that Liang was that such hot little fresh meat 小鲜肉? According to "Stratagems of the Warring States", Liang actually came to visit Liu Bei, but he was treated as an ordinary scholar. One day, Liang deliberately stayed behind after the other guests had left, but senpai still didn't notice him. Only after he actively engaged in conversation with Liu Bei did Bei recognize his talent and start to value him.
Or who knows if both books are true? Senpai didn't notice him so he sulked and rejected senpai another 3 times. Very dramatic this Kongming.
"The Straw Boat Borrowing Arrows" - Start-up idea in the AD era.
Took place during the Battle of Red Cliffs (or the Battle of Chibi) in 208/209 AD, the battle was between the allied forces of Liu Bei and Sun Quan, against the powerful warlord Cao Cao.
Zhuge Liang requested straw boats to be built and sent down the river, appearing to surrender and defect to Cao Cao's forces. When Cao Cao's forces saw the boats, they launched a volley of arrows, only for the arrows to get stuck in the straw. Zhuge Liang's men then retrieved the boats, providing him with a huge supply of arrows, thus outsmarting the enemy.
After that I, Investigate Journalist Lin Linkai, got a chance to interview Cao Cao on his thoughts about this accident. "I'm just a simple man. I see boats, I shoot.", said Cao Prime Minister.
(A cutscene from the movie "Red Cliff" (2009) will help you understand this strategy better)
In modern days, could that be a start-up idea for cheap supplies? I don't know about that but I know this tale, in history, has nothing to do with Zhuge Liang.
In fact, during a battle, Cao Cao ordered his troops to shoot arrows, many of which hit the boat on which Sun Quan was sitting. The boat was struck by numerous arrows, causing it to tilt heavily. However, Sun Quan remained composed and immediately ordered the boat to change direction so that the other side of the boat could take in the arrows too. Eventually, the boat managed to regain balance, marking the "Straw Boat Borrowing Arrows" event.
So, Sun Quan is the mastermind here. One buu to Zhuge Liang. Tho, it's thrilling and interesting to watch on movie.
"The Battle of Red Cliffs" - Borrowing Eastern wind from Heaven
As I mentioned about it above, Battle of Red Cliffs, aka Battle of Chibi, is one of the very inspiring and popular battles that was made into many movies, Mangas, Animes. The 2 movies "Red Cliff" in 2008 and 2009 are highly recommended.
Recognizing their disadvantage in terms of military strength, this battle was also a collaboration stage of the two greatest strategists in the Three Kingdoms: Zhuge Liang, came from Liu Bei Entertainment, and Zhou Yu, from Sun Quan Inc., covered BLACKPINK song "Why're you like that", tribute to Cao Cao.
The battle occurred on Yangtze River. Cao Cao's men were exhausted from their long march to the battle and were unable to gain ground. More than that, they came from the North, where there were not many rivers and seas. So their troop got seasick badly, day day threw up as if they were in labor.
In order to make the ships more stable and stop the soldiers from getting seasick, Cao Cao ordered the ships to be tied together. The weakness of the "Linked Ships Formation" is turning Cao Cao's forces into a large, immobile target that is susceptible to fire attacks. However, it was during the winter and there was only the northwest wind.
"How could there be the southeast wind? Our troops are positioned in the northwest direction, while the enemy is on the southern shore. Even if they set fires, wouldn't they end up burning their own troops? What is there to fear?", thought our naive Cao Cao tsk.
No one:
Literally no one:
Cao Cao: *tie his ships together for more stability*
Only awaiting the Eastern wind, Zhou Yu inquired if Liang had any plans. Zhuge Liang confidently said he would do his talent of "calling forth the wind and summoning the rain", borrowing Eastern wind from Heaven. Zhuge Liang seemed to really like to borrow stuffs.
At Zhuge Liang's request, Zhou Yu ordered the establishment of the Seven Star Altar for Liang to pray daily LMAO. Such so-called talent.
(Ok not like this, but I found this looks funny)
Additionally, Zhou Yu instructed to prepare 20 lightly loaded boats filled with easily combustible materials to prepare for the battle against Cao Cao. One night, the southeast wind suddenly blew strongly. Zhou Yu only needed this to raise the flag for an attack.
"In a very short time the smoke and flame stretched across the sky, and a multitude of men and horses were burned or drowned and died.”, marking the tale of "Kongming borrowing Eastern wind". Nowadays, "Waiting for Eastern wind" or "The Eastern wind is blowing" is a proverb to say waiting for a good opportunity to come.
However, according to Chinese scholars, Zhuge Liang could predict the occurrence of the southeast wind due to his knowledge of geography and astronomy. Scam. It's science bro.
This cutscene in the movie "Red Cliff" (2009) will help you to understand this battle better.
(Again, I highly recommend these 2 movies "Red Cliff" so much)
It can be said that Kongming Zhuge Liang is an exceptional talent in Chinese history. Although his talent has sometimes been overly buffed to make it more thrilling in storytelling. Like, he's great. But not that great. Who knows his true self is actually how it's described in this anime "Ya Boy Kongming!" but the history made him to constraint himself?
500 votes for Kongming to live as who he is. Justice for Kongming.
And me again, Investigate Journalist Lin Linkai. See you guys again in the next footage. Don't forget to subscribe our magazine "The Quibblers". Byeee.
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