Long Trung'S Strategy - A Brilliant Strategy Or A Mistake By Zhuge Liang?

One late afternoon in 207, the twelfth year of Jian'an. In a thatched cottage outside Shengyang, two men sat over drinks. One was in his forties, with a square face and large ears, carrying a majestic, brooding air. The other was young, eight spans tall, handsome as jade, wearing a simple headcloth. Clad in a crane-patterned robe, looking as ethereal as an immortal. No one could have guessed that the conversation between these two, when a general, a Han descendant, and a warlord who had spent half his life in defeat. Wandering from one patron to another. And the other only 27, having achieved no notable fame. Yet arrogantly comparing himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Would become such a pivotal moment. Marking the greatest turning point of the Three Kingdoms era. The discussion in that Longzhong hut that day defined the tripartite balance. For the age of the Three Kingdoms. Welcome to Battle Cry, Chinese Historical Chronicles. By supporting the emperor in Xuchang and unifying the North China Plain. After his decisive victory over Yuan Shao at the Battle of Guandu. Chao Chao became prime minister, wielding true power over the Han court. Beyond Chao Chao, who used the emperor to command the lords, other factions remained. Lu Biao, the Han kinsman and governor of Jing, son Quan, leader of Jiangdong. Lu Bei, currently under Lu Biao, Lu Zhong, governor of Yi, Zhonglu of Hanzhong, Ma Teng and Han Sui of Xiliang, and Gongsun Kong of Liaodong. In this climate, Lu Bei was the weakest warlord, possessing no territory and very few troops. Thus, he realized he desperately needed a clear vision to map out a path to the empire. At that very moment, both Sima Hui and Su Shu wholeheartedly recommended Zhuge Liang as the premier strategist for Lu Bei. With no other options, Lu Bei was determined to secure Zhuge Liang as his advisor. Combing's first gift to Lu Bei was truly his most precious. The Longzhong Plan. The brilliant strategy Zhuge Liang devised for Lu Bei to conquer the realm. The Longzhong Plan was a strategic framework proposed by Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms era. This strategy served as the foundation for Lu Bei's territorial conquest. Aiming to create a tripartite balance against the dominant Chao Chao and Sun Quan. The ultimate goal of the Longzhong Plan was to reunify China. Under the leadership of the Lu Clan. The Longzhong Plan, Dividing the World into Three. Lu Bei visited his retreat twice, yet failed to meet the master. Far from discouraged, Lu Bei prepared even more meticulously. He consulted an astrologer to pick a date and fasted for three days to show his sincerity. Arriving a mile from the cottage, he dismounted and walked the rest of the way. He brought his renowned generals, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, to pay respects to a man of talent. This unwavering effort and persistence in seeking a sage. Must have passed Zhuge Liang's test. Though knowing the Han Dynasty was waning and content to live in seclusion. Zhuge Liang was moved by Lu Bei's resolve and decided to meet him, emerging from his hermitage. He sought to employ his genius to turn the tide and accomplish the work of a legend. Touched by Lu Bei's spirit and his steadfast determination. Kong Ming poured his heart out, laying out the Longzhong Plan. The essence of his strategic genius for unifying the empire. Since Dong Zhuo's rise, heroes have emerged across the provinces, too many to count. Chao Chao surpassed Yuan Shao in neither reputation nor military strength. Yet he defeated him, that victory was not merely fate, but the power of strategy. Chao Chao commands a million men, holding the emperor hostage to command the vassals. Therefore, one cannot compete with him head on. Sun Quan has held the east for three generations, with strong defenses and loyal subjects. Utilizing talented men. Thus, he can only be an ally, not annexed. The first part of the Longzhong Plan assesses the landscape and Lu Bei's position. At this time, the northern warlords were nearly subdued by Chao Chao. He possesses heavenly timing, as well as vast human and material resources. With strong supplies and brilliant strategists, we cannot challenge his might directly. Sun Quan holds geographical advantage, he should be an ally, not a target for conquest. Jing province borders the Han and Mian rivers, reaching south to the sea and west to Bashu. It is a vital battleground, yet only a hero can hold it. What do you think, general? Yi province is rugged and vast, where the Han ancestor built his empire. Luzhong is weak and incapable, letting this wealthy land go neglected. The wise men there simply wait for a righteous lord. Next, Kongming outlined a strategic foothold for Lu Bei to claim the empire. One must seize both Jing and Yi provinces as a foundation. Jing province is a transport hub, connecting to Bashu in the west and eastern Wu in the east. To the north, one can attack Chao Wei, with the Han and Mian rivers for easy maneuverability. Yi province is fertile and defensible, perfect for gathering strength and training troops. The founder of the Han dynasty began his rise from that very region. Lu Yan sought to rule Yi province, believing the land possessed the aura of an emperor. General, you are of royal blood, and your reputation inspires the people to seek you out. Unite Jing and Yi, keep peace with the tribes, and maintain your alliance with Sun Quan. When chaos erupts, send a general from Jing province to strike at the heart of the north. And you, general, shall lead the armies of Yi province out of the passes. No one will dare defy you. With this, the great cause is achievable, and the Han may rise again. Once Jing and Yi are secured, Lu Bei must stabilize the land and build his army. Oppose Chao Chao, ally with Sun Quan, and wait for chaos to strike both and unify China. The sharp logic and initial success of the Longzhong plan proves Zhuge Liang's genius. He was not only well-read but deeply attuned to the times, accurately assessing the strengths and weaknesses of every major force. This plan clearly shows that Zhuge Liang had fully prepared for his role as strategist, with the mission to unify the realm. The Longzhong plan reveals Zhuge Liang to be a man of immense practicality, shunning empty slogans in favor of a concrete, pragmatic approach to his ideals. Zhuge Liang saw that other warlords were merely competing for territory and shouting slogans, making it pointless to join them or their chaotic causes. Therefore, the only way was to secure his own territory and build power, thereby creating a foundation to restore the Han dynasty. Zhuge Liang correctly identified that the only reachable lands were Jing and Yi provinces, as the north and east were already firmly held by capable leaders Chao Chao and Sun Quan. Zhuge Liang also provided the strategy for Lu Bei to seize Jing and Yi, expand his power, ally with Sun Quan, and launch a northern expedition to restore the Han. Even if the north could not be reclaimed, Lu Bei would still hold vast lands, maintaining the tripartite balance of the world. This is why Lu Bei praised their meeting as a fish finding water. Zhuge Liang did not offer empty or idealistic rhetoric, but gave Lu Bei a feasible, realistic path to advance his cause, resolving all of Lu Bei's doubts regarding his strategic direction. Zhuge Liang's Longzhong plan reflects a key tenet of Sun Tzu's art of war, that the ultimate victory is to defeat the enemy's strategy. By opposing Chao Chao and allying with Sun Quan, Zhuge Liang created a clear divide between enemy and ally, thwarting Chao Chao's plan to conquer Bashu. After all, to attack Bashu, Chao Chao had to first pacify Sun Quan's Jiangdong. The Collapse of the Longzhong Plan Zhuge Liang's initial plan was to unite with Sun Quan against Chao Chao, taking advantage of the time Chao Chao needed to consolidate his forces to seize Jing'andi provinces, building strength to strike from two fronts. One year into the plan, the allied forces of Lu Bei and Sun Quan achieved a decisive victory over Chao Chao at the Battle of Red Cliffs, paving the way for Lu Bei through a series of tactical maneuvers. Zhuge Liang helped Lu Bei secure a foothold in Jing province, which was then contested by both Chao Chao and Sun Quan. By 215, both Jing'andi provinces fell under Lu Bei's control. And in 219, Lu Bei achieved his greatest military milestone, a major win at Hanzhong, securing the strategic gateway to Yi province, officially establishing the tripartite balance of power. But the peak is often the point where decline begins. In 219, a nightmare for Shuhan officially began. In the autumn of 219, shortly after Chao Chao's defeat at Hanzhong, Lu Bei's foremost general, Guan Yu, then garrisoning Jing province, seized the opportunity to launch a campaign against Chao Chao's outposts along the Han River, notably Fanqing, held by the Wei general Chao Ren. Fanqing was a vital shield guarding the southern frontier of Chao Wei. Losing this stronghold would unleash the Jing army northward like a flood. Lu Biao often teamed up to strike Chao Chao's rear, causing him great distress. With Fanqing under siege and failing, Chao Ren sent frantic pleas for help. Chao Chao dispatched seven armies and two top generals, Yujin and Pengde, to assist. Yet, Guan Yu utilized naval tactics to crush them and capture both generals. This victory shook the entirety of north China. So formidable was it that Chao Chao considered relocating his capital, proving the immense power of the Longzhong plan. Regrettably, Guan Yu acted too rashly, ignoring Zhuge Liang's strategy. Before marching north, he defied the plan's core tenet, alliance with Sun Quan. Not only did he refuse a marriage alliance, he insulted the Wuhan boy as a dog. Despite his initial success, Guan Yu was targeted by the eastern Wu general, Lu Meng, who used the white-clad crossing to ambush the rear and seize all of Jing province. Meanwhile, Chao Chao's finest general, Su Huang, broke into the front lines and successfully pinned Guan Yu down, leaving the Jing army caught in a pincer, leading to a total collapse. Ultimately, he and his lieutenants, Guan Ping and Zhousong, were killed in battle. Jing province fell largely to Sun Quan, with other sectors captured by Chao Chao. This first failure of the Longzhong plan forced Lu Bei to retreat to Bashu, where he established the state of Shuhan. In 221, ignoring all counsel, Lu Bei launched a campaign to avenge Guan Yu. Lined with rage and arrogance, he suffered a disastrous defeat at Yiling, where his main force was annihilated, crippling the strength of Shu. The strategic foothold of Jing province could not be reclaimed, and Shu was permanently sidelined from the contest for Jing province. Lu Bei himself fell ill and passed away in 223, from seizing Yi province in 215 to losing Jing in 219. His hold on both provinces lasted a mere four years. Later, Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei attempted northern expeditions, launching from Hanzhong to seize the Guangzhou region. Yet, rugged terrain and supply crises doomed these efforts against Wei and Wu. Without Jing, Shu was confined to Bashu, unable to rival the power of Wei and Wu. With the fall of Shu to Sima, the Longzhong plan officially failed. Controversial views on the Longzhong plan Critics argue the geography of Jing, Yi, and Yang was flawed. Jing province was vital to Sun Quan's base in Yang province. Yi sits on a higher plateau than Jing and Yang. Travel from Jing to Yi meant arduous upstream navigation. Conversely, Jing to Yang was a smooth, downstream journey. Thus, Jing served as Sun Quan's western gateway. Sun Quan viewed it as the lifeblood of his regime, making its capture essential to his survival. Holding both Jing and Yi was inherently impractical. It relied entirely on Sun Quan's willingness to see Jing. The initial success in securing both provinces went smoothly, as Lu Bei and Zhuge Liang had envisioned, fueling their overconfidence, leaving them blind to the need for strategic adjustments. The plan focused on Wei, seeking an alliance with Wu to counter Chao. Zhuge Liang analyzed Jing solely through the lens of defeating Chao, viewing a two-pronged attack from Jing and Yi as tactically sound. Yet, seizing Jing province inevitably conflicted with their Wu alliance. The Longzhong plan was inherently flawed, as Sun Quan would never surrender his outpost. Ignoring this, Zhuge Liang and Lu Bei failed to see the strategy's internal contradiction. Another criticism of the Longzhong plan lies in how Zhuge Liang assessed Chao Wei. The support Han, oppose Chao, stance was obsolete, given the Han dynasty's collapse. In reality, Chao Wei restored order and gained public support through effective governance. This concludes the overview and analysis of the Longzhong plan.