Romance of the Three Kingdoms

• 《三國演義》(Romance of the Three Kingdoms) stands as one of China's Four Great Classical Novels and the first full-length historical novel written in chapters.
• It was written during the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, and is generally attributed to Luo Guanzhong, a novelist of that time.
• Set against the backdrop of the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the story recounts historical events from the Yellow Turban Rebellion to the unification under the Western Jin Dynasty, nearly a century of history.
• The novel portrays the fragmentation and warlord conflicts of the late Eastern Han, which led to the establishment of the Three Kingdoms (Wei, Shu, and Wu), and the subsequent unification by the Western Jin Dynasty.
• Known for its compelling plot twists, vivid characterizations, grand battle scenes, and lively language, the novel is celebrated as a classic work of Chinese historical fiction.
• Among the numerous editions, the most widely circulated is the one edited and annotated by Mao Zonggang and his son during the Ming Dynasty, known as the "Mao Commentary Version."
• The novel explores complex themes, including praise for loyalty and righteousness, reflections on the cruelty of war, and the longing for a unified empire.

Main Figures

• Cao Cao: The founder of the Kingdom of Wei was a controversial statesman and military strategist and was known for his talent and ambition, as well as his cunning and suspicious nature.
• Liu Bei: The founding emperor of the Kingdom of Shu, was known for his benevolence and righteousness, earning him popular support and dedicated himself to restoring the Han Dynasty, embodying political ideals.
• Sun Quan: The founding emperor of the Kingdom of Wu, was a capable leader from a young age, skilled in employing talent, establishing a stable rule in the Jiangdong region.
• Zhuge Liang: Served as the Chancellor of Shu, was the embodiment of wisdom and loyalty, dedicating himself to the development of Shu until his death, making significant contributions.
• Guan Yu: The foremost of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu, he was revered for his loyalty and bravery, later honored as the "Martial Saint."
• Zhang Fei: One of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu, was known for his boldness and courage, as well as his strategic thinking, and was an important general under Liu Bei.
• Zhao Yun: One of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu, he was known for his loyalty, bravery, and composure, with his heroic rescue of Liu Bei's son at the Battle of Changban being widely celebrated.

Key Plots

• Oath of the Peach Garden: Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei swore an oath of brotherhood, committing to restore the Han Dynasty, marking the beginning of the story and embodying the spirit of loyalty.
• Yellow Turban Rebellion: A peasant uprising at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, which signaled the decline of the dynasty.
• Battle of Guandu: Cao Cao defeated Yuan Shao with a smaller army, establishing a foundation for the unification of the north.
• Battle of Red Cliffs: The allied forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei defeated Cao Cao, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Three Kingdoms.
• The Empty Fort Strategy: Zhuge Liang used the Empty Fort Strategy in Xicheng County to successfully intimidate Sima Yi's army into retreating, showcasing his wisdom.
• Losses at Jieting: Ma Su lost Jieting because of his military misjudgments.
• Zhuge Liang captured Meng Huo seven times, eventually winning him over through repeated captures and releases, securing the Shu Kingdom's rule in the south.
• Battle of Wuzhang Plains: Zhuge Liang died of illness at Wuzhang Plains, ending his devoted service to the Shu Kingdom.

Major Battles

• Battle of Guandu: Cao Cao vs. Yuan Shao, Cao Cao won
• Battle of Red Cliffs: Allied forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei vs. Cao Cao, Sun-Liu alliance won
• Battle of Yiling: Liu Bei vs. Sun Quan, Sun Quan won

Impact

• It has had a profound influence on Chinese literature, opera, art, and culture.
• Many characters and stories from the novel have become well-known allusions and idioms.
• The traditional moral values promoted in the novel, such as loyalty and righteousness, have had a significant impact on Chinese society.
• It has been translated into multiple languages and spread around the world, becoming an important window into understanding Chinese history and culture.
• The stories and characters are often adapted into various forms of media, such as movies, TV shows, video games, and comics.
• The novel has also inspired many academic studies and discussions about Chinese history, literature, and culture.