In the long history of ancient China, there is a story that has always been full of suspense and enlightenment: why did Zhuge Liang decide to marry a woman named Huang Yueying? This question not only troubled later generations, but even at the time, it caused countless speculations and discussions. What's even more interesting is that this marriage also involved an intellectual contest that involved a brilliant duel between Zhuge Liang and another historical celebrity, Zhou Yu.
1. Zhuge Liang and Huang Yueying: The combination of emotion and wisdom
The marriage between Zhuge Liang and Huang Yueying is a good story of an ancient legend. Every day in their lives is an intertwined experience of intelligence and emotion.
In Chengdu of Shu Han, in Zhuge Liang's mansion, Huang Yueying's figure often appeared in the study. She was plainly dressed and had an ordinary countenance, but whenever she spoke, one was always amazed by her intelligence. Zhuge Liang often encountered a problem when studying military strategy or institutional abacus, and would turn to Huang Yueying for advice. Not only does she quickly understand the crux of the problem, but she also comes up with unique insights.
"Look at this map, how to arrange it so that the enemy army is in a difficult situation?" Zhuge Liang asked, pointing to the map on the table.
Huang Yueying stared at the map for a moment, and gently sketched on it, "If you set up an ambush here, then match the terrain here......"
Zhuge Liang nodded, he knew how much Huang Yueying's wisdom helped him. She is not only his wife, but also his brain.
In family life, Huang Yueying also showed a unique talent. She is good at machinery and often makes some household gadgets to facilitate her life. Sometimes, when Zhuge Liang was too busy with state affairs to take care of the family, she would skillfully arrange housework to keep family life in order.
At a harvest festival, Zhuge Liang and Huang Yueying attended the celebration together. The peasants' respect for Zhuge Liang was beyond words, and Huang Yueying's ordinary appearance did not attract much attention. However, when she began to discuss agricultural technology with farmers, the crowd was drawn to her deep knowledge.
At the festival dinner, Zhuge Liang and Huang Yueying sat side by side. Local musicians play the guzheng to a melodious tune. Zhuge Liang looked at Huang Yueying, although she was not a beauty in the eyes of everyone, but in his heart, her wisdom and talent far exceeded any external beauty.
At the banquet, one of the guests asked a question about astronomy, and no one in the room could answer it for a while. Huang Yueying spoke softly and explained her opinion in detail. The guests were amazed by her insight, while Zhuge Liang was proud and satisfied.
In their daily lives, the two would often discuss a variety of topics together, from politics to literature, from military to mechanical. These discussions often continued late into the night, and they were immersed in a sea of wisdom and deepened their understanding and support for each other.
Even on the days when Zhuge Liang was busy with state affairs and went out to fight, Huang Yueying would share her insights and thoughts with him through letters. Her letters contain not only support and advice for his work, but also care for his family and a vision for the future.
2. Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang: The spark of wisdom
In that ancient era, the battle of wits between Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu at a banquet became a good story in the legend.
The banquet was held in an ornate palace in Soochow. The palace is luxuriously decorated, with famous calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls, and exquisite jade ornaments in the hall. The guests were dressed in fancy costumes and chatted bustlingly, and the atmosphere was warm. In such occasions, intelligence and eloquence became an important way to show talent.
Zhou Yu, the governor of Eastern Wu, stood out among the heroes with his handsome appearance and outstanding talent. He walked to the center of the banquet and challenged in a loud voice. "Zhuge Kongming, I have a word, I would like to hear it in detail. His voice echoed through the hall.
Zhuge Liang, dressed in simple clothes, slowly stood up from the crowd. His eyes were calm, and his voice was firm: "Zhou Lang, please speak." ”
Zhou Yu smiled slightly, and said sarcastically: "If you have eyes, you can look at them, and if you don't have eyes, you are ugly." Isn't this an excellent sentence to describe a woman in Xiangyang?" The surrounding crowd immediately burst into laughter, understanding that this was a mockery of Zhuge Liang's wife.
Zhuge Liang's face did not change, and replied: "There is wood is also a bridge, and there is no wood is also a Qiao." Isn't this a good sentence to describe the beauty of Koto?" his response was witty and ingenious, causing the laughter around him to stop abruptly and the crowd to show a bit of surprise.
This battle of wits is not only a clash of words, but also a contest between two wise men. Zhuge Liang was laughing at Zhou Yu's lack of ability to protect his wife.
The banquet continued, with musicians playing melodious tunes and delicious food and wine served one after another. The guests gathered together to discuss the battle of wits. Some people praise Zhou Yu's wit, and some people praise Zhuge Liang's composure.
In the corner of the banquet, Zhuge Liang sat quietly, holding a glass of wine in his hand, looking into the distance with deep eyes. Around him, some of the guests were whispering about the conversation they had just had. They were impressed by Zhuge Liang's answer, believing that he was not only wise, but also maintained an excellent demeanor in the face of provocation.
Zhou Yu was on the other side, surrounded by a group of people. He talked and laughed freely, sometimes stroking his palms and laughing, sometimes with a serious expression. Although he didn't have the upper hand in the battle of wits, his charisma and leadership still made him the center of attention at the banquet.
At the end of the banquet, Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu were both invited to the main seat to show the important guests of the banquet. The hosts praised their wisdom and talent, and the guests applauded.
3. Beauty and Intelligence: The Criteria of Ancient Marriage
In ancient China, the choice of marriage was often limited by strict social norms and traditional values, especially in terms of family, appearance, and wealth. However, the marriage of Zhuge Liang and Huang Yueying was a breakthrough in this tradition.
Zhuge Liang, the prime minister of Shu Han, is well versed in military and politics, and his wife Huang Yueying, although her appearance is ordinary, she is very intelligent. This non-traditional marital relationship is especially evident in their homes.
In Zhuge Liang's study, the couple can often be seen researching political strategies or discussing various studies together. Huang Yueying's insights are profound, and they can often provide Zhuge Liang with new perspectives. She not only has a unique understanding of military affairs, but also has in-depth research on medicine and astronomy.
Once, Zhuge Liang was studying astronomical atlases and frowned. Huang Yueying walked over, glanced at the atlas, and put forward her own opinion.
"What is the connection between the arrangement of the stars and the change of seasons?" Zhuge Liang asked.
Huang Yueying explained her point in detail, "The change of the stars here indicates a change in the weather, which is extremely important for farming. ”
Zhuge Liang nodded in praise, Huang Yueying's insights not only provided help in agricultural matters, but also inspired his military plans.
On social occasions, Zhuge Liang often brings Huang Yueying to attend. Although her appearance is not outstanding enough, her intelligence and knowledge make her stand out on these occasions. She was able to have in-depth discussions with scholars and officials, and her insights were often impressive.
Once, Zhuge Liang held a banquet and invited many celebrities. At the banquet, Huang Yueying's arrival did not attract much attention, but when she began to discuss medical and mechanical principles with the guests, her erudition and talent immediately attracted everyone's attention. She has a unique understanding of the structure of complex machinery, as well as a profound knowledge of medicine.
Zhuge Liang watched Huang Yueying's communication with the guests, and his heart was full of appreciation and admiration. He knew that Huang Yueying's wisdom and personality were the most valuable assets in their marriage.
In family life, Zhuge Liang and Huang Yueying also formed a deep tacit understanding. Although Zhuge Liang was often busy with state affairs, Huang Yueying was able to understand and support his work. Not only did she manage family affairs, but she also often provided military and political advice to Zhuge Liang.
In their home, Huang Yueying's skillful works can be seen everywhere. From the design of furniture to the improvement of daily necessities, her intellect is fully reflected in these aspects. Some of the mechanical gadgets she makes are not only practical, but also ingenious, and often surprise visiting guests.
In the days when Zhuge Liang went out to fight, Huang Yueying often waited alone at home. She would write letters for Zhuge Liang, which not only contained her concern and thoughts for him, but also her insights and suggestions on the current situation.
When Zhuge Liang returned, they would walk together in the courtyard to discuss national affairs and family trivialities. Although there are not many conversations, every sentence is full of mutual understanding and support.
Fourth, Huang Yueying's talent: not covered up by appearance
In ancient Xiangyang, although Huang Yueying's appearance was not appreciated by the people around her, her talent in other aspects won people's respect. In that era of paying attention to appearance and family background, Huang Yueying's existence is undoubtedly a breakthrough.
Huang Yueying's attainment in machinery is particularly outstanding. She is often busy in her home studio, creating all sorts of novel mechanical devices. Her studio is filled with tools and mechanical parts, and her design drawings hang on the walls. Her inventions were not only intended for domestic use, but some of her designs were even applied to the military, making a significant contribution to improving the combat efficiency of soldiers.
At a family dinner, Zhuge Liang invited some friends and military advisers to his home. At the banquet, Huang Yueying showed off a new type of ballista she had recently designed. Guests were amazed by the design and practicality of the machine.
"The design of this ballista is really ingenious, and it can make a big difference on the battlefield. A military adviser exclaimed.
"It's all Yueying's ingenuity. Zhuge Liang responded with a smile.
Huang Yueying's intelligence is not only reflected in machinery manufacturing. She also has unique insights into political and military strategy. Zhuge Liang often asks for her opinion when formulating strategies. In their private study, they can often be seen discussing state affairs late at night.
At one point, Zhuge Liang was making plans for an upcoming campaign. Huang Yueying stood beside him, analyzing the topographical map and the enemy's formation in detail.
"If we set up an ambush here, and then lure the enemy into the ......" Huang Yueying came up with an ingenious strategy.
Zhuge Liang listened carefully to her analysis, and then nodded in praise, "Your strategy is very subtle. ”
Huang Yueying is not only respected at home, but also gradually gained a certain reputation outside. In Xiangyang, although she is not favored because of her appearance, her wisdom and talent have won her the admiration of many people. Some scholars and skilled craftsmen even came to visit her, hoping to learn Xi skills or discuss knowledge from her.
When Zhuge Liang is busy with business, Huang Yueying will also attend some important events on his behalf. Her performance on these occasions is not only to demonstrate her knowledge, but also to convey the idea that everyone's talents, regardless of gender, should be recognized and respected.
Her influence in Xiangyang gradually expanded. In the market, some of the lifestyle items she designed became popular, and in the academic world, her insights began to be valued. Huang Yueying's activities gradually changed people's perception of women.
Zhuge Liang's appreciation and support for Huang Yueying is not only because of their affection, but also because he recognizes and respects her talent and wisdom. In their marriage, Huang Yueying is not only his partner, but also his partner.
Tan Feifei.Zhuge Liang marries a wife[J].People of the Times,2009(2):40-40