Preface
Zhuge Liang, a legendary strategist in the Three Kingdoms period, his death not only plunged the entire Shu Kingdom into all kinds of sorrow, but also the hearts of a generation.
However, in the midst of this deep grief, there is one person who is extraordinary, not for mourning, but for the sake of unexpectedness. When Zhuge Liang passed away in Wuzhangyuan, everyone was teary-eyed, and only one person looked up to the sky and laughed, what kind of wonder is this?
So, what is the meaning of his laughter? This seemingly absurd scene reveals a profound historical connotation, triggering people's deep thinking about power and fate.
1. Shu Han's solitary defeat
(1)关羽一朝沦陷，蜀国岌岌可危
Zhuge Liang repeatedly went north to Cao Wei, but all ended in failure, what pain and helplessness this is. However, to investigate the root cause of all this, we have to start with Guan Yu being trapped and Shu suffering a heavy blow.
Back then, Guan Yu was bewitched by Cao Cao's slanderous words, carelessly lost Jingzhou, and finally died on Huarong Road. This was undoubtedly a heavy setback suffered by Shu Han, and Liu Bei resolutely tore up the alliance with Eastern Wu in revenge, and fought in Yiling. It's a pity that Liu Bei failed to win and died in the White Emperor City, entrusting the country to Zhuge Liang.
(2) Zhuge Liang was ordered to be in danger, and the son was poor in the country
Before Liu Bei died, he handed over the power to Zhuge Liang, and even personally instructed: "If you can assist, you will assist, and if you can't assist, you will replace it." This is undoubtedly a great trust in Zhuge Liang. Although Zhuge Liang took over the heavy responsibility, the situation he faced was full of dangers.
At that time, Shu was in a state of sluggish national strength, with internal and external troubles. Eastern Wu occupied the Yangtze River, and Cao Wei was unstoppable. In the face of such a predicament, what kind of mood did Zhuge Liang have? Has he ever thought of backing down? But in any case, he finally shouldered the burden of revitalizing Shu Han.
Second, Zhuge Liang's Northern Expedition was not reckless
(1) The Northern Expedition was not impulsive, but deliberate
Many people believe that Zhuge Liang's northern expedition to Cao Wei was completely impulsive, in order to avenge Guan Yu's revenge. In fact, Zhuge Liang, as a generation of wise strategists, will naturally not be so hasty. In his opinion, the Northern Expedition was not only to fulfill the last wish of the first emperor, but also for the long-term peace and stability of Shu Han.
In the face of Cao Wei's pressure, Zhuge Liang understood that a passive stalemate would only make Shu Han weaker and weaker. He wisely realized that if he wanted to maintain his national strength, he had to take the initiative to disrupt the pace of Cao Wei's development. This was the ultimate goal of his Northern Expedition.
(2) Multi-party planning and preparation
As a generation of famous generals, how can Zhuge Liang be so happy? He was well prepared before launching the Northern Expedition. First of all, he pacified the internal disputes in Shu and stabilized the regime; secondly, he suppressed Meng Shu's rebellion and ensured the security of the southwest; Thirdly, he formulated a well-thought-out military plan and allocated grain and grass transportation.
It can be said that Zhuge Liang's Northern Expedition was by no means a hasty move, but was carefully planned and fully prepared. He was far-sighted, and was not overly optimistic about whether he would win in the end, but only hoped to delay Cao Wei's development through war.
3. The Northern Expedition was opposed, and Li Miao was arrogant
(1) Li Miao strongly opposed Zhuge Liang's Northern Expedition
When Zhuge Liang made the Northern Expedition, he was strongly opposed by Shu Han, the most fierce of which was the minister Li Miao. Clearly, his opposition is not unfounded.
On the one hand, it is an indisputable fact that there is indeed a huge gap in the national strength of Cao Wei and Shu Han. Shu Han is a lonely soldier, and he can't compete with Cao Wei, who gathers talents from all over the world. On the other hand, Shu Han had just regained his strength from the flames of war, and the people were emaciated. If they were to be involved in war again, what would happen to them?
(2) Li Miao is arrogant and arrogant, and speaks wildly
It can be said that Li Miao's opposition was based on concerns about Shu Han's national strength and people's livelihood. However, his approach was too arrogant. In the face of Zhuge Liang, the famous prime minister, he not only openly contradicted, but also spoke wildly and insulted.
In front of the minister of Shu Han, Li Miao ridiculed Zhuge Liang for "not opening a man by himself, and taking Ling Chi for himself". This wild rhetoric is undoubtedly a great provocation to Zhuge Liang's authority. It is true that Li Miao's point of view has its merits, but his approach has crossed the bottom line and revealed its arrogant side.
Fourth, Zhuge Liang was defeated repeatedly, and Li Miao was furious
(1) Zhuge Liang repeatedly went on the Northern Expedition and paid a huge price
Despite all the preparations, Zhuge Liang's Northern Expedition was still gone. From 227 to 234 AD, he launched a total of five northern expeditions, but each time ended in failure.
This is a heavy price to pay for Shu Han. In recent years, the financial and manpower of Shu Han have been hollowed out, and a large number of young and middle-aged people have enlisted in the army or transported grain, which has caused agricultural production to suffer. What's more, women and children are mobilized to participate in transportation, and families are in dire straits.
(2) Li Miao laughed angrily and was fierce and rude
In the face of Zhuge Liang's repeated defeats in the Northern Expedition, Li Miao did not show a look of joy or sympathy, but showed a hideous face. When the news came that Zhuge Liang died of illness in Wuzhangyuan, the entire Shu Han was shrouded in a cloud of sadness. However, Li Miao looked up to the sky and laughed, and shouted arrogantly: "The sky has eyes, and the country of Shu has been saved!" "
Such words are undoubtedly a great humiliation to Zhuge Liang, and it is also an insult to those soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the war. Li Miao's approach has been completely out of his senses and has turned into blind resentment and megalomania.
Fifth, Liu Chan was furious, and Li Miao ended up miserable
(1) Liu Chan denounced Li Miao for blaspheming the first dynasty
In the face of Li Miao's arrogant behavior, Liu Chan was naturally furious. Zhuge Liang was the military advisor and father of Shu Han before his death, and he can be described as a generation of famous ministers. Even if there was disagreement with his Northern Expedition policy, Li Miao should not have blasphemed the dynasty so much, let alone celebrated Zhuge Liang's death.
In Liu Chan's view, this is simply a treachery to Shu Han. He would rather believe in Zhuge Liang's foresight than tolerate his courtiers being so unreasonable. As a result, Liu Chan reprimanded Li Miao's behavior and finally severely punished him.
(2) Li Miao was beheaded, and the cause and effect of resentment were formed
For Li Miao, being sentenced to death by Liu Chan was undoubtedly a great injustice. He was faithful, but he was accused of blasphemy. On his deathbed, Li Miao was dissatisfied and resentful of Liu Chan, and perhaps a trace of resentment towards Zhuge Liang's long-cherished wish.
From another point of view, Li Miao's ending may also be a kind of karma. His humiliation of Zhuge Liang was too arrogant, and he did not maintain the basic respect of his courtiers at all. Therefore, his fate is doomed to a tragic end.
epilogue
The road of Zhuge Liang's Northern Expedition was tortuous and bumpy, and he was defeated repeatedly. This is nothing less than a nightmare for Shu Han. However, we should not place the full blame on Zhuge Liang. His starting point is for the long-term stability of Shu Han, and this loyalty is commendable.
Li Miao's reason for opposing the Northern Expedition is not unreasonable, he is thinking about the safety of the people of Shu Han. It's just that his actions and words have completely crossed the bottom line and are blind and arrogant. Liu Chan punished him with his own justice.
In general, their contradictions and conflicts are a microcosm of that turbulent era. We should not comment on the rights and wrongs of the debate, but should humbly learn the spirit of contention and tolerance.