Treatise on Military Preparedness, Volume 28

Strategy Research

Three Kingdoms Part IV (Conclusion)

Without doing it this way, there would be no lasting peace.

Zhuge Liang 181–234 CE; a legendary strategist and the Chancellor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. led a campaign to suppress the Southern tribes. In every location, he was victorious in battle. Entering through Yuexi, he executed the rebel leader Yong Kai and others. Meng Huo, who was deeply respected by both the local tribes and the Han people, gathered the remaining forces to resist Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang offered a reward for his live capture. Once Meng Huo was caught, Zhuge Liang allowed him to observe the military camps and formations. Meng Huo remarked, "Previously, I was unaware of the true state of your forces, which is why I was defeated. If your strength is only like thisReferring to the visible military formation. then it would be easy to win." Zhuge Liang then released him so they could fight again. This resulted in the famous seven releases and seven capturesoriginal: "qizong qiqin" (七縱七擒). This is a celebrated psychological warfare tactic where Zhuge Liang repeatedly captured and released the enemy leader to win his genuine submission and ensure long-term stability in the region.. Even after the seventh time, Zhuge Liang was prepared to send Meng Huo away once more. However, Meng Huo refused to leave, saying, "You, sir, possess the majesty of Heaven. The people of the south shall never rebel again." Zhuge Liang then entered Dianchi Modern-day Kunming, Yunnan Province. and the region was pacified.