My Life for Han: The Oath That Shaped a Lifetime

I am Zhuge Liang of Nanyang.

From a young age, I chose to live in seclusion in Longzhong, far from the noise of court and war. I tilled the land, chanted Songs of Liangfu, and compared myself—quietly—to the likes of Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. People scoffed at such comparisons. But deep within, I knew my path: to serve a wise ruler, restore the Han Dynasty, and return the empire to its rightful heart.

Then came Liu Bei, the man history would remember as Xuande. He came not once, but three times to my humble thatched cottage. His sincerity touched me. In his eyes, I saw the fire of purpose—a flame I could follow. And so, I pledged my loyalty. From that moment, my life was no longer mine. It belonged to Han.

Our first campaign at Bowang Hill was but a spark—I used fire to defeat Cao Cao’s forces, a small tactic with great effect. It was the beginning of trust between Lord Liu and me, a bond forged in battle and tempered by purpose.

When Cao Cao's vast army marched south, threatening Jingzhou, I traveled to Eastern Wu. There, in the halls of Sun Quan, I stood against countless critics, defending our cause with reason and resolve. In the end, Sun agreed. The alliance was formed.

Then came Red Cliffs.

With the east wind at our backs, we set fire to the river and turned Cao Cao’s might into smoke and ruin. From that battle, the vision of a tripartite world was born.

In time, Liu Bei gained Yizhou and was declared King of Hanzhong. But fate is rarely kind. General Guan Yu lost Jingzhou and fell to Eastern Wu. Overcome with grief and vengeance, Liu Bei launched a campaign to avenge his brother. I begged him to reconsider, to see the bigger picture—but his heart had already chosen. At Yiling, we suffered a crushing defeat, and the strength of Shu was broken.

At Baidi, with death approaching, my lord entrusted the realm to me and placed the future of Han into my hands. I accepted the burden not as an honor, but as an oath. To serve with utmost devotion, to die with no regrets.

The Road to Northern Expeditions

With young Liu Shan on the throne, I honored my promise to the late emperor. I launched the Northern Expeditions—not once, but six times—each time carrying the hope of restoring Han.

It was never easy. Supply lines broke, enemies encircled, betrayal lurked. Yet I pressed on. I invented the Wooden Ox and Flowing Horse to solve our logistics dilemma. I deployed the Eight Trigrams Formation to confuse and rout our enemies. Every step forward was a battle of will, not just arms.

I understood deeply: people are the foundation of a kingdom. I mentored young generals like Jiang Wei, hoping that one day, they would carry on the mission I could not complete.

But Heaven had its own plans. Years of toil wore me down. I fell ill at Wuzhang Plains. On my deathbed, I looked back at a life devoted not to self, but to a cause far greater.

I Was Born for Han, I Shall Die for Han

From the Longzhong Plan, to Red Cliffs, to the bitter Northern campaigns—I walked this road with resolve and fire. I gave all of myself, mind and heart, to the promise I made under that humble roof.

Though the great dream was never realized in my lifetime, I do not despair. For dreams sown in loyalty never truly die. So long as the people of Shu remain steadfast, the ideal of a restored Han shall one day rise again.

After I am gone, I only hope that Liu Shan will listen to wise counsel, shun flatterers, and govern with diligence. I hope our soldiers will fight not just for victory, but for the home they protect.

The road to restoration is long. But where faith lives, hope remains.

My soul will not wander. I shall watch over Shu, until the day Han rises anew.

🕊️ History remembers emperors and kings, but I ask only to be remembered as a man who kept his word. A strategist. A servant. A light in a time of shadows.