Understanding strategy and tactics

A MONUMENTAL semi-historical novel, spanning nearly 100 years in China's history, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a must-read – particularly for those interested in strategic thinking.
From the end of the Han Dynasty until the founding of the Jin dynasty in AD280, the Three Kingdoms era was notable for constant battles, shifting political alliances and incessant intrigue in royal courts as the rulers of the three kingdoms – Cao Cao of Wei, Liu Bei of Shu and Sun Quan of Wu – battled for supremacy.
Among the 1,000 individuals populating this narrative, the most outstanding is Zhuge Liang, also known as Kong Ming.
Although conceptualised more than 1,700 years ago, his military and political strategies are still relevant today for all wannabe political leaders and corporate chieftains.
First, a major factor behind Zhuge Liang's success was his choice of whom to work for.
Zhuge Liang made Liu Bei visit him three times before agreeing to work for him. Zhuge Liang was away during the first two visits. Although Liu Bei left messages, Zhuge Liang didn't respond. On his third visit, Liu Bei stood outside Zhuge Liang's house for several hours and waited until the latter woke up from his nap.
This ploy was intended to test the strength of Liu Bei's commitment towards making Zhuge Liang his adviser. Zhuge Liang knew his effectiveness as an adviser would be compromised unless he enjoyed Liu Bei's absolute trust.
This was essential in an era when advisers were often dismissed or killed because their sovereigns believed the falsehoods conceived by jealous rivals.
For example, Cao Cao's descendant Cao Shuang was persuaded by his courtiers to strip his top military commander Sima Yi of his power. Angered by this decision, Sima Yi acquiesced, pretended to be ill and waited for an opportune moment to launch a coup and kill Cao Shuang.
Sima Yi's descendant dethroned the then king of Wei, vanquished Shu and Wu, merged the three kingdoms and established the Jin dynasty.
Second, thanks to his unsurpassed knowledge of human psychology, Zhuge Liang was able to create unique stratagems to fend off military and other challenges.
After mistakenly entrusting Ma Su to defend the town of Jieting, which he failed to do, Zhuge Liang was vulnerable against an impending attack by Sima Yi.
There were two unpalatable alternatives – retreat without strong military protection or surrender to Sima Yi.
Instead, Zhuge Liang adopted the "empty city" ruse. He ordered the gates of the city to be opened and dressed all soldiers in civilian clothes. Wearing a Taoist robe, he went to the top of the gate tower and played a lute.
Confronted with this peaceful scenario and mindful of Zhuge Liang's ability to concoct cunning military tactics, Sima Yi feared a trap and retreated – a reaction that Zhuge Liang counted on. Only later did Sima Yi realise he had been tricked.
Another episode underscores Zhuge Liang's ability to appreciate talent, even that of his opponents.
When a junior Wei general Jiang Wei outsmarted Zhuge Liang and forced the Shu soldiers to retreat, Zhuge Liang asked who saw through this deceptive manoeuvre. He then devised a plan to capture Jiang Wei and persuade him to work for the Shu kingdom.
In yet another notable incident, after Wei Yan killed Han Xuan, the governor of Changsha, and opened the gates of the city to Liu Bei, thus easing Shu's expansion, Zhuge Liang ordered Wei Yan to be executed because he had betrayed his lord.
Liu Bei protested that if Wei Yan was executed, this would deter anyone from surrendering in future.
Zhuge Liang agreed to spare Wei Yan but warned him to be loyal to his new master, Liu Bei. On his deathbed, Zhuge Liang warned his successor Jiang Wei that Wei Yan would rebel and put in place counter-measures.
As Zhuge Liang predicted, Wei Yan insisted he should succeed Zhuge Liang. But before Wei Yan could attack his colleagues, he was killed by Ma Dai, in accordance with Zhuge Liang's instructions.
Third, despite his successes on the battlefields, Zhuge Liang recognised the limits of military power.
He defeated the southern barbarian king, Meng Huo seven times. Each time Meng Huo was captured, he refused to submit and was personally released by Zhuge Liang.
When Zhuge Liang was asked why he released Meng Huo after each defeat, Zhuge Liang said he wanted to win Meng Huo's heart to secure a lasting peace.
Winning the battle would be a temporary victory. Even though a battalion of soldiers could be stationed there, a widespread uprising could only be put down through reinforcements from the capital – and this could be difficult because of the long distance involved.
Zhuge Liang's strength was his mastery of military strategy allied with his understanding of human psychology.
Opinions expressed in this article are the personal views of the writer and should not be attributed to any other organisation she is connected with. She can be contacted at siokchoo@thesundaily.com