Zhuge Liang, chancellor of Shu, personally led his troops on a southern campaign. First, they entered from Anshang County in Yuejun Commandery, then directed Ma Zhong's forces southeast from Bo Road into Zangke Commandery. Li Hui's forces followed the mountain roads from Pingyi to attack Yizhou Commandery in Jianing, circling around to strike from the rear. Zhuge Liang led the central army from Bo County into Anshang and advanced to Bishui. They pacified the four commanderies of Nanzhong, crossed the Lu River in May, and ventured deep into the untamed lands. They comforted the people, brought stability, and developed the southwest. With careful planning, they directed Shu's generals and commanders of the Laijiang garrison to suppress rebellions and eliminate bandits. They fought seven battles against the southwestern tribal leader Meng Huo and rebels from the various commanderies. Meng Huo and his tribal brothers, misled by Eastern Wu and the rebel forces, fought the Shu army with mixed results. In the end, they were won over by Chancellor Zhuge's policies of benevolent governance, appeasement, ethnic equality and unity, and extensive autonomy for the southwestern tribes. They submitted to Shu and helped secure and develop the Shu Han frontier.
Based on Chen Shou's historical Records of the Three Kingdoms, historical sites, and folk legends, this work offers a complete account of the southern campaign that is historical, scientific, objective, and fair. It depicts Chancellor Zhuge's efforts to govern Shu and develop the region, his strategy for ethnic unity, and the vivid battles of ancient times. The southern campaign was a vehicle for spreading advanced culture, and a history of progress through unity and integration among many ethnic groups. Its path crossed the southwest's beautiful mountains and rivers, traversing rugged peaks and ridges. Let us travel through time and history together, hear tales of legend, admire mysterious lakes, primeval forests, hidden canyons, dreamlike valleys, and magnificent mountains and rivers. Let us seek the sources of secret realms and discover the unique customs and cultural traditions of the ethnic minorities of Nanzhong: a diverse people united in progress, with wisdom, diligence, perseverance, rich cultural life, and natural wonders…
