Talking About Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Rise of the Warlords: At the end of the Eastern Han dynasty, an inept emperor and powerful eunuchs left the people in misery, sparking the Yellow Turban Rebellion. General-in-Chief He Jin was killed in his struggle with the Ten Attendants. Dong Zhuo marched into the capital and seized power, deposing the young Han emperor and enthroning Emperor Xian as he upended the established order. Cao Cao invoked an imperial decree to summon eighteen warlords against Dong Zhuo. At Hulao Pass, the three brothers Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei fought Lü Bu. Dong Zhuo fled to Chang’an with Emperor Xian, where Wang Yun’s elaborate scheme brought about his death. The warlord alliance fell apart, Yuan Shao emerged as the most powerful force in the north, and Cao Cao gathered talent and built up his strength.

- The Three Kingdoms Take Shape: Cao Cao “controlled the emperor to command the warlords,” eliminating Yuan Shu, Zhang Xiu, Lü Bu, and others. Emperor Xian’s secret decree, hidden in his belt, calling for Cao Cao’s removal was exposed and failed. Liu Bei took refuge with Yuan Shao, while Guan Yu rode alone for a thousand li to reunite with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei. Yuan Shao went to war against Cao Cao, who defeated him against the odds at the Battle of Guandu and unified the north. Sun Ce dominated the Jiangdong region, and after his death, Sun Quan inherited his domain. Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liang three times before persuading him to join his cause. Cao Cao marched south, forcing Liu Bei to retreat, but Zhuge Liang secured an alliance between Sun and Liu. At the Battle of Red Cliffs, their combined forces routed Cao Cao’s army. Liu Bei went on to occupy Jingzhou, seize Xichuan, and capture Hanzhong, proclaiming himself King of Hanzhong. Guan Yu flooded and defeated seven armies, becoming a terror throughout the realm, but Lü Meng crossed the river in disguise and seized Jingzhou. Guan Yu fled to Maicheng, where he was killed. Cao Cao died, and Cao Pi deposed the Han and declared himself emperor. Liu Bei became emperor and founded Shu Han, while Sun Quan held Jiangdong, completing the tripartite division of the realm.

- Unification Under Jin: Liu Bei ignored advice and launched an eastern campaign against Wu. Zhang Fei was murdered, and Lu Xun defeated Liu Bei at the Battle of Yiling. Liu Bei fell ill and died at Baidi City, entrusting Zhuge Liang with his heir.