In his younger days, Zhuge Liang often compared himself with two great scholars from the past, Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. He is also known as Kongming the 'Sleeping Dragon'. He was in Jingzhou, lived in Longzhong village when Liu Bei made the Three Faithful Visits to his secluded abode. Impressed by his visitor's sincerity, he joined him in a pledge to serve as master and servant. It was at this time that Zhuge Liang foretold of the Three Kingdoms Design.
     Zhuge Liang established an alliance with the kingdom of Wu to protect Liu Bei from Cao Cao. Using the Wu army, he led a coalition to victory in the Battle at Red Wall when he predicted the south-east wind, thereby securing a base for Liu Bei in Jingzhou and quickly expanded to the southern Jing region. When Liu Bei and Pang Tong left on an expedition to Shu, Zhuge Liang remained in Jingzhou. From here he learned of Pang Tong's death. One evening he saw a star fall in the twilight sky and exclaimed, "My lord has lost an arm!" Interpreting it was a warning for Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang left Jingzhou with reinforcements and brought down the kingdom of Shu. In the aftermath of the war, he persuaded Liu Bei to assume lordship over Shu. This title symbolized their efforts to restore the Later Han Dynasty.
     After Liu Bei died, Zhuge Liang became Prime Minister and counselor to the young heir, Liu Shan. He managed to drive away five attacks by Cao Pi. He alone was responsible for all matters in Shu, and he planned to expand into neighboring kingdoms. Once he subjugated the Southern Mang tribe of Yi, the rest of his career was focused on the northern territories. He conducted six northern campaigns and won many battles but failed to reach Changan. Pitted up against Sima Yi on the Wuzhang Plain in his last campaign, Zhuge Liang fell ill and his fate shone in the stars. He died before ever realizing his life's aspiration - to unify China as the Han Empire.
     As a philoshopher, Zhuge Liang set a superior example for past and present generations. He wielded his power with conviction as Prime Minister, and maintained his mild-mannered style through simple yet noble politics. He commanded with a just and thoughtful hand to win support from the people.
     In literature, Zhuge Liang is credited with the 'Crusade Charts' which detail plans for the dispatch and positioning of troops. Many years after his death, a great poet of Northern Sung (AD 960-1126) analyzed his work. This extensive record explains the penetrating philosophy within his plans. He has been lauded.
     As a strategist, Zhuge Liang adapted basic tactics to devise intricate battle formations. He was also an inventor of many clever devices. These include a rapid firing catapult (loaded with stone), wooden ox, multiple crossbows (ten bolts of eight inches length), a scaling ladder (to use during a siege), and a tank (a chariot covered in iron).