Cause & Context
Following Liu Bei's death, regional tribal leaders in Nanzhong (Yunnan, Guizhou, southern Sichuan) rebelled; Zhuge Liang resolved to pacify the south before launching northern expeditions.
Epochal Overview
Adopting Ma Su's doctrine of 'winning hearts rather than cities', Zhuge Liang crossed the turbulent Lu River and captured and released local leader Meng Huo seven times until the latter pledged lasting allegiance.
Key Figures
Chancellor Zhuge Liang directed the psychological-military campaign, securing the loyalty of Meng Huo and incorporating elite southern warriors into the 'Wudang Flying Army'.
Civilizational Impact
The campaign pacified the southern border, secured crucial resources for Shu Han's northern campaigns, and profoundly advanced the integration of Southwestern ethnic groups into Chinese civilization.