Zhuge Liang's verbal battle with the Confucians

The verbal battle with the Confucian scholars comes from the 43rd chapter of the chapter novel "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" written by Luo Guanzhong of the Ming Dynasty: "Zhuge Liang verbally battled with the Confucian scholars, and Lu Zi Jing fought against all the opinions." The story tells that Zhuge Liang joined forces with Sun Quan to resist Cao Cao. During the process, he was criticized by various counselors from Soochow, but in the end, Zhuge Liang refuted them one by one and was speechless. The following is Zhuge Liang's verbal battle with the Confucian scholars I brought, I hope it will be helpful to you.

Zhuge Liang (181-234), courtesy name Kongming, nicknamed Wolong (also known as Fulong), Han nationality, was born in Yangdu, Langya, Xuzhou (now Yinan County, Linyi City, Shandong). He was the prime minister of the Shu Han Dynasty during the Three Kingdoms period. Outstanding politician, military strategist, essayist, calligrapher, and inventor. He was named Wuxiang Marquis when he was alive, and Zhongwu Marquis after his death. The Eastern Jin Dynasty regime named him Wuxing King because of his military talents. His representative works of prose include "Chu Shi Biao", "Book of Commandments", etc. He invented the wooden cow and flowing horse, the Kongming lantern, etc., and modified the repeating crossbow, called the Zhuge repeating crossbow, which can fire ten arrows with one crossbow. He died in Wuzhangyuan (now Qishan, Baoji) in the 12th year of Jianxing (234). He was posthumously named Zhongwuhou, so later generations often addressed him as Wuhou and Zhugewuhou. Zhuge Liang dedicated his life to death and was a representative figure of loyal ministers and wise men in traditional Chinese culture.

The story of Zhuge Liang's verbal battle with the Confucian scholars

Story version one:

At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Cao Cao used the emperor to control the princes, and most of the more powerful warlords were eliminated by him However, only Liu Bei and Sun Quan still had the possibility to develop and grow. Cao Cao knew that it would be difficult to annex these two forces at once. So, Cao Cao sent someone to take his letter to Soochow, hoping to join forces with Sun Quan to eliminate Liu Bei. Most of Sun Quan's advisers advocated surrendering to Cao Cao to protect themselves, but only Lu Su advocated joining forces with Liu to fight against Cao Cao. But Lu Su knew that it would be difficult to convince Sun Quan and the civil servants of Soochow, so he specially invited Zhuge Liang to be his lobbyist. Lu Su introduced Zhuge Liang to meet a group of counselors from Soochow. These people were not just ordinary people, but all of them were knowledgeable people. Zhang Zhao, the greatest counselor in Soochow, was the first to attack, saying: I heard that Liu Bei came to your home three times before inviting you out of the mountain. He thought that having you would be like a fish in water, and wanted to seize the nine counties of Jingxiang as a base. But Jingxiang has been captured by Cao Cao, what else do you have in mind? Zhuge Liang thought that if he didn't stump Zhang Zhao first, he would not be able to convince Sun Quan to join forces with Liu to fight against Cao Cao. Zhuge Liang said: It was easy for Liu Bei to seize the territory of Jingxiang. It was only because he couldn't bear to seize the inheritance of the same clan that Cao Cao took advantage of him. Now we are stationing troops in Jiangxia, and we have other grand plans. How can ordinary people understand this? National affairs and the safety of the country require good ideas from people with real talents and learning. But those who talk around and talk about things will not be able to come up with a solution when something happens, and they can only make the world laugh at them. These words left Zhang Zhao speechless.

Later, a counselor asked: Cao Cao has a million troops and a thousand generals. If you say you are not afraid, brag. Zhuge Liang replied: Liu Bei retreated to Xiakou to wait for the opportunity. However, Dongwu's soldiers had sufficient supplies and the Yangtze River was dangerous to defend, but he still persuaded Sun Quan to surrender to Cao Cao. Shame on you. The counselors of Soochow attacked Zhuge Liang one after another. As many as seven of them were retorted by Zhuge Liang, making it difficult for them to defend themselves.

Zhuge Liang's verbal battle with the Confucian scholars was actually a prelude to Zhuge Liang's efforts to persuade Sun Quan to fight against Cao Cao. At that time, in the Soochow camp, there were two factions of civil servants and generals who advocated the surrender of Cao Cao's millions of troops, namely, the surrender faction and the main war faction. Representatives of the capitulation faction are Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, Yu Fan, Bu Zhi, Xue Zong, etc. They must persuade Sun Quan, the Marquis of Wu, and do not persuade these people who have been spreading the theory of Cao Cao's threat and the invincibility of Cao's troops in Sun Quan's ears all day long. A group of civil servants and counselors clamoring for surrender will not do. But it is by no means an easy task to convince these knowledgeable people! Let’s see how Zhuge Liang won the argument step by step!

The first round: Zhao said: Zhao is a humble scholar from Jiangdong. , I have heard for a long time that Mr. Gao Wolong is in the middle, and he is in charge of music. Is this statement really true? Kong Ming said: This is a small comparison in Liang's life.

The second round: Zhao said: I recently heard that Liu Yuzhou visited Mr. Liu in a thatched cottage three times. Fortunately, he found him. He thought he was like a fish in water, and his thoughts swept over Jingxiang. Once it is said that it belongs to Cao Cao, what is his opinion without trial?

The third round: Zhao said: If this is the case, Mr.'s words and deeds are inconsistent.

Mr. Guan and Le Yi compare themselves to each other. Guan Zhong and Duke Huan dominated the princes and unified the world. Guan Zhong and Le Yi are like this? Don’t be offended by their foolish and straightforward words!

Story version two:

Chapter 43 of "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms": Zhuge Liang's verbal battle with the Confucian scholars, Lu Zijing defied all opinions, let's talk about the story of Zhuge Liang's verbal battle with the Confucian scholars: the prelude to the Battle of Chibi, Cao Cao's million-strong army has abundant funds, and wants to He met with Sun Quan to hunt Jiangdong. The one he was hunting was Liu Bei, but his real intention was in Jiangdong. Liu Bei is a typical entrepreneur. He just acquired Zhuge Liang and had a good team, so he should have accomplished a lot. But he abandoned Xinye and went to Fancheng. He was defeated in Dangyang and went to Xiakou. He had no place to live and even lost his wife. If Liu Biao's son Liu Qi hadn't taken him in, he could still be in business temporarily, otherwise he might have been declared bankrupt long ago. Now being pursued and attacked by the Cao Cao Group, the small business that had just started its business was in danger.

Cao Cao's group defeated Yuan Shao, captured Liu Cong, occupied Jingzhou, and captured Xiangyang. Its momentum was strong and unstoppable.

Soochow is a typical family business that has grown to a large scale after three generations. Sun Quan is a entrepreneurial entrepreneur. Now Soochow is being targeted for hostile takeover by Cao Cao, a financial expert who is a master of mergers and acquisitions. Sun's father and son brothers' company has limited capital on hand and does not have much room for negotiation. Liu Bei's only way out is to cooperate with Sun Quan to fight against Cao Cao's annexation. Zhuge Liang said: Cao Cao is powerful and is in dire need of defeating the enemy, so it is better to go to Sun Quan of the Eastern Wu Dynasty for help. Why can't we profit from the stalemate between the north and the south? But because the employees of the Sun Group have their own selfish motives, the enemy is currently looking after themselves and does not take Sun Quan's interests seriously at all. So Zhuge Liang and Lu Su negotiated with Sun Quan.

Before Kong Ming met Sun Quan, Lu Su had already analyzed the situation with Sun Quan and clearly told Sun Quan that if your company is annexed by Cao Cao, you will have to work for Cao Cao in the future, at most for a senior person. .Just a wage earner, not doing much. And now you are a boss and have your own business. Even if ordinary managers go to Cao Cao, they can still have the same job as now, and their quality of life has not changed. That's why they were very passive in fighting Cao. Su said: "General surrenders to Cao, where do you want to be safe? The position is no more than a title, the chariot is no more than a ride, the horse is no more than a horse, and there are never more than a few people. How can I be alone in the south? These words deeply moved Sun Quan."

In order to increase the chance of winning, Sun Quan also knew to cooperate with Liu Bei. In order to increase his negotiating leverage and increase Zhuge Liang's power, Sun Quan specially arranged for a group of negotiators from the Sun Group to have a confrontation with Zhuge Liang. This started Zhuge Liang's verbal battle with the Confucian scholars. At the beginning, Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong and a group of more than 20 civil and military personnel, E Guanbo and others, sat in full clothes and had the upper hand in the negotiation. Zhang Zhao deliberately made things difficult for Zhuge Liang, digging into Zhuge Liang's sore feet and making Zhuge Liang worthless. Zhang Zhao is Sun Quan's number one adviser. If he does not refute him, Zhuge Liang will not be able to achieve his goal this time.

But after Kong Ming heard this, he smiled dumbly and said: He flew thousands of miles, and his ambition could not be recognized by birds? How could you, Zhang Zhao, understand Uncle Liu Huang’s ambition of thousands of miles? For the sake of the country’s great plan, the safety of the country is in danger. There is a mastermind. Those who are not boasters use false reputation to deceive others: sitting in discussions and talking, no one can match them; adapting to the situation, there is nothing they can do. Sincerity makes the world smile! Zhang Zhao didn't have a word to reply to this statement. Suddenly the entire negotiation situation was reversed. Then Zhuge Liang talked about Liu Bei's capital (arms) one by one, Yu Fan said that he could not respond to Sun Quan's intention, Bu Zhi was silent, and Xue Zong was ashamed and unable to answer in terms of the righteousness of the monarch and his ministers. In terms of Liu Bei's personal background, he said that Lu Ji was speechless. In terms of his personal academic sect, he said that he was serious and dejected. In terms of knowledge, he said that Cheng Deshu was not right. When all the negotiating opponents saw that Kong Ming's answers were fluent, they all turned pale. Zhuge Liang took a step forward. He made full use of his power in one step, and finally won a battle with the Confucian scholars. Later, Sun Quan was provoked to vow not to surrender to Cao Cao, and he cooperated with Liu Bei to defeat Cao Cao in Chibi.

Historical evaluation of Zhuge Liang:

Chen Shou: Zhuge Liang is the prime minister of the country, he cares for the people, shows rituals, appoints officials, obeys the authority, is sincere, imparts justice, and is loyal. Those who benefit from time will be rewarded even if they are angry; those who break the law and neglect will be punished even if they are close; those who admit guilt and lose love will be released even if they are serious; those who use rhetoric and clever words will be killed even if they are light; good deeds will not be rewarded if they are insignificant; evil will not be degraded if they are not trivial; concubine Things should be refined, physical principles should be followed, names and responsibilities should be followed, and hypocrisy should be disdainful; in the end, within the realm of the state, one would be fearful but loving, and those who have no complaints despite severe punishments and administrations would be able to exhort and warn because of their calm intentions. It can be said that he is a talented person who knows how to govern, and Guan and Xiao are inferior to each other. However, after years of mobilizing the masses, he failed to succeed. The general's ability to adapt to the situation is not his strength!

Yuan Zhun: The law is strict and the people of the country are satisfied with it, and the people do their best and do not complain. His soldiers come in and out like guests, and they are not invaders. Those who eat grass and grass do not hunt, just like in the country. The way he uses his troops is to stop like a mountain and advance and retreat like the wind. When the troops are sent out, the world is shaken, but the people's hearts are not worried. In the decades since Liang's death, the people of the country have been thinking about it, just like the Zhou people thought about summoning the duke, Confucius said that Yong can also be sent to the south, Zhuge Liang has it.

Sima Hui: How do Confucian scholars and laymen know the current affairs? Those who know the current affairs care about heroes. There are crouching dragons and phoenix chicks here.

Liu Bei: A solitary person has a clear sky, just like a fish has water.

Sun Quan: The prime minister received a legacy to assist the government, and the country was rich and punished by the Qing Dynasty. Although Yi Yingge was in the emperor's sky, Zhou Gongguang was in the four directions, and he could not be far away. Prime Minister Zhuge's virtue and majesty are far away, his country is supported by his wings, and his troops are outside. His faith is yin and yang, his sincerity moves the heaven and earth, he repeatedly forms alliances, and makes sincere oaths, so that the scholars and people of the East and West know it.

Meng Huo: Lord, God is so powerful that the southerners will no longer rebel.

Jia Xu: Zhuge Liang is good at governing the country.

Liu Ye: Zhuge Liang was wise in governing and became the prime minister.

Yang Hong: The Western soil is so humble that Zhuge Liang can make the best use of the tools of the time.

Ma Liang: My dear brother, I should like to express my praise to the world, and my fortune will bring glory to the country, and my fortune will be far-reaching. The husband changes with elegance and consideration, and judges the noble and discerns clearly. It is appropriate to use simplicity and talent at the right time. If it is a harmonious light that delights the people far away, and a great virtue that makes the world close to listen, and the world obeys the Tao, and the sublime and wonderful sounds are harmonious, the voices of Zheng and Wei are harmonious, and they are conducive to things, and there is no competition between them, this is the perfection of orchestral music, teeth, and music. The tune of openness.

Zhang Yi: Rewards should not be far away, punishment should not be close, no title should be obtained without merit, and punishment should not be avoided by high power. This is why virtuous and foolish people forget their own bodies.

Sima Yi: He is truly a genius in the world! He thinks more and decides less. Liang has great ambitions but does not see opportunities, has many plans but few decisions, is a good soldier but has no power. Although he has a hundred thousand soldiers, he has fallen into my painting and must be defeated.

Yang Xi: He is loyal and wise, offers advice to the riverside, climbs Wu and Lianshu, and has the power to be true in the world. After receiving the legacy of A Heng, he improved his martial arts and improved his writing, spread out moral education, studied physics and changed the wind, and the wise and foolish competed with each other in mind, and he forgot his body. In the country of Jingjing, the four descendants of Yisui came to the enemy's court many times, showing off their power, studying the great country, and hating the Weiyi.

Xi Long, Xiang Chong: Kuang Liang’s virtues are far-reaching, and his achievements are unparalleled throughout his life.

Liu Chan: Wei Jun is talented in civil and military affairs, wise and sincere. He was entrusted by an orphan to assist me. He continued to prosper and was determined to pacify the chaos. , Wei Zhenbahuang, will make special contributions to Ji Han, and participate in the great achievements of Yi and Zhou. Why don't you mourn? When something happens, you will be overwhelmed by illness and death! I mourn with sorrow, and my heart is as broken as a heart. The husband respects virtue and prefaces his merits, and records his life and posthumous titles. Therefore, the glory will shine in the future and his publication will be immortal. Today, I envoy Chijie Zuozhonglang General Du Qiong to present you with the seal ribbon of the Marquis of Wuxiang, the Prime Minister, and posthumously title you the Marquis of Zhongwu. The soul has spirit, Jiazi favors it. What a shame! What a shame!

Sima Yan: That’s so good. I have this person to help me. How can I not have the hard work I have today!

Chang Cu: Rule the country with courtesy to the people without any complaints. If lynching is not abused, there will be no more tears.

Wang Tong: If Zhuge Liang does not die, rituals and music will flourish.

Wang Bo: So Zhuge Shi was in the army, and he had a plan for the army. The troops were trained for a long time. When he packed the left chariot, it was strange to transport the fields. Cao Xuan sent thousands of troops and marched three hundred at night. If the weight of the axes does not follow each other, and the support does not come to each other, how can the birds be defeated without fighting? With a hundred thousand people sitting down, but no one is prepared for the target, how is it different from driving the flock of dogs and sheep, and baiting the mouths of jackals and tigers? Therefore, knowing how to adapt to the situation is not a strategy. Director Wuhou, Si Yan is close.

Du Mu

Sun Qiao: Five hundred years have passed since the death of Marquis Wu. Up to now, the people of Liang and Han have continued to sing songs and sacrifices in temples as if they were still there. They have loved the people for so long.

Shang Chi: When the official writes about the food in the temple, it becomes a canon that cannot be published. Within a mountain, every movement of wind and grass is like a majestic spirit. If there is a severe drought in the year, the people of the country will pray for it, and it will be like a cloud. Rain means that both existence and everyone benefit, and life and death are the same in ancient and modern times. Death and immortality are more valuable than life.

Lu Wen: The great honor has not yet been gathered, but God will seize it. Sincerity is unforgettable, shining in the sun and moon, and the fierce energy never dissipates. Long as a thunderstorm.

What's wrong: Kong Ming had the ambition to make meritorious deeds, but no measure of success; he had the benevolence to unite the masses, but he only wanted to use the wisdom of the masses. Therefore, he tried to mobilize the crowd and was eager to make meritorious deeds. Every time the work fails, everyone is tired. This Kong Ming lost, so he used Shu.

Su Shi: As dense as gods and ghosts, as fast as wind and thunder. It is impossible to advance, and it is impossible to pursue when retreating. It cannot be attacked during the day and cannot be attacked at night. Many cannot be defeated, few cannot be bullied. The front and rear should meet, and the left and right command. Move the nature of the five elements and change the orders of the four seasons. Human? God? Immortal? I don’t know, it’s really a crouching dragon!

Hong Mai: Zhuge Kongming’s troops and divisions for thousands of years were all based on benevolence, righteousness and restraint. Since the three generations, it has not been Yes.

Chen Liang: Kong Ming’s rule of Shu is the rule of kings. Kong Ming is a disciple of Yizhou.

Chen Yuanliang: King Detu, the Crouching Dragon Xu Qi. Expedition to the north, expedition to the south, Weibin and Lushui. Dealing with two dynasties, one must be diligent. The star fell into the army, the hero is gone.

Emperor Kangxi: Zhuge Liangyun: I have dedicated myself to death and died. As a minister, only Zhuge Liang can do this.

?Emperor: Zhuge Kongming was the first-class figure of the third generation or less. About his life, he can only be called Gongzhong. There is no ego for the sake of public service, there is no selfishness for the sake of loyalty, there is no ego for the sake of selflessness, and then the ambition is clear and the economy is reasonable.

Zeng Guofan: The Duke was both the prime minister and the marshal. All affairs in the palace and the camp were handled concurrently. Guo, Fei, and Dong were appointed to govern the affairs in the palace, and Xiang Chong was appointed to govern the camp. These things almost all refer to those who stayed in Chengdu. The affairs of the government are governed by the government's autonomy, and all the affairs of the general government are adjudicated by the public in person in the army.

Wang Weixin: An unparalleled scholar since the Han Dynasty, the first person after three generations.

Sun Yat-sen: Zhuge Liang was very talented, so he was able to establish a very good government in Western Shu, and he was able to leave Qishan for the Northern Expedition and compete with Wu and Wei.

Qian Mu: With one Zhuge, the Three Kingdoms can shine on future generations, just like the two Han Dynasties.