Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming and nickname Wolong, was born in Yangdu, Langya, Xuzhou (now Yinan County, Linyi City, Shandong Province). He was the prime minister of Shu during the Three Kingdoms period. He was an outstanding statesman, military strategist, diplomat, writer, Calligrapher and inventor.
In his early years, he followed his uncle Zhuge Xuan to Jingzhou. After Zhuge Xuan's death, Zhuge Liang lived in seclusion in Longzhong, Xiangyang. Later, Liu Bei visited the thatched cottage three times to invite Zhuge Liang, and joined forces with Sun Yat-sen to fight against Cao Cao, and defeated Cao's army in the Battle of Chibi. It formed a tripartite power among the Three Kingdoms and captured Jingzhou.
In the 16th year of Jian'an (211), Yizhou was captured. Then he defeated Cao Jun and captured Hanzhong. In the first year of Shu Zhangwu (221), Liu Bei established the Shu Han regime in Chengdu, and Zhuge Liang was appointed prime minister to preside over the government.
After Liu Chan, the lord of Shu, succeeded to the throne, Zhuge Liang was named the Marquis of Wuxiang and led the pastoral care of Yizhou. Be diligent and prudent, handle all political affairs personally, and strictly enforce rewards and punishments; alliance with Soochow to improve relations with all ethnic groups in the southwest; implement the policy of farming and strengthen war preparations.
The six Northern Expeditions to the Central Plains were mostly spent on food but in vain. He eventually became ill due to overwork and died of illness in Wuzhangyuan (now Qishan, Baoji, Shaanxi) in the 12th year of Jianxing Shu (234) at the age of 54.