Historical figures mentioned in my article 103

Zhuge Liang诸葛亮​ (181–234 CE), courtesy name Kongming孔明, pseudonym Crouching Dragon卧龙, served as the chancellor of the state of Shu Han蜀汉 during the Three Kingdoms period. He is revered in ancient Chinese history as an outstanding statesman, military strategist, tactician, inventor, and writer.

In his early years, Zhuge Liang followed his uncle Zhuge Xuan诸葛玄 to Jingzhou Province. After his uncle’s death, he lived in seclusion, farming in Nanyang南阳. When Liu Bei, then taking refuge under Liu Biao of Jingzhou, visited Zhuge Liang three times at his thatched cottage, Zhuge Liang presented the Longzhong Strategy隆中对, advising Liu Bei to seize Jingzhou and Yizhou provinces and ally with Sun Quan against Cao Cao. Following this strategy, Liu Bei successfully occupied Jingzhou and Yizhou, establishing a tripartite balance of power with Sun Quan and Cao Cao.

In 221 CE, Liu Bei proclaimed himself emperor and appointed Zhuge Liang as chancellor. After Liu Bei’s defeat at the Battle of Yiling夷陵, he entrusted Zhuge Liang with the care of his successor on his deathbed at Yong’an永安. When Liu Shan刘禅 succeeded the throne, he enfeoffed Zhuge Liang as the Marquis of Wu District武乡侯 and appointed him Governor of Yizhou. Diligent and cautious, Zhuge Liang personally oversaw all governmental affairs, upheld strict rewards and punishments, strengthened the alliance with Eastern Wu, improved relations with the southwestern ethnic groups, implemented garrison farming policies, and enhanced military preparedness.

Zhuge Liang launched five northern expeditions against the state of Wei in an attempt to restore the Han dynasty, but ultimately did not achieve this goal. He died of illness in 234 CE at Wuzhang Plains五丈原 at the age of 54. Posthumously, Liu Shan honored him with the title Marquis Zhongwu忠武侯(Loyal and Martial), and he is often referred to respectfully as Marquis Wu​/Martial by later generations.

Among Zhuge Liang’s notable prose works are the "Memorial on Sending Out the Troops"​ and "Admonitions to My Son". He was also an accomplished inventor, creating the wooden ox and gliding horse, Kongming lanterns, and improving the repeating crossbow, known as the Zhuge repeating crossbow, which could fire ten bolts in one volley.

Zhuge Liang’s lifelong dedication, encapsulated in his famous phrase "I will devote myself to the nation until my last breath", has made him an enduring symbol of loyalty and wisdom in traditional Chinese culture.