Zhuge Liang 依法治國 Zhuge Liang is (what we know) a famous statesman. His primary talent is to govern the country and army. In the story of the romance of the three kingdom, he is known as the famous strategist. But in true history, his talent on governing is stronger than his usage of military power. In the three kingdom, Shu is the most governmental , it is the most well-governed nation. This is because of Zhuge Liang, the chancellor of Shu. So what made him able to govern Shu very well?
Firstly, we must find out his different belief and perceptions. Zhuge Liang's perception is based on three philosophy; Confucism, Taoism and Legalism. To make him strong at governing, Legalism is the most important factor.
What is Legalism?
Legalism is a philosophy by Han Feizi. It suggested that the world is not filled with love and that different people have different characteristics. The usage of law is able to equal everyone, regardless of different social class, gender, races, religion and cultures. Death penalty will be given to crime and murderer. And rewards are given to those who contributed and work for the nation. Through rewards and punishments, everyone will follow and stay to be equal.
Legalism is the most suitable method of governing. Zhuge Liang use Legalism to uphold justice and eliminate all greedy and corrupted officials. He make sure punishments and rewards are equal to all. For example, Zhuge Liang have a favorite general named Ma Su. Because of Ma Su's miscalucation, they lose an important land (Jieting). Zhuge Liang have no choice but to execute Ma Su according to military law, even though Ma Su is a genuine strategist. Zhuge Liang was also responsible for the wrongly usage of man, therefore he demoted himself from Prime Minister to General of the Left. This shown that Zhuge Liang's usage of Legalism make everyone equal, and that punishments and rewards are used accordingly, even to himself.
