The Life and Career of Zhuge Xu
Zhuge Xu was a prominent military commander and bureaucrat who served the state of Cao Wei during the turbulent Three Kingdoms era. Rising through the ranks of the imperial administration, he achieved appointment as the Inspector of Yong Province (Yongzhou Cishi). In this strategic post, he oversaw crucial border defenses and regional garrisons, establishing a firm reputation as a methodical and cautious administrator.
In 263 AD, during the massive campaign launched by Cao Wei to conquer Shu Han, Zhuge Xu received command of a thirty-thousand-strong vanguard column. Tasked with intercepting the Shu general Jiang Wei at Yinping, he established strategic positions to sever the enemy’s retreat route. However, Jiang Wei orchestrated a clever diversionary feint toward Yongzhou, deceiving the Wei forces into pulling back their forward line. This tactical maneuvering enabled Shu troops to bypass the blockade and retreat securely to Jiange Pass.
Following this missed opportunity, Deng Ai proposed advancing through an untrodden mountain path across the rugged Yinping wilderness. Bound strictly by imperial protocol, the provincial inspector declined to deviate from his assigned orders. Seizing the opportunity to consolidate absolute military power, Grand General Zhong Hui accused Zhuge Xu of cowardice and operational hesitation. As a result, the commander was stripped of his troops, placed in a prisoner cart, and escorted back to the capital of Luoyang.
Despite this dramatic humiliation, his political career survived the turmoil of the campaign. Following the rise of the Sima clan and the founding of the Western Jin dynasty, he transitioned into high civil governance, eventually attaining the esteemed title of Minister of Ceremonies (Taichang). His noble lineage also flourished; his son Zhuge Chong served as Minister of Justice, and his daughter married Prince Sima Jin, becoming the mother of Emperor Yuan of Jin. Ultimately, history remembers him as a capable, disciplined officer whose fate was shaped by the intense rivalries of the era.
In Novel
Chapter 116
- Zhuge Xu (诸葛绪, Gia Cát Tự): Zhuge Xu is a Wei commander serving under Zhong Hui in the invasion of Shu. He is ordered to block Jiang Wei’s retreat route. Jiang Wei uses a feigned movement to slip past the Wei forces, allowing him to escape toward Yinping while Zhuge Xu fails to prevent the withdrawal.
Chapter 117
- Zhuge Xu (诸葛绪, Gia Cát Tự): After failing to trap Jiang Wei, Zhuge Xu is relieved of his command and brought under Zhong Hui’s authority. His failure demonstrates the difficulty Wei commanders face in containing Jiang Wei during the final Shu campaign.
In History
Wei Service
- Zhuge Xu (诸葛绪, Gia Cát Tự) was a general of Cao Wei who served as Inspector of Yong Province during the final years of the Three Kingdoms.
263 AD
- During the Wei conquest of Shu, Zhuge Xu commanded troops operating from Yong Province. He was tasked with blocking the Shu forces and preventing Jiang Wei (姜维, Khương Duy) from escaping north.
263 AD
- Jiang Wei successfully avoided Zhuge Xu and moved toward Jiange. Zhuge Xu was later incorporated into Zhong Hui (钟会, Chung Hội)‘s campaign force but his command relationship with Zhong Hui became strained.
265 AD
- After the conquest of Shu, Zhuge Xu continued his career under the emerging Jin regime. He held senior civil offices including Minister of Ceremonies and Minister of the Guards.