Liu Shan: The Last Ruler of Shu Han and His Multiple Images in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"

Brief Introduction

Liu Shan (207–271 AD), courtesy name Gongsi, childhood nickname Adou, was the son of Liu Bei, the Shu Han Emperor Zhaolie. As the second and last emperor of Shu Han, he reigned for 41 years, making him the longest-reigning monarch of the Three Kingdoms period. His life spanned the rise and fall of Shu Han, ultimately ending with his surrender when the Wei army pressed upon the city gates, making him a historically famous "last ruler of a fallen state." There is a significant discrepancy between Liu Shan's image in historical records and literary works, making him a key entry point for studying Three Kingdoms history and the literary value of Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Core Knowledge Points

  • Historical Identity and Reign: Liu Shan succeeded to the throne in the third year of Zhangwu (223 AD), initially assisted by Zhuge Liang. During his reign, Shu Han experienced phases such as Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions and the governance of Jiang Wan and Fei Yi. This continued until the sixth year of Jingyao (263 AD), when Deng Ai's troops arrived at Chengdu. Liu Shan surrendered, leading to the fall of Shu Han.
  • Famous Allusion "Le Bu Si Shu" (Happy in the Land of Wei): After surrendering to Wei, Liu Shan was enfeoffed as the Duke of Anle. During a banquet hosted by Sima Zhao for his ministers, Shu Han people were deliberately arranged to perform songs and dances. While others were sorrowful, Liu Shan appeared happy and composed. When Sima Zhao asked if he missed Shu, Liu Shan replied, "Here is joyful, I do not think of Shu." This allusion has become synonymous with forgetting one's roots and being content with the status quo.
  • Evaluation of Actual Capability: According to the official history Records of the Three Kingdoms, Liu Shan was not completely incompetent. He once detected the treachery of the eunuch Huang Hao and attempted to execute him, while heavily relying on General-in-Chief Jiang Wei. However, in the later years of his reign, due to favoring eunuchs and making poor decisions, the national strength declined, ultimately leading to an irreversible situation.

Connection with "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"

  • Rescue at Changbanpo: In Chapter 41 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Zhao Yun makes seven entries and exits at Changbanpo to rescue the infant Liu Shan. Upon learning this, Liu Bei reportedly threw the child to the ground, saying, "For this child, I nearly lost a great general." This plot significantly increased the popularity of "Adou" and foreshadowed his image as someone "unable to be supported."
  • Entrustment at Baidicheng: In the novel, on his deathbed, Liu Bei entrusts Liu Shan to Zhuge Liang, with Liu Shan referring to Zhuge Liang as "Prime Minister Father." This plot establishes the legitimacy of Zhuge Liang's regency and reflects Liu Shan's absolute dependence on Zhuge Liang in the early stages.
  • The End of a Nation: The book depicts Liu Shan favoring Huang Hao in his later years, forcing Jiang Wei to avoid disaster. Eventually, when Deng Ai's troops arrived at the city walls, Liu Shan listened to slanderous advice and opened the gates to surrender. His image in the book is largely portrayed as incompetent and foolish, used to highlight the tragic colors of Zhuge Liang and other heroic figures.

Summary

Liu Shan's image is the result of co-shaping by history and literature. In official history, he is a monarch with a long reign and a gentle temperament but lacking grand strategy; whereas in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he is further artisticized as "Adou who cannot be supported." Understanding Liu Shan requires distinguishing between historical facts and literary dramatization, thereby gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the political ecology in the late Shu Han period.

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