Key Facts
- Year
- 231 CE
- Campaign number
- Fourth of Zhuge Liang's five Northern Expeditions
- Notable innovation
- First military use of the 'Wooden ox' for supply transport
- Key Wei casualty
- General Zhang He killed in ambush
- Shu retreat cause
- Continuous heavy rainfall disrupted Shu supply lines
Strategic Narrative Overview
Zhuge Liang's forces achieved notable tactical successes, inflicting a significant defeat on Wei commander Sima Yi at Lucheng and killing the experienced Wei general Zhang He in an ambush during the retreat. To sustain the advance, Shu innovated by deploying the 'Wooden ox' mechanical transport device for the first time in military operations, helping move supplies across difficult terrain.
01 / The Origins
During the Three Kingdoms period, the state of Shu Han under regent Zhuge Liang pursued a series of Northern Expeditions aimed at weakening and ultimately conquering the rival state of Cao Wei. The fourth such campaign, launched in 231 CE, targeted the region around Mount Qi and Lucheng in present-day southeastern Gansu, continuing Shu's strategic pressure on Wei's western frontier.
03 / The Outcome
Prolonged heavy rainfall severely disrupted Shu supply lines, compelling Zhuge Liang to abandon the campaign and retreat despite his battlefield gains. The strategic outcome favored Wei. In the aftermath, Shu minister Li Yan, responsible for logistics, was politically disgraced and demoted due to his failure to maintain adequate supply. The campaign thus ended as a Wei strategic victory.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Zhuge Liang, Li Yan.
Side B
1 belligerent
Sima Yi, Zhang He.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.