This discussion focuses on the eighth book of Mr. Bo Yang's Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government (通鑒記事本末), specifically covering the Battle of Red Cliffs during the Three Kingdoms era (late 2nd to late 3rd century CE).
The analysis examines three key aspects: political systems, north-south relationships, and the power dynamics between major leaders—Cao Cao (曹操), Sun Quan (孫權), and Liu Bei (劉備). By the end of the Han Dynasty, the empire fractured into three major factions, plus minor states in northern regions near modern-day Liaoning Province and the Korean Peninsula.
Three Distinct Political Systems:
Cao Wei (曹魏) - Cao Cao established a meritocracy that prioritized ability over aristocratic lineage. Though from the elite class himself (his father Cao Song was adopted by a eunuch, which brought social stigma), Cao Cao recruited talented individuals from common backgrounds, including Sima Yi and other capable advisers. His government balanced elite families like the Xiahou clan with commoners, using the latter to counterbalance aristocrats who weren't completely loyal. Emperor Xian remained a figurehead during this period.
Eastern Wu (孫吳) - Sun Quan's regime was essentially an oligarchy controlled by eight major families (the "Four Great Families": Zhu, Zhang, Gu, Lu, plus four northern families who fled south). These educated elites looked down on the Sun family as military protectors but needed their troops for security. All major decisions required consensus from all families, not just majority rule, which significantly slowed development and created factional conflicts between northern and southern family groups.
Shu Han (蜀漢) - Liu Bei claimed descent from Emperor Jing of Zhongshan, though this lineage was unverifiable. Starting as a commoner without resources, he was forced to cooperate with elites from Yi Province (modern Sichuan) and Jing Province. His government divided into two groups: locals from Yi Province and transplants from Jing Province. Liu Bei favored commoners and Jing Province elites to control local powers, though he relied more heavily on aristocrats than Cao Cao due to his lack of initial resources and connections.
 
Historical Significance:
The Three Kingdoms era is unique in Chinese history because three entirely different political systems coexisted simultaneously and competed against each other. This period also produced exceptional talent in military strategy, politics, and literature, fostering remarkable creativity and innovation.
 
#Three Kingdoms era#Battle of Red Cliffs#Cao Cao political system#Han Dynasty collapse#Chinese meritocracy vs aristocracy#Sun Quan Liu Bei power structure
 
Join as a free member to stay updated with the latest information: https://open.firstory.me/join/ckeiik73n1k6i08391xamn9ho
Make a small donation to support this program: https://open.firstory.me/user/ckeiik73n1k6i08391xamn9ho
Leave a comment to tell me your thoughts on this episode: https://open.firstory.me/user/ckeiik73n1k6i08391xamn9ho/comments