Biography
Early life
Liu Shan was born in 207 CE, the twelfth year of Jian’an, in Xinye.
He was the son of Liu Bei and Lady Gan.
According to legend, Lady Gan dreamed of swallowing the Big Dipper (北斗) at night, which is why Liu Shan’s childhood name was Adou (阿斗, “A Dou”), though some scholars believe it should be “Asheng” (阿升) due to text errors.
Escape at Changban
In 208 CE, the thirteenth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao’s army pursued Liu Bei at Changban Slope.
At that time, the situation was critical, and Liu Bei abandoned his wife and children and fled with Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and several dozen horsemen.
The infant Liu Shan and his mother Lady Gan were protected by Zhao Yun and survived.
Attempted abduction by Lady Sun
In 211 CE, the sixteenth year of Jian’an, when Liu Bei entered Yi Province, Sun Quan sent ships to welcome his sister Lady Sun, who had married Liu Bei.
Lady Sun wanted to take the five-year-old Liu Shan back to Eastern Wu.
Zhuge Liang sent Zhao Yun to intercept and recover Liu Shan.
Crown Prince
In 219 CE, the twenty-fourth year of Jian’an, Liu Bei declared himself Prince of Hanzhong and made Liu Shan Crown Prince.
In 221 CE, the first year of Zhangwu, Liu Bei became emperor and established Shu Han.
In the fifth month, Liu Shan was made Crown Prince.
To help Liu Shan broaden his knowledge and master the art of governance, Liu Bei had him study books such as the Shenzi, Hanfeizi, Guanzi, and Liutao, which Zhuge Liang personally copied for him to study.
He also ordered Yin Mo to teach him the Zuo Commentary.
Ascension to the throne
In 223 CE, the third year of Zhangwu, in the fourth month, Liu Bei died in Yong’an Palace.
In the fifth month, Liu Shan succeeded to the throne as emperor at the age of seventeen.
He honoured Empress Wu as Empress Dowager, granted a general amnesty, and changed the era name to Jianxing.
Early reign under Zhuge Liang
In the early years of Liu Shan’s reign, according to Liu Bei’s final edict, Zhuge Liang, the Chancellor, assisted in government.
“All affairs, great and small, were decided by Liang.”
In the same year, Liu Shan made Zhang Fei’s daughter Empress Zhang.
That year, rebellions broke out throughout Shu Han.
First, Zhu Bao, Administrator of Zangke Commandery, occupied his commandery and rebelled.
Later, Gao Ding, King of the Yi, raised troops.
Zhuge Liang sent Deng Zhi, Gentleman of the Secretariat, as an envoy to Eastern Wu to repair relations with Sun Quan.
Agricultural development
In 224 CE, the second year of Jianxing, in spring, Liu Shan focused on developing agricultural production and stopped campaigning to allow the people to rest and recuperate.
Southern Campaign
In 225 CE, the third year of Jianxing, in the third month, Chancellor Zhuge Liang led troops to campaign against the four southern commanderies.
All four commanderies were pacified.
He then changed Yizhou Commandery to Jianning Commandery, divided Jianning and Yongchang into Yunnan Commandery, and divided Jianning and Zangke into Xinggu Commandery.
In the twelfth month, Zhuge Liang returned to Chengdu.
Northern Expeditions
From 228 CE, the sixth year of Jianxing, to 234 CE, the twelfth year of Jianxing, Zhuge Liang repeatedly campaigned north and fought with Cao Wei, with both sides having victories and defeats.
Alliance with Eastern Wu
In 229 CE, the seventh year of Jianxing, Sun Quan, King of Wu, became emperor and made an alliance with Liu Shan to divide the realm.
The states of Xu, Yu, You, and Qing belonged to Wu, and Bing, Liang, Ji, and Yan belonged to Shu.
The land of Sizhou was divided between Wu and Shu with Hangu Pass as the boundary.
Death of Zhuge Liang
In 234 CE, the twelfth year of Jianxing, in the eighth month, Zhuge Liang died of illness at Weibin.
General Who Conquers the West Wei Yan and Chief Clerk of the Chancellor’s Office Yang Yi quarrelled over power and led troops to attack each other.
Wei Yan rushed south first and burned the plank roads along the way.
Wei Yan and Yang Yi each submitted memorials accusing the other of rebellion.
Within one day, documents were delivered to the court.
Liu Shan consulted Jiang Wan and Dong Yun, and both protected Yang Yi and suspected Wei Yan.
Wei Yan’s troops scattered and fled to Hanzhong.
Yang Yi sent Ma Dai to pursue and behead Wei Yan, then exterminated Wei Yan’s three clans.
After Zhuge Liang’s death, Liu Shan wore plain clothes and mourned for three days.
At that time, Li Miao submitted a memorial criticizing Zhuge Liang.
Liu Shan was angry and had Li Miao imprisoned and executed.
Independent rule
In 235 CE, the thirteenth year of Jianxing, in the first month, Yang Yi, Army Advisor, was demoted to commoner and moved to Hanjia Commandery.
In the fourth month, summer, Jiang Wan was promoted to Grand General.
In 238 CE, the first year of Yanxi, Liu Shan issued an edict ordering Jiang Wan to strictly govern the army, lead the various armies to station at Hanzhong, wait for Eastern Wu’s actions, and form a pincer attack with Wu, waiting for an opportunity to campaign against Wei.
Liu Shan then “personally took charge of state affairs.”
Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun governed, resting and recuperating, accumulating strength, and planning for northern expeditions from a long-term perspective.
Favouritism toward Huang Hao
Liu Shan favoured his favourite minister Chen Zhi and the eunuch Huang Hao.
Jiang Wei feared Huang Hao and had no choice but to station troops and farm at Tazhong (present-day Diebu, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu).
Fall of Shu Han
In 263 CE, the sixth year of Jingyao, Jiang Wei submitted a memorial to Liu Shan: “I have heard that Zhong Hui is training troops in Guanzhong and intends to plan further expansion. We should send Zhang Yi and Liao Hua to supervise the various armies and separately guard Yang’an Pass and Yinping Bridge to prevent problems before they occur.”
Huang Hao consulted ghosts and shamans, who said that the enemy would ultimately not come.
Liu Shan also believed the ghosts and shamans, and none of the court officials knew about it.
Finally, Deng Ai secretly crossed Yinping and pressed the border with a large army.
Liu Shan consulted with the ministers on how to resist and decided to send Zhuge Zhan to lead troops and meet the enemy.
However, Zhuge Zhan was defeated.
Finally, Liu Shan accepted Qiao Zhou’s suggestion and surrendered to Cao Wei in the eleventh month.
Liu Shan sent Jiang Xian, Minister of the Imperial Stud, to Jiange to order Jiang Wei and other troops to surrender.
The Han army was filled with grief and anger, and many drew their swords and cut stones.
Deng Ai, acting on imperial authority, appointed Liu Shan as General of Agile Cavalry.
Life in Luoyang
After Shu Han fell, Liu Shan moved to Luoyang, the capital of Wei.
On the road, only Qiao Zheng, an old minister of Shu Han, and Zhang Tong, Commandant of the Palace, accompanied him.
The Cao Wei court enfeoffed Liu Shan as Duke of Anle County.
”This is happy, no need to think of Shu”
One day, Sima Zhao held a banquet for Liu Shan.
He ordered Shu music to be played and had singing and dancing to entertain.
The old ministers of Shu Han thought of the pain of losing their state, and each covered their faces or lowered their heads and wept.
Only Liu Shan was calm and composed and did not grieve.
When Sima Zhao saw this, he asked Liu Shan: “Duke of Anle, do you miss Shu?”
Liu Shan replied: “This is happy, no need to think of Shu.”
When his old minister Qiao Zheng heard this, he took advantage of going to the toilet to say to him: “Next time, if Sima Zhao asks the same thing again, you should first look at the upper part of the palace, then close your eyes for a while, and finally open your eyes and very seriously say: ‘My ancestors’ graves are far away in Shu. I do not miss them for a single day!’ In this way, Sima Zhao will let Your Majesty return to Shu.”
After Liu Shan heard this, he kept it firmly in mind.
When the wine reached half-drunkenness, Sima Zhao asked the same question again.
Liu Shan hurriedly repeated what Qiao Zheng had taught him.
When Sima Zhao heard this, he replied: “Hmm, how does this sound like what Qiao Zheng would say?”
Liu Shan was greatly surprised and said: “How did you know?”
Sima Zhao and the ministers on the left and right laughed heartily.
When Sima Zhao saw that Liu Shan was so honest and sincere, he never suspected him again.
Liu Shan spent the rest of his life in Luoyang.
This is the origin of the phrase “This is happy, no need to think of Shu” (樂不思蜀).
Death
In 271 CE, the seventh year of Taishi, Liu Shan died.
He was posthumously titled Duke Si by Sima Yan.
Liu Shan’s Crown Prince Liu Xuan had died in Zhong Hui’s rebellion.
According to order, his second son Liu Yao should have been made heir.
However, Liu Shan favoured his sixth son Liu Xun and made Liu Xun heir.
The old minister Wen Li remonstrated, but Liu Shan did not listen.
Therefore, Liu Xun succeeded as Duke of Anle.
In 304 CE, the first year of Yongxing, Liu Yuan, who was of Xiongnu descent, rose up and established the state of Han (Han Zhao).
He posthumously titled Liu Shan Emperor Xiaohuai.
Personality
Liu Shan was known for being weak and easily influenced.
During his early reign, he trusted Zhuge Liang and followed his advice.
However, in his later years, he favoured Huang Hao and neglected government affairs.
He was also known for his lack of ambition and his willingness to surrender rather than fight.
Military achievements
None
Liu Shan did not personally lead any military campaigns.
He delegated military affairs to his generals, particularly Zhuge Liang, Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and Jiang Wei.
Relationships
With Liu Bei
Liu Shan was Liu Bei’s eldest son and successor.
Liu Bei entrusted him to Zhuge Liang’s care on his deathbed.
With Zhuge Liang
Liu Shan had a close relationship with Zhuge Liang, who served as regent during the early years of his reign.
Liu Shan trusted Zhuge Liang completely and delegated all state affairs to him.
With Huang Hao
In his later years, Liu Shan favoured the eunuch Huang Hao, who interfered in government affairs and caused the decline of Shu Han.
With Jiang Wei
Liu Shan had a difficult relationship with Jiang Wei, who repeatedly requested to campaign against Wei but was restrained by Huang Hao.
Anecdotes
Escape at Changban
When Liu Bei was pursued by Cao Cao’s army at Changban, he abandoned his wife and children.
The infant Liu Shan was protected by Zhao Yun and survived.
This story is famous in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Attempted abduction by Lady Sun
When Lady Sun tried to take Liu Shan back to Eastern Wu, Zhao Yun intercepted her and recovered Liu Shan.
This shows the importance placed on Liu Shan as Liu Bei’s heir.
”This is happy, no need to think of Shu”
After surrendering to Wei, Liu Shan was asked by Sima Zhao if he missed Shu.
Liu Shan replied: “This is happy, no need to think of Shu.”
This phrase has become famous as an example of Liu Shan’s lack of ambition and his willingness to accept his fate.
The teaching of Qiao Zheng
When Qiao Zheng taught Liu Shan how to answer Sima Zhao’s question, Liu Shan repeated it verbatim, revealing that it was not his own words.
This shows Liu Shan’s simple-mindedness and lack of guile.
Achievements
- Reigned for 41 years (223-263), the longest reign of any Three Kingdoms emperor
- Maintained stability in Shu Han during Zhuge Liang’s regency
- Supported agricultural development and allowed the people to rest and recuperate
- Maintained alliance with Eastern Wu
Behind the scenes
Historical sources
Liu Shan’s biography appears in the Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, where he is called the “Later Lord” (後主).
The biography records his long reign and eventual surrender to Wei.
The childhood name controversy
Liu Shan’s childhood name “Adou” (阿斗) may actually be “Asheng” (阿升) due to text errors.
The character “升” (sheng) and “斗” (dou) are similar and often confused in ancient texts.
Longest reigning Three Kingdoms emperor
Liu Shan reigned for 41 years, longer than any other Three Kingdoms emperor.
Sun Quan ruled for 52 years but only became emperor in 229, reigning as emperor for 23 years.
Historical evaluations
Contemporary
Liu Bei said in his final edict: “She Jun (She Yuan) came and said that the Chancellor sighed that you (Liu Shan) have intelligence and capacity, have greatly improved, and exceeded expectations. If this is truly so, what more do I have to worry about! Work hard, work hard!”
Zhuge Liang said in a letter to Du Wei: “The court is just eighteen years old. He has a natural disposition of benevolence and intelligence and loves virtue and treats subordinates with respect.”
Later historians
Chen Shou wrote: “The Later Lord, when he employed worthy chancellors, was a ruler who followed principle. When he was deluded by eunuchs, he was a dark ruler. The Zuo Commentary says: ‘Plain silk has no constant colour; it depends on what dyes it.’ How true! The Later Lord was like plain silk—when he had Zhuge Liang, he was a good ruler; when he had Huang Hao, he was a bad ruler.”
Sima Zhao said: “How can a person be so without feeling? Even if Zhuge Liang were here, he could not assist him for long. How much less Jiang Wei?”
Legacy
Liu Shan is remembered as the last emperor of Shu Han, who reigned for 41 years but ultimately surrendered to Wei.
His phrase “This is happy, no need to think of Shu” has become famous as an example of his lack of ambition.
His story represents both longevity and failure—an emperor who reigned longer than any other Three Kingdoms emperor but whose weakness and favouritism led to the fall of Shu Han.
Timeline
- 207 CE: Born in Xinye; childhood name Adou (possibly Asheng)
- 208 CE: Escaped at Changban with Zhao Yun’s protection
- 211 CE: Lady Sun attempted to abduct him; Zhao Yun intercepted
- 219 CE: Made Crown Prince of Hanzhong
- 221 CE: Made Crown Prince of Shu Han
- 223 CE: Succeeded to the throne age 17; era name Jianxing; Zhuge Liang as regent
- 224 CE: Focused on agricultural development
- 225 CE: Zhuge Liang’s Southern Campaign
- 228-234 CE: Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expeditions
- 229 CE: Alliance with Eastern Wu
- 234 CE: Zhuge Liang died; Wei Yan and Yang Yi conflict
- 235 CE: Began independent rule; Jiang Wan as Grand General
- 238 CE: Ordered Jiang Wan to station at Hanzhong
- 246 CE: Jiang Wan died; Dong Yun died; Chen Zhi and Huang Hao gained power
- 254 CE: Appointed Jiang Wei to supervise military affairs
- 262 CE: Huang Hao interfered in government; Jiang Wei stationed at Tazhong
- 263 CE: Deng Ai invaded; surrendered to Wei; Shu Han fell
- 264 CE: Moved to Luoyang; enfeoffed as Duke of Anle; Liu Xuan killed in Zhong Hui’s rebellion
- 271 CE: Died in Luoyang age 65; posthumously titled Duke Si
- 304 CE: Posthumously titled Emperor Xiaohuai by Han Zhao
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 33, Biography of the Later Lord.
- Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms, various chapters.