During the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Shan, the emperor of the Shu Han dynasty, was often misunderstood as incompetent by later generations. However, the truth of history is far more complex than simple labels. Having reigned for forty years, how did Liu Shan maintain relative stability in the troubled times? This involved both his personal wisdom and the contributions of his advisors. This article will explore the key factors that Liu Shan used to maintain his regime.

Firstly, inheriting his father's will and stabilizing the political situation. Upon ascending the throne, Liu Shan faced a difficult situation both domestically and internationally. He inherited his father Liu Bei's legacy and followed the principle of "conquering with morality". Internally, he calmed the people's hearts, and externally, he maintained peace. During his reign, Liu Shan did not carry out large-scale military operations, which reduced the consumption of national strength to some extent and laid the foundation for the stability of Shu Han.

Secondly, appointing wise ministers and exercising decentralized governance. Liu Shan knew that he was not talented in warfare, so he was very cautious when choosing his advisors. He gave important positions to capable ministers such as Zhu Geliang and Jiang Wei, allowing them to handle the military and political affairs of the country. This decentralized approach enabled the state machinery to operate effectively and avoided the risks associated with excessive concentration of power.

Thirdly, emphasizing people's livelihood and developing the economy. Under Liu Shan's rule, Shu Han focused on agricultural production, promoting planting techniques and increasing agricultural output. At the same time, he encouraged the development of handicrafts and commerce, which helped restore and develop the national economy. These measures enhanced the country's financial revenue and improved the people's living standards.

Fourthly, cultural prosperity and enhancing soft power. During Liu Shan's reign, the cultural undertakings of Shu Han also made considerable progress. He supported literary and artistic creation, and many famous literary works such as "Records of the Three Kingdoms" were born during this period. The prosperity of culture not only enhanced the country's soft power but also left valuable cultural heritage for future generations.

Conclusion:

As a monarch, Liu Shan may not have had the same military achievements as his father Liu Bei or his advisor Zhu Geliang, but his governance philosophy of using soft power to overcome hardness and maintaining stability through inactivity allowed him to sit firmly on the throne for forty years during the turbulent Three Kingdoms period. His wisdom lay in knowing his limitations, being good at utilizing others' strengths, and adopting appropriate policies at the right time. Although Liu Shan's rule did not make Shu Han the leading power among the Three Kingdoms, his ability to maintain national stability is a historical phenomenon that cannot be ignored.

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