Zhuge Liang, also known as Kongming, is a renowned politician, military strategist, and literary figure in Chinese history, who is hailed as the "Wise One". However, one aspect of his life has consistently been criticized, and that is his Northern Expedition strategy. This article will analyze the shortcomings of Zhuge Liang's Northern Expedition strategy from three aspects: its background, process, and outcome.

Firstly, the background of the Northern Expedition strategy. During the Three Kingdoms period, the kingdoms of Wei, Shu, and Wu existed side by side, with Wei being the most powerful. After the death of Cao Cao, Cao Pi usurped the throne and established the kingdom of Wei. Meanwhile, under the leadership of Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang presided over the government affairs of Shu Han. In order to fulfill Liu Bei's will and restore the Han dynasty, Zhuge Liang decided to launch a Northern Expedition to eliminate Wei.

Secondly, the process of the Northern Expedition strategy. During the Northern Expedition, Zhuge Liang conducted six campaigns, namely the Battle of Jieting, the Battle of Chencang, the Battle of Qishan, the Battle of Mumen, the Battle of Yinping, and the Battle of Wuzhangyuan. Although Zhuge Liang achieved certain victories in these campaigns, he did not achieve a decisive victory overall. In the Battle of Jieting, Zhuge Liang sent Ma Su to defend Jieting, but due to Ma Su's overconfidence and failure to adjust his tactics in time, Jieting fell, and Zhuge Liang lost an important stronghold for attacking Chang'an.

In the Battle of Chencang, after capturing Chencang, Zhuge Liang should have quickly attacked Chang'an, but he was forced to withdraw due to a lack of provisions. In the Battle of Qishan, Zhuge Liang confronted Sima Yi for many years, but ultimately had to withdraw due to a lack of provisions. In the Battle of Mumen, Zhuge Liang defeated Sima Yi, but failed to pursue the enemy due to provisions issues. In the Battle of Yinping, Zhuge Liang defeated Sima Yi again, but was unable to continue the offensive due to provisions issues. Finally, in the Battle of Wuzhangyuan, Zhuge Liang passed away, bringing an end to the Northern Expedition.

Thirdly, the outcome of the Northern Expedition strategy. The Northern Expedition lasted for seven years, and while Zhuge Liang achieved certain victories, he failed to eliminate Wei. Ultimately, Shu Han exhausted its national strength and was destroyed by Wei. Zhuge Liang's Northern Expedition strategy is considered the biggest failure in his life.

In summary, the shortcomings of Zhuge Liang's Northern Expedition strategy are mainly manifested in the following aspects: Firstly, the strategic objectives were unclear, lacking a definite strategic plan. Secondly, he over-relied on provisions supplies, leading to passive situations in the war. Finally, there were inappropriate appointments of personnel, such as Ma Su's failure to defend Jieting. These shortcomings led to the failure of the Northern Expedition and left regrets in Zhuge Liang's life.

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