Ma Su, a general from the Shu Han Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period, was beheaded by Zhuge Liang due to his blunder in the Battle of Jieting, resulting in defeat. This event has been controversial in history, and many people feel sorry for Ma Su's death, believing that he was a talented general. However, from a military and legal perspective, Ma Su's execution may have been necessary. This article will explore the reasons why Ma Su had to be executed. First, let's understand Ma Su's background. Ma Su was a young general from Shu Han who was admired by Zhuge Liang for his intelligence and courage. In the Battle of Jieting, Ma Su was responsible for defending the fort, but due to overconfidence and underestimating the enemy, he lost the fort, causing significant losses to the Shu Han army. So, why did Ma Su have to be executed?

1. The severity of military law: In ancient wars, the severity of military law was crucial for maintaining military discipline and combat effectiveness. As a general, Ma Su's dereliction of duty led to defeat, a serious violation of military law. To uphold the authority of military law, Zhuge Liang had to order his execution.

2. Responsibility and consequences: Ma Su's wrong decision directly led to the failure of the Battle of Jieting, which was a huge blow to Shu Han. As a general, he must bear the responsibility for his actions. Executing Ma Su was to make him pay for his mistake and serve as a warning to other generals.

3. Stabilizing the morale of the troops: In a war situation, the morale and stability of the troops are crucial. Ma Su's mistake might have affected the morale of the troops. By enforcing military law on him, Zhuge Liang demonstrated to the entire army that everyone is equal before the law, thus stabilizing the morale and maintaining the combat effectiveness of the troops.

4. Political considerations: As the prime minister of Shu Han, Zhuge Liang needed to strike a balance between politics and military affairs. Ma Su's mistake not only affected the military situation but also might have triggered political turmoil. Executing Ma Su demonstrated Zhuge Liang's determination and fairness politically, consolidating his leadership position.

In summary, Ma Su had to be executed because his mistake led to defeat, seriously violating military law, and he needed to bear responsibility. At the same time, it was also to uphold the severity of military law, stabilize the morale of the troops, and for political considerations. By exploring the reasons for Ma Su's execution, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of military law in ancient wars and the relationship between responsibility and consequences.

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