Anyone who follows Romance of the Three Kingdoms knows that Zhuge Liang and Sun Quan were rival strategists, both possessing extraordinary talents and holding significant power in their respective realms. Without Zhuge Liang, Sun Quan’s Northern Expedition would likely have failed long ago. Ultimately, Zhuge Liang was outmaneuvered by Sun Quan, leading to his demise in the region of Nanjun, in what is now the southeastern part of China.
However, history is often complicated. While these two rival strategists stood on opposing sides, they maintained a unique relationship that could be described as familial. Is it true that they were related?
We know that Zhuge Liang was born into the Zhuge family, which hailed from Langya – a prominent place during the Eastern Han dynasty, located in present-day Shandong Province. The Zhuge family was quite renowned in their region.
The most prominent figures in the Zhuge family were the three brothers: Zhuge Liang, Zhuge Jin, and Zhuge Dan. The eldest, Zhuge Jin, served as an official in Dong Nong, later being promoted to the position of Grand Commander. Zhuge Liang was appointed as the Governor of Shu, while the youngest, Zhuge Dan, served as an official in the state of Wu, eventually becoming the Grand Commander.
Since Zhuge Dan served in Wu, he naturally had a close relationship with Sun Quan. However, after Zhuge Dan’s death, the Zhuge family was divided, and the Sun family was responsible for his demise. Nevertheless, the relationship between Zhuge Dan and Sun Quan had been cordial from the start, primarily due to the fact that both families were connected by marriage.
Zhuge Dan’s eldest daughter married Sun Quan’s son, Sun He.
Why is it important that Sun Quan’s eldest daughter is married to Zhuge Liang’s eldest son? The reason is quite simple. Because Zhuge Liang’s eldest son was bestowed with the title of Langya Duke. The Western Han family had historically been close to the ruling family of Wu, and the title of Duke was a significant honor for those who had served the imperial family well. Zhuge Liang’s eldest son held the title of Duke, having once served as the Governor of Langya.
The Zhuge family is a prominent family in Langya. Intermarriages with other influential families were common to strengthen their political power. Therefore, the marriage between Zhuge Liang’s daughter and Sun Quan’s son was quite fitting. This was indeed a significant marital union, connecting the Zhuge and Sun families.
Zhuge Liang may have been unaware of the intricate ties that bound his family to Sun Quan’s. However, what Zhuge Liang certainly understood was the need for unity between the Zhuge and Sun bloodlines to create a strong political alliance that would lead to the most prosperous period in Chinese history.
After the marriage of Sun Quan’s daughter and Zhuge Liang’s son, they had two sons, with Sun Quan’s eldest son, Sun Jian, inheriting the title of Duke from Zhuge Liang’s son. The son of Sun Jian – Sun Wu, was a key figure in establishing the Eastern Jin dynasty.
It is indeed remarkable how the offspring of these two prominent families came together to create a formidable dynasty that shaped the course of Chinese history. The familial bond between Zhuge Liang and Sun Quan exemplifies the powerful alliances forged through strategic marriages, ultimately leading to a golden age during the Three Kingdoms period.
The Zhuge family established the Eastern Jin dynasty, marking the end of the Eastern Han period and leading to the flourishing of culture, economy, and society in the Jiangnan region. The governance of the Eastern Jin dynasty was much more developed than its predecessors.
Due to the Eastern Jin dynasty’s control over the southern regions, many cultural exchanges occurred between Jiangnan and Central China, further promoting the development of arts and society. The industrial progress of the Eastern Jin dynasty surpassed that of the Western Han.
