The Late Han and Three Kingdoms: A History of China

The Late Han and Three Kingdoms: A History of China, PART TWO, plunges you into a world where ambition, loyalty, and destiny collided to forge the fate of an empire. This book vividly brings to life the figures who defined an era — Cao Cao, the master strategist who rose from chaos to seize power; Liu Bei, the wandering idealist determined to restore the Han dynasty; Sun Quan, the ruler who transformed the southern lands into a kingdom of strength; and Zhuge Liang, the brilliant mind whose wisdom became the stuff of legend. From Cao Cao's relentless rise and the pivotal Battle of Guandu to Cao Pi's ascension to power, you witness how one man's vision united the North and reshaped the empire's future. Heroes like Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stand steadfast beside Liu Bei through triumph and heartbreak, while fierce generals such as Zhou Yu and Lu Xun challenge him with fire and cunning. Their rivalries and alliances laid the foundation for the Three Kingdoms — Wei, Shu, and Wu — each claiming to be the true heir to the Han legacy. The narrative also follows the turning points that altered everything: The Battle of Red Cliffs, where fire and strategy humbled a mighty force; Liu Bei's bold seizure of Yi Province, securing Shu's heartland; Ma Chao's dramatic defection, adding a new hero to the cause; and the Fall of Jingzhou, a fateful moment that shattered brotherhood and trust. Every page breathes life into these moments with vivid emotion and clarity, capturing both the soaring triumphs and the deep tragedies behind the legends. In the South, Sun Quan rises through the Battles of Hefei, showing that strength and patience could stand firm even against the empire's mightiest armies. Meanwhile, Cao Pi establishes his new dynasty, with the grand Bronze Sparrow Terrace standing tall as a symbol of ambition and vanity. Across the river, Liu Bei claims the title of King of Hanzhong, setting the stage for one final, fateful campaign. At last, the story blazes with the Flames of Yiling — where Lu Xun's poised brilliance meets Liu Bei's desperate pride. This moment not only marks the fall of a hero but captures the very spirit of an age.