However, Zhuge Liang's later operation is puzzling. Shu is obviously the weak side, but it frequently waged wars against Wei, consuming a lot of manpower and material resources.
If Zhuge Liang had rested instead of the Northern Expedition, what would be the ultimate fate of Shu?
In the heyday of Liu Bei, Shu was quite powerful. First of all, Yizhou is the largest state in the world, with the largest area, dangerous terrain, easy to defend and difficult to attack, which is very suitable as a base camp. In the eastern part of Yizhou, Liu Bei occupied parts of Jingzhou, just like a hand that went deep into Cao Wei and Soochow, and could be attacked from both sides at any time, which was the supply line for the northern expedition or the eastern expedition of the Shu army.
In addition to these two States, Liu Bei also captured Hanzhong, which is more important to Yizhou. It's a nail embedded in Wei, which can go straight to Chang 'an. However, Guan Yu's defeat in Maicheng and his carelessness in Jingzhou meant that Yizhou lost its northeast barrier and was directly exposed to Wei and Dongwu.
After the defeat of Yiling, Shu fell into the darkest period.
Zhuge Liang made great efforts to govern, and after a period of rest, he began to wage war against Wei. Although the banner of Zhuge Liang's Northern Expedition is the restoration of the Han Dynasty, fools also know that it is impossible to defeat Wei with the strength of Shu. Zhuge Liang frequently attacked because he wanted to attack and defend.
Because according to the situation at that time, Wei occupied most of the northern and central plains, with strong strength. As time goes on, the gap between the two sides will get bigger and bigger, and it will be annexed by Wei sooner or later.
It's better to take the initiative than to wait and die. If it succeeds, it will expand the territory, and even if it fails, it will achieve the purpose of consuming Wei. Zhuge Liang's several northern expeditions caused Wei to lose troops and suffered heavy losses. On the other hand, if Shu stays put and Wei is fully prepared, it will be very dangerous and will face national subjugation if you are not careful.