Zhuge Ke Governs Wu for a Child Emperor

Sun Quan left Eastern Wu to a young emperor.

That meant someone else had to govern.

The most powerful figure at first was Zhuge Ke.

He was the son of Zhuge Jin and the nephew of Zhuge Liang. In Wu, people called him Little Zhuge because of his family name, talent, and reputation for cleverness.

Now cleverness would be tested by power.

A Brilliant Regent

Zhuge Ke began well.

He reduced some taxes, relaxed burdens, and tried to win support from the people. Many in Wu welcomed him.

He also had real prestige.

Sun Quan had trusted him before death, and Zhuge Ke had a reputation for sharp judgment. In a court shaken by succession disputes, he seemed like the man who could restore confidence.

But Zhuge Ke was also proud.

He liked bold action and did not easily accept criticism.

That mattered because Wu's situation was dangerous.

Wei was under Sima control. Shu remained an ally, but no longer had Zhuge Liang. Wu needed caution as much as ambition.

Victory at Dongxing

Wei tested Wu soon after Sun Quan's death.

Sima Shi, who had inherited power from Sima Yi, sent armies south against Wu positions.

Zhuge Ke responded.

At Dongxing, Wu forces struck hard and defeated the Wei army. The victory was real and impressive.

For Zhuge Ke, it confirmed his confidence.

For Wu's people, it looked like proof that the new regency could defend the state.

Praise poured in.

But victory can be dangerous when it convinces a ruler that every next move will also succeed.

Zhuge Ke began to think bigger.

The Hefei Campaign

Zhuge Ke wanted to attack Wei.

His target was Hefei, the fortress city that had haunted Wu for decades. Sun Quan himself had failed there more than once.

Many officials warned against the campaign.

Wu had just won a defensive battle. Marching north into Wei territory was a different matter. The army would face strong defenses, disease, and supply pressure.

Zhuge Ke did not listen.

He raised a large army and attacked Xincheng near Hefei.

The campaign dragged on.

Wei defenders held out. Wu soldiers fell sick. Supplies became difficult. Morale declined.

Zhuge Ke refused to withdraw in time.

By the end, the campaign had become a costly failure.

The same man who had been celebrated after Dongxing now returned with exhausted troops and angry officials.

Arrogance Turns Dangerous

After the failed campaign, Zhuge Ke became harsher.

He suspected criticism and punished those who opposed him. He still held the regency, but the court no longer trusted him as before.

Sun Jun, a member of the Sun clan, saw the opportunity.

He plotted against Zhuge Ke.

At a court banquet, Zhuge Ke was ambushed and killed.

His family was destroyed.

The fall was sudden, but the causes had been building: overconfidence after victory, refusal to heed warnings, and fear inside the court.

Wu Enters a Bloodier Age

Zhuge Ke's death did not heal Wu.

It opened the way for more palace violence.

Sun Jun took power, and after him Sun Chen would rise. The young emperor remained surrounded by men who controlled troops, seals, and access to the palace.

Eastern Wu still had soldiers, territory, and capable commanders.

But its court was becoming a place where regents killed regents and suspicion replaced order.

Next, Wu's palace struggle turns even bloodier.