Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions

Shu Han chancellor Zhuge Liang launched five military campaigns against the rival state of Cao Wei between 228 and 234 CE during China's Three Kingdoms period. Operating from the mountainous Shu territory in modern Sichuan, his forces repeatedly advanced through the Qinling Mountains toward the Wei River valley. Supply line difficulties rather than battlefield defeats caused most withdrawals. The final campaign stalled at the Wuzhang Plains, where Zhuge Liang died of illness after a 100-day standoff against Wei commander Sima Yi.