specification:88*16cm*2
Couplet of Psychological Attack
The couplet is hung on both sides of the horizontal board inscribed with the words 'On the Scroll of Fame' in the Zhuge Liang Hall, and was written by Zhao Fan, an official in Sichuan of the Qing Dynasty in charge of salt and tea. It means that if a military strategist knows how to make a psychological attack, a revolt can be suppressed accordingly. In all ages, people well versed in the art of war are never militant. During his expedition to the south and by using the tactic of psychological attack, Zhuge Liang captured the rebel Meng Huo for seven times, who finally came over and pledged allegiance to the Kingdom of Shu. If one could adopt the tactic of psychological attack and have the opposite side convinced sincerely, those suspicious, disloyal and negative elements would disappear naturally. Since the ancient times, no strategists having a true understanding of the troops commanding art like to appeal to arms for problems. A leader can make mistake if he does not make a correct assessment of the situation, and he would be either too strict or too lenient in implementing policies. Future governors of Sichuan should have to take action after much deliberation.
With a few mild comments, the couplet has not only affirmed the talent of Zhuge Liang who was good at commanding troops and managing state affairs, but also summarized the experience of Zhuge Liang in governing the Kingdom of Shu. Being concise, comprehensive and perfect, the couplet is not only the best among the couplets in the Wuhou Temple, but also one of the famous couplets in China. It is said that the late Chairman Mao Zedong highly praised this couplet. When visiting the Wuhou Temple in 1958, he stood in front of the couplet for a long time, and pondered the meanings of the couplet repeatedly. The late premier Deng Xiaoping also spoke highly of this couplet written by Zhao Fan in philosophic words. The Psychological Attack and Situational Examination proposed by Zhuge Liang have enlightened the later generations and also left much for them to ponder over.