Bu Zhi vs Fa Zheng

Bu Zhi led a military campaign to pacify the southern tribes in modern-day Guangdong and Guangxi. He suppressed rebellions and established Wu control over the region, incorporating local leaders into the Wu administration.

Bu Zhi was known for recommending capable officials to Sun Quan, including Lu Xun and others. His recommendations helped strengthen Wu's civil and military leadership.

Bu Zhi was appointed Chancellor (Chengxiang) of Eastern Wu after Gu Yong's death. He served for four years, continuing the administrative policies of his predecessor and maintaining stability.

Fa Zheng, originally a subordinate of Liu Zhang, defected to Liu Bei and provided him with detailed intelligence about Yi Province's geography and defenses. This information was crucial for Liu Bei's campaign.

Fa Zheng devised the strategy for the Hanzhong Campaign, including a feigned retreat to draw out Xiahou Yuan's forces. The plan succeeded, leading to the death of Xiahou Yuan and the capture of Hanzhong from Cao Cao.

After the victory at Hanzhong, Fa Zheng urged Liu Bei to take the title of King of Hanzhong, solidifying his authority and challenging Cao Cao's dominance. Liu Bei followed this advice.

Fa Zheng died of illness soon after Liu Bei became King of Hanzhong. Liu Bei mourned him greatly, and later, after the defeat at Yiling, Liu Bei lamented that Fa Zheng's absence contributed to the loss.