Liu Bei

Liu Bei and Sun Quan's combined forces defeated Cao Cao's navy at the Battle of Red Cliffs on the Yangtze River. The victory prevented Cao Cao from conquering the south and allowed Liu Bei to establish a base in Jing Province.

Liu Bei, advised by Zhuge Liang, formed a strategic alliance with Sun Quan of Wu against the northern warlord Cao Cao. This alliance was crucial for the upcoming Battle of Red Cliffs and established the basis for the Three Kingdoms division.

Liu Bei, with the help of Zhuge Liang and other advisors, conquered Yi Province (modern Sichuan) from its ruler Liu Zhang. This provided a wealthy and defensible base for his kingdom, fulfilling a key part of the Longzhong Plan.

After Cao Pi usurped the Han throne, Liu Bei declared himself emperor of Shu Han in Chengdu, claiming to continue the Han dynasty. This formalized the Three Kingdoms period, with Shu, Wei, and Wu as rival states.

Liu Bei launched a campaign against Sun Quan to avenge the death of his sworn brother Guan Yu. His forces were defeated by Wu general Lu Xun at the Battle of Yiling, resulting in heavy losses and Liu Bei's retreat to Baidi Cheng.