Meng Huo

Meng Huo was a prominent local leader and warlord of the Nanman tribes in the southern region of Nanzhong during the Three Kingdoms period of China. Following the death of Liu Bei, Meng Huo participated in a major rebellion against the state of Shu Han.To stabilize the southern border before his northern campaigns, the chancellor Zhuge Liang led a military expedition into Nanzhong. According to the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Zhuge Liang famously captured and released Meng Huo seven times (七擒七纵). Through this strategy of psychological warfare and clemency, Zhuge Liang won Meng Huo's genuine respect and heart. After his final release, Meng Huo surrendered, pledged loyalty to Shu Han, and governed the southern region peacefully, ensuring it never rebelled again.