“Ma Su” is a character in the Chinese classic novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”. The novel is a historical fiction that takes place in ancient China during the late Eastern Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period. “Ma Su” was a military strategist and advisor serving the kingdom of Shu.
Ma Su was known for his intelligence and knowledge of military tactics. He was often sought after for his advice by the Shu emperor, Liu Bei. However, despite his reputation, Ma Su was criticized for his indecision and lack of action on the battlefield. This eventually led to his defeat during the Battle of Jieting, where he was captured by the enemy and executed.
Despite his flaws, Ma Su remains a popular and memorable character in the novel due to his intelligence and reputation as a wise advisor. He is often depicted as a scholar, with a broad forehead, long beard, and deep-set eyes.
In Chinese culture, Ma Su is remembered as a symbol of caution and wisdom. His name is often used to describe someone who is intelligent and knowledgeable, but lacks the courage and determination to act on their knowledge. However, this view of Ma Su is somewhat controversial, as some argue that he was simply in a difficult situation and made the best decisions he could based on the information available to him.
Overall, Ma Su is an important character in the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, and his story continues to be retold and remembered in Chinese literature and culture. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale or a tribute to intelligence and wisdom, Ma Su’s story remains an enduring part of Chinese cultural heritage.
