Liu Shan 蜀后主刘禅

Emperor Liu Shan (207-271), was the son of Liu Bei, founder of the state of Shu Han during the storied Three Kingdoms period (220-280) in ancient China. As the 2nd and last emperor of Shu Han, he was much more well-known by his baby name "A'dou," which is used even today to describe those who are incapable of accomplishing anything even though immense resources are at hand.

Liu ascended the throne when he was 17 years old. Mediocre and incompetent, he failed to develop Shu Han into a strong state though he was under the great care and support of the most brilliant official and military strategist in that era, Zhuge Liang, and other renowned generals. He even entrusted the treacherous eunuch Huang Hao to handle the state affairs, while he himself was indulged in luxurious pleasures in the inner court. Later in 263, he surrendered to his rival state Wei, and ordered his general Deng Ai to cease combat immediately.

He was then relocated to Luoyang, capital of Wei, and dubbed Duke Anle by Simao Zhao, the ruler of Wei. One day, at a feast held by Simao, all of Liu's followers cried sadly when watching the Shu's traditional music and dance performances. Only Liu was indifferent. When asked by Simao whether he missed his former state, Liu responded, "It's too joyful to stay here to think of Shu at all."

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