The Seven Captures of Meng Huo (七擒孟获 Qī Qín Mèng Huò) is the Romance of the Three Kingdoms account of Zhuge Liang’s southern campaign. After rebellions in Nanzhong (the southern border of Yi Province), Zhuge Liang leads an army south. He confronts Meng Huo, king of the Nanman tribes. Each time Meng Huo is captured, Zhuge Liang releases him and invites him to fight again. Only after the seventh capture does Meng Huo acknowledge defeat and submit sincerely, and the south is pacified without further revolt.
In the Romance
The campaign is a series of stratagems: ambushes, fire attacks, and ruses that repeatedly defeat Meng Huo and his allies (including the Lady Zhurong and the King of the Mang tribe). Meng Huo is captured in battle, brought before Zhuge Liang, and each time set free. The message is that force alone does not secure loyalty; only when Meng Huo is convinced of Zhuge Liang’s superiority and goodwill does he swear allegiance. The phrase “seven captures and seven releases” (七擒七纵) became proverbial for winning someone over by repeated mercy.
History and sources
The Records of the Three Kingdoms record that Zhuge Liang campaigned in the south in 225 to suppress rebellions (including those of Yong Kai and others) and to stabilise the region. He used a mix of military action and accommodation of local chiefs. Meng Huo appears in the Records in some versions as a local leader who was captured and then released to help govern. The “seven captures” is a Romance elaboration; the historical campaign was real and important for securing Shu’s rear before the Northern Expeditions.