At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the realm was divided into a tripartite balance of power among the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu. Although the Shu Han regime established by Liu Bei was situated in the southwestern region, it had always aspired to launch a northern expedition against the state of Wei, unify the empire, and restore the Han dynasty's legacy. Unfortunately, Liu Bei did not fulfill this ambition during his lifetime. In order to accomplish the late emperor's final wish, Chancellor Zhuge Liang led a large army on a northern campaign.
After the northern expedition began, the Shu general Ma Su volunteered to lead troops to defend the strategically vital Jieting pass. Although Ma Su was highly regarded by Zhuge Liang, he lacked practical combat experience, and Zhuge Liang harbored reservations about him. However, when Ma Su offered to sign a military pledge of responsibility, Zhuge Liang reluctantly agreed. He assigned General Wang Ping to accompany Ma Su, instructing him to immediately report back upon completing the camp's establishment and to consult with Wang Ping on all matters. Ma Su agreed to all these conditions.
Yet upon arriving at Jieting, Ma Su insisted on setting up camp on a mountain, completely disregarding Wang Ping's advice. Furthermore, he failed to abide by the agreement to send the camp layout diagrams back to headquarters. Sima Yi dispatched troops to attack Jieting, surrounding the mountain and cutting off supplies of food and water. As a result, Ma Su's forces collapsed completely, and the crucial stronghold of Jieting fell.
Zhuge Liang analyzed the causes of this defeat and concluded that his greatest mistake had been appointing Ma Su to defend Jieting.
He summoned Ma Su, reprimanded him to his face for his arrogance and stubbornness, and declared that unless Ma Su was executed, military discipline could not be upheld, nor could military authority be established. Ma Su wept and said, "You have treated me as your own son, and I have regarded you as my father. Now that I am doomed to die for my capital offense, I only beg you to take good care of my family. Then I can die without regret." Zhuge Liang also shed tears, replying, "I will certainly take good care of your family. There is no need for further words." With a wave of his hand, his subordinates led Ma Su out of the main gate and executed him publicly.
After executing Ma Su, Zhuge Liang provided a coffin and gave him a proper burial, and also properly cared for Ma Su's wife and children. Then, Zhuge Liang commended Wang Ping for his courageous defense and promoted him to the rank of General Who Subdues Bandits. After clearly establishing rewards and punishments, Zhuge Liang submitted a memorial requesting demotion by three ranks, reducing himself from Chancellor to a third-grade official.
Interpretation: Discipline is the cornerstone of all systems. The long-term survival of any organization or team depends on discipline. A good leader must be self-disciplined and must also strictly enforce the team's rules. As the saying goes, "Before the furnace, everyone is equal—anyone who touches it will get burned."