The Legendary Prime Minister – Zhuge Liang
| Company type | Television drama |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | December 9, 1985 |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
| Parent | ATV |
Zhuge Liang: The Legendary Prime Minister is a television drama from Hong Kong that portrays the life of Zhuge Liang (Cantonese: Chu-kot Leung), who served as the chancellor of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms era. Featuring Adam Cheng in the role of Zhuge Liang, this series merges historical narratives from the 14th-century classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms with wuxia influences and introduces a fictional love story involving Zhuge Liang and Xiaoqiao (Cantonese: Siu-kiu). The production was undertaken by ATV and first aired in Hong Kong on 9 December 1985.
Plot
General Liu has two sons: Liu Qi, who is compassionate and tactically adept, and Liu Zhong, known for his merciless nature. After Liu Qi rescues a maid named Zhi Lan, she later gives birth to Liu Zhong's child before disappearing. Worried, Liu Qi seeks Zhuge Liang’s assistance in locating her; they eventually reunite, and Liu Qi marries Zhi Lan. Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang encounters the clever and beautiful Xiao Qiao but discovers she is betrothed to General Zhou Yu. When Zhou Yu demands an early marriage, Xiao Qiao attempts to flee by leaping off a cliff; both men witness this event, but Zhou Yu ultimately takes her back for medical care.
Xiao Qiao recuperates under the supervision of Huang Ying’s father. Zhou Yu marries her but remains emotionally distant despite his affection. Huang Ying develops feelings for Zhuge Liang, who weds her but stays devoted to strengthening his lord’s state through strategic leadership and military campaigns. He works effectively alongside Kwan Yu and Zhang Fei and demonstrates exceptional command skills.
Liu Qi opts out of supporting Zhuge Liang’s initiatives, preferring a tranquil rural life, whereas Liu Zhong aligns with Cao Cao’s forces, bolstering the Wei kingdom. Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang frequently engage in verbal disputes as Cao Cao schemes to dominate rival states.
Over time, Xiao Qiao maintains a youthful appearance due to a special medicine provided by Ying’s father, which causes Ying to feel inadequate. Before passing away, Ying urges Zhuge Liang not to abandon Xiao Qiao. After Sun Che's death, Zhou Yu backs Sun Quan but fails in his campaigns against Liu Bei’s domain and dies feeling unloved by Xiao Qiao.
Cao Cao experiences regret following family conflicts triggered by Cao Pi that result in Cao Zhi’s death, leading him to reconsider continued warfare. Eventually, Zhuge Liang and Xiao Qiao come together but confront his imminent death after he reveals many secrets. They spend their remaining time in peaceful companionship.
Cast
- Note: Some character names are presented using Cantonese romanisation.
- Adam Cheng as Chu-kot Leung
- Michelle Yim as Siu-kiu
- Yip Yuk-ping as Wong Ying
- Hung Tak-sing as Lau Bei
- Cheng Lui as Kwan Yu
- Choi Kwok-hing as Cheung Fei
- Tong Chun-chung as Chiu Wan
- Wong Wai as Cho Cho
- Tong Pan-cheung as Cho Pei
- Kam Tung as Sze-ma Yi
- Wai Lit as Suen Tsak
- Ng Si-tak as Suen Kuen
- Law Lok-lam as Chow Yu
- Chan Choi-yin as Dai-kiu
- Szema Wah Lung as Lau Biu
- Kenny Ho as Lau Kei
- Yeung Chung-yan as Lau Tsung
- Ling Man-hoi as Chu-kot Yuen
- Kwan Tze-biu as Chu-kot Gan
- Pau Hon-lam as Wong Sing-yin
- Cho Tat-wah as Pong Tak-gung
- Lee Hang as Lou Suk
- Kam San as Lui Mung
- Cheng Wai-lun as Luk Sun
- Tong Kam-tong as Ngai Yin
- Cheng Shu-fung as Cheung Liu
- Chan Leung as Sing Yuk
- Leung Ming as Cheung Bo
- Law Shek-ching as Mang Wok
- Ben Ng as Lee Din
- Au Hoi-ling as Lee Tze-lan
- Tsang Wai-kuen as Pong Tung
- Cheung Tin-wai as Liu Fa
- Ling Fei-lik as Chow Chong
- Yeung Tak-si / Lee Ka-ho as Keung Wai
- Ngo Lung as Wah To
- Eric Wan as Fan Or
- Ng Wing-sam as Choi Mo
- Tam Siu-mei as Lady Choi
- Berg Ng as Shek Kwong-yuen
- Hui Ying-sau as Elder Kiu
- Chan Mei-yee as Lady Kam
- Lau Suk-fong as Lady Mei
- Kwan Ka-lai as Kwan Yu's wife
- Yau Pui-ling as Cheung Fei's wife
- Tam Tak-sing as Hon Hin Dai
- Tang Pik-yuk as Consort Tung