Ma Su

Ma Su is a character in the 14th-century Chinese classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by the late Luo Guanzhong, and its multiple adaptations. He is an officer of Shu who served Liu Bei.

History
Ma Su, like his four brothers, was from Yicheng. The Ma brothers were known for their intelligence, especially Ma Su's elder brother Ma Liang. The two served Liu Bei, when was still a guest Liu Biao.

Zhuge Liang was impressed by Ma Su's knowledge and strategies. But Liu Bei warned him until his death, that Ma Su was not as intelligent as he seemed. Nonetheless, Zhuge Liang continued to hold large chunks of Ma Su and deeply involved him in his plans. When Zhuge Liang prepared his Northern Expeditions against the Wei, many considered generals Wei Yan and Wu Yi the most appropriate commanders, but Zhuge Liang entrusted Ma Su instead.

Ma Su met Wei General Zhang He at the Battle of Jieting, but was surrounded by him and defeated. Ma Su was deemed by Zhuge Liang to hold major responsibility for the failure of the first Northern Expedition. Ma Su's wife and children were said to have been well taken care of by Zhuge Liang after Ma's death.

Trivia

 * His height in Kessen II is 170 cm (5'7").