I made this topic based on a show which I saw. The 1st epidsoe was talking about Cao Cao and th 2nd epidsoe was talking about Zhuge Liang. They were both the two most powerful figures in the TK era. Both were noted for their great achievements as Prime Minister. But the major difference was that Cao Cao was noted as a tyrant while on the other hand, Zhuge Liang was truly a loyal servant. To me, it is true for that Cao Cao was just giving out orders without Emperor Xian's consent and Zhuge Liang was given full power of both the court and the military because of his past achievements with Liu Bei. Zhuge Liang has made this oath to Liu Bei on Liu Bei's deathbed: 鞠躬盡瘁,死而後已. He did what he had swore because Zhuge Liang personally administered every single court affairs. Zhuge Liang had fulfilled his "鞠躬盡瘁,死而後已" oath to Liu Bei when he died. So that's makes him a true loyal servant.
鞠躬盡瘁,死而後已 mean I shall serve till the day of my death. I'm a bad translator. I'd be grateful if some one would properly translate it for me.