After the defeat at Jieting, Zhuge Liang executed Ma Su and wrote to the throne. “The fault lies wholly with me, for I made appointments without method,” he wrote. “I ask to be demoted three grades, to answer for my fault.” (请自贬三等，以督厥咎) He was made General of the Right, but still acted as chancellor, with all his former powers.
According to the Han-Jin Annals, he asked all who were loyal to the state to “diligently attack my shortcomings.” He took the blame on himself and made his failings known to the whole realm.