Is “Seeking the 'remove the ladder' stratagem and being sent to guard Jiangxia” true?
attested in history
In the Records of the Three Kingdoms, Book of Shu, Biography of Zhuge Liang, Liu Qi seeks a way to ensure his safety, and Zhuge Liang cites the story of Chong'er of Jin to advise him to avoid harm by going to Jiangxia. Later, Liu Bei recommends him as the Inspector of Jingzhou. The novel's plot fully conforms to the official history.
Liu Qi
Both official history and the novel depict Zhuge Liang being asked for the 'remove the ladder' stratagem and then being sent to guard Jiangxia; the novel aligns with historical records.