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“That is why I undertook the expedition to the lands beyond the River Lu. Now the Southern Mang has been quelled, and our army is in good condition. I ought to lead it against the north, where I may meet with a measure of success in the removal of the wicked ones, the restoration of Han and a return to the old capital. This is my duty out of gratitude to the late Emperor and loyalty to Your Majesty. As to a discussion of the pros and cons and giving a true version of the whole matter, that belongs to Guo Youzhi and Fei Yi and Dong Yun. I desire Your Majesty to confide to me the task of slaying the rebels and restoring the Hans. If I fail, then punish me by telling the spirit of the late Emperor. If you know not what restoration implies, that is the fault of your advisers.

“Your Majesty should take pains to be guided into the right path and examine carefully what is laid before you, carefully remembering the late Emperor's testament.

“I cannot express what would be my delight if you had the goodness to accept and act on my advice.

“Now I am about to depart on a distant expedition, I write this with tears and clearly know what I have said.”

The Emperor read it through and said, “My Father-Minister, you have only just returned from a distant and fatiguing expedition against the Southern Mangs; you are not yet refreshed, and I fear this march to the north will be almost too much even for you.”

Zhuge Liang replied, “The heaviest responsibility lies upon me, the well-being of Your Majesty confided to me by the First Ruler. My efforts may not be relaxed night or day. The south is at rest, at home is no anxiety; what better time could be hoped for to destroy the rebels and recover the capital?”

Forth from the ranks of courtiers stood Minister Qiao Zhou and said, “I have studied the aspect of the stars; the northern quarter is brilliant and strong. The scheme will not speed.”

Then turning toward the Prime Minister, he continued, “You, O Minister, understand the mysteries of the skies; why do you oppose the stars?”

“Because the stars are in infinite changes,” replied Zhuge Liang. “One may rely on the stars too much. Moreover, I have already sent the army into Hanzhong, where I shall act as soon as I have studied what is afoot.” Qiao Zhou pleaded in vain; Zhuge Liang was too strongly set upon his purpose to yield. So Guo Youzhi, Dong Yun, and Fei Yi were ordered to attend to matters in the palace; Xiang Chong was to control all military affairs and forces; Jiang Wan was made Military Adviser; Chen Zhen became Chair of the Secretariat; Zhang Yi, Controller of the Prime Minister's palace; Du Qiong, Imperial Censor; Du Wei and Yang Hong, Ministers; Meng Guang and Lai Min, Libationers; Yin Mo and Li Zhuan, Academicians; Xi Zheng and Fei Shi, General Secretaries; Qiao Zhou, Imperial Recorder; and others to the number of over a hundred, all to manage the administration of Shu in the absence of Zhuge Liang.

After having received his Emperor's command to lead an expedition against the North, Zhuge Liang returned to his palace and summoned the officers of the army to listen to the orders. And they came, and to each was appointed a duty in the great army of Zhuge Liang, Commander-in-Chief of the North-conquering Expedition, Prime Minister of Shu, Lord of Wuxiang, Imperial Protector of Yiazhou, Director of Internal and External Affairs.

Wei Yan was made Commander of the Front Army; Li Hui, Commander of the Rear Army; Ma Dai, Commander of the Left Army; Ma Zhong, Commander of the Right Army; Liu Yan, Deng Zhi, and Ma Su, Commanders of the Central Army; Guan Xing, Commander of the Left Guard; Zhang Bao, Commander of the Right Guard; Zhang Ni, Wang Ping, Wu Yi, Wu Ban, Liao Hua, Liu Ba, Gao Xiang, and others, Marching Generals; Yan Yan, Hu Ji, Cuan Xi, Yang Yi, and others, Military Counselors; Fan Jian, Dong Jue, Guan Yong, and others, Secretaries and Recorders; Ding Xian and others, Officers of the Commissariat.

Li Yan was given the task of guarding the passes against Wu.

All being ready, a day was chosen for the start: the fifth year, the third month, on the day of “tiger.”

After the appointments had all been made, there came forward a veteran who had listened in vain for the duty assigned him.

“Old I may be,” said he, “yet have I still the valor of Lian Po and the heroism of Ma Yuan. Why am I thought useless any more than these two who refused to acknowledge old age?”

It was Zhao Yun.

Zhuge Liang said, “I have lost my friend Ma Chao by illness since I returned from the Southern Expedition, and I feel as I had lost an arm. Now, General, you must own that the years are mounting up. Any slight lapse would not only shake the life-long reputation of yourself, but might have a bad effect on the whole army.”