He called in the offender and sentenced him to death. But Fei Yi interceded, saying, “O Minister, the First Ruler had loved and trusted Li Yan with his son. Please forgive him this time.”

And so Li Yan's life was spared. However, when Fei Yi made his report, the Latter Ruler was wroth and ordered Li Yan to suffer death. But this time Jiang Wan intervened, saying, “Your late father named Li Yan as one of the guardians of your youth.”

And the Latter Ruler relented. However, Li Yan was stripped of all ranks and relegated to Zitong.

Zhuge Liang went to Chengdu and appointed Li Feng, Li Yan's son, as High Counselor.

Preparations then began for another expedition. Plans were discussed, provisions were accumulated, weapons put in order, and officers and soldiers kept fit and trained. By his kindness to the people, Zhuge Liang waited for three years before beginning marching, and in the Two Lands of Rivers people's hearts filled with joys.

And the time passed quickly. In the second month of the twelfth year (AD 234) Zhuge Liang presented a memorial saying, “I have been training the army for three years; supplies are ample, and all is in order for an expedition. We may now attack Wei. If I cannot destroy these rebels, sweep away the evil hordes and bring about a glorious entry into the capital, then may I never again enter your Majesty's presence.”

The Latter Ruler replied, “Our state is now firmly established, and Wei troubles us not at all; why not enjoy the present tranquillity, O Father-Minister?”

“Because of the mission left me by your father. I am ever scheming to destroy Wei, even in my dreams. I must strive my best and do my utmost to restore you to the ancient capital of your ancestry and replace the Hans in their old palace.”

As Zhuge Liang said this, a voice cried, “An army may not go forth, O Minister!”

Qiao Zhou had raised a last protest.

Zhuge Liang's sole thought was service,

Himself he would not spare;

But Qiao Zhou had watched the starry sky,

And read misfortune there.

The next chapter will give the arguments against fighting.

CHAPTER 102. Sima Yi Occupies The Banks Of River Taurus; Zhuge Liang Constructs Mechanical Bullocks And Horses.

Qiao Zhou, who protested against the war, was Grand Historian. He was also an astrologer. He opposed the war, saying, “My present office involves the direction of the observations on the Astrological Terrace, and I am bound to report whether the aspect forebodes misfortune or promises happiness. Not long since, several flights of thousands of birds came from the south, plunged into River Han and were drowned. This is an evil augury. Moreover, I have studied the aspect of the sky, and the 'Wolf' constellation is influencing the aspect of the planet Venus. An aura of prosperity pervades the north. To attack Wei will not be to our profit. Again, the people in Chengdu say that the cypress trees moan in the night. With so many evil omens, I wish that the Prime Minister should not go forth to war, but remain at home to guard what we have.”

“How can I?” said Zhuge Liang. “His late Majesty laid upon me a heavy responsibility, and I must exert myself to the utmost in the endeavor to destroy these rebels. The policy of a state cannot be changed because of vain and irresponsible talk of inauspicious signs.”

Zhuge Liang was not to be deterred. He instructed the officials to prepare the Great Bovine Sacrifice in the Dynastic Temple. Then, weeping, he prostrated himself and made this declaration:

“Thy servant Zhuge Liang has made five expeditions to Qishan without gaining any extension of territory. His fault

weighs heavily upon him. Now once again he is about to march, pledged to use every effort of body and mind to exterminate the rebels against the Han House, and to restore to the dynasty its ancient glory in its old capital. To achieve this end, he would use the last remnant of his strength and could die content.”

The sacrifice ended, he took leave of the Latter Ruler and set out for Hanzhong to make the final arrangements for his march. While so engaged, he received the unexpected news of the death of Guan Xing. He was greatly shocked, and fainted. When he had recovered consciousness, his officers did their utmost to console him.