overcame him by seizing the favorable moment and using his men properly. Now he is all powerful, ruling not only an immense army but, through his control of the court, various feudal lords as well. It is impossible for you to oppose him. In the east, Sun Quan has inherited the rulership of his territory from his father and brother. His position may not appear too secure, but he can rely on popular support. You can use him as an ally but not an enemy.
“Jingzhou (ruled by Liu Biao) is the place where you should implement your great plan. In the north the city rests on the two rivers, Han and Mian, through which its influence reaches the south; in the east it borders the land of Wu and in the west it is linked to the territories of the ancient states of Ba and Shu. This city is the very place where decisive battles have to be won. It is not that its present ruler cannot hold the city, but that Heaven has virtually made it yours, in spite of your reluctance to seize it.
“Yizhou (held by Liu Zhang), is also an important place, fertile and extensive, a land favored by Heaven and through which the founder of Han obtained his empire. Its ruler Liu Zhang is ignorant and weak. The people there are affluent and the district prosperous, but he does not know how to hold, and the able men of the district are yearning for an enlightened ruler. Now you are a scion of the Han House, well-known throughout the land as trusty and righteous. You have attracted real heroes to your side and you greatly desire to win the support of the wise. If you get possession of these two cities, if in the west you strike harmony with the Rong tribes while in the south win over Yi and Yue, and if externally you seek an alliance with Sun Quan, and internally maintain good administration, you can await confidently the day when Heaven will offer you the desired opportunity. Then you can delegate a worthy general to lead the army of Jingzhou to conquer the northeast, while you take command of the forces of Yizhou for an expedition to the northwest—surely you will find the warmest welcome prepared for you by the people. This being done, your great task will be accomplished and the House of the Hans will be restored. This is the plan I devise for you but its implementation depends on you, General.”
He paused and told the lad to bring out a map. As this was unrolled Zhuge Liang went on: “There you see the fifty four divisions of West Chuan. Should you wish to establish your own rule you must allow Cao Cao to enjoy the bounty of Heaven in the north and permit Sun Quan to benefit from territorial advantage in the south; whereas you, General, can profit from your popularity with the people. Take Jingzhou first as your home base, then expand westward to West Chuan to set up your own rule. Thus a situation of tripartite confrontation will emerge. When you are firmly established you can lay your plans for the attainment of the whole empire.”
As Zhuge Liang ended his speech, Liu Bei left his place to thank him, saying, “Your words, sir, render everything so clear that it seems to me the clouds are swept aside and I can see the blue sky. But Jingzhou belongs to Liu Biao, my kinsman, and Yizhou to another kinsman; I could hardly take their land from them.”
“I have studied the stars and I know Liu Biao is not long for this world, while the other is not the sort of man to endure. Both places will certainly fall to you.”
Liu Bei bowed his head in gratitude. This speech alone proved that Zhuge Liang, who had so far lived in seclusion in his cottage, already foresaw the break of the empire into three divisions. Indeed, throughout all the ages none has ever equaled his intelligence and understanding of the situation!
Behold, when Liu Bei frets that he is weak,
Then “Sleeping Dragon” is not far to seek;
When he desires to know how things will hap’,
The master, smiling, shows him on the map.
“Though I am of small repute and scanty virtue,” said
“Jingzhou (ruled by Liu Biao) is the place where you should implement your great plan. In the north the city rests on the two rivers, Han and Mian, through which its influence reaches the south; in the east it borders the land of Wu and in the west it is linked to the territories of the ancient states of Ba and Shu. This city is the very place where decisive battles have to be won. It is not that its present ruler cannot hold the city, but that Heaven has virtually made it yours, in spite of your reluctance to seize it.
“Yizhou (held by Liu Zhang), is also an important place, fertile and extensive, a land favored by Heaven and through which the founder of Han obtained his empire. Its ruler Liu Zhang is ignorant and weak. The people there are affluent and the district prosperous, but he does not know how to hold, and the able men of the district are yearning for an enlightened ruler. Now you are a scion of the Han House, well-known throughout the land as trusty and righteous. You have attracted real heroes to your side and you greatly desire to win the support of the wise. If you get possession of these two cities, if in the west you strike harmony with the Rong tribes while in the south win over Yi and Yue, and if externally you seek an alliance with Sun Quan, and internally maintain good administration, you can await confidently the day when Heaven will offer you the desired opportunity. Then you can delegate a worthy general to lead the army of Jingzhou to conquer the northeast, while you take command of the forces of Yizhou for an expedition to the northwest—surely you will find the warmest welcome prepared for you by the people. This being done, your great task will be accomplished and the House of the Hans will be restored. This is the plan I devise for you but its implementation depends on you, General.”
He paused and told the lad to bring out a map. As this was unrolled Zhuge Liang went on: “There you see the fifty four divisions of West Chuan. Should you wish to establish your own rule you must allow Cao Cao to enjoy the bounty of Heaven in the north and permit Sun Quan to benefit from territorial advantage in the south; whereas you, General, can profit from your popularity with the people. Take Jingzhou first as your home base, then expand westward to West Chuan to set up your own rule. Thus a situation of tripartite confrontation will emerge. When you are firmly established you can lay your plans for the attainment of the whole empire.”
As Zhuge Liang ended his speech, Liu Bei left his place to thank him, saying, “Your words, sir, render everything so clear that it seems to me the clouds are swept aside and I can see the blue sky. But Jingzhou belongs to Liu Biao, my kinsman, and Yizhou to another kinsman; I could hardly take their land from them.”
“I have studied the stars and I know Liu Biao is not long for this world, while the other is not the sort of man to endure. Both places will certainly fall to you.”
Liu Bei bowed his head in gratitude. This speech alone proved that Zhuge Liang, who had so far lived in seclusion in his cottage, already foresaw the break of the empire into three divisions. Indeed, throughout all the ages none has ever equaled his intelligence and understanding of the situation!
Behold, when Liu Bei frets that he is weak,
Then “Sleeping Dragon” is not far to seek;
When he desires to know how things will hap’,
The master, smiling, shows him on the map.
“Though I am of small repute and scanty virtue,” said
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