I just got off the plane today and I'm not feeling well, so I'm taking a day off.
The late Emperor, having not yet completed his great undertaking, passed away prematurely; now the empire is divided into three, and Yizhou is exhausted—truly a time of critical peril! Yet the ministers who serve within the palace are diligent, and the loyal and devoted officials outside the palace forget themselves, all because they cherish the late Emperor's extraordinary favor and wish to repay it to Your Majesty. It is truly fitting that Your Majesty broaden your understanding and listen to wise counsel, so as to glorify the late Emperor's virtuous legacy and encourage the spirit of loyal officials; it is not fitting that Your Majesty should belittle yourself or use inappropriate analogies, thus blocking the path of loyal remonstrance. The palace and the government are one body; promotions and demotions, rewards and punishments, should not be treated differently. If there are those who commit crimes or break the law, or those who are loyal and virtuous, they should be handed over to the appropriate officials to determine their punishments and rewards, so as to demonstrate Your Majesty's just and enlightened rule; it is not fitting that Your Majesty should show favoritism and apply different laws to those inside and outside the palace. The Attendants-in-Ordinary, Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun, and others, are all virtuous and honest, with loyal and pure intentions; it was therefore that the late Emperor selected them to serve Your Majesty. In my humble opinion, all matters within the palace, regardless of their importance, should be consulted with him before implementation. This will surely remedy any shortcomings and bring about greater benefits. General Xiang Chong is of virtuous and even character, well-versed in military affairs. He was tested in the past, and the late Emperor praised him as "capable." Therefore, the unanimous consensus elected Chong as commander. I believe that all matters within the camp should be consulted with him. This will surely ensure harmony within the ranks and that everyone is placed according to their abilities. Being close to virtuous ministers and keeping away from petty men is why the Former Han Dynasty prospered; being close to petty men and keeping away from virtuous ministers is why the Later Han Dynasty declined. When the late Emperor was alive, he often discussed this matter with me, and he never failed to sigh and lament over the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling! The Attendant-in-Ordinary, the Secretary, the Chief Clerk, and the Military Advisor are all loyal and virtuous ministers who would die for their principles. I hope Your Majesty will be close to them and trust them, then the prosperity of the Han Dynasty can be expected in the near future. I was originally a commoner, farming in Nanyang, merely seeking to preserve my life in this chaotic world, not seeking fame or fortune among the lords. The late Emperor, disregarding my humble origins, condescended to visit me thrice in my thatched hut, consulting me on the affairs of the time. Deeply moved, I pledged myself to his service. Later, when the dynasty was on the verge of collapse, I received my commission amidst the defeated army, entrusted with a mission in a time of peril. Twenty-one years have passed since then. The late Emperor, knowing my prudence, entrusted me with this important task on his deathbed. Since receiving this commission, I have been constantly worried, fearing I would fail in my duty and thus tarnish the late Emperor's wisdom. Therefore, in the fifth month, I crossed the Lu River, venturing deep into the barren lands. Now that the south is pacified and our armies are well-equipped, I should lead the three armies northward to pacify the Central Plains, exerting my utmost to eliminate the treacherous and restore the Han Dynasty to its former capital. This is how I repay the late Emperor and fulfill my duty to Your Majesty. As for weighing the pros and cons and offering loyal advice, that is the responsibility of Youzhi, Yi, and Yun. I beseech Your Majesty to entrust me with the task of suppressing the rebels and restoring the dynasty; if I fail, then punish me to appease the spirit of the late Emperor. If no words of encouragement are offered, then the negligence of Youzhi, Yi, and Yun should be blamed to highlight their faults. Your Majesty should also consider your own actions, seeking wise counsel, heeding good advice, and deeply reflecting on the late Emperor's edict. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your kindness. Now, as I depart, tears stream down my face as I write this, and I am at a loss for words!
In 223 AD (the first year of Jianxing), Liu Bei died of illness and entrusted Liu Shan to Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang implemented a series of political and economic measures, which brought prosperity to the Shu Han territory. In order to achieve national unification, Zhuge Liang decided to launch a northern expedition against Wei in 227 AD (the fifth year of Jianxing), intending to capture Chang'an, the capital of Wei. Before departing, he wrote a memorial to the emperor, which is this "Memorial on the Expedition".
The late Emperor passed away before completing even half of his great undertaking. Now the world is divided into three kingdoms, and our Shu Han is weak and in dire straits. This is truly a moment of national crisis. Yet, the officials and guards within the palace are diligent and tireless, and the loyal and dedicated soldiers on the battlefield fight bravely and selflessly. This is because they remember the late Emperor's special favor and wish to repay Your Majesty. Your Majesty should listen widely to the opinions of others, to carry forward the virtues left by the late Emperor, and to inspire the ambitions of those with lofty aspirations. You should not underestimate yourself or use inappropriate metaphors to block the path of honest advice.
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