诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang XIII by plaedes

Chapter 58:

Zhuge Liang attends Zhou Yu's wake, mourning, crying, and composing a poem in remembrance for Zhou Yu. Lu Su sees him as a hyprocrite, telling Lu Su that this is a strategist, to save the country, one must have this type of thick skin, it is obvious he caused Zhou Yu's death yet here he is, crying like he lost his parents and in more pain than any of us.

The generals at the front of the wake pulled out their swords on seeing Zhuge Liang, but on his words, sadness and tears, they dropped their swords, (yes, at the same time) giving Zhou Yu credit for the work that he had done for Jiang Dong, the hero he is, how the world had lost a great pillar of support, etc etc.

[Translation... is tiring work, Chinese is a beautiful language that, encompasses the essence of the meaning, and beyond, in the use of 4 words idioms, Zhuge Liang, is a scholar after all, I am not, am tired, so had briefly summarised]

Pang Tong's First Appearance


drunk, and scolding the person who just gave credit to Zhou Yu in the battle for Chi Bi. He said Zhou Yu, although also a hero, is hard to achieve things with his pettiness. Pang Tong claimed credit for trapping Cao Cao to chain his ships together, so that Zhou Yu succeeded in using the fire attack. I don't know why soldiers need to be told when to take drunk men spouting insults at a wake away, but they needed to be told so.

Known to be Feng Chu, Zhuge Liang Wolong, termed Wolong Fengchu, it is said that with one of these men, a ruler can dominate the world with their unearthly insights.

Zhuge Liang sends a man to check the whereabouts of Pang Tong, so does Lu Su, whom have been searching for him for many months, recognizing his extraordinary brilliance. Zhuge Liang goes to an inn to chat up with him as they are old friends, but an ambitious (and drunk) Pang Tong finds Liu Bei's army too small for his capabilities. Lu Su succeeds in bringing him to meet Sun Quan, but Sun Quan's mother finds him a drunk wreck. Apparently, he was testing Sun Quan's magnanimosity by insulting Zhou Yu. He tells Lu Su, when he spreads his wings, it is akin to the winds of the 9 skies 1000 miles away. When Lu Su asks a leaving Pang Tong to stay, his reply was, have you ever seen a bird on a tree for 2 days? not to mention a phoenix, and storms off.

Later Lu Su finds out that that an hour ago, Sun Quan's sister visited her mother with Sun Qian, and concluded it was Zhuge Liang's doing to piss off the 'Empress Dowager'. Pang Tong decides to leave for Jing Zhou with only 1 wen. He tells the boatman should he agree to take this amount of money, someone will give him 100 wen when they arrive. They leave for Jing Zhou.

The story is continued from Liu Bei's perspective under Liu Bei, Chapter 58.

Chapter 66: Pang Tong's Death at Phoenix's Fall Slope

Continuing the story from Liu Bei, Chapter 66,

Prior to his arrival to meet Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang observed the stars of the big dipper inclined to the west and had sent repeated messengers to Liu Bei to recall the army, but Pang Tong, wanting to claim some credit for himself advises Liu Bei otherwise. Zhuge Liang is summoned to reinforce Liu Bei who had decided to go to war with Liu Zhang. Liu Bei plans to attack Xichuan. He advises Liu Bei that Sichuan can be easily guarded against danger, with 绵竹 (Mianzhu county city in Deyang, Sichuan) as a protective screen. He knows that the provincial officer, Li Yan does not have 10,000 men and is no match against Liu Bei's army. I feel that it will be best for Liu Zhang to surrender of his own accord, in this case we will not become enemies with the Xichuan people.

Shortly, Ma Chao attacks 葭萌关. Zhuge Liang knows if they were to lose 葭萌关, they will be attacked from the front and rear and impossible to advance their army into Chengdu. Liu Bei says, only Yi De can stand up to Ma Chao, Zhuge Liang nods his head.

Zhang Fei arrives with Liu Bei outside the city gates and meets up with Ma Dai, easily beating him off his horse in a moment. He spites Ma Dai to bring forth Ma Chao, telling him he wants to enter the city with Liu Bei to drink, which he did. The next day Ma Chao arrives, but falling on deaf ears not to engage the enemy when they had just arrived and morale was high, Zhang Fei ventures forth to duel with Ma Chao. It turned out to be an exciting battle between 2 renowned warriors to the cheers of both armies, Zhuge Liang commented that their fight will leave a story in history in times to come.

Liu Bei expressed his worry to Zhuge Liang that if this were to continue, he was afraid that there would be a party to perish. (What the fuck was he talking about? One is his sworn brother which he talks about righteousness and integrity all the time). Should his worry not be on Zhang Fei's life instead?

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang XV by plaedes

Chapter 70: AD 219 Liu Bei declares himself the 汉中王

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang XIV by plaedes

Chapter 67: Bringing Ma Chao Over to Liu Bei

Asking Liu Bei if he likes Ma Chao, Zhuge Liang tells Liu Bei that all he has to do is to devise a simple scheme and Ma Chao will come over to Liu Bei, who is naturally elated. From the series's portrayal, Zhuge Liang's strategies had never failed so far.

Jian Yong pays a visit to Zhang Lu's advisor,  Yang Song, well known to be a very greedy person, with lavish gifts and a proposal to make Zhang Lu the 汉宁王。  Yang Song tells Jian Yong, should he fail in his task, he will be laughed at by Liu Bei. Jian Yong tells him, everyone in Han Zhong knows that he is just below Zhang Lu and above everyone else, the ruler listens to his advise as long as it comes from him. Even if it cannot be done, my Lord Liu Bei says that he is willing to make a friend with you, these gifts are a ''meeting gift.''

Yang says, my heart is not at ease, Ma Chao is at the battlefield, and here I am back stabbing him, how unrighteous. Jian Yong replies, I have heard of your righteousness, but Ma Chao is not righteous. Do think about it: Should Ma Chao be successful in his expedition, his position and status will be above yours. Besides, Ma Chao has lost Xi Liang, wldn't he want to have Han Zhong for himself?

Driven by the bribery of gifts, Yang Song next tells Liu Zhang, even if Liu Bei were to lose Yi Zhou, it might not necessary belong to him. Why did Ma Chao seek us? It is because he is defeated by Cao Cao, lost Xi Liang and has nowhere to go. I am worried that once Ma Chao takes Yi Zhou, he might be independent then.

Zhang Lu questions if there is any proof, Yang tells him, the scouts reply, Ma Chao is at Jia Meng Guan, not winning nor losing, not advancing nor retreating, is because he is having secret discussions with Liu Bei. Liu Bei wants Ma Chao to have Han Zhong, whilst Liu Bei takes Chuan Di. But Ma Chao wants Liu Bei to have Han Zhong, and have Chuan Di for himself. Hence the neutral stand for a show. Both of them are quarreling over who should have Han Zhong, and who should have Chuan Di. But once they have decided, both the Han, Chuan lands will be divided up, be it Liu Bei, be it Ma Chao, one of them will attack you.

Zhang Lu goes, yes yes yes, yes yes yes, let us not alarm Ma Chao now, send a messenger immediately for him to recall the troops, just tell him that Cao Cao is invading. Yang replies, yes sir. Ma Chao and Ma Dai knows that it is not possible for Cao Cao to attack, he is engaging Sun Quan's army in the 荆江 area, how can he be advancing into Han Zhong at the same time? Even if that were the case, Zhang Lu should have received news a long time ago. At this time, Zhang Fei arrives to challenge Ma Chao outside his camp. Ma Chao goes out to engage him, and orders his men to tell Zhang Lu that he will retreat once he has taken Jia Meng Guan.

Zhang Lu is infuriated that Ma Chao had disobeyed his orders, Yang, taking the opportunity, went on to add, Ma Chao does not want to retreat, this proves that his heart is not with you. My Lord, you must safeguard yourself. Zhang Lu orders Yang to visit Ma Chao in person, and tell him, it is ok not to withdraw his troops, but, I give him a month to do 3 things. 1. Take Xi Chuan 2. Behead Liu Zhang 3. Defeat Liu Bei. If these 3 conditions are not met, I will cut off his provisions.

Ma Chao tells Yang that each of the conditions is hard to achieve, what-more 3 of them in a month? This is cleary forcing me to an deadend. Yang replies, it is not that our Lord is forcing you, you yourself have laid down the military command in writing, in front of him to capture Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang and it has been months since, yet your progress is only at the entrance, not advancing nor retreating. Our Lord loves you hence he wants you back to Han Zhong, the provisions are all in Han Zhong, without them, how can you continue to wage war? Ma Chao tells Yang Song to inform Zhang Lu that he will recall his troops.

Next, Zhang Lu comments to Yang Song that Ma Chao has recalled the army and crossed the borders to Han Zhong in just 3 days, an extraordinary speed. Yang Song took another stab at Ma Chao's back, asking Zhang Lu if he is recalling the army or or advancing the army. Just then, he had refused to come back, right now, he comes back in such a rush, could there be plot? My Lord, you must be guard yourself! Zhang Lu says, quick, close all the gates, do not allow Ma Chao to enter Han Zhong.

At the gates, the guards do not allow Ma Dai to pass through the gates and shoots at him and his men. Ma Dai is injured on his arm, and retreats to Ma Chao's tent. Zhuge Liang then pays them a visit. I am specially here to be persuade you, replying why he is there to Ma Chao. Ma Chao tells him, my sword is freshly sharpened, and lacks a head to chop. Please make yourself clear, otherwise, please try my sword. Zhuge Liang smiles and replies, disaster is not far from you, I am afraid that your new sword will not be able to behead me, you will be the first to try.

What trouble am I in? says Ma Chao.

(The new Zhuge Liang in this series speaks quickly, in idioms, and is hard to understand)

The Closing Pitch

Zhuge Liang goes on: 我听说越国西族，善毁者不能闭其美， 齐国无盐，善美者也不能掩其丑。日中则昃，月满而亏。皆世间常理。 You have a feud with Cao Cao as he had killed your father, and extreme hatred with 陇西. You can only sit around and watch, as you look at your sword and sigh. For one, you cannot rescue Liu Zhang and make the 荆州 Jing Zhou army retreat。On the other hand, you have no control over Yang Song and cannot even meet Zhang Lu. The 4 seas have no place for you, all your life you have no Lord. In the past, you lost the battle at i渭桥 Wei Qiao, and lost 冀城 Ji Cheng, today it is repeating. How can you face the people of the world?

Ma Chao sighs and says, you are absolutely right, I, Ma Chao am a hero of the world, but today I really  have nowhere left to go. Zhuge Liang asks, since you are willing to listen to me, why do you have soldiers placed in your tent with swords? Ma Chao orders the men to step down and Zhuge Liang continued. General Ma, my Lord Liu Bei appreciates talent like his own life, this is renowned across the 4 seas. Sworn against the tyranny of Cao Cao, it is his desire to kill Cao Cao and to restore the Han.

Your father in the past had once laid down a blood oath with my lord on the secret imperial edict on the emperor's jade belt to kill Cao Cao, I am sure you are aware of this. General, you were originally a hero, a righteous person of the present times, for survival, you had no choice but to go under Zhang Lu. It is truly your misfortune. Why don't you give up the dark for the light, and come over to Liu Bei? One, you can fulfill your father's ambition and seek revenge for him, on top of that, you can get rid of a tyrant like Cao Cao, and contribute to rendering a meritorious service. You father in heaven, will smile for you.

Ma Chao looks at Ma Dai, who nods at him. Both of them kneels in front of Zhuge Liang. Our Lord has gained another tiger general, Yi Zhou shall be ours soon. Ma Chao tells Zhuge Liang, allow me to take Yi Zhou as a contribution for our Lord.

Notes:

• 越国 Yue Guo (generic term for states in south China at different historical periods)


• 齐国 Qi Guo (Qi State of Western Zhou and Warring States 1122-856BC, centered in Shandong)


• 陇西 Long Xi [Longxi County in Ding (4th) Xi (1st), Gansu]


• 渭 Wei (4th) (Wei River in Shanxi through the Guanzhong plains)


• 冀城 Ji (4th) (abbrievation for Hebei province)

Factors of Success:

1. Knowing the enemy: Zhang Lu's character, Yang Song's greed and influence;


2. Knowing the target: Ma Chao's pride, ambition and failures.


3. Using the human emotion: of Liu Bei's former alliance with Ma Teng.

Story goes back to Liu Bei under Chapter 67.

With the conquered Xi Chuan, Liu Bei remains at Cheng Du and established himself as one of the 3 powers of the world taking up the western lands commonly known today. Cao Cao is in the north, while Sun Quan takes up eastern Jiang Dong.

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang XIII by plaedes

Chapter 58:

Zhuge Liang attends Zhou Yu's wake, mourning, crying, and composing a poem in remembrance for Zhou Yu. Lu Su sees him as a hyprocrite, telling Lu Su that this is a strategist, to save the country, one must have this type of thick skin, it is obvious he caused Zhou Yu's death yet here he is, crying like he lost his parents and in more pain than any of us.

The generals at the front of the wake pulled out their swords on seeing Zhuge Liang, but on his words, sadness and tears, they dropped their swords, (yes, at the same time) giving Zhou Yu credit for the work that he had done for Jiang Dong, the hero he is, how the world had lost a great pillar of support, etc etc.

[Translation... is tiring work, Chinese is a beautiful language that, encompasses the essence of the meaning, and beyond, in the use of 4 words idioms, Zhuge Liang, is a scholar after all, I am not, am tired, so had briefly summarised]

Pang Tong's First Appearance


drunk, and scolding the person who just gave credit to Zhou Yu in the battle for Chi Bi. He said Zhou Yu, although also a hero, is hard to achieve things with his pettiness. Pang Tong claimed credit for trapping Cao Cao to chain his ships together, so that Zhou Yu succeeded in using the fire attack. I don't know why soldiers need to be told when to take drunk men spouting insults at a wake away, but they needed to be told so.

Known to be Feng Chu, Zhuge Liang Wolong, termed Wolong Fengchu, it is said that with one of these men, a ruler can dominate the world with their unearthly insights.

Zhuge Liang sends a man to check the whereabouts of Pang Tong, so does Lu Su, whom have been searching for him for many months, recognizing his extraordinary brilliance. Zhuge Liang goes to an inn to chat up with him as they are old friends, but an ambitious (and drunk) Pang Tong finds Liu Bei's army too small for his capabilities. Lu Su succeeds in bringing him to meet Sun Quan, but Sun Quan's mother finds him a drunk wreck. Apparently, he was testing Sun Quan's magnanimosity by insulting Zhou Yu. He tells Lu Su, when he spreads his wings, it is akin to the winds of the 9 skies 1000 miles away. When Lu Su asks a leaving Pang Tong to stay, his reply was, have you ever seen a bird on a tree for 2 days? not to mention a phoenix, and storms off.

Later Lu Su finds out that that an hour ago, Sun Quan's sister visited her mother with Sun Qian, and concluded it was Zhuge Liang's doing to piss off the 'Empress Dowager'. Pang Tong decides to leave for Jing Zhou with only 1 wen. He tells the boatman should he agree to take this amount of money, someone will give him 100 wen when they arrive. They leave for Jing Zhou.

The story is continued from Liu Bei's perspective under Liu Bei, Chapter 58.

Chapter 66: Pang Tong's Death at Phoenix's Fall Slope

Continuing the story from Liu Bei, Chapter 66,

Prior to his arrival to meet Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang observed the stars of the big dipper inclined to the west and had sent repeated messengers to Liu Bei to recall the army, but Pang Tong, wanting to claim some credit for himself advises Liu Bei otherwise. Zhuge Liang is summoned to reinforce Liu Bei who had decided to go to war with Liu Zhang. Liu Bei plans to attack Xichuan. He advises Liu Bei that Sichuan can be easily guarded against danger, with 绵竹 (Mianzhu county city in Deyang, Sichuan) as a protective screen. He knows that the provincial officer, Li Yan does not have 10,000 men and is no match against Liu Bei's army. I feel that it will be best for Liu Zhang to surrender of his own accord, in this case we will not become enemies with the Xichuan people.

Shortly, Ma Chao attacks 葭萌关. Zhuge Liang knows if they were to lose 葭萌关, they will be attacked from the front and rear and impossible to advance their army into Chengdu. Liu Bei says, only Yi De can stand up to Ma Chao, Zhuge Liang nods his head.

Zhang Fei arrives with Liu Bei outside the city gates and meets up with Ma Dai, easily beating him off his horse in a moment. He spites Ma Dai to bring forth Ma Chao, telling him he wants to enter the city with Liu Bei to drink, which he did. The next day Ma Chao arrives, but falling on deaf ears not to engage the enemy when they had just arrived and morale was high, Zhang Fei ventures forth to duel with Ma Chao. It turned out to be an exciting battle between 2 renowned warriors to the cheers of both armies, Zhuge Liang commented that their fight will leave a story in history in times to come.

Liu Bei expressed his worry to Zhuge Liang that if this were to continue, he was afraid that there would be a party to perish. (What the fuck was he talking about? One is his sworn brother which he talks about righteousness and integrity all the time). Should his worry not be on Zhang Fei's life instead?

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang XII by plaedes

Chapter 57: Zhou Yu passes away

Lu Su visits Liu Bei and asks for him to give up Nanjun and Jiang Xia for their new governors who are eager to take up the new post. Zhuge Liang says, this appointment would place your generals directly under authority by my lord, are they willing to submit? Yes, yes, they are, not only that they will not be afraid of death and serve with loyalty.

Zhuge Liang holding a pair of chopsticks, goes: Please listen to me. Look, this is a pair of chopsticks, should you remove one piece, how do we eat with the single piece? Nanjun is the capital of Jingzhou, they are interdependent on each other, should you take one away, the other is redundant. As for Jiang Xia, it is in our backyard, think about it, a proper home, and you must raise an army behind someone's house, where is the reason in that?

Clap Clap, goes Lu Su, Kongming. well said. You don't intend to give them up for us? Zhuge Liang flatly rejects him. Not expecting to be able to obtain the two provinces anyway, Lu Su broached on the main purpose of his visit: The attack on Xu Chang, which Zhuge Liang agreed to. Thus Zhou Yu sent his army towards Xu Chang, once he was near Jing Zhou, he gave the orders to attack the city instead, as analysed by Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang from Zhou Yu's letter in 'borrowing the roads to pass by'. Zhuge Liang was ready for the attack and Zhou Yu's army suffered great losses.

Zhuge Liang's here was portrayed as a gentleman in his letter to Zhou Yu (in the old series, he was the direct cause of his death instigating the men to hurl insults and abuse at him everyday). 1. His stand on not using the army as a means of winning the battle. 2. Diplomatic ties with Dong Wu must not be absolved in the face of Cao Cao in the backyard ready to pounce. 3. If Jing Zhou had the men and resources, hmm, maybe a different story, however, although Zhuge Liang had cut off Zhou Yu's provisions and surrounded Zhou Yu, he did not pursue the latter.

His letter went:

''I take you as a brother, when I received your letter to send your army on an expedition to Xi Chuan, [假道伐蜀] (蜀 abbreviation for Si Chuan, one of the well known lands from the 3 Kingdom) so that we can simplify the matters of this city and Jingzhou. I am very grateful for your help and have prepared provisions for your army and am ready for your instructions. 

However you have attacked our Jing Zhou, your sudden betrayal had bewildered me. Since the yellow turban rebellion, the Han dynasty is weak, Cao Cao is making use of the emperor for his own glory, and other warlords came into power. Jiang Dong faced great danger as well, if not for our alliance, we would not have a resounding victory at Chi Bi, saving the lives of millions of the people and avoiding a great catastrophe. 

Cao Cao has dominated the middle plains and is a very threatening danger. Only with our alliance can we withstand this strong enemy from the north, with our coming together, comes two benefits, should we split, there would be 2 defeats. Today's battle was conducted in self defense, it was not what we wanted. 

As a gesture of our friendship, I have recalled our army from the East and North, you may return home, I promise you our army will not pursue. In this battle you have lost many men and horses, we will return you for your losses. Hope that bro, you can let go of your hatred and our past misgivings and forge an everlasting alliance, do not make the same mistake of killing each other, and give Cao Cao any opportunity. The people have hopes for the Han dynasty, your bro, Liang, signing off with a 100 kowtows.''

Zhou Yu recalled the entire army. Returning back to Jiang Dong, When Sun Quan asked who should take over him should anything untoward happen, Zhou Yu said, there is someone, who can see the big picture better than me, more talented than me, virtues higher than me, he can uphold Jiang Dong.

He recommends Lu Su as the next commander-in-chief. Zhou Yu laments, If heaven gave birth to me, why allow Liang to exist? He passes on shortly. Sun Quan understood that he caused his own death from his bitterness and petty heart, not being able to accept people that are higher talent than him.

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang XI by plaedes

Chapter 56

For the time in the series, Kongming loses his cool and temper to Ma Liang, depicting the amount of stress he had undergone handling the reins of Jing Zhou and Liu Bei's absence and his brothers missing him.

A drunk Zhang Fei storms in one day and accuses him of Zhou Yu's rumours, of being in cahoots with his brother Zhuge Jin (in Dongwu's service) and taking over Jing Zhou. Zhang Fei overthrows his desk, for the first time in the show, we could see Kongming's helplessness. Seeing Kongming angry and upset, Ma Liang asks why are you flaring up? It is unlike you. Kongming tells him, once I tended to the lands in Nan Yang, I came into service as I did not want to plan strategies for the paddies, am also at least considered a noble person. And now, I have to put up with Zhang Fei's temper everyday.

Ma Liang told him, I know what you are like, but Guan, Zhang do not fully understand, for they only have their brother in their heart. They are coarse people (translated), how can you compare yourself with them? Kongming said, I am not angry with them but at myself. Ma Liang told him, you often spoke of Han Xin, 韩信也曾受过胯下之辱吗？In your heart are dreams to restore the Han Dynasty, what Han Xing can endure, so must you, said Ma Liang as he teared. Kongming, with a sudden realization, said that compared to these, what is this small amount of hardship?

The next scene turns to Liu Bei's escape from Jiang Dong, being pursued by Lu Meng's men Xu Sheng and Ding Feng, the land generals formally under Sun Jian's and Sun Ce's command. Zhao Yun remembers the last bag of strategy from Zhuge Liang and opens it, hands it to Liu Bei and tells him that it is for him. Sun Quan's sister reprimands the two generals, telling them they have never regarded Sun Quan as the ruler with only Zhou Yu in their hearts. She tells them she is under his command to accompany her husband to pay respects at his parents' graves, having informed her mother as well. Whoever stops them will lose their head, next their small group of army moves aside into two groups as the Liu Bei's carriage, Zhao Yuan, Sun Qian, and the horse tender makes their way.

Back in Jing Zhou, having a game of chess, Ma Liang has never beat Zhuge Liang at chess before, but on that day Zhuge Liang lost, Ma Liang knew that something was on his mind. Zhuge Liang realises that it is too quiet and Zhang Fei has not made a scene at his residence today. A startled Ma Liang says, are they planning on using the army?

Kongming's understanding of the men is seen when he says: The elite of the 10,000 forces here brought from the north by our Lord, Guan and Zhang. They have followed our Lord for years, should Guan and Zhang call for them, they will respond. If they use these men to take me and the token of military authority, they can move the entire Jing Zhou forces to the east.

What should we do? Ma Liang said.

Zhuge Liang handed the token of military authority to Ma Liang, telling him to deploy Huang Zhong's men. Ma Liang told him he will move to deploy them immediately to protect Zhuge Liang. However, Kongming instructions for Huang Zhong is to leave the city, their origins lie in Jing Zhou, naturally, he would feel closer to Zhuge Liang. If he knows that Zhang and Guan are making use of the army, there will be a conflict. It will not be easy to split these tens of thousands of men and I do not wish to see them kill each other, destroying all our efforts overnight.

Who will protect you if I bring all these soldiers away? Ma Liang asked. A soldier knows that he will die, Zhuge Liang replied. It is my fate to have met Liu Bei.

At the shore, Zhou Yu catches up with them, luckily, Huang Zhong and Wei Yan have already arrived on higher ground. Zhou Yu orders his men to charge, and Huang Zhong's and Wei Yan's men shoots them them. Liu Bei gets on the boat, with the soldiers shouting a rehearsed insult coined by Zhuge Liang at Zhou Yu, who, yes, pukes blood and falls from his horse.

Zhuge Liang is accused of deploying Huang Zhong's troops for his own use by Guan and Zhang, at this point, Liu Bei returns to Jingzhou. A teary eyed Zhuge Liang decides to leave Liu Bei, his student Ma Liang has followed him for years and this is the first time he has seen him cry. Realising their mistake, Guan and Zhang chase Zhuge Liang immediately to the harbour, being prideful people they have never went down on their knees or asked for forgiveness, but in case, they did for Liu Bei. The mood was lightened when Zhuge Liang unrelented, saying that he had made up his mind, and a playful Zhang Fei lifted him off with Guan Yu back to camp.

Finally inviting them into the house to have tea after Guan and Zhang had stood there for hours, Zhang Fei, the known alcoholic requests for wine instead of tea and is flatly rejected by Zhuge Liang. The well known prideful Guan Yu also pours tea for him, obeying Liu Bei's command. This shows his 2 things: 1. His regard for his brother 2. His regard for Zhuge Liang. I like the firmness of the young Zhuge Liang portrayed and the respect he finally commanded, most people would have relented 50%.

From my perception, Zhuge Liang did really want to leave Liu Bei, but when Guan and Zhang carried him back, it was from there that he decided they needed a little discipline, knowing that they are good generals and would lead tens of thousands of men later, and cannot afford to do things according to their mood.

Aftermath of the Sun Liu Marriage Alliance

Reflecting on his failures, Zhou Yu had realised he cannot act on impulse nor to be calculative. Proposing to Xu Chang to make Liu Bei the Jing Zhou Mu, 牧，in line with Sun Quan's thinking, Cao Cao agrees, and makes Zhou Yu the Nan Jun governor 太守 and Cheng Pu the Jiang Xia governor.

Analysed by Zhuge Liang: The proposal by Sun Quan to Cao Cao means, look at us, we are now related and our alliance is stronger than before, think twice before you come attack us again. Cao Cao's scheme in making the Dong Wu men governors of Liu Bei's territories says, sure, go ahead, I shall wait for you to kill each other. Lu Su understood this point too.

He had a heart to heart talk with Zhou Yu, who agreed that in reality, the powers of Jiang Dong lies in both their hands, and to bring them forward, they had to be of one heart. Zhou Yu went straight to his objective: Jing Zhou, asking Lu Su to visit Liu Bei and ask for them to attack Xi Chuan. Should Zhuge Liang reply that their army is not ready, then as allies, Dong Wu would lead the attack for them, and when they win Xi Chuan, they will exchange it for Jing Zhou. However the scheme was to attack Jing Xiang enroute Xi Chuan, turning back towards Jing Zhou. This time, Lu Su whole heartedly follows Zhou Yu's decision, on the condition that it is allowed by Sun Quan.

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang X by plaedes

Chapter 49: Northern Expedition, Battle for 零陵, 武陵, 长沙, 桂阳

The Battle for 零陵

Zhuge Liang's first appearance in his famed iconic seat with wheels, complete with a shade and servants, as well as the use of his well-known battle formation.

Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun captured the enemy general Xing Dao Rong with ease, an unreliable character full of bull shit, ready to betray his master. He offered to open the gates to the city in the middle of the night, and when he returned to his master Liu Du, he told him he got captured on purpose as they cannot defeat the enemy with sheer brute force. He then told Liu Du to set an ambush after he opens the gate for Liu Bei. Naturally, his betrayal is obvious, and Zhang Fei played along, moving into the city, quickly retreating and luring the enemy to the nearby forest where an ambush is laid.  Liu Du's son Liu Xian is captured in the process.

Zhuge Liang knows that Liu Du is a weak ruler who loves his son more than his own life, many things are decided by Liu Xian in Ling Ling. Zhuge Liang foresees Liu Du opening the city gates in surrender  to Liu Bei in exchange for Liu Xian's life. Liu Bei is offered the seal of power, and returns it to Liu Du, allowing him to keep his former position as governor. Liu Bei knows that he is a good ruler (though a weak one would be easy prey for an enemy like Cao Cao, thus endangering the rest of the cities.)

With this win as an example, there was a good possibility of winning over the rest of the cities without a battle.

The Battle for 桂阳: Zhao Yun vs Chen Ying

Advised by Zhuge Liang that in Liu Bei's expedition, the main objectives were the four cities. In order to achieve these objectives, depending on war and killing is not enough. If they meet strong resistance, not only Jing Zhou's territorial area cannot be expanded, but also with heavy casualties and consequences. Knowing Zhang Fei's temper, he sends Zhao Yun for Gui Yang.

This is Zhuge Liang's style of winning a battle without using an army, by convincing and persuading.

The rest of the battles are posted under Liu Bei.

Chapter 52: Liu Bei's Betrothal to Sun Quan's Sister

Zhuge Liang deploys Guan, Zhang, Zhao, Huang with 20,000 men along 4 roads, overseeing Liu Bei's safety to Jiang Dong。Zhao Yun escorts Liu Bei as advised by Kongming, before leaving he gives Zhao Yun 3 sachets and tells him: Inside you will find my secret orders, open them in the order of red, yellow and white. The first when the boat is on the way to Dong Wu, and act according to my plan. Should you be in Jiang Dong till the end of the year, open the next bag for the orders, as for the last, open it when you are in danger. You must remember this.

Zhuge Liang has Liu Bei headed directly to 健康 for the marriage instead of to Jiang Du, thwarting Zhou Yu's plan. Zhou Yu flips his glass over in the presence of Lu Meng, to which he replied I understand and took his leave. On the boat, Zhao Yun opens the first satchet, looks at it and informs Liu Bei: Just ahead of us is 庐江镇, a prosperous city of Jiang Dong. We had left hurriedly without any betrothal gifts, we should get ashore and buy some. Liu Bei asks, why don't we buy them in Jian Kang? It is the capital of Jiang Dong, and the quality of the things will be better. Zhao Yun replies, in this case, Sun Quan will know it is a last minute gift and take it as a disrespect.

In the town, Zhao Yun divides his 500 men into groups of 50 comprising 10 men per group, instructing them to go all over the town and purchase gifts, making it lively and known to every citizen of the incoming marriage. By then, news had also travelled to Sun Quan's mother who was kept in the dark and in anger she reprimanded Sun Quan and Lu Su, summoning Zhou Yu to see her. Liu Bei arrives in town 2 days earlier instead journey of 5 days due to strong winds, and Lu Meng's attempt to kill him is foiled. Lu Su received Liu Bei at the harbour, apologizing for not having enough time to prepare the band and music, and Liu Bei jokes, you don't have time to prepare your band but you sure have prepared many troops. The natural reply would be it is for your protection.

Zhou Yu meets Sun Quan and tells him that he has deployed 60,000 men to Jing Zhou now that Liu Bei is in their hands. If you are afraid of the people gossiping, you may execute me after Jing Zhou is captured, and I shall have peace even when I'm gone. Sun Quan does not want things to be done in this manner, for the sake of his mother who have brought them up with values of filial piety and righteousness. If she knew that the marriage was for exchange of Jing Zhou she would be infuriated.

Chapter 52 closes with Sun Quan asking Zhou Yu, how can you move the army at your will? Are you the ruler? Or I am?

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang IX by plaedes

Chapter 48: Lu Su asks for Jing Zhou to be returned

Lu Su has a discussion with Zhang Fei, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang.

Zhang Fei retorted to his earlier remark of respectfully asking for Jing Zhou back: My brother did not lend anything from you, why should we return you anything? Lu Su replied, Yi De this is a good statement, where is the goodness? It is as good as saying, if there is a loan, there must be a return. Is that right? Zhang Fei typically Zhang Fei: yes! Zhuge Liang clears his throat as Zhang Fei mumbled, I didn't say anything wrong lol.

Lu Su continued: Royal Uncle Liu had been a straw sandal weaver in your earlier years, General Zhang a butcher selling meat, although you are men of status today, no matter what, you have been in business before. Before it was a small business, right now, a very big business. Regardless of the size of the business be it big or small, the rules are the same: What rules? Whoever invests more shall benefit more. Is that right?

Replying to Zhang Fei's request to not beat around the bush, he went on, first, have Royal Uncle Liu ever borrowed anything from Dong Wu? General Zhang says no, but I say there is. You have loaned 50,000 men from Dong Wu and the lives of 8400 soldiers. 6 months ago, Cao Cao went on a southern expedition leading a 1 million strong army, successfully uniting Jing Xiang and its surrounding prefectures. At that time, you had less than 100 mou of land, soldiers, a handful of thousands. It is Jiang Dong that raised the army in the fight against Cao Cao, and defeated his army at Chi Bi. This then gave u a moment to breathe, and your victory today. As for us, we have paid a heavy price, for the men, horses, provisions and life, now that the war is over, yet we have nothing. You have taken advantage of the situation by occupying Jing, Xiang. Royal Uncle, Yide, please ask your hearts, does this business go with the rules? Is this in accordance to the heavens, or to 人情？ Is this in to the benevolence and uprighteousness that you have always stood for?

Zhuge Liang quickly added, Zi Jing Zi Jing, what a sharp mouth you have. Although we have spent much time together before, I failed to see that. You must drink as punishment. Zi Jing cupped his hands together, saying, you flatter me, in an emergency, even an honest man will open his mouth and bite.

Understand, understand, Zhuge Liang replied. Just now, you mentioned about the rules of business. Fine, in that case I shall talk about the rules of business. In the battle of Chi Bi, Dong Wu had spent much much effort, so your returns should be more than ours. But coming to the root, Jing Zhou is not a benefit. It belongs to Liu Biao, it is territory the Han Emperor bestowed on Liu Biao 38 years ago, how can you say the land belongs to Dong Wu? How can you treat the emperor's gift as a mere item for sale? After Liu Biao died, Jing Xiang was then dominated by Cao Cao. Today, his son, Liu Ci, had begged his uncle many times to help him reclaim his father's land, that is the reason why my lord could not avoid the swords of the army, not be calculative of life and death, and obtained Jing Xiang from Cao Ren to return to Liu Ci. Your lord is a benevolant ruler, Zhou Yu and yourself are the heroes of the times, surely, you cannot be thick skinned and take Jing Xiang away from Liu Ci? If that is the case, adding a little laughter as he said, what is the difference with the likes of Dong Zhuo who snatches from others?

Lu Su: Kongming, even if the true intention of  obtaining Jing Zhou, is really to to return to Liu Ci, why did you use the 'borrowing of army' strategy to lure the Dong Wu troops to attack Cao Ren in force while you took the opportunity to seize the city? In doing so, have you taken us as your ally?

Kongming, raising his voice, pointed his fan at Lu Su, May I dare to ask Zi Jing, has Jiang Dong taken us as allies? Zi Jing asked, what do you mean? Kongming told him, when Zhou Yu attacked Cao Ren, he claimed he brought along 30,000 troops, but the provisions on board your ship amounts to an army size of 50,000 men. Why did he bring so many people? Obviously, after he obtains Jing Zhou, he will attack Jiang Xia seizing the moment of  victory, apprehending my Lord and his men. Jiang Xia is small, and there it is hard for retreat. Should my Lord not take Jing Zhou, I'm afraid he would have already ended up in Zhou Yu's prisoner.

Having a debate with Kongming, really takes great effort to no benefit, Lu Su said.

Liu Bei told him that he had already returned Jing Zhou to Liu Ci, and wrote to the court to appoint him as governor. When Lu Su asked where Liu Ci was, 6 men carried him out together with his bed, Liu Ci looking like he is already dead.

Finally, their stand off ended with an agreement, that as long as Liu Ci is alive, naturally, Jing Zhou would belong to him, but should he not be around, then it shall be returned to Dong Wu. When that day comes and if you still do not return Jing Zhou, I am afraid that you do not reason anymore. Kongming said, then we shall discuss when that day comes. Lu Su, in a stern tone, tells him, do not use the word discuss, we have already gave a lot of leeway. My intention is, should Liu Ci not be around, these cities should be returned to us. Zhuge Liang retorted, Zi Jing, I've always thought of you as a calm person, I never thought you are actually as calculative as Zhou Yu. Zi Jing said, It is good you understand Zhou Yu's temperament, pardon my straightforwardness, he really does have a very bad temper. In his moods, he recognises no one and fears no one, even my Lord cannot stop him. Most importantly, once he is angry, Jiang Dong's 100,000 army will follow him whole heartedly. Royal Uncle Liu, if you do not agree with me on this matter today, it means not giving Zhou Yu an avenue to step down, when that happens, he will station 50,000 troops for 3 years outside the city of Nan Jun. When that day comes, both our sides will have a hard time.

Liu Bei, laughed and agreed with Lu Su: Kongming, Let Lu Su's will be done, now that it is settled, let us drink.

Interim Plans

Being surrounded by Cao Cao and Sun Quan, Liu Bei had to consolidate his power and accumulate land and army.

Ma Liang advised Liu Bei in the presence of Zhuge Liang: Jing Zhou is like a tree growing on the mountain top, blown about by the east wind, blown about by the west wind, if you do not want the tree to fall, one way is for the tree to grow a thousand roots, the other way is for the lone tree to become a forest. Jing Zhou and Xiang Yang has been ravaged by war year after year, the population is declining, they lack army and provisions.

And on the northern side, the 4 prefectures of 长沙 Chang Sha, 武陵　Wu Ling, 桂阳　ＧｕｉYang, 零陵 Ling Ling have not seen war, it is a good area to accumulate your army and provisions. My lord, you need to capture this 4 cities in order for Jing Zhou to be peaceful.

On the western side of the 湘江 (Xiang Jiang, a river in Hunan Province), you can capture Ling Ling, followed by Wu Ling, on the eastern side of the Xiang Jiang, you can capture Gui Yang, followed by Chang Sha.

Zhuge Liang oked the advice, adding to bring Liu Ci back to Xiang Yang to recuperate from his illness. Regardless of the court's decision to confer the official title on him, let's make that official. With that, the agenda for the capture of the 4 cities would be 'more official', since it used to belong to Liu Biao anyway.

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang VIII by plaedes

Chapter 42: The Attack on 赤壁 Chi Bi

Already predicting the outcome of the battle, Zhuge Liang returns to Liu Bei and sends the generals his military command:

Zhao Yun, take 3000 men, cross the river and ride straight to 乌林小道 (Wu Lin), lay an ambush amongst the thickness of the reeds. After the 4th watch, the defeated Cao army will pass by, burn the reeds and charge out, even if you cannot wipe them out completely, you can take out at least half of his men.

Yi De (Zhang Fei), Lead 5000 men, cross the river and head straight for 彝陵葫芦 （Yi Ling mound）where you will lay an ambush. After Zhao Yun's attack, they will not dare to head south  but flee towards the north of Yi Ling. Attack them then, even if you cannot capture Cao, this merit is not small! Zhang Fei accepts the order, happy and enthusistic.

Mi Fang, Mi Chu, Liu Feng, heed my command: Lead 100 speed boats, do not attack the Cao troops, circle around the river, capture the surrendered troops, armour and weapons left behind, I'd reckon you will have a productive trip.

Liu Cong, the distance of the land before 武昌 （Wu Chang）is of utmost importance, please lead your troops to Wu Chang City, when you see Cao's army, beat your dreams ferociously and charge out from the city and kill the enemy.

My Lord, we shall head to the mountan top of 樊口（Fan Kou）where we shall set up a drinking table in celebration of Zhou Yu's victory.

All this time, he had purposely left Guan Yu out, wanting him to guard Hua Rong valley, for his strategy was to let Cao go so as not to make Liu Bei Cao's #1 enemy. He told Liu Bei he had observed the stars, Cao's time is not up yet, we might as well let Guan Yu have the honour, it would be a beautiful tale for thousands of generations.

Liu Bei said, You are a rare genius, since times of ancient and today.

Chapter 47: Post Chi Bi: The Battle for Nan Jun

The warlords knew the importance of Nan Jun as a base to capture the most sought after Jing Zhou and the 9 provinces, which currently under Cao Cao.

Cheng Pu reported to Sun Quan that their scouts have scouted Liu Bei's troops moving to 油江口，setting up camp along the river and facing the mountains. In front of the camp was Liu Bei's flag.

Liu Bei was no different, especially in his case, a starting ground was important, but when Zhou Yu heard that they were attacking Nan Jun, deep inside, he was not happy about it, feeling that Jiangdong should have it having lost so many men at the battle of Chi Bi. However, he told his men, since he wants it, let him have it, we should not stop there, in fact we should lend them a hand. They are short of provisions, let us use your good name my Lord, and provide them with 3000 石 provisions.

Zhou Yu knows that Liu Bei only has 15,000 men, Nan Jun's defenses are impregnable, guarding it is Cao Cao's trusted general Cao Ren with 20,000 men. He said to Lu Meng, any general knows that to besiege a walled city of 20,000 men, one must have at least 60,000 men. Does Liu Bei have that? Such an attempt with a small force like his will only lead to defeat. Don't forget, not far from 南郡 is Yi Ling City, Cao Cao's top general Cao Hong is guarding the city there, forming a pincer defence with Nan Jun.

Zhuge Liang must know of this, but he still chooses to attack. Why? For he knows I will not sit by and do nothing, he wants me to lead my troops and fight Cao Ren and wait for an opportnity.

When we decide to wait, after 20 days, Zhuge Liang will lose his patience and attack them, till then, we can rush in and capture Nan Jun.

Zhou Yu's portrayal

Whilst he is acknowledged as a good commander-in-chief, he is also known to be petty, and cannot have people being better than him. Being intelligent and talented is one thing, knowing how to be humble is important as well, knowing that he is not up to Zhuge Liang's par, he is arrogant, whilst Zhuge Liang is composed. It is irritating to watch Zhou Yu 'trying hard', 'looking hard' to 'be better', and refreshing to watch Zhuge Liang playing it patient.

The actor did a good job in this aspect, later on visiting Liu Bei, he portrayed Nan Jun as their right, even demanding to see Liu Cong so as to understand the truth of Liu Bei's purpose of raising an army. He knew Liu Cong had 50,000 men, combined with Liu Bei's army, they would have about 60,000 men for the heavily defended Nan Jun's 20,000 men under Cao Ren. In fact, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang had Liu Cong travel hundreds of miles by sea as part of the show for Zhou Yu.

Eventually, he had an agreement with Kongming: Leading 50,000 men to capture Nan Jun within 30 days, failing to do so, Zhuge Liang can move his army to take the prized city that opened the doors to Jing Zhou.

Cao Ren loses 彝陵 to Zhou Yu in their first engagement, but quickly makes up for it, pretending to pull out his army from Nan Jun. Falling for the bait, Zhou Yu's army moves into Nan Jun in his haste and pride and is ambushed, they lose 5,000 men. Zhou Yu is hit by a deadly poison arrow in that fight. Zhou Yu pretends to be dead and lure Cao Ren to attack his camp during Dongwu's mourning, and Cao Ren took the bait as well.

Zhuge Liang, playing chess with Liu Bei in their own camp, saw through the ploy, reasoning was that, if Zhou Yu was really dead, he would have sent Lu Meng or Cheng Pu to require aid from Liu Bei, a few days passed and no one came, so it is a ploy.

Seizing the golden opportunity when Cao Ren attacked Zhou Yu's camp, he sends in Zhao Yun to capture Nan Jun. Over here we can see Zhao Yun's eloquence: Upon Zhou Yu's arrival, he told him he was sent to guard the city from Cao Cao's army having heard they had heavy casualties from Cao Ren's ambush, that a pact was made between him and Zhuge Liang that should he fail (well he died) they will lead their army in.

Zhou Yu looks pissed, coughed out some blood, and  falls off his horse, yawnnnzzz.

So, with minimum effort, Zhuge Liang captured Nan Jun. On top of that, making use of Cao Ren's military authority token from Nan Jun 'to deploy troops to reinforce Nan Jun', having Zhang Fei to capture another city, and Guan Yu, another city as well. Freaking Brilliant. Typical Zhuge Liang.  The end result here is Jing Zhou's Nan Jun's 3 cities now belong to Liu Bei.

On the next step after Jing Zhou

Zhuge Liang reassures Liu Bei, who does not feel right about seizing it from Zhou Yu when they lost so many men.

Sun Quan and Lu Su are understanding people, Zhou Yu is not angry with you, just at me. If you offer me to him, he will be elated. Liu Bei said, I'd rather lose Jing Xiang than to lose you. They will surely think of a way to recall his army that is stationed outside our city.

The city will be safe for 2 years, as Sun Quan still needs our alliance, when our relationship is strong, Cao Cao will not attack. 2 years later, our army will grow from strength to strength and even when anyone wants to attack us, they will think twice.

Why did he leave only 20,000 men here? His calculative mind already knew that it is gone. Later on, Xu You said, one bone, two dogs, the faster dog will chew the bone and go away, how can the stronger dog bear this defeat?

Remembering the first things Zhuge Liang taught him when he visited him thrice, he gave thanks and credit to him for having help him complete the first move: Obtain Jing Zhou.

Liu Bei, I'd reckon is in his 50s at this time.

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang VII by plaedes

Chapter 40: Zhou Yu plots against Cao Cao's plot

Jiang Gan, an old friend of Zhou Yu's in Cao's service offered to visit Zhou Yu to convince him to surrender.

Zhou Yu seeing through his thoughts, made him drunk, and conspired to make it look like their Chief in command of Navy is secretly in league with him and will offer Cao's head to him.

With help from the beauty of his wife who did a sword dance as the men drank, a well written scroll placed inconspicuously on his table and a late night visit from Lu Meng, that 'Cai Mao's messenger' had arrived to bear news of the impending Cao assasination.

Hurrying back camp the next day to report to Cao, Cao is enraged and has Cai Mao executed. Cao realises he has fallen for Zhou Yu's trick and appoints Yu Jin as the new head who suggested chaining the ships for stability.

Seen through by Kongming, when Zhou Yu asked Lu Su to sound him out if he was aware of what happened, Kongming offered his congratulations as Lu Su arrived, adding that the purpose of the visit was to sound him out.

On knowing the news and seeing Kongming as a future threat to him and Dongwu, Zhou Yu is determined to get rid of Kongming officially.

Zhuge Liang borrows 100,000 arrows

Requesting for 100,000 arrows to be made, arrows being the first warfare used in naval battles, Zhou Yu gave Zhuge Liang 10 days to complete the task.

Zhuge Liang asked for 3 days.

Later requesting Lu Su's help to borrow 20 speed boats, 30 men on each boat, stuffed with a 1000 strawmen on both sides of every boat, Kongming made use of the fog that he foresaw, advanced near to the Cao camp and sounded the drums, where the enemies repelled with arrows. Kongming knew the enemy would not send out their battle ships for fear of an ambush in the fog. When one side of the boats were shot completely, he turned the boats the other way.

Eventually he completed the task with 120,000 - 130,000 arrows, earning Lu Su's deep respect and Zhou Yu acknowledging that he is not within his league.

On his victory, to Lu Su he said:

为将者如不通天文，不识地理，

不知阴阳， 不晓奇门，

不观阵图，不掌兵势，庸才耳

Zhou Yu falls sick


One day when observing the Cao camp, a night wind blew, and Zhou Yu gave a shout, and fainted. The doctors were unable to come up with a diagnosis, and Lu Su sought Kongming's advice.

Lu Su brought Kongming to Zhou Yu's tent when he told him that he knew how to treat Zhou Yu's illness.

Knowing that Zhou Yu is worried about the wind direction because of using fire as a main attack, in the depth of winter (Long Dong Festival), there is only a Southeast wind in the Chang Jiang River, never a northeast wind.

If it persists, using fire would backfire on their own ships instead of the enemy.

Kongming then told Zhou Yu that although he is of little talent, he was lucky to be trained in the ways of rituals of the heavens and earth by an exceptional person, with that, he can command the Northeast wind for 3 days and nights...

He said, it is the 11th month of the 15th day, if it were the 11 month of the 20th day, Jia Zi Qi Feng, the wind arises from the 60 year cycle，and on the 22th day the wind will stop, what do you think?

Zhou Yu expressed his gratitude to Kongming for saving his life.

The 20th day was the 3rd day Kongming conducted the rituals, the winds changed direction, the ritual was a success. Knowing that Zhou Yu will make an attempt on his life, he flees Jiangdong, meeting Zhou Yu's wife Xiao Qiao in her horse carriage. Lu Meng quickly catches up but she dismisses them saying that she has no seen Zhuge Liang. She saved his life as gratitude for him saving Zhou Yu's.

Zhuge Liang is dropped off at Yan Zi Ji, where Zhao Yun is waiting. She had passed by 2 days ago and judging from his heroic aura, she knew he is no mere fisherman and must have been sent by Kongming.

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang VI by plaedes

Chapter 38:

Realizing that Kongming was spiting him to surrender knowing his true intentions, Sun Quan and Lu Su has tea with Kongming. Earlier on, Kongming told Lu Su that he wanted to share his strategies to defeat the Cao army, but Sun Quan did not ask so he can only keep it in his heart.

I could never understand why amidst all the scholars in Jiang Dong, they needed Zhuge Liang to explain this to the Lord, which seemed obvious. Fear has a way of blocking one's head and stuffing it with cotton. Or perhaps it is on Kongming's explanation that makes it much clearer.

Zhuge Liang's analysis of the situation:

1. Most of Cao's men are from the north and not familiar with sea battles, since they have arrived in the south, many have fallen sick. As such, Cao's army wanes 20-30%.

2. From his numerous campaigns, as well as arriving from the north, his men are fatigued.

3. A prideful army has resulted from Cao Cao's victory, whereas the new additions are from Jing, Xiang. They have surrendered but detest Cao Cao for ruining their homes and raping their women.

4. As such, half of his army are prideful, the other half are resentful. His military strength is reduced another 20%.

5. In attacking Jiang Dong, the main attack is sea battle, and you have the best known Navy in the land. Cao Cao is building warships, and these ships need to be driven by the navy. He may build numerous boats in a number of months, but he will not be able to train a good navy in this span of time. It is so much more difficult to train a good navy than to build warships. Compared to your experienced navy, therefore Cao Cao's strength loses another 20-30%.

6. So, good Lord, you may regard Cao Cao's so-called million army with about 10% power. Not only that, you may observe with a smile, 10%, is about 100,000. With the ferocity of our combined and refined military, is that not akin to crushing his army to powder?

Zhuge Liang spurring Zhou Yu

Knowing Zhou Yu had a large influence on Sun Quan's decision, Kongming and Lu Su paid a visit to Zhou Yu who rushed back in the night on news of the invasion. Prior to their visits, 4 groups, 2 of the scholars, and 2 of the generals tried to persuade him, all to which he answered he will see the Lord tomorrow and have a decision then.

His reply to Zhuge Liang was that of surrender, and Zhuge Liang agreed with him, adding that Zhou Yu is not his match, knowing his pride. That only Lu Bu, Yuan Shao, Liu Biao had the resources to repel Cao Cao, but they are all dead, and Liu Bei is all alone. The next sentence he made was brilliant, first putting down Zhou Yu's pride, next linking it up and further adding fuel to the fire, suggesting for Zhou Yu to offer 2 women to Cao Cao.

What kind of women? Zhou Yu asked。

Reflecting his organized mind and eloquence and making use of what he knew of Cao Cao, Kongming said, everytime Cao Cao conquered a land, he will place the beautiful women from the land to live in his premises. Cao Cao desires to have Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, the famed beauties and daughters of Qiao Guo Lao k(nowing that Xiao Qiao is his wife), Kongming said. During Cao Cao's last birthday, he raised a glass to the heavens and said he only have two wishes in his life: 1. Was to unite the 4 oceans, becoming the tale of a thousand lifetimes. 2 To obtain Jiangdong's 2 Qiaos to accompany me in my old age.

With the first 'wish', was inciting Zhou Yu's righteousness, with the 2nd, his love and jealousy for his wife.

Zhou Yu banged the table in anger. Kongming said, why are you angry?　想当年范彝［Ｆａｎ(４th) Yi (2nd)]天后为保越国平安还美女西施贡奉给夫差　终于帮着勾践一洗三年为奴之耻，　灭了吴国.

Lu Su explained that Da Qiao is Sun Ce's wife, and Xiao Qiao is Zhou Yu's wife. Kneeling, kowtowing and asking for forgiveness, Zhuge Liang feigned ignorance, and he has got to add, I do not dare to say something should I offend Zhou Yu's tiger aura (translated lol). Zhou Yu in anger, said, I order you to say!

And Zhuge Liang talked about Cao Cao's interest in women, particularly those belonging to other men, and especially the wives of the rulers he conquered： Zhang Ji's wife Zhou Si, Yuan Shu's wife Wu Shi, Yuan Shao's Zhen Fu Ren, Lu Bu's Diao Chan all have been screwed by Cao Cao. Everyone in the world knows of his weird tastes, do be careful, general.

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang V by plaedes

Chapter 37: Zhuge Liang's 'Debate' with Jiang Dong Scholars

As Kongming walked into the main hall with Lu Su to meet Sun Quan, he is introduced to Zhang Zhao.

Zhang Zhao: I've heard that you lived in Wo Long, and is known as Mr Wolong, whom compared yourself to 管仲 (Guan Zhong), 乐毅 (Yue Yi).

Kongming: It is merely a small comparision of mine, Sir, please do not mind. [This sentence brings about another layer of meaning, implying that his talent is much higher].

Zhang Zhao: I heard that Liu Bei visited you three times in your cottage, and finally convinced you to join him, after which, Liu Bei was like a fish who got water, ready to engulf Jing, Xiang, and achieve his ambitions. Sigh, today, the 9 provinces of Jing Xiang has fallen into Cao Cao's hands, may I ask, is the fish in the water? or is the fish in the cooking pot?

Kongming replied, it is a piece of cake for Liu Bei to obtain Jing Xiang, his relative Liu Biao had offered it to him on numerous occasions, but my Lord cannot bear to take the foundations from the same family, that is why Cao Cao had the chance. Today, we are in Jing Xia, akin to the dragon entering the oceans, a phoenix's arising to the skies, although we have no hidden intentions.

Zhang Zhao: You have compared yourself to Guan Zhong, Yue Yi：管仲者乡助齐桓公独霸诸侯，一匡天下，乐毅者扶持弱燕，一鼓作气，连下齐七十二城。 此二人堪称兴国济世之才也。

As for you, laughing at the winds and the moon alone in your cottage, apart from sighing, there is nothing remarkable. Before Liu Bei had you, he had some land, his future secure. After he had you, he had to abandon his army, and flee with the wind, unable to repay the Emperor or pacify the people, nor guard his lands from treacherous army. Within 6 months, he gave up Xin Ye, lost Fan Cheng, lost the battle at Dang Yang, without an inch of a place of his own.

(Everyone in the hall laughed, Kongming smiled too, his composure calm, face and eyes, glowing)

Kongming: How could sparrows understand the ambitions of a swan? I have thought the sparrows lived in the forest, I didn't think that they have all gathered here today in this hall. My Lord Liu Bei had indeed lost at Lu Nan and sought refuge with Liu Biao. At that time, he only had Guan, Zhang and less than 10,000 men. Nevetheless when Cao Cao led an army of 500,000 to kill him, my Lord used fire attack on Bo Wang and used water at the White River. Cao's generals Cao Ren, Li Dian, Xiahou Dun lost a 100,000 men to the brink of nothing.

Even if Guan Zhong, Yue Yi were there, they might not be able to do better. At Dang Yang, there was an army chasing us, and a huge river in front of us, 200,000 citizens of old, and children, followed my Lord, travelling 10 miles a day. My Lord would rather die than to abandon them, have you ever heard of such a benevolent ruler in a hundred centuries? Nevertheless, there are people who merely knows how to talk, who looks with their eyes but does not see, as for empty names, no one can beat them, as for deploying and using an army in the face of an enemy, they do not know anything.

(Zhang Zhao bowed, embarrassed, as Kongming smiled, and bowed in return)

Another officer asked Kongming: Cao Cao's army is over a million men strong, with over 1000 good generals, ready to swallow Jiang Xia, may I ask what is your strategy?

Kongming: Cao Cao took over Yuan Shao's fallen army, and attacked weak rulers like Liu Biao, even if he were to call it a million, or a billion, I do not fear at all.

The officer asked, You have lost at Dang Yang, and have to resort to begging Jiang Dong, how can you say there no fear?

Kongming: My Lord has a few thousand men, how can we withstand Cao Cao's army? We have retreated to Jiang Xia, waiting for an opportunity to kill Cao Cao when the time comes. Whereas, here in Jiang Dong, you have ample provisions and army, a natural barrier of water with the Zhang Jiang, yet we have a group of refined scholars, begging your Lord pitifully to surrender to Cao Cao.

It certainly looks like my Lord Liu Bei is the only one in the world who does not fear Cao Cao.

Next battle player: Kongming, are you trying to emulate 苏秦，张仪， using a 3'' tongue to sweep DongWu even?

Kongming: I only knew Su Qin, Zhang Yi as very eloquent people, but really do not know if they are exceptional heroes.苏秦佩六国相印，张仪两次相秦，　they have brought peace and stability to the country. They are definitely not weaklings who are afraid of death nor who bully the meek.

However here we have someone, who have heard that Cao Cao has a million army, do not ask if it is a lie, or the truth, yet kowtow in surrender immediately. Can people of this caliber dare laugh at Su Qin, Zhang Yi? (implying himself, hidden meaning, that he is on par with these famed men)

Next challenger: Kongming, what kind of person do you think Cao Cao is?

Kongming: He is a tyrant, the whole world knows this, need you ask?

Reply: The Han Dynasty has carried on for 400 years, the end of their time is near, today Cao Cao has 2/3s of the world, the remaining 1/3 also has thoughts of surrendering to him. 暗怀归心。Liu Bei does not recognise his fate, and fights against it. How can he not lose?

With that, Kongming became angry and retorted, it is precisely of people like you that our Han Dynasty has declined, you speak as you have no ruler, no father, you are disloyal and unfilial.

人生于天地间，当一忠义为本

As people of Han, we cannot co-exist with a tyrant. The Han Dynasty has been passed down for 400 years, why can't we pass it down for another 400 years? If we cannot do so, it is because of people like you who spoil the name of Han.

Huang Gai arrives then and asks the scholars not to treat a guest with disrespect, and Kongming says, what you have just said is the most understanding word along this corrider. ^^

Summoned to Sun Quan's inner chambers, he told Sun Quan Cao Cao's army strength was about a million, despite Lu Su reminding him on numerous occasions not to tell Sun Quan the truth. Kongming calculated:

• before the battle in the Middle Plains, 212,000 men in Qing Zhou


• After getting rid of Yuan Shao, an additional 500,000 - 600,000 men. Even though we take the killed, wounded, old and weak in consideration, there still be about 400,000 - 500,000.


• 6 months later, in Ji, Bing, You Zhou he trained another 380,000 new troops


• After he obtained control of Jing Xiang, he gained a total of 313,000 army from the navy and army combined.

According to these calculations, Cao Cao's army will not be less than 1.4 million, I mentioned a million so as not to alarm your scholars.

Sun Quan then asked, what is the situation with his generals?

Kongming: In his declaration, Cao Cao said that he has over 1000 elite generals, that is but a lie. But for those who are well versed in battle, there are about 300 of them, amongst which 30 generals report to the commanding general. I will mention a few: Cao Brothers Cao Ren and Cao Hong, Xiahou brothers Xiahou Dun, Xiahou En, Xu Chu, Xu Huang, Zhang Liao, Yue Jin, Li Dian, Zhang He are all famed generals.

Sun Quan asked Kongming to help him make a firm decision, to fight, surrender or make peace, to which Kongming purposely spited the young Lord in his imply to ask him to surrender. When probed further, Kongming told Sun Quan, Peace, and surrender is but the same thing, peace, a term which sounds nicer. He added, Liu Bei would never surrender. Sun Quan offended, left the room.

Kongming had offended everone in the room.

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang IV by plaedes

Chapter 36: The Retreat to Jiang Xia

Cao Cao lost almost 50,000 men on the attack on Fan Cheng and captures Xin Ye in the process, Liu Bei flees to Jiang Xia.

To Guan Yu: Make haste for Jiang Xia and request reinforcements from Liu Qi, he will come as they are relatives, Cao is not just coming for us but is also eyeing the city.

Guan Yu: Good plan...

Zzzz...

Kongming: no war horse can outrun your red hare, therefore is task is yours and yours alone.

Chapter 37: The impending Cao Cao Invasion

In a conversation with Kongming, Liu Bei and Liu Cong, Kongming's strategy was to forge an alliance with Jiang Dong's Sun Quan.

Zhuge Liang's Optimism:

My Lord, you have already lost the battle, should we go to war again, at most, it is merely another defeat. But it is a different case for Sun Quan, it is not a matter of winning or losing, his is a matter of life and death. Cao Cao will definitely cross the river, and conquer his land. Only with our alliance, we stand a chance of victory. (By then a messenger reports that the Jiangdong envoy Lu Su had arrived to mourn Liu Cong's father). Kongming said, should Sun Quan be victorious, my Lord can go for Jing Zhou, if Cao Cao wins, we can go for Jiang Dong.

Liu Bei looked very stern and asked how could he think of conquering the land at a time like this, which Kongming replied, 恕我直言，所有的千秋霸业都是山穷水尽时开始的 (all victorious conquests begins when there was no way out). We have already gone through the most difficult times, as of this moment, besides our heads, there is nothing left for us to lose. Everyday shall be better, the only way to go, is up.

On Lu Su

Amongst Jiang Dong's talents of warriors and academics, the post of head of the warriors will surely go to Zhou Yu, for academics, Zhang Zhao. I heard from my brother, besides him, the 3rd person that can lead Jiang Dong's academics would be Lu Su. In Jiangdong's talents, my brother can only be ranked 20th and after.

Being the arrogant person he is who looks down on others, Zhou Yu has only ever recommended one person in his life to Sun Quan, and that person is Lu Su on the 3rd day Sun Ce passed away. Sun Quan spent an entire month with Lu Su, being very close and spending all their time together, no one knows what they have talked about but a month later, Sun Quan seemed to have been greatly enlightened, even the way he speaks began to have an aura that of 30% of an emperor.

The Lu Su here is portrayed as a honest, straightforward person who goes direct to the point of the matter, and is serious dude.

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang III by plaedes

Chapter 34

Do you know where I've been? Xi Chuan, said Kongming as he rolled out a map of the 54 provinces of Xi Chuan made of cloth on the floor.

From now, your eyes must be on Jing Zhou, desire on Xi Chuan, contain the world in your heart, and plan to achieve Xi Chuan according to the map.

Liu Bei, kneeled and broke into tears and begged him to leave his abode, without him, there would be no hope for the people. Zhuge Liang was moved by his sincerity, and there the story goes.

Chapter 35 - The Battle of 博望坡,  Xiahou Dun Attacks

Spending much time with Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei incurs the jealousy of Zhang and Guan.

Labelled as someone who only knew how to use his mouth and a youngster who does not know anything by the brothers, Zhuge Liang borrowed Liu Bei's Military Authority symbol and sword for 10 days in the face of the impending attack. He knew he needed it as a start to command Zhang and Guan.

Aware of his position and the situation, he remained unfazed. His delegation and instructions for this battle:

In the advance of the Cao Army, they will pass by 博望坡, on the left of this area is a mountain, called 豫山。On the right, a forest, 安林。In the low lying area of the mountains, we can lay an ambush. 

Guan Yu: To lead 1000 troops and wait in the mountains, when the Cao army come, let them pass. 

Their provisions will be behind their main army. When you see a northern fire lit, attack them, however do not be greedy for their provisions nor any spoils. Burn their provisions and block their retreat. 

Zhang Fei: To lead 1000 troops and ambush after the forest, when you see the northern fire, attack the enemy, and charge to the city of 搏望。 

Zhang Fei asked, Didn't you just say that the enemy will be at 博望坡? Why am I going into the city? 

Zhuge Liang: 博望坡 is where the Cao army will enter, the city is where they will reside. The provisions and supplies will be in the city. I want you to burn them all. 

Guan Ping: To bring fire starting materials and 500 men and wait behind the 博望 city. Assist Zhang Fei when he arrives. 

Mi Fang: Bring Zhao Yun back from 樊City, he is to engage the main army: He is only allowed to lose the fight and not to win. 

My Lord: Please lead 3000 Calvary and take charge of assistance. 

Liu Bei leads an example in giving the advisor due respect knowing the importance of having a team of warriors, which he had, and a brilliant strategist to guide them. 

Guan Yu asked: What will you do when all of us are out there killing the enemy? 

Zhuge Liang: I will guard the city. 

Zhang Fei: Whilst we are risking our lives, you are having a good time drinking tea. 

Zhuge Liang: The Lord's sword is here, those whom do not obey military orders, shall be executed. 

Liu Bei: Victories and defeats are decided by Strategies made a 1000 miles away. Those who reject the orders will be executed. 

Zhuge Liang: All generals, go now, and execute my instructions quickly, said Zhuge authoritatively. 

When everyone had left the command post, Liu Bei asked if he had confidence, Zhuge said, do not worry my Lord, today, you may go to 博望山 to position the troops. Tomorrow, the Cao army will surely arrive, when they do, abandon camp and run as pathetically as possible. But once you see the northen fire, turn back and attack. 

Oh, I forgot to to inform Jian Yong and Sun Qian to prepare our victory feast.

Cao Cao Leads his 500,000 army to attack Liu Bei

Cao Cao launched another attack on the city of Fan Cheng after the battle at Bo Wang Po as Kongming predicted. Liu Bei loses Fan Cheng, Zhang Guan took Cao's generals as prisoners in Xin Ye.

Kongming is expecting another attack the next day on Xin Ye. And knew that Liu Biao will hand Jing Zhou to Liu Bei, and the latter, will refuse for his principle, in thinking it is taking advantage of the situation and the heir should be his son Liu Cong.

Kongming's only option was to give up Xin Ye being too small to withstand Cao's attack, and retreat to 江夏 Jiang Xia。

To Guan Yu: Lead 3000 troops and lay in wait at the upper reaches of the White River. Every soldier must bring along a sandbag, filled with sand and placed to hold the waters of the river. Tomorrow at 三更，when you hear people shouting from the lower reaches, remove the sand bags and release the water. When that moment comes, chase the enemy along the flows of the river. 

Guan Yu: Where can I find 3000 sandbags at such short notice...? 

One of the men: 5 days ago, the advisor had already instructed me to get them ready, outside the city there are 5000 sandbags, you can take them along as you leave with your army. 

Zhuge Liang to Zhang Fei: Lead 3000 men to 博陵渡口 (ferry) [du(4th)] to ambush. The waters there are the most stable, when the Cao army is flooded, they will surely make their escape from that way. Take that opportunity and attack them then. 

Zi Long: Take 3000 men and divide them into 4 groups, each group to guard the Xin Ye West, North, South gates whilst you station yourself at the East Gate. When Cao Cao arrives in the city, he will rest his army there. I have already instructed Mi Fang to leave flammable materials 硫磺硝炭(sulfur and carbon) on the roof top。 Tomorrow evening when the Cao army prepares their meals, there will be a heavy wind. Once you see the wind rise, instruct your 4 groups to shoot their arrows into the city. 

When the city is up in flames, all troops at the gates will wave our flag and shout as a signal, leaving only the East Gate open for them to escape. 

Guan Ping, Liu Feng, Listen to the Command: Two of you will take 2000 men, one group bearing a red flag, the other a green flag, stationed at the end of the slopes outside Xin Ye City. When the Cao army flees, the red flag bearers will be on the left, and the green flag army on the right. Wave your flags and beat the drums, the enemy will be suspicious and not dare to engage you. They will retreat toward the White river. When that happens, chase them towards 博陵渡

Note: total of 11,000 men Vs 500,000 men?

To Liu Bei solemnly: My Lord, the Cao army will be defeated tomorrow, but there is just enough time for our retreat, as such we cannot wipe out his 500,000 army completely. We still need to give the city up, we still need to retreat to Jiang Xia,

One of the men: What will be of the 180,000 citizens when we burn the city? Liu Bei in a moment, did not think of that. His subordinate said: Military advisor had already decided to give out our provisions and gold and divide them amongst the citizens, but the citizens are unwilling to accept. They say, that they will follow you my Lord, wherever you go. They say that as long as they follow you, good times will follow them.

Liu Bei decided to take the citizens along in his retreat to Kongming's advice that in the 280 mile retreat, the old and the children will slow them down, if Cao's heavy Calvary were to pursue, it would be disastrous, but Liu Bei had made a stand. He said, the Citizens may abandon me, but I shall never abandon them.

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang II by plaedes

Chapter 33: 三顾茅庐

First Visit:

Zhuge Liang knew that there would be visitors on the day Liu Bei came with his brothers, and went for a long trip.

Zhang Fei was complaining throughout on the need to visit him, the scholarly ways were useless, when proud they were so, when humble, they were so humble, as a warrior, he thinks scholars are based on talking and hunting a panther was so much more interesting haha. He called them rotten beancurds (Fu Lu). It was a funny portrayal!

He met Chui Zhou Ping, Zhuge Liang's student, on the roads as they were leaving, and had tea together, his views were that there is since ancient times, there is no order without disorder, it is the natural order of things.

A simple summary to the version in the serial, Chinese is a beautiful language, 4 words as idioms, a sense of deeper meaning, reinforced with another idiom, was the way of the ancients, Zhou Ping told Liu Bei (an attempt at translation):

''Since ancient times, when there is order, there is chaos, Chaos and order are coexistant, 

It rises and subdues, never to cease, Our ancestors rised in revolt against the Qin, 

The world was chaotic and order permeated, After which there was peace for 200 years. 

As such, chaos and order, is a cause and effect. Chaos is natural, and so is order. 

In fact, it would be funny if it were not chaotic. (Zhou Ping smiles) 

On politely refusing Liu Bei's offer of service, he said, there are no Gods on earth, but 

there are God-like days.''

2nd Visit:

During Winter, they stopped by a tavern and met （Yan Chuan) 石广元, (Lu Nan) 孟公威, famous scholors and Kongming's friends. Liu Bei offered to pay for their meal.

Went to Kongming's place to look for him, but met up with his brother Zhuge Jun. There are 3 brothers, Zhuge Jin, Liang and Jun. Came across his father-in-law Huang Cheng Yan as well.

Liu Bei left a written message for Kongming.

Naturally to Zhang Fei, Liu Bei's respect and courteous ways in those he met whom he thought was Kong Ming was even more respectful to praying to the goddess of mercy, Guan Yin

3rd Visit:

Guan Yu spoke up this time, that if Kongming is a learned refined man, he would have paid his respects and visited Liu Bei instead of hiding, to which Liu Bei said:

齐Huan公见东郭先生， 五次往返方得见一面，

孔明远胜东郭先生，而我求贤之心，反倒还不及齐Huan公吗？

Zhuge Liang's first advice:

Your heart is troubled for you have great ambitions, without your ambitions... You'd have no troubles now, would you?

Cao Cao initial power was much lesser than Yuan Shao, but he won because of 2 reasons: 1. 天时2。人谋. Today he has over a million men, with the backing of the emperor, do not go heads on with him.

Ally with Sun Ce in the South, they have generations in Jiang Dong, the citizens are affluent, troops well trained and brave, you may only ally them, do not think about their land.

荆襄九郡 is a strategically located area, the citizens are well to do, but Liu Biao is weak, he cannot defend the city, and this shall be your opportunity to obtain Jing Xiang. Liu Biao will not last long, if you do not obtain it, do you want to wait for Cao Cao to come?

Once you obtain Jing Zhou, avoid the middle plains, move your army towards the west, attack Yi Zhou (Xi Chuan). It is invulnerable ground, easy to defend and hard to attack. The saying goes that it is the Heaven of Cities, crops are fertile, and you can raise an army of 1 million.

The emperor Liu Bang raised his army here and became king.

Once you obtain Si Chuan, Jing Xiang, the world will be akin to divided into two. For internal affairs, foster your army and people, for external ally with the Suns and wait for an opportunity. Once changes come, you may lead your army to Xu Chang and get rid of Cao.

If you follow my advice, I'd reckon you will succeed in 10 years, and in another 10, the stage shall be set. By then, you can fulfill your dreams to restore the Han Dynasty and your desire to repay your gratitude to the nation.

诸葛亮字孔明 Zhuge Liang by plaedes

Updated January 2012

Every effort is put in to ensure that the translation is done as accurately as possible to my limited knowledge, according to the DVD series. It took many pauses on the show itself, while searching for references, dictionaries, blogging, editing and finally posting here. 

I would appreciate if you want to copy and paste this wholesale, please kindly link back to my site.

I do not own the images on these posts, they are taken from the internet.

http://ahyicodae.deviantart.com/art/Zhuge-Liang-Portrait-20730559

One of the favorite well known military strategists of ancient China loved by many, including me.

This post is an attempted detail to capture the historical events according to the new series, my intention is to capture Zhuge Liang's brilliance, thoughts and understanding of events even before they happen, delegation and use of army, and ultimately even the iconic symbolization of his presence were feared by the enemies.

On an analysis of his success,

1. He understands the capabilities of the generals and knows that they will do a good job.

2. He knows the terrain like the back of his hand, the geography, even the weather.

3. He knows what the enemy is thinking of, when and where they will engage, on top of that, why and how.

4. He knows the people around him, their character, personality, how to make use of it to his purpose.

5. He is an expert in military strategy, much versed in the Books of War.

6. He is confident, knowing his own capability.

This version of Zhuge Liang's strategy and advise for Liu Bei seemed a little rushed, with a lot less emphasis on the character, this actor is more charismatic and younger, but the other actor portrayed a much higher level of subtlety.