he glory of the Hans。〃
〃But how dare I attempt this？ The ruler is also of the Imperial House。 The whole region is devoted to him for his good deeds； and no other person could attain such a hold。〃
〃I am no traitor；〃 said Zhang Song； 〃but in your presence I feel constrained to be perfectly open and plain。 Liu Zhang； the Imperial Protector of Yizhou； is naturally weak and can neither use the wise nor employ the capable。 Then again Zhang Lu threatens on the north。 People are distracted and would gladly wele an appreciative ruler。 The journey I have just made was to propose to support Cao Cao and place the region under him； but I found him rebellious and set on evil； proud and arrogant。 So I have turned aside to you。 If you will take Yizhou； you will have a base from which to deal with Hanzhong when you will； and the whole empire beside。 You will continue the rightful line； and your name will live in history。 Would not that be real fame？ If then you think of taking our region； I am willing to do what little I can as an ally within。 But do you contemplate such a step？〃
〃I am deeply grateful that you think so well of me。 But the Imperial Protector being a member of the family； I should lay myself open to general execration； were I to attack him。〃
〃When a hero finds himself in the world； his duty is to work out his destiny； to exert himself and perform his task as best as he can； to press forward among the foremost。 At the moment the position is that； if you fail to seize this opportunity； some other will take possession of Yizhou； and you will regret when too late。〃
〃And I have heard much of the difficult nature of the country； its many high mountains and numerous streams； and its narrow roads。 How could such a country be invaded？〃
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