re His Late Majesty chose them in his testament。 My advice is to consult them in all Palace matters； great or small； before taking action。 Your Majesty will reap the enormous advantage of having any failings corrected。
〃General Xiang Chong is a man of well…balanced temperament； versed in military matters； to whom； after testing him； the late Emperor applied the epithet 'capable'。 The consensus of opinion is that Xiang Chong should be Grand mander。 My advice is to consult him in all military matters； great or small； whereby your military forces will yield their maximum； each one being employed to the best advantage。
〃Attract worthy people； repel mean ones。 This policy achieved the glory of the Former Hans； while its reversal ruined the Latter Hans。 When the late Emperor was with us； he often discussed this with your servant； and he took much to heart the story of Emperors Huan and Ling。
〃The Chair of the Secretariat Chen Zhen； mander Zhang Si； and Minister Jiang Wan are both incorruptible and enlightened people； honest to the death。 I wish that Your Majesty should have them near and hold them in confidence。 If this be done； then the glory of the House of Han will be quickly consummated。
〃I was originally a private person； a farmer in Nanyang； concerned only to secure personal safety in a troubled age and not seeking conversation with the contending nobles。 His Late Majesty； the First Ruler； overlooking the monness of my origin； condescended to seek me thrice in my humble cot and consult me on the trend of events。 His magnanimity affected me deeply； and I consented to do my utmost for him。 Then came defeat； and I took office at a moment of darkest outlook and at a most difficult crisis。 This is twenty…one years ago。 The First Ruler recognized m