y diligent care； and when dying he confided the great task to me。 From that day I have lived a life of anxiety lest I should fail in my trust and so dim his glory。
〃That is why I undertook the expedition to the lands beyond the River Lu。 Now the Southern Mangs has been quelled； and our army is in good condition。 I ought to lead it against the north； where I may meet with a measure of success in the removal of the wicked ones； the restoration of Han； and a return to the old capital。 This is my duty out of gratitude to the late Emperor and loyalty to Your Majesty。 As to a discussion of the pros and cons and giving a true version of the whole matter； that belongs to Guo Youzhi and Fei Yi and Dong Yun。 I desire Your Majesty to confide to me the task of slaying the rebels and restoring the Hans。 If I fail； then punish me by telling the spirit of the late Emperor。 If you know not what restoration implies； that is the fault of your advisers。
〃Your Majesty should take pains to be guided into the right path and examine carefully what is laid before you； carefully remembering the late Emperor's testament。
〃I cannot express what would be my delight if you had the goodness to accept and act on my advice。
〃Now I am about to depart on a distant expedition； I write this with tears and clearly know what I have said。〃
The Emperor read it through and said； 〃My Father Minister； you have only just returned from a distant and fatiguing expedition against the Southern Mangs。 You are not yet refreshed； and I fear this march to the north will be almost too much even for you。〃
Zhuge Liang replied； 〃The heaviest responsibility lies upon me； the well…being of Your Majesty confided to me by the First Ruler。 My efforts may not be relaxed night or day。 The s