But this time Jiang Wan intervened； saying； 〃Your late father named Li Yan as one of the guardians of your youth。〃
And the Latter Ruler relented。 However； Li Yan was stripped of all ranks and relegated to Zitong。
Zhuge Liang went to Chengdu and appointed Li Teng； Li Yan's son； as High Counselor。
Preparations then began for another expedition。 Plans were discussed； provisions were accumulated； weapons put in order； and officers and soldiers kept fit and trained。 By his kindness to the people； Zhuge Liang waited for three years before beginning marching； and in the two River Lands people's hearts filled with joys。
And the time passed quickly。
In the second month of the twelfth year （AD 234）； Zhuge Liang presented a memorial； saying； 〃I have been training the army for three years。 Supplies are ample； and all is in order for an expedition。 We may now attack Wei。 If I cannot destroy these rebels； sweep away the evil hordes； and bring about a glorious entry into the capital； then may I never again enter Your Majesty's presence。〃
The Latter Ruler replied； 〃The empire has settled on a tripod； and Wu and Wei trouble us not at all。 Why not enjoy the present tranquillity； O Father Minister？〃
〃Because of the mission left me by your father。 I am ever scheming to destroy Wei； even in my dreams。 I must strive my best and do my utmost to regain you the Middle Land and restore the glory of the Hans。〃
As Zhuge Liang said this； a voice cried； 〃An army may not go forth； O Prime Minister！〃
Qiao Zhou had raised a last protest。
Zhuge Liang's sole thought was service；
Himself he would not spare；
But Qiao Zhou had watched the starry sky；
And read misfortune there。
The next chapter will give the