Preface
Before and after the death of the late Emperor Liu Bei, the Five Tiger Generals successively passed away, starting with Guan Yu, who was stationed in Jingzhou. The death of Guan Yu indicated a complete failure of the strategy outlined in the "Longzhong Plan" by Zhuge Liang when he first emerged. It was evidently unrealistic to rely on the untrustworthy ally, Eastern Wu, for the smooth implementation of the strategy. The downfall of Guan Yu was precisely due to the betrayal from the so-called ally, Eastern Wu, who struck him from behind.
A new dynasty has begun
It must be said that since the founding emperor of Cao Wei, Cao Cao, and the esteemed strategist *Tu* passed away, along with a number of renowned generals and loyal ministers, only Sima Yi remained capable of standing alone in Cao Wei. However, Sima Yi's ambition ultimately led to the downfall of Cao Wei, as well as his own demise. Although Sun Wu can be regarded as a land of exceptional talent and resources, after the death of Zhou Yu, Lu Xun was not given the opportunity to be utilized effectively, and he passed away in obscurity, failing to serve as a bulwark for Sun Wu. The Battle of Yiling was merely a fleeting stage for this renowned general.
After nine years of enduring numerous battles, Zhuge Liang finally subdued Cao Wei in the north, and Sun Wu sought to surrender. Thus, the world was unified under the *Map* and *Book*. The capital was established in Luoyang, and the state was named "Han," commonly referred to as the Later Han.
On the high altar, Liu Shan, dressed in a bright yellow ceremonial robe adorned with colorful patterns, was embroidered with nine dragons interspersed with five-colored clouds. On his head, he wore a crown draped with white jade beads, featuring twelve tassels that reached his shoulders, tied with cords of various colors, and flanked by yellow silk. The jade beads were complemented by jade ornaments. In this moment, the usually debased and listless emperor of the Later Han, Liu Shan, appeared significantly more dignified and spirited, solemnly paying homage to the deities.
Cao Wei and Sun Wu were eyeing each other covetously, while the southern barbarians frequently invaded the borders and caused chaos. Zhuge Liang, who oversaw military and political affairs, exerted himself to the utmost, forming an alliance with Sun Wu to the east and pacifying the southern tribes. In May, he crossed the Lu River, and by September, he stabilized the southern region. Under his efforts to turn the tide, the situation finally began to develop favorably for Shu Han
Thus, he embarked on the grand endeavor of pacifying the world
After that, it was Zhang Fei who guarded Langzhong, followed by Huang Zhong who accompanied Liu Bei in the campaign against Eastern Wu, and then Ma Chao passed away. Among the veteran generals of Shu Han, only Zhao Yun and Wei Yan remained, along with Jiang Wei who later defected; although the new generation represented by Luo Xian is considered talented, and Guan Xing, Zhang Bao, and Fu Qian are all exceptionally brave, these individuals are still young and have not undergone sufficient training, resulting in a slight lack of experience, making them unable to shoulder significant responsibilities
Now that the world is pacified and the four seas are united, as the sole victor, Liu Shan must certainly conduct a grand ceremony to worship the heavens, in order to demonstrate his glory in unifying the realm
Thus, the Shu Han entered the most perilous and dark period since its establishment.
The greatest contributor to the founding of the nation, the architect of the Later Han Dynasty, and the Chancellor Zhuge Liang, who was conferred the title of Marquis of Wuxiang, was now white-haired, yet he could not conceal the ethereal elegance that surrounded him. A lifetime of warfare had not added even a trace of bloodthirstiness to his demeanor. He remained himself, the recluse who toiled in Nanyang, possessing grand ambitions, pure and noble, and distinct from the common crowd. Beside him stood the General Jiang Wei, who was quietly standing respectfully and solemnly at his teacher's side. He remained himself, the recluse who toiled in Nanyang, possessing grand ambitions, pure and noble, and distinct from the common crowd. Beside him stood the General Jiang Wei, who was quietly standing respectfully and solemnly at his teacher's side.