nerations。 Their position in that old state of Wu may not appear too secure； but they have popularity to appeal to。 You can gain support but win no success there。
〃The Region of Jingzhou rests on the two Rivers Han and Mian to the north； and their interests lie in all to the south of these rivers。 On the east they touch Wu； and on the west they extend to the ancient states of Ba and Shu。 This is the area in which decisive battles have to be won； and one must hold it in order to be secure； and Heaven has virtually made it yours。
〃The Region of Yizhou in the west is an important place； fertile and extensive； a country favored of Heaven and that through which the Founder of Han obtained the empire。 Its ruler Liu Zhang is ignorant and weak。 The people are noble and the country prosperous； but he does not know how to hold it all； and all the able people of the region are yearning for an enlightened prince。
〃As you are a scion of the Family； well known throughout the land as trusty and righteous； a whole…hearted hero； who greatly desires to win the support of the wise； if you get possession of Yizhou and Jingzhou； if on the west you are in harmony with the Rong Tribes； on the south win over the ancient states of Yi and Viet； make an alliance with Sun Quan of Wu； and maintain good government； you can await confidently the day when Heaven shall offer you the desired opportunity。 Then you may depute a worthy leader to go to the northeast while you take mand of an expedition to the northwest； and will you not find the warmest wele prepared for you by the people？ This done； the pletion of the task will be easy。 The Hans will be restored。 And these are my counsels in all these operations； if you will only undertake them。〃
＇e＇ The River Lands were West Ri