is fertile and a temptation； but its ruler is of my family； and I cannot plot against him。〃
〃Yes； Yizhou is a very paradise。 But without a ruler it cannot exist。 Liu Zhang knows not how to use the wise people； and his heritage must speedily pass to another。 Today it is offered to your hands； and you must not miss the opportunity。 You know the saying； that the leader in the hunt gets the quarry。 If you will only consent； I will serve you to the death。〃
Liu Bei signified his gratitude。 Said he； 〃Let me reflect for a time and take advice。〃
The banquet terminated and the guest left。 Zhuge Liang conducted Fa Zheng to his lodging while his master sat thinking。
Then Pang Tong said； 〃You must decide………not to decide is foolish。 You are of high intelligence； my lord； and why do you hesitate？〃
〃What should my reply be？〃 asked Liu Bei。
〃You know these surroundings………Sun Quan in the east and Cao Cao in the north………； and with them you cannot attain your ends。 Now before you lies a populous； fertile； and rich land； a base with the greatest possibilities。 You have the promise of assistance from two men within； and it seems like a gift of providence。 Why hesitate？〃
〃Now there are two men in the world as mutually antagonistic as fire and water。 My opposite is Cao Cao。 He is impetuous and I am long suffering； he is cruel and I am humane； he feigns while I am true。 In all particulars I act the direct contrary to him。 I refuse to risk the loss of the confidence and trust of the world for a trifling advantage。〃
＇e＇ King Tang founder of the Shang Dynasty。 。。。。。
＇e＇ King Wu； aka the Martial King； founded the Zhou Dynasty； with the help of the Duke of Zhou； who was his brother。 。。。。。
Pang Tong smiled at these sentiments；