This done； he prayed：
〃Zhuge Liang； born into an age of trouble； would willingly have grown old in retirement。 But His Majesty； Liu Bei the Glorious Emperor； sought him thrice and confided to him the heavy responsibility of guarding his son。 He dared not do less than spend himself to the utmost in such a task； and he pledged himself to destroy the rebels。 Suddenly the star of his leadership has declined； and his life now nears its close。 He has humbly indited a declaration on this silk piece to the Great Unknowable and now hopes that He will graciously listen and extend the number of his days that he may prove his gratitude to his prince and be the savior of the people； restore the old state of the empire and establish eternally the Han sacrifices。 He dares not make a vain prayer： This is from his heart。〃
This prayer ended； in the solitude of his tent Zhuge Liang awaited the dawn。
Next day； ill as he was； he did not neglect his duties； although he spat blood continually。 All day he labored at his plans； and at night he paced the magic steps； the steps of seven stars of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor。
Sima Yi remained still on the defensive。
One night as he sat gazing up at the sky and studying its aspect； he suddenly turned to Xiahou Ba； saying； 〃A leadership star has just lost position： Surely Zhuge Liang is ill and will soon die。 Take a reconnoitering party of one thousand to the Wuzhang Hills and find out。 If you see signs of confusion； it means that Zhuge Liang is ill。 I shall take the occasion to smite hard。〃
Xiahou Ba left with an army。
It was the sixth night of Zhuge Liang's prayers； and the lamp of his fate still burned brightly。 He began to feel a secret joy。 Presently Jiang Wei entered and watched the ceremonies。 He