Welcome to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms podcast.

This is episode 47.

Last time, on his third attempt, Liu Bei finally got to meet Zhuge Liang, and the man did not disappoint.

Zhuge Liang quickly laid out his grand plan for Liu Bei to establish himself as a power

player. Let Cao Cao have the north, and Sun Quan have the south. Take Jing province first

as your home base, then take Yi province to the west to build your own

little empire, and then bide your time for the right moment to invade the north.

It was quite an impressive plan, and it made Liu Bei rise from his seat and bow in thanks.

However, Liu Bei also voiced some concerns.

Master, your words have opened the thicket that had blocked my view and parted the clouds

so that I can see the sky.

However, the imperial protectors of Jing and Yi province, Liu Biao and Liu Zhang, are both my kinsmen,

an imperial clan.

How can I bear to take what is theirs?

From studying the stars, Zhuge Liang replied, I can tell that Liu Biao is not long for this world,

and Liu Zhang is not a worthwhile ruler. Both of these territories

will belong to you in time. When he heard this, Liu Bei prostrated and pressed his head to the

ground to show his gratitude and respect to Zhuge Liang. When he was done, he said,

although I am of meager standing and worth,

I hope you will not spurn me and will leave these hills to help me.

I will obediently follow your enlightening instruction.

So let's see here.

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