Welcome to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms podcast. This is episode 102.

Last time, we left off with Liu Bei declaring himself emperor after the Han emperor was officially deposed by Cao Pi.

As his first imperial act, Liu Bei was going to attack Dong Wu to make them pay for killing

his brother Guan Yu, but a number of his officials were against it. However, his third brother, Zhang Fei, heard about this

and personally headed to the Shu capital of Chengdu to make sure that Liu Bei did not waver

in his conviction for war against Dong Wu. At this time, Liu Bei was personally drilling his troops every day in preparation for the campaign.

But many of his officials were still hoping to talk him out of it.

A bunch of them went to see Zhuge Liang and said,

His Highness has only just recently ascended to the imperial throne,

and now he wants to personally lead an expedition.

His priorities are misplaced.

Prime Minister, you hold an influential position.

Can you not talk him out of it?

I have already tried time and again, Zhuge Liang said, but he would not listen.

Today, why don't you all go with me to the training grounds to offer our council?

So they all followed Zhuge Liang to go see Liu Bei and told him,

Your Highness has just ascended to the throne,

the only time when it would be appropriate for you to personally command an army

is if you are marching north to bring the usurpers to justice.

If you want to attack Dongwu,

then you should just appoint a top general to lead in your place. There is no need for you to go

personally. Being leaned on so hard by Zhuge Liang and others, Liu Bei was starting to sway.

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