Welcome to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms podcast. This is episode 147.

Last time, Jiang Wei did not launch another northern campaign. Yeah, I know, crazy, right?

Instead, he had been summoned back from the front lines by his emperor Liu Shan,

thanks to some devious maneuvering by that wicked eunuch, Huang Hao.

Jiang Wei lost his coup and demanded that Liu Shan execute Huang Hao,

but Liu Shan was like, yeah, no, that's not

happening, I love that guy.

So Jiang Wei stomped off in a huff.

But an official named Xi Zheng soon reminded Jiang that you don't do something like this

without expecting some blowback, and Jiang Wei asked Xi Zheng how he could save

himself. Xi Zheng told him, there is a place in the region of Longxi called Dajong. The soil

there is quite fertile. You should follow the late prime minister's policy of having the soldiers

till the soil and ask His Highness for permission to go do that

in Da Zhong.

First, the harvested grain can go to help feed the army.

Second, you can try to occupy all the nearby districts.

Third, the Wei will not dare to make any moves on Hanzhong.

And fourth, as long as you retain command

of the army out in the field, no one can move against you, and you will be able to avoid disaster.

This is a plan to save yourself and the kingdom. You should do it at once.

Sir, your advice is priceless, a delighted Jiang Wei said in gratitude.

So the next day, Jiang Wei went to see Liu Shan and told him that he wanted to go to Da Zhong

...