The late emperor passed away before his ambitions were fulfilled, and now the world is divided into three parts, with Yizhou in a state of exhaustion. This is indeed a critical moment for survival. However, the loyal ministers within the court remain diligent, and the devoted individuals outside risk their lives, all in pursuit of the late emperor's special favor, wishing to repay it to Your Majesty. It is truly appropriate to broaden Your Majesty's listening, to illuminate the late emperor's virtues, to restore the morale of the loyal, and not to belittle oneself, drawing analogies of lost righteousness, which would obstruct the path of loyalty and counsel.
Within the palace and the court, they are one entity; rewards and punishments should not differ. If there are those who commit crimes or those who are loyal and virtuous, they should be handed over to the authorities to discuss their punishments and rewards, to demonstrate Your Majesty's clarity of principle, and not to show favoritism, causing different laws for the inside and outside.
The ministers, Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun, and others, are all virtuous and loyal, which is why the late emperor selected them for Your Majesty. I humbly believe that all matters within the palace, big or small, should be consulted with them before implementation, which will surely help to fill gaps and bring benefits.
General Xiang Chong has good character and is well-versed in military affairs; he was tried in the past, and the late emperor praised him as capable, which is why the consensus chose him as a commander. I humbly believe that all matters in the camp should be consulted with him, which will surely ensure harmony in the formations and proper placement of strengths and weaknesses.
To favor virtuous ministers and distance oneself from petty individuals is how the former Han thrived; to favor petty individuals and distance oneself from virtuous ministers is how the later Han declined. When the late emperor was alive, he often sighed and lamented about Huan and Ling with me. The ministers, including the Chamberlain, the Secretary, the Chief of Staff, and the Military Advisor, are all loyal and steadfast individuals. I hope Your Majesty will trust and be close to them, and then the prosperity of the Han dynasty can be awaited day by day.
I was originally a commoner, farming in Nanyang, merely seeking to preserve my life in chaotic times, not seeking fame among the lords. The late emperor did not regard me as lowly; he humbly bent down, visiting me three times in my thatched cottage, consulting me on matters of the world. This moved me deeply, and I thus pledged my service to the late emperor. Later, when disaster struck, I was appointed in the midst of a defeated army, tasked in times of peril, and it has now been twenty-one years.
The late emperor knew I was cautious, so he entrusted me with great matters before his passing. Since receiving this mandate, I have worried day and night, fearing that I might fail to live up to his expectations and thus harm the late emperor's reputation. Therefore, I crossed the Lu River in May and ventured deep into barren lands. Now that the south is settled and the troops are sufficient, I should lead the three armies north to pacify the Central Plains, striving to eliminate treachery and restore the Han dynasty, returning to the old capital. This is my duty to repay the late emperor and be loyal to Your Majesty. As for weighing benefits and losses and offering loyal advice, that is the responsibility of Youzhi, Yi, and Yun.
I hope Your Majesty will entrust me with the task of eliminating the rebels and restoring the dynasty. If I fail, then punish me for my shortcomings, to report to the spirit of the late emperor. If there are no words of virtue, then hold Youzhi, Yi, and Yun accountable for their negligence, to highlight their faults; Your Majesty should also plan for yourself, consult good counsel, heed wise words, and deeply pursue the late emperor's last edict. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the favor received.
Now, as I prepare to depart, I weep as I write this, unsure of what to say.