Zhuge Liang cast lots to know what portent was intended, and announced, “That gale signals the loss of a great leader.”
They hardly believed him. But before the banquet ended, two sons of Zhao Yun, Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang, came and wished to see the Prime Minister.
Zhuge Liang, deeply affected, threw aside his wine cup and cried, “That is it; Zhao Yun is gone.”
When the two young men came in, they prostrated themselves and wept, saying, “Our father died the night before at the third watch.”
Zhuge Liang staggered and burst into lamentation.
“My friend is gone; the country has lost it great beam and I my right arm.”
Those about him joined in, wiping away their tears. Zhuge Liang bade the two young men go in person to Chengdu to bear the sad tidings to the Emperor. And the Latter Ruler wept bitterly.
“Zhao Yun was my savior and friend; he saved my life when I was a child in the time of great confusion,” cried the Latter Ruler.
An edict was issued creating Zhao Yun Regent Marshal and Lord of Shunping and permitting burial on the east of Silky Hills. A temple was ordered to his memory and sacrifices were offered in four seasons.
The Latter Ruler showed his affectionate gratitude to the late leader, not only in according him most honorable burial, but in kindness to his sons. The elder, Zhao Tong, was made General in the Tiger Army and the younger, Zhao Guang, Station General. He also set guards over the tomb.
When the two sons had left, the ministers reported to the Latter Ruler: “The dispositions of the army are complete, and the Prime Minister proposes to march against Wei without delay.”
Talking this over with one and another, the Latter Ruler found the courtiers much inclined to a cautious policy and somewhat fearful. And the doubts entered into the Latter Ruler's mind so that he could not decide. Then came a memorial from Zhuge Liang, and the messenger, Yang Yi, was called into the presence and gave it to the Latter Ruler. The Emperor spread it on the imperial table and read:
“Considering that the south should be made secure before the north could be attacked, I braved the heat of summer and plunged deep into the wilds of the Mang nations. Sparing not myself nor regarding privation, urged by the one consideration, that the royal domain should not be confined to the capital of Shu, I faced dangers in obedience to the First Ruler's behest. But there are critics who may say that I failed. Now the rebels have been weakened in the west and have become involved in the east. The rule of war is to take advantage of the enemy's weakness, and so now is the time to attack. I shall discuss the various circumstances in order.
“The enlightenment of the Founder of the Hans, Liu Bang, rivaled the glory of the sun and moon; his counselors were profound as the ocean abyss. Nevertheless, he trod a hazardous path and suffered losses, only attaining repose after passing through great dangers. Your Majesty does not reach his level, nor do your counselors equal Zhang Liang and Chen Ping. Yet while we desired victory, we would sit idle, waiting till the empire should become settled. This attitude is beyond my comprehension.
