出師表

A historical account written during the late 3rd century. This text is presented as a memorial presented to the emperor, outlining the challenges faced by the Shu Han state in the context of the Three Kingdoms period in China. The document focuses on military strategies, governance, and the importance of loyalty to the late emperor, reflecting the tumultuous state of affairs in a divided empire. The content of ''出師表'' primarily revolves around the advisement given by Zhuge Liang to the new emperor Liu Shan after the death of Liu Bei, the founding emperor of Shu Han. In this memorial, Zhuge Liang expresses his loyalty, recounts the struggles faced by the state, and implores the emperor to heed the wisdom of virtuous ministers while avoiding the influence of treacherous figures. He emphasizes the need for careful military planning and unity among the ranks to confront the powerful rival state of Cao Wei. Throughout, Zhuge Liang illustrates his commitment to restoring the Han dynasty's glory and his determination to sacrifice personal comfort for the greater good of the state.