While Jiang Wei scrambles to mount a last-ditch defense, his old nemesis searches for a way to go around his roadblock.

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Welcome to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms Podcast. This is episode 148.

Before we continue where we left off, I have a quick announcement. We are rapidly approaching the end of the podcast here. I still have a few more supplemental episodes I want to put out, but we are looking at no more than five or six regular episodes remaining, if that. I do plan on doing a wrap-up episode at the end of the whole thing, and as part of that episode, I will answer any questions you may have. Now, I’ve gotten a number of questions about whether I’m doing another similar podcast after this one, and I will address that in the wrap-up episode, so no need to send in more questions about that. Also, please listen to the 100th episode Q&A first, so that you don’t send in a question that was already answered in that episode. Alright, on with the show.

 

Last time, the kingdom of Wei had sent the generals Zhong Hui and Deng Ai to lead two large armies to invade the Riverlands. Zhong Hui kicked down the front door to the region of Hanzhong and was cruising along when he suddenly ran into some spooky supernatural stuff around Dingjun (4,1) Mountain. He asked around and learned that this was the final resting place of none other than Zhuge Liang.

“This must be the work of his spirit; I need to personally go offer sacrifices to him,” Zhong Hui said.

So the next day, Zhong Hui prepared a first-class sacrifice and went to Zhuge Liang’s grave, where he prostrated and offered up the sacrificial items. No sooner had the ceremony ended did the violent winds stop and the ominous clouds dissipate, replaced by a light breeze and drizzle, which soon gave way to sunlight.

The Wei troops were all delighted by this turn in the weather, and they offered up their gratitude before returning to camp. That night, Zhong Hui was sleeping in his tent when suddenly, a light breeze swept into the tent, followed by man donning a headscarf and wielding a feather fan. He wore a crane-pattern robe, white shoes, and a black sash. His face was like fine jade, and his lips were daubs of red. His eyes were bright and clear, and he moved with the light grace of divine immortal.

Zhong Hui stood up and greeted the man, asking, “Sir, who might you be?”

The guy was like, dude, have  you not been listening to the last 147 episodes of the Three Kingdoms Podcast?

“I was honored by your visit this morning,” the man said. “I have a short message for you: Even though the rites of the Han are at an end and heaven’s mandate must be followed, the people of the Riverlands have suffered much during this long period of war and should be pitied. Once you have entered their territory, please do not slaughter the civilians.”

And with that, the visitor flicked his sleeves and departed. Zhong Hui tried to keep him, but suddenly startled awake. He immediately realized who the visitor was, so he ordered his troops to erect a white banner that said, “Protect the Kingdom, Spare the People.” Wherever they went, whoever kills a single innocent would pay with his life. And what do you know? That worked. Wherever they went in Hanzhong, the people of came out of the towns to welcome them. Zhong Hui put all their minds at ease with kind words,