Chapter 10: Entrusting the Orphan at Baidicheng
Глава 10: Доверие сироты в Байдичэне На смертном одре Лю Бэй доверил своего сына и будущее царства Шу заботам верного Чжугэ Ляна.
After the failure at the Battle of Yiling, Liu Bei fell ill at Baidicheng. He knew his time was limited and entrusted his final affairs to Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei's orphaned son Liu Shan.
Liu Bei called Zhuge Liang to his bedside and said: "Your talent is ten times that of Cao Pi. You will surely be able to bring peace to the country and ultimately accomplish great things. If my heir is worthy of assistance, assist him; if he is unworthy, you may take the position yourself."
Hearing these words, Zhuge Liang was moved to tears. He swore to assist Liu Shan and complete Liu Bei's unfinished cause. This trust from Liu Bei deeply moved Zhuge Liang.
Liu Bei then called Zhao Yun, Wei Yan, and others, instructing them to assist Zhuge Liang and Liu Shan. He spoke his final admonitions to these subordinates, hoping they would unite and jointly defend Shu Han.
Liu Bei died at Baidicheng at the age of sixty-three. His life was filled with hardships and struggles. Although he did not realize his ideal of unifying the realm, his spirit and character became a model for later generations.
Liu Bei's death marked the entry of Shu Han into a new era. Zhuge Liang became the actual ruler of Shu Han, shouldering the heavy responsibility of defending and building Shu Han.