Since Dong Zhuo, heroes have risen in droves, and those who control multiple provinces and counties are countless. Compared to Yuan Shao, Cao Cao was less famous and had fewer troops. Yet Cao Cao was able to defeat Yuan Shao, turning weakness into strength. This was not only due to favorable timing but also to skillful maneuvering. Now Cao Cao commands a million troops, holds the emperor hostage, and commands the other lords. He is truly invincible. Sun Quan has ruled Jiangdong for three generations. The country is strategically important, the people are loyal, and capable men serve him. He can be an ally but not a target. Jingzhou is bordered by the Han and Mian rivers to the north, benefits from the South China Sea, connects to Wu and Kuaiji to the east, and links to Ba and Shu to the west. This is a land of military prowess, yet its ruler cannot defend it. This is surely a gift from Heaven to you, General. Do you have any interest in it? Yizhou is a strategically important and fertile land, a land of abundance. Emperor Gaozu established his empire here. Liu Zhang is weak and incompetent, Zhang Lu is in the north, the people are prosperous and the country is rich, yet they do not care for it. Intelligent men yearn for a wise ruler. General, as a descendant of the imperial family, your integrity is renowned throughout the land. You command heroes and thirst for wise men. If you were to control Jing and Yi provinces, securing their strategic passes, pacifying the western barbarians, appeasing the southern Yi and Yue tribes, forging an alliance with Sun Quan, and governing the country well; then, should the world be in turmoil, you could send a top general with the Jingzhou army towards Wan and Luo, while you yourself lead the Yizhou forces out of Qin Chuan. What people would dare not welcome you with food and drink? If this were to happen, then hegemony could be achieved, and the Han dynasty could be restored. —Longzhong Plan