先帝創業未半，而中道崩殂；今天下三分，益州疲弊，此誠危急存亡之秋也！然侍衞之臣，不懈於內；忠志之士，忘身於外者，蓋追先帝之殊遇，欲報之於陛下也。
誠宜開張聖聽，以光先帝遺德，恢弘志士之氣﹔不宜妄自菲薄，引喻失義，以塞忠諫之路也。
宮中、府中，俱為一體；陟罰臧否，不宜異同。若有作姦、犯科，及為忠善者，宜付有司，論其刑賞，以昭陛下平明之治；不宜偏私，使內外異法也。
侍中、侍郎郭攸之、費禕、董允等，此皆良實，志慮忠純，是以先帝簡拔以遺陛下。愚以為宮中之事，事無大小，悉以咨之，然後施行，必能裨補闕漏，有所廣益。將軍向寵，性行淑均，曉暢軍事，試用於昔日，先帝稱之曰「能」，是以眾議舉寵為督。愚以為營中之事，悉以咨之，必能使行陣和睦，優劣得所。
親賢臣，遠小人，此先漢所以興隆也﹔親小人，遠賢臣，此後漢所以傾頹也。先帝在時，每與臣論此事，未嘗不歎息痛恨於桓、靈也！侍中、尚書、長史、參軍，此悉貞良死節之臣，願陛下親之、信之，則漢室之隆，可計日而待也。
臣本布衣，躬耕於南陽，苟全性命於亂世，不求聞達於諸侯。先帝不以臣卑鄙，猥自枉屈，三顧臣於草廬之中，諮臣以當世之事；由是感激，遂許先帝以驅馳。後值傾覆，受任於敗軍之際，奉命於危難之間，爾來二十有一年矣。先帝知臣謹慎，故臨崩寄臣以大事也。受命以來，夙夜憂歎，恐託付不效，以傷先帝之明。故五月渡瀘，深入不毛。今南方已定，兵甲已足，當獎率三軍，北定中原，庶竭駑鈍，攘除姦凶，興復漢室，還於舊都。此臣所以報先帝而忠陛下之職分也。至於斟酌損益，進盡忠言，則攸之、禕、允之任也。
願陛下託臣以討賊興復之效；不效，則治臣之罪，以告先帝之靈。若無興德之言，則責攸之、禕、允等之慢，以彰其咎。陛下亦宜自謀，以諮諏善道，察納雅言，深追先帝遺詔。臣不勝受恩感激。今當遠離，臨表涕零，不知所言！
– 〈出師表〉 諸葛亮
Your subject, Liang, says: The Late Emperor had yet to complete his great mission when he passed away. This world is divided into three and Yi Province is in dire straits, this is a critical moment indeed. However, the ministers in the capital are not disheartened, and the loyal warriors outside the capital do not fear death. This is because they remember the generous treatment they received from the Late Emperor, and they wish to repay his kindness by serving Your Majesty well. It may be beneficial that Your Majesty welcome their views and opinions, promote the virtues of the Late Emperor, inspire those with lofty ambitions, and refrain from looking down on yourself or making inappropriate remarks that would discourage people from giving good advice.
Regardless of whether they serve in the Imperial Palace or in the Imperial Chancellor’s Office, all officials are subjects of the State. Therefore, they should all be treated equally in terms of rewards and punishments. Any person who commits an offence or renders meritorious service to the State may be handed over to the appropriate authority, who will then make the decision on what punishment or reward to be given out. Doing so will exemplify Your Majesty as a wise and just ruler. It is best if Your Majesty do not show any form of bias or favouritism as it will distort the principles of fairness.
Palace Attendant Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun are examples of good and trustworthy ministers. They are loyal and faithful. That was why the Late Emperor selected them to assist Your Majesty. I believe that Your Majesty may discuss all major and minor state affairs with them before implementing any policies because this will help to cover up flaws and achieve greater efficiency.
General Xiang Chong is of good character and he is well-versed in military affairs. When he was given responsibilities in the past, the Late Emperor praised him as a capable person so everyone nominated him to be a Chief Controller. I feel that Your Majesty may discuss all military affairs with him, as this will promote cohesion within the armed forces and every person will receive an assignment corresponding to his ability.
The Former Han dynasty prospered because the rulers favoured virtuous ministers and alienated petty and corrupt officials; the Later Han dynasty declined because the rulers favoured petty and corrupt officials and alienated virtuous ministers. When the Late Emperor was still living, he would often discuss these topics with me, and he expressed grief and regret when we spoke of Huan and Ling. The Palace Attendants, Masters of Writing, Chief Clerks, and Army Advisers are all loyal and capable subjects who are willing to die for Your Majesty. I hope that Your Majesty will be close to them and will place your faith in them. In this way, the Han dynasty will be revived very soon.
I was of humble origin, and used to lead the life of a peasant in Nanyang. In those days, I only hoped to survive in such a chaotic era. I did not aspire to become famous among nobles and aristocrats. The Late Emperor did not look down on me because of my background. He humbled himself and visited me thrice in the thatched cottage, where he consulted me on the affairs of our time. I was so deeply touched that I promised to do my best for the Late Emperor. We encountered hard times and setbacks later. I was given heavy responsibilities when we were facing defeats. I received important duties in dangerous and difficult situations. It has been 21 years since then.
The Late Emperor knew that I am cautious and prudent, so before he passed away, he entrusted me with the duty to complete his great mission. Ever since I received that heavy responsibility, I have been feeling uneasy day and night, because I fear that I may not accomplish the mission well and will tarnish the Late Emperor’s judgment and faith in me. In the fifth month, I crossed the Lu and entered barren and treacherous lands. Now that the rebellions in the south have been pacified and we have sufficient military resources, it is time to increase the troops’ morale and lead them north to reclaim the Central Plains. I only hope to use the best of my ability to eliminate our evil enemies, to restore the Han dynasty, and to return to the old capital. It is my duty to repay the Late Emperor’s kindness and prove my loyalty to Your Majesty. The responsibilities of Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun and others are to assist Your Majesty in administrating state affairs and to provide good advice.
I hope that Your Majesty will assign me the mission of eliminating the villains and restoring the Han dynasty. If I fail, Your Majesty should punish me in order to answer to the Late Emperor. If Your Majesty does not receive honest and loyal advice, please punish Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi and Dong Yun for not performing their duties well, so as to highlight their mistakes. Your Majesty should also make plans for yourself, search for the best way to govern the state, and accept good advice. I feel very honoured and grateful to be able to pursue the Late Emperor’s final wish.
I am going to leave Your Majesty soon. Now, as I read this memorial, I am unable to hold back my tears and I do not know what to say.
– Chu Shi Biao - Zhuge Liang, translation from Wikipedia
