Wang Lang

Governor of Kuaiji who backs the White Tiger against Yu Fan's protest, joins forces at Shanyin, and is flanked into his own walls by Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu. Tricked out of the city by the feigned withdrawal toward his Chadu supply base, he dares not return and flees to the coastal regions.

Presents one of the four odes praising Cao Cao as worthy of 'the highest trust of all' - the flattery the apologia deflects.

Made High Minister of the new reign, and second-named in the abdication deputation.

Preaches wax-and-wane to the Emperor's face — 'has any rule endured forever?' — then throws Hua Xin the glance that launches the sleeve-seizing, and drafts Cao Pi's modest refusal himself. Made Minister of Works.

Made Minister of the Interior, and wrong then right within a page. Seconds Hua Xin for Sima Yi's death — 'he is ambitious and will cause mischief if he be allowed to live' — then objects, correctly, to giving the western command to Xiahou Mao, who has never seen a battle, against an opponent 'thoroughly versed in strategy'. Xiahou Mao sneers that he must have arranged to be Zhuge Liang's ally, and Wang Lang and his supporters are silenced.

Recommends Cao Zhen for the command on the strength of the late Emperor's record with him, volunteers to go himself at seventy-six — 'Old and worn as I am, I will use the little strength left me to accompany you' — and is created Instructor of the Army. Asks to parley, promising to make Zhuge Liang 'yield to us without a blow'. His oration is the Mandate-of-Heaven case: the Han's collapse through Huan and Ling, the Yellow Scarves, Dong Zhuo, Li Jue and Guo Si, the Yuans, Liu Biao, Lü Bu; then Cao Cao restoring order by the will of Heaven and Cao Pi succeeding by the desire of humankind; and the glowworm that cannot rival the moon. Zhuge Liang answers it point for point and turns it on his person — that he rose by a recommendation of filial piety and integrity, served the Han, and then turned 'and assist rebels and enter into a plot to usurp the Throne'. 'Fierce wrath filled the old man's breast. With one despairing cry Wang Lang fell to the earth dead.'

Paired with Liu Yao in the memorial as the other territory-holder who talked instead of fighting — this year not the time, next year not the season — and lost the South Land to Sun Ce by doing so.