The Founding Lord of Shu Han

Who was the Former Lord? Some say he possessed the bearing of Gaozu and the makings of a hero, and would never remain beneath another man. Others say he was a great fraud who deceived the world, false in public and private alike, unable to distinguish personal interest from the common good. I have often wondered about him and sought to find the man in the pages of books. After much thought, I feared my understanding might be biased, so I wrote this piece: partly as a bit of lighthearted talk for my leisure, and partly as a reflection on life.