During the Three Kingdoms period, after the death of Liu Bei, the ruler of Shu, his incompetent and muddle-headed son Ah Dou ascended the throne. Ah Dou indulged solely in pleasure, entrusting all military and governmental powers to Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang, on one hand, allied with Wu to attack Wei, and actively prepared for two northern expeditions.

On the eve of the Northern Expeditions, he wrote 'Chu Shi Biao' (Memorial on Going Forth) to Ah Dou. In this memorial, Zhuge Liang expressed his hope that Ah Dou would rectify the court administration and severely punish those who committed unlawful acts ( (作奸犯科) to consolidate the regime.