Three Kingdoms: I am not Cao Rui

Whether out of cowardice, fear, or a desire to avoid such a possible outcome, the four seemed to consciously avoid the possibility of a full-scale attack by the State of Wei.

But Sun Quan knew in his heart that this possibility was not entirely out of the question.

At the beginning of this year, when Xu Xiang returned from Shouchun, he brought with him, during a private audience with Sun Quan, the news that Cao Rui wanted to hunt with Sun Quan in Gusu.

Although the words were said in jest, they were a thorn in Sun Quan's side.

How could he possibly disregard Cao Rui's words? According to the Wei calendar, it was already the eighth year of the Taihe era. Look at Longyou, look at Hanzhong, look at Liaodong, and then look at Jingzhou, Ruxu…

But the ministers were more afraid than the emperor himself.

It really shouldn't be.

Just as Sun Quan was lost in thought, watching the four people's backs, he saw that they were almost at the palace gate when one of them stopped first.

This person was Pan Jun.

Seeing Pan Jun stop, the other three also stopped almost simultaneously, all showing some hesitation.

Pan Jun took a deep breath, stood still, turned around and walked back into the hall, bowing deeply to Sun Quan: "Your Majesty, please allow me to speak. The country is in peril, and I have something to say that I must say today!"

A sliver of warmth stirred in Sun Quan's heart, but he maintained his composure and slowly asked, "Why do you say this, Chengming? How has the nation come to such a peril?"

Pan Jun raised his head, met Sun Quan's gaze, and said without hesitation, "How can it not be a time of crisis? Your Majesty, even if I displease Your Majesty today, I must speak out!"

"Guangling has been occupied by Wei, and even Cao Rui of Wei personally came to Guangling. If I were to say that this was just a harassment, I myself would find it hard to convince myself! Moreover, since the beginning of last year, Cao Rui has been stationed in Shouchun, and the Wei central army has also moved to Shouchun. How can this be faked? Today we have occupied Guangling, so tomorrow we will attack Ruxu. If we attack Ruxu, will we have to cross the river?"

"Since last year, Your Majesty has reformed the military, either disbanding or rotating the troops of various generals. This was intended to give the Great Wu army a completely new look. I suspect that although the court has offered appeasement through titles and salaries, the generals still harbor some discontent. Now that war is about to break out, I believe we should appease the generals, the scholars, and the court!"

Every country has its own national conditions, and Sun Quan undoubtedly understood what Pan Jun was saying.

Most of the officials in the Wu Kingdom came from aristocratic families. Those officials who came from humble backgrounds and were gradually promoted were mostly protégés or former subordinates of those aristocratic officials.

The Gu, Lu, Zhu, and Zhang families of Wu Commandery were just typical examples. Besides Wu Commandery, officials of all ranks in Danyang Commandery and Kuaiji Commandery also had intricate connections with the gentry.

Who are longtime friends, who are related by marriage, who are students or former subordinates of whom... The intricate details are far too complex to be described in just a few words.

Pan Jun's meaning is very clear.

At this critical moment, we must guard against a major offensive by the State of Wei. Stability is needed in the army, the court, and the regions. All the various factions within Wu must unite to prepare for war. At this juncture, it seems we cannot afford not to compromise and make peace with the aristocratic clans.

Following last year's political turmoil—the death of Lu Mao, the exile of the Lu family, and the confinement of Gu Yong and Zhu Ju at home—the morale of the court and the public was already low. Gu Yong was undoubtedly the leader of the gentry in Wu, having served as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and Chancellor for many years. His dismissal caused considerable upheaval in Wu.

"Hahahaha." Sun Quan stroked his beard and laughed, nodding in approval as he laughed.

Pan Jun's eyes widened: "Why is Your Majesty laughing?"

Sun Quan laughed and said, "Honest advice, though unpleasant to hear, often enters my ears. How could I not be happy about it?"

"Chengming has said so much to me, what does he want me to do?" Pan Jun cupped his hands and said, "I dare to ask, but I believe that we should execute Lü Yi, the school inspector, to stabilize the hearts of the civil and military officials, and then recall Gu Yuantan to the court as prime minister, to show Your Majesty that you do not hold grudges and want the officials to devote themselves to the country."

"In this way, both internal and external affairs can be at peace, and the ruler and his ministers can live in harmony. The wars of the past few decades have proven that even with thousands of cavalry, the Wei Kingdom can only look at the river and sigh in despair!"

Having said that, Pan Jun bowed deeply.

Seeing this, Yi, who held the most power, also sighed, quickly walked a few steps to Pan Jun's side, and knelt down as well: "Your subject seconds the motion!"

"I second that!" Hu Zong followed.

Xu Xiang didn't speak, but silently bowed down beside Hu Zong.

Sun Quan seemed to have completely forgotten his anger from the morning and noon, and instead became happy. He personally walked down the steps with a smile and helped each of his four ministers up.

For Sun Quan, over thirty years of experience in power was enough to allow him to distinguish the priorities during times of national crisis. And Sun Quan, adhering to pragmatism, knew exactly how to be flexible when necessary.

This was Sun Quan's skill.

Sun Quan looked at the four ministers before him and said slowly, "I have made myself clear to you. Although I had many grievances against Gu Yuantan in the past, Chengming is right. Now is not the time to dwell on these things. I, the king, and he, the minister, should look forward and forget these past events."

"As for Lü Yi... I will send him away and appoint him as the prefect of Zhuyai County. I cannot bear to kill him, is that alright?"

Everyone knows that the political struggle in the court last year began with Sun Quan's sensitive attitude towards military power. Now that the generals and their troops have been brought back and the military power belonging to the emperor has been further consolidated, there is no point in continuing to fight with Gu Yong and the aristocratic families he represents.

Lü Yi was nothing more than a cruel official, a lackey; once he was sent to a post outside the capital, there was no possibility of him ever returning to the central government.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Pan Jun replied, bowing.

Sun Quan nodded slowly: "Since I intend to invite Gu Yuantan to be the prime minister, I, as the sovereign, cannot fail to give him due respect. Weize, make preparations for me. I plan to depart for Wu County in three days to personally invite Prime Minister Gu to be reinstated!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand," Hu Zong replied.

For Cao Rui, these past few days in Guangling had been quite boring. He spent his days either leading his cavalry to the riverbank to watch the boats, or enjoying fishing with Guanqiu Jian by a small lake northwest of Yangzhou.

Sun Shao had no intention of crossing the river, and Wu's naval commander He Da was merely patrolling the river, making a show of force to intimidate the Wei army.

On October 13th, Le Chen's boats anchored in Zhuyugou, northeast of Guangling City, and Le Chen himself led more than ten riders to Guangling.

When Yue Lin arrived, Cao Rui was still fishing.

"Your subject Yue Chen pays his respects to Your Majesty!" Yue Chen bowed and saluted behind Cao Rui.

Cao Rui did not turn his head, but slowly said, "Minister Yue, do not stand on ceremony, come to my side."

"Yes."

When Yue Lin stood with his hands clasped behind Cao Rui, Cao Rui glanced at him and asked, "Does Minister Yue know how to fish?" (End of Chapter)