Three Reconstructions of the Han Dynasty: I Helped Zhuge Liang Perfect the Longzhong Plan

In the winter of the fourteenth year of Jian'an (200 AD).

The smoke of battle at Chibi has long since dissipated, but the chill in the Jingxiang region grows heavier day by day.

In the depths of the military headquarters in Gong'an City, in a quiet secluded courtyard.

Zhuge Liang sat alone under the lamp, gently waving his feather fan, but his brows lacked their usual composure, instead bearing a layer of unyielding worry.

Taking advantage of Cao Cao's retreat to the north and Zhou Yu's attack on Nan Commandery, Zhuge Liang finally captured the four commanderies of Wuling, Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang. Zhou Yu then allocated Gong'an City, south of the Yangtze River in Nan Commandery, to his side. It seemed that he finally had a piece of territory of his own, but Zhuge Liang knew better than anyone else—

They're not gaining a foothold; they've been cornered.

Cao Ren held Xiangfan to the death, completely blocking the road to the north.

Zhou Yu occupied Jiangling, holding the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, which was like a mountain pressing down on his head.

As long as Zhou Yu is alive, Liu Bei will never be able to conquer Zhinan County.

Without Nan Commandery in his hands, Liu Bei could never hope to advance westward.

The Longzhong Plan was brilliantly crafted back then, with its promises of controlling both Jing and Yi provinces and launching a two-pronged attack...

In today's reality, it would be doomed before it even began.

Just then, a guard outside the door whispered a report:

"Strategist, a scholar is requesting an audience outside the mansion. He identifies himself as Gu Sulin, courtesy name Zimou, from Jingzhou. He claims to have a plan to resolve the crisis in Nanjun and stabilize the overall situation in Jingxiang. The matter is confidential, and he only wishes to meet with the strategist."

Zhuge Liang slightly raised his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing across them.

Jingnan had just submitted to the government, and most local scholars remained hesitant, so very few were willing to come forward and offer advice.

He hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Please let him in."

As soon as the door opened, a young man in a blue robe walked in. He was upright and composed, displaying neither the embarrassment of a poor scholar nor the arrogance of a spoiled rich kid. The man was none other than Gu Sulin.

"This is Zhuge Liang..." Gu Sulin thought to himself.

He was a time traveler. In his later life, after reading through history, the person he respected most, regretted most, and felt most resentful about was the one standing before him.

He admired Zhuge Liang's dedication and selflessness, his ability to withstand the might of nine provinces with only one province, and his willingness to do what he knew was impossible and to carry on against the tide of history. However, he also felt particularly sorry that Zhuge Liang died in the desolate autumn wind at Wuzhang Plains, his mission unfinished.

That is also a regret etched in the hearts of countless readers of the Three Kingdoms period.

So when Gu Sulin traveled through time and learned about the current situation, he immediately went to see Zhuge Liang.

He wanted to complete the final, fatal piece of the puzzle for his idol.

With this deep-seated respect and conviction, Gu Sulin bowed to Zhuge Liang and said, "Gu Sulin greets Master Kongming."

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly, looked at the unremarkable scholar who was two years younger than him, and asked directly, "Since you have come with a plan, sir, please speak frankly."

Gu Sulin said calmly, "Sir, everyone in the world can see Liu Shijun's current predicament. Cao Ren is blocking his way in the north, and Zhou Yu is holding him by the throat in the east. He cannot advance into Shu, nor can he defend himself. He cannot beg for help from Nan Commandery, and he cannot fight against Zhou Yu. The four commanderies of Jingnan are located in remote areas. No matter how peaceful they are, they are just a large prison."

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang paused slightly.

He did not deny it, but his gaze sharpened slightly as he re-examined the young man before him.

This level of insight is beyond that of ordinary people.

"Since you already know about my lord's predicament, you must have a good plan?" Zhuge Liang asked.

Gu Sulin smiled slightly: "The above predicament is actually quite simple, it all comes down to one person."

Zhuge Liang said, "Zhou Yu."

Gu Sulin nodded.

The historical Zhou Yu was different from the one in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He was not arrogant or impatient, nor was he angry or arrogant. He had the talent of a king's advisor.

He never thought of leaving Liu Bei any way out.

Liu Bei? While I was conquering Jiangling, he led his men south and stole the spoils. I've already tolerated it.

You better not mess with me, or I'll eat you up first.

He was the executor of Lu Su's "Strategy on the Bed," and now that he had acquired Nan Commandery, he was planning to head west to conquer Shu and divide the world with Cao Cao.

This is precisely why Zhou Yu held onto Nan Commandery so firmly, refusing to yield an inch.

Gu Sulin continued, "Sir, there is no need to worry. I have come to bring news that will benefit the magistrate..."

Zhou Yu's days are numbered.

A thunderbolt struck Zhuge Liang's mind.

He was completely stunned, his feather fan hovering in mid-air, and for the first time, genuine astonishment appeared in his eyes.

Zhou Yu... is he going to die?

Having fought Zhou Yu several times, I know how formidable he is. How could he possibly die?

"Sir, is what you say true? How can you be sure?" His voice was hoarse.

"This is by no means unfounded."

Gu Sulin, of course, wouldn't say that he knew because that's how it was recorded in the historical books: Zhou Yu would die of illness in the fifteenth year of Jian'an.

He didn't reveal his true identity, but instead offered a more palatable explanation to Zhuge Liang: "Sir, I come from Jiangling and know Zhou Yu's character well. Though strong, he is also easily broken, robust but overworked. Since joining Sun Ce's army, he has been constantly fighting, suffering from old wounds, and always working tirelessly on the front lines. His mental and physical strength has long been completely exhausted."

For such a person, reaching the pinnacle of success is the beginning of their decline.

He paused, his voice low yet clear: "When Gongjin attacked Jiangling some time ago, he was struck by a stray arrow and seriously wounded his right rib. Such an injury would take one or two years to heal. With such overwork and excessive energy, Zhou Yu will die from illness in six months to a year."

With the loss of Zhou Yu, Jiangdong had no one left to lead troops westward, and Nanjun was also under immense pressure due to its proximity to Cao Cao to the north.

With his death, Lu Su would surely rise to power in Jiangdong. Lu Zijing was loyal, honest, and prudent, deeply understanding the principle of interdependence, and wholeheartedly advocated the alliance between Sun Quan and Liu Bei.

When that time comes, we won't need to seize Nan Commandery; Sun Quan will lend it to us on his own initiative.

For now, you and your husband only need to endure hardship and bide your time, managing Jingnan and waiting for the right opportunity.

Zhuge Liang remained silent for a long time before letting out a long breath.

"If what you say is true, my lord, then Heaven has truly not abandoned you."

His mind was in turmoil.

He had suffered for far too long against Zhou Yu's strength.

He didn't even dare to think about Zhou Yu's death.

But this person in front of me, based on reason and human sentiment, deduced such an astonishing judgment.

Considering that Wu Jun had recently been deliberately concealing Zhou Yu's illness, Zhuge Liang couldn't help but believe this conclusion more readily.

Gu Sulin spoke up at the opportune moment: "Zhou Yu's death is our chance to survive, but not the end. Even if we take Nanjun, the road ahead will still be difficult."

The gentleman once lived a secluded life in Longzhong, but the magistrate persuaded him to come out of seclusion. Surely the gentleman had already planned the future for him...

"May I ask, is your plan to control both Jing and Yi provinces, await the opportune moment, and then launch a two-pronged attack?"

Zhuge Liang's heart, which had just settled, was once again gripped with anxiety. His voice carried a hint of caution: "What makes you so sure, sir?"

Gu Sulin smiled slightly: "Cao Cao unified the north, held the emperor hostage to command the other lords, and had all the advantages of timing; Sun Quan dominated Jiangdong, with its strategic location and prosperous people, and had all the advantages of terrain. Now, only Jingzhou and Yizhou are left for you to establish yourself. Liu Biao of Jingzhou and Liu Zhang of Yizhou are both mediocre rulers. The intelligent people of Jingzhou and Yizhou are looking for a wise ruler. If you can spread benevolence and kindness, your benevolence will be known throughout the world, and you will have all the advantages of popular support."

This strategy is indeed the best solution in this chaotic world.

Zhuge Liang's fingertips were like Witton.

This judgment was frighteningly accurate.

It's exactly the same as my own Longzhong Plan.

Is there really someone in the world whose insight is no less than mine?

Zhuge Liang then said, "What you say is correct, sir. This is indeed the plan I devise for the world for you, my lord. When the world changes, I will send a general to lead the Jingzhou troops toward Wan and Luo, while you, my lord, will personally lead the Yizhou troops out of Qin Chuan. Then the great cause can be accomplished and the Han dynasty can be restored."

This is it.

Gu Sulin bowed slightly and finally revealed his true purpose for coming here tonight:

"Sir, your strategy is good, but if we really go out to attack in two directions as originally planned, there will be many hidden dangers. I am not talented, but I am willing to make up for the shortcomings of your strategy, correct the order, and work with you to assist the Imperial Uncle in securing the Han Dynasty and restoring Liu."