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

The governor's mansion was brightly lit. Since Liu Bei had decided to personally travel to Nanxu to forge a marriage alliance with Jiangdong, Zhuge Liang would oversee all remaining matters.

Everyone held their breath and listened intently, knowing that this trip concerned the alliance between Sun Quan and Liu Bei, as well as the safety of their lord; not a single mistake could be made.

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan, his tone calm and composed, and first pointed out the basis of this trip: "My lord, this trip to Nanxu is for marriage alliance, not for confrontation. We are going to solidify the alliance, not to show off our military might. Since Jiangdong has shown goodwill through marriage, there is no reason for them to suddenly harm us. Therefore, there is no need to send a large army with us, which would only increase suspicion. Otherwise, it would make us appear uneasy, which would not be beneficial to the alliance."

He paused, then continued to analyze the safety of the trip: "But Nanxu is ultimately the heart of Jiangdong. Sun Quan and Zhou Yu are not easy to deal with. People's hearts are unpredictable, and there are hidden variables. There is no danger of death, but there is the danger of being restrained; there is no calamity of war, but there are schemes and plots. We must be on guard and we must be careful."

His words were insightful, and Liu Bei nodded repeatedly: "What Kongming said is exactly what I was thinking."

Having discerned the difference between safety and danger, Zhuge Liang immediately arranged for guards.

"Zilong".

Zhao Yun stepped forward in response.

"Select fifty elite bodyguards, dressed in plain clothes, to accompany you as your daily attendants. A small number will keep you out of the limelight, and their competence will ensure your safety. This is appropriate for the marriage ceremony and also to prepare for unforeseen circumstances."

Zhao Yun clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This subordinate understands."

With the guards in place, the hall quieted down slightly. Zhuge Liang turned his gaze to Liu Bei, his tone solemn: "My lord, in Nanxu, not only is Sun Quan decisive, but there are also many strategists skilled in planning. A single careless word could leave us vulnerable and controlled. I must remain in Jingzhou to pacify the prefectures and counties and coordinate supplies, so I cannot accompany you. My lord needs someone by your side who can adapt to changing circumstances, understand political maneuvering, and speak eloquently and decisively, ready to resolve any situation for you."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's gazes turned to speculation. Liu Bei also asked, "Does Kongming have a suitable candidate in mind?"

Without hesitation, Zhuge Liang pointed directly to Gu Sulin, his tone frank and resolute: "I recommend Zimao. Not for any other reason, but because of his previous successful execution of the Longzhong Plan and the establishment of the Gong'an base, Zimao's actions in both instances demonstrated foresight and meticulous planning. His wisdom and composure make him perfectly suited for this task. The journey to Nanxu is fraught with hidden dangers, and only with Zimao by your side can my lord respond with composure and make informed decisions. He is the most suitable person."

These words are unbiased, unbiased, and purely based on merit and strategy.

Gu Sulin felt a warmth in her heart, and also became more clear-headed.

He knew that Zhuge Liang was not only selecting the most reliable strategist for Liu Bei, but also giving him an opportunity to showcase his own strategic abilities. He was chosen not because of personal relationships, but because of his genuine talent.

Upon hearing this, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei exchanged a glance, seemingly with some doubt, but said nothing more.

Although they haven't yet recognized Gu Sulin's abilities, they still trust their strategist.

Liu Bei looked at Gu Sulin, his eyes filled with complete trust: "Zimao, since Kongming has said so, you shall come with me."

Gu Sulin stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "As you command. Sulin will certainly not fail the trust placed in him by the lord and the strategist."

With the deployment complete, the overall situation was settled. Zhuge Liang then instructed the remaining personnel: "Yunchang and Yide, you two will guard Gong'an, maintain military discipline, and pacify the people. Jingzhou has just been pacified, with Cao Cao eyeing us from the outside and the hearts of the people just beginning to be won over from within. We must not act rashly."

Guan Yu stroked his beard and nodded: "Rest assured, strategist, with us here, Jingzhou is as solid as a rock."

Zhang Fei loudly replied, "I will guard the gates and await my elder brother's safe return!"

Zhuge Liang looked at everyone and said slowly, "My lord, rest assured. With us guarding Jingzhou, the rear is secure. My lord, just go to Nanxu, forge an alliance, arrange a marriage, and return safely as soon as possible."

His words reassured everyone present.

After the meeting that day, Liu Bei summoned Lü Fan, the envoy from Eastern Wu, and told him in person: "Thanks to the kindness of the Marquis of Wu, I wish to establish a lasting alliance with Jiangdong and will choose an auspicious day to go to Nanxu to marry Lady Sun."

Lü Fan was overjoyed and immediately bowed in gratitude: "It is a great fortune for both the Sun and Liu families that the Imperial Uncle is willing to go! I will return to Wu immediately to report back!"

Liu Bei then ordered someone to prepare a small gift and send Lü Fan on his way back, informing Sun Quan in advance.

In the following days, the mansion prepared for the marriage in accordance with proper etiquette. The betrothal gifts, dowry, silks, gold and jade, and ceremonial objects were all prepared, without being extravagant or ostentatious, yet still maintaining the dignity of an imperial uncle. Gu Sulin was not idle; he silently observed the entourage, the route, and the recent movements in Jiangdong, repeatedly simulating possible changes in his mind.

He was not afraid of Zhou Yu's honey trap, nor of Sun Quan's difficulties; he was only afraid of unexpected complications that would disrupt the only chance to break the deadlock—Zhou Yu's time was running out.

If we just hold on until then, all the predicaments will fall into place on their own.

The following spring, the auspicious day chosen by Liu Bei was approaching.

That morning, a thin mist still lingered over the river, and a cool breeze stirred the flags along the banks, causing them to flutter gently. As the first pale light of dawn appeared on the horizon, the Gong'an ferry crossing was already bustling with people, the atmosphere solemn and serene.

Liu Bei, dressed in new clothes, looked even more composed and dignified, showing no trace of the frivolity of a newlywed, but only the steadfastness and restraint of someone who had experienced turbulent times.

He stood with his hands behind his back at the bow of the ship, his gaze calmly fixed on the opposite bank, his posture as upright as a pine tree. Zhao Yun, clad in silver armor and a robe, personally led fifty elite guards who stood on either side of the ship's gunwale. Their armor gleamed, they held their spears and stood solemnly, their aura imposing, not daring to slacken in the slightest. Gu Sulin, still in his long blue robe, stood half a step behind Liu Bei, his eyes lowered, his expression indifferent, as if this journey that would affect the world was nothing more than an ordinary trip to him.

On the ferry crossing, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang, along with the civil and military officials of Jingzhou, stood solemnly, their expressions grave, and no one uttered a word. The marriage alliance with Jiangdong harbored hidden turmoil, and the fate of the trip to Nanxu was uncertain. Everyone felt a heavy weight in their hearts, and even the air seemed to freeze.

Zhang Fei, with his impatient nature, couldn't contain himself and strode forward, his rough hands clenching tightly. He lowered his voice, his tone filled with worry and determination: "Brother, please take care! If anything happens to Nanxu, immediately send word back. I will personally lead a large army across the river to meet you. No one can stop us!"

Guan Yu stepped forward, his phoenix eyes narrowed, his face solemn and stern, and he solemnly warned, "Brother, the people of Jiangdong are unpredictable. Think things through carefully before acting, and never trust the people of Jiangdong too easily."

Liu Bei looked at his two sworn brothers, a hint of warmth flashing in his eyes. He nodded slightly but said nothing more.

Zhuge Liang called Gu Sulin aside, took out three brocade pouches from his sleeve, handed them to Gu Sulin, and whispered, "Zimao, although you will not be in danger of losing your life this time when you go to Nanxu with the lord, it is still a place full of tigers and wolves."

Here are three pouches containing emergency strategies; you can open them in order.

This first one was opened before landing in Nanxu.

The second one was opened the night before the wedding.

The third one was opened before leaving for Jingzhou.

In all matters, the safety of the principal officer must be paramount; the overall interests of the alliance must be prioritized. Remember this.

Gu Sulin bowed and accepted the gift, placing it in his pocket: "Thank you for your entrustment, sir. I will keep it in mind."

After giving his instructions, Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan, stepped forward, and bowed deeply to Liu Bei. His tone was calm and solemn: "My lord, take care on your journey. I will be stationed in Jingzhou to oversee the army, prepare for war, and pacify the people, awaiting your safe return."

Liu Bei's gaze swept over the generals on the shore, finally settling on Zhuge Liang. He nodded heavily, waved his sleeve, and said loudly, "All of you may return. I am only going there to solidify the alliance through marriage. I will be back soon, so there is no need to worry about me."

After speaking, he raised his hand in a gesture.

At a command, the boat slowly untied its mooring lines, the boatmen poled away from the shore, and the large ship slowly sailed eastward along the surging river.

The river flowed ceaselessly, waves crashing against the gunwale. The outline of the Gong'an ferry crossing gradually faded into the morning light, and the figures of those seeing them off on the shore grew smaller and smaller until they finally became a blurry shadow.

Gu Sulin stood at the bow of the boat, facing the river wind, watching the city of Gong'an gradually disappear from sight, his heart calm and undisturbed.

There is no explicit record in official history of the story of Zhuge Liang entrusting the secret plan to Zhuge Liang; it is only a fictional element in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

It seems that my time travel has already changed something.