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

The Yangtze River flows eastward, its waters vast and misty. Liu Bei and his party set off from Gong'an and sailed down the river, arriving in the territory of Nanxu in just a few days.

Nanxu was at this time the core and central hub of Jiangdong under Sun Quan's rule. Bordering the Yangtze River to the north and controlling the mountains to the south, it was not only a vital strategic town but also a gathering place for the Jiangdong gentry. Before the boat even docked, Liu Bei was already restless. Leaning on the railing, he gazed into the distance at the city hidden in the mist, remaining silent for a long time.

Gu Sulin stood beside him, dressed in a blue robe, the hem of which fluttered slightly in the river breeze. He gazed towards Nanxu, a subtle ripple stirring within his heart.

This is not just cold text in a history book, but a true account of the chaotic late Han Dynasty.

This city before us is home to Sun Quan, the ruler of Jiangdong, and to the civil and military officials who will one day influence the course of the world.

At this moment, they are about to step into a den of dragons and tigers, and into a perilous game of chess.

Sun Quan had no intention of killing, and Zhou Yu had no intention of harming either; however, it was inevitable that they would keep them at arm's length, test them, and restrain them.

Political marriages have never been about love; they are merely a means for two major powers to bind and check each other.

"Zimao," Liu Bei suddenly spoke, his voice low, "how do you think Sun Quan will treat me this time we enter Nanxu?"

Gu Sulin withdrew his gaze, bowed slightly, and spoke calmly yet clearly: "My lord, rest assured. Sun Quan inherited the legacy of his father and brother, and has been governing Jiangdong for many years. He is a man of great talent and wisdom, and certainly not an incompetent ruler. Now, Cao Cao is entrenched in the north and may launch another southward campaign at any time. Everyone in Jiangdong knows this, and only by allying with Liu Bei can we resist Cao Cao. Therefore, my lord's visit is not only to establish a marriage alliance, but also to solidify the alliance. Even if Sun Quan harbors ambitions for Jingzhou, he will outwardly treat you with courtesy and will never do anything to damage the alliance."

Liu Bei nodded slightly: "What you say makes sense. But I do ultimately occupy Jingzhou, and Sun Quan may still harbor some resentment."

"Of course there are grudges," Gu Sulin said bluntly. "Jingzhou is a strategically vital location that Jiangdong has long coveted. Now that you, my lord, have obtained it, and I even offered a written agreement the other day, how could Sun Quan remain unmoved? However, he dares not, and cannot, turn against you, my lord. Zhou Yu is in Jiangling reorganizing his troops and preparing to attack Shu. His rear must be secure, and you, my lord, must be there to restrain Cao Cao in Jingzhou. Therefore, while you, my lord, are safe in Nanxu, you are not without the constraints of Sun Quan's control."

"Control?"

"They kept their lord there, treating him with great hospitality and feasting every day, but never mentioned his return. They used soft ropes to restrain him, making it difficult for him to return to Jingzhou."

Liu Bei frowned slightly: "If that's really the case, what should we do?"

Gu Sulin raised his eyes, his gaze clear and resolute: "My lord, you only need to remember one sentence—use stillness to control movement, and remain unchanged to respond to all changes. If Sun Quan stays, we will stay; if Sun Quan holds a banquet, we will attend. Be neither hasty nor impatient, neither humble nor arrogant. What truly determines when we can leave is not Nanxu, but Jiangling."

Liu Bei's heart stirred.

He knew in his heart that the key point Gu Sulin was referring to was definitely Zhou Lang.

As the boat approached the shore, Gu Sulin opened the first brocade pouch that Zhuge Liang had given him.

The brocade pouch contained the following: "The officials of Jiangdong, undoubtedly angered by the humiliation of altering the alliance agreement the other day, will take turns questioning you at the banquet. Their intention is not to destroy the alliance, but merely to dampen Zi Mao's spirit and save face for Jiangdong. Zi Mao, in your response, simply remember three principles:

First, they always mentioned the alliance between Sun Quan and Liu Bei;

Second, one must always speak in a way that protects the benevolence and virtue of one's lord;

Third, we must argue the great righteousness of resisting Cao Cao.

As for the expression of your words, that's entirely up to you.

After reading it, Gu Sulin gently put away the brocade pouch, understanding the situation.

It turned out to be the case.

Before long, the ship slowly docked. A ceremonial guard from Jiangdong was already waiting on the pier, with neatly arranged banners and gleaming armor.

The leader, dressed in official robes and possessing a composed demeanor, was none other than the envoy specially dispatched by Sun Quan to welcome him. Upon seeing Liu Bei land, the envoy hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully bowed: "Lord Wu has ordered me to wait here for you, Imperial Uncle, for quite some time. Please, Imperial Uncle, come with me into the city. Lord Wu has prepared a banquet in his residence."

Liu Bei nodded in return, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, envoy."

After disembarking, the group entered the city by carriage. The streets of Nanxu were clean and the people moved about in an orderly manner, demonstrating the effectiveness of Jiangdong's governance. As Liu Bei's entourage passed by, the people along the way stopped to watch and whisper among themselves, but there was no hostility on their part.

Sitting in the carriage, Gu Sulin thought to himself: The people of Jiangdong are at peace, and the gentry are loyal to him. Sun Quan truly has the ability to maintain the status quo. No wonder he was able to divide the world into three kingdoms with Cao Cao and Liu Bei.

Before long, the convoy arrived in front of the Wu Marquis's residence. The gates were wide open, and Sun Quan personally led a group of civil and military officials to greet them from inside the residence.

He was dressed in an official robe, with a purple beard and blue eyes. He was tall and handsome, with a calm and open demeanor, without the slightest hint of arrogance.

Upon seeing Liu Bei, Sun Quan quickly stepped forward, took the initiative to greet him, and smiled sincerely: "Uncle, you have come from afar and have had a long journey. I have been waiting here for a long time. It is a blessing for Jiangdong and also for our alliance to meet you today."

Liu Bei quickly returned the greeting: "I am unworthy of the personal welcome from Lord Wu. I have come here today to wish to establish a permanent marriage alliance with Lord Wu, to jointly resist the traitor Cao Cao, and to bring peace to the world."

They exchanged a knowing smile, both understanding the situation perfectly well. The politeness was feigned; the real purpose was to test each other.

Sun Quan led Liu Bei into the mansion. Along the way, the eyes of the civil and military officials of Jiangdong were intentionally or unintentionally drawn to the two people behind Liu Bei.

One was Zhao Yun, clad in white robes and silver armor, exuding an imposing aura; the other was Gu Sulin, dressed in simple blue robes, with a calm expression.

The news of the police altering the document had already spread to Jiangdong. Although Gu Sulin's name was not particularly famous, it had already reached the ears of Sun Quan and his important ministers.

A young man who can lightly alter numbers in the alliance document and put Jiangdong in a passive position is not to be underestimated.

Upon entering the residence, a banquet had already been prepared. Guests and hosts took their seats, but there was no music or drumming; the atmosphere was solemn yet harmonious. Sun Quan personally raised his cup to toast Liu Bei: "Uncle Liu's benevolence is renowned throughout the land, and I have always admired him. From now on, our two families will be united by marriage, as if we were blood relatives, one body, with no more animosity between us."

Liu Bei raised his cup in response: "I will forever remember the kindness of Lord Wu. May the alliance between Sun Quan and Liu Bei be as firm as gold and stone, and may we jointly support the Han Dynasty."

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the banquet grew increasingly lively. Sun Quan slowly began, "Uncle, you have recently been stationed in Jingzhou, pacifying the four commanderies. The people are at peace, and the provisions are plentiful. It is truly admirable. I only wonder, Uncle, how many soldiers and armor do you have under your command, and how is the morale of your troops?"

This question directly addresses the true nature of Jingzhou.

Liu Bei answered calmly, only speaking generally about the stability of people's livelihood, without mentioning the specific number of troops.

Gu Sulin added at the opportune moment, "Jingzhou has just been pacified, and it is difficult for the people to be of one mind. All they ask for is to defend their homeland and resist Cao Cao together; everything else is trivial."

In short, this approach neither reveals the truth nor misleads the audience, while simultaneously steering the conversation back to the overall situation of resisting Cao Cao.

Sun Quan observed this and was secretly surprised.

He had initially thought Gu Sulin was just a novice skilled in writing, but now, judging from the man's demeanor, he seemed quite confident. His words were calm, measured, and perfectly articulated.

Sun Quan smiled slightly, not revealing anything, but simply gave Zhang Zhao, who was seated below, a wink.

Zhang Zhao understood, slowly rose, cupped his hands, and asked Liu Bei, "I have long admired your name, Imperial Uncle. Forgive my ignorance, but there is something I do not understand. May I ask you, Imperial Uncle? When Liu Jingzhou was alive, you resided in Jingzhou, and you were related to him by blood. But now Liu Jingzhou has passed away, Liu Qi has died, and Liu Cong has been captured and taken to the north, yet you still occupy Jingzhou and have not returned it."

"The Imperial Uncle is renowned throughout the land for his benevolence and virtue; could it be that he... has ulterior motives behind this action?"

Liu Bei straightened his expression and slowly said, "As a member of the Han imperial family, my only wish is to restore the Han dynasty and bring peace to the people. How could I dare to harbor any selfish thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhao nodded slightly, his tone gentle, but his words propelled the conversation further: "I have always admired your integrity, Imperial Uncle. However, the Han Dynasty is in decline, and mere words of benevolence and virtue cannot save it. Without a solid foundation, without territory, and without a strong army, how will you, Imperial Uncle, restore the Han Dynasty? I dare to ask..."

Could it be that the Imperial Uncle has been borrowing Jingzhou for so long and has not returned it, intending to use Jingzhou as a springboard to secretly plot against Yizhou?