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

On the day of the wedding, in Nanxu City.

As dawn broke, the city was already bustling with activity. Red silk banners hung high on both sides of the street, and drums and ceremonial processions lined the streets. People stopped to watch, all saying that the marriage alliance between the Marquis of Wu and the Governor of Jingzhou was a great event in Jiangdong.

Outside the post station where Liu Bei and his entourage were staying, the ceremonial guard of Eastern Wu was already waiting. The leading official stood with a bow, showing perfect manners, but also exuding an air of authority that left no room for refusal.

Gu Sulin got up early, dressed in a plain long robe, and stood quietly under the corridor.

For the past three days, Sun Quan has been sending people with gold, silver, precious objects, and brocades every day, which means his plan to control the situation has likely begun.

This so-called wedding procession, though ostensibly a courtesy, was in reality a constant state of surveillance. From the moment they stepped out of the post station, they had no privacy whatsoever.

Before long, Liu Bei was dressed in a bright red wedding robe, his hair neatly combed. Although he was over fifty, he still possessed a calm and composed demeanor, quite like a hero. However, between his brows, there was still a trace of worry about the unknown.

"My lord, the auspicious hour is approaching. Officials from Eastern Wu are waiting outside the gate, and they respectfully invite you to proceed to the wedding hall," Gu Sulin stepped forward and gently reminded him.

Liu Bei nodded slightly, looked towards the door, and said in a deep voice, "Going there now means stepping into the Jiangdong plan. One wrong step will lead to danger at every turn."

"Rest assured, my lord," Gu Sulin said calmly. "We will proceed according to our previous agreement, appearing at ease to the outside world while remaining true to ourselves internally. Even if Sun Quan has schemes, he will find it difficult to manipulate you."

Zhao Yun stood to one side with his hand on his sword: "This humble general will follow my lord closely and will ensure your safety without any mishap."

Liu Bei took a deep breath and stepped out of the post station. Immediately, drums and music began to play outside. Officials from Eastern Wu bowed and chanted in unison, inviting Liu Bei to board the carriage. The carriage wheels rumbled, the procession proceeded, and people lined the streets to watch, creating a grand spectacle.

The wedding hall was located in the most magnificent mansion in the city, a residence specially arranged by Sun Quan for Liu Bei. It was ornately decorated and extremely luxurious. At first glance, those unaware of the inside story would praise the Marquis of Wu for his magnanimity and generosity.

Sun Quan was already waiting in the hall, dressed in a brocade robe, with a gentle smile. He personally stepped forward to greet Liu Bei, speaking to him with great kindness, showing no sign of any misunderstanding.

Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, Lu Su, and other civil and military officials from Jiangdong stood on both sides, each with a different expression, but they could only step forward to offer their congratulations according to etiquette.

Following Gu Sulin's instructions, Liu Bei maintained a gentle smile throughout, behaving appropriately and speaking humbly. He never mentioned the political affairs of Jingzhou, only speaking of the alliance between the two families, appearing happy to enjoy the marriage. Sun Quan was secretly pleased, feeling that the plan to keep them at arm's length was beginning to work.

The auspicious hour had arrived, and the master of ceremonies announced the arrival of the ceremony, the music resounding throughout the hall. All eyes turned to the hall entrance, where a red figure slowly entered.

Lady Sun wore a bright red wedding dress and a hairpin with dangling pearls. She stood tall and walked with a steady gait. She was not at all like the shy and gentle bride of ordinary brides. Instead, she had a dignified and heroic air about her.

Behind her were a dozen or so maids, all dressed in close-fitting clothes with short swords at their waists, standing solemnly like soldiers. Their presence was completely out of place with the festive atmosphere in the hall, but it highlighted the princess's fierce temperament.

Gu Sulin stood in the corner below the steps, his gaze slightly narrowed.

He knew in his heart that the Madam Sun before him was completely different from the fictionalized version that had been passed down through generations.

In the novel, she devoted herself to Liu Bei after marrying him, abandoning her brother for her husband, showing her deep affection.

The historical Lady Sun was a valiant woman who carried weapons, was resolute, and always devoted herself to the Sun family. She did not care about romantic love, but only respected the heroes of heaven and earth.

She wouldn't easily fall in love because of a marriage, much less blindly side with Liu Bei. To her, this was a political alliance, a family responsibility, not a romantic destiny. If Liu Bei distanced himself out of fear of her, he would be despised; if he deliberately tried to please her, she would see through him.

Only by treating her with courtesy, showing her resolve, and maintaining composure can one earn the genuine respect of this strong-willed princess.

Gu Sulin gazed at the aloof red figure in the hall, her mind already made up. Today's marriage was Sun Quan's prison, but also Liu Bei's chance to escape, and the key lay in this seemingly cold princess.

Ritual music filled the main hall as the master of ceremonies announced the rites.

Liu Bei and Lady Sun stood side by side, performing the ritual of paying homage at the temple and paying respects to their elders, with meticulous and respectful manners.

The two never looked at each other, yet neither acted rudely. One was calm and open, the other aloof and self-possessed. They appeared harmonious, but in reality, each harbored their own thoughts.

After the ceremony, Lady Sun was escorted to her new room in the back courtyard, while Liu Bei remained in the front hall to receive toasts from the officials of Jiangdong. Sun Quan personally accompanied him, and the hall was filled with fine wine, delicious food, songs, and dances, creating a peaceful and lively atmosphere.

Liu Bei welcomed all who came, feigning a slight buzz, and only reminisced about old times and friendships, avoiding any discussion of Jingzhou politics. He spoke only of the pleasant scenery and generous treatment in Nanxu, adopting an attitude of temporary comfort and leisure. Every word he uttered resonated with Sun Quan and Lu Su. Although Zhang Zhao and the others remained wary of Liu Bei, seeing his demeanor, they gradually lowered their guard.

The banquet lasted until sunset. Sun Quan personally escorted Liu Bei to the back gate, smiling broadly: "Lord Xuande, you've had a long day. Please rest well with your younger sister. From now on, in Nanxu, feel at home and don't be shy."

"Thank you for your kind hospitality, Lord Wu." Liu Bei replied with a cupped hand, his expression carrying a perfectly measured hint of wine.

After Sun Quan left, the drunkenness on Liu Bei's face vanished instantly, replaced by a solemn expression. He turned and summoned Gu Sulin and Zhao Yun, sighing softly, "Sun Quan's lavish treatment is truly like boiling a frog in lukewarm water; it's alarming."

"My lord understands perfectly." Gu Sulin nodded. "Sun Quan's plan to control us has already begun. What he intends to do today is to wear down my lord's resolve and prevent him from thinking of returning to Jingzhou. The more enthusiastic he is, the less likely he will be to let us leave easily in the future."

Zhao Yun said in a deep voice, "Sir, this place is fraught with danger. Staying here any longer will only lead to unforeseen changes. We should find a chance to leave as soon as possible."

"No," Gu Sulin shook his head. "To invite her back without any evidence would surely arouse Sun Quan's suspicion. The best course of action now is to appear outwardly at ease while concealing our true intentions. This will allow Sun Quan to lower his guard while keeping Lady Sun calm and waiting for the right opportunity to escape."

Liu Bei looked towards the direction of the bridal chamber, with a slight concern: "My wife has a strong and resolute nature, and there are weapons standing guard in the room. If I get too close, it might be inappropriate; but if I keep my distance, it would violate the proper etiquette between husband and wife, and it would be even more difficult to gain her true affection."

Gu Sulin said, "My lord need not worry. Although the lady is cold, she is righteous and knows proper etiquette. Now that she has married you, there is no reason for her to harm you on your wedding day. The weapons and maids around her are merely for self-defense, not directed at you."

He paused, then continued, "After you enter, my lord, remember two things: First, do not be afraid or distant, but treat her with the respect due to a husband and wife; second, do not flatter or fawn, do not reveal your greed, but be honest about your intentions so that she knows you are not someone who indulges in comfort. She respects heroes, and if you simply stay true to yourself, that will be enough to change her mind."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei's doubts vanished, and he nodded emphatically: "Zimao's words are quite right, I will remember them."

"Please feel free to enter, my lord. Zilong and I will stand guard outside and protect you thoroughly," Gu Sulin said, bowing.

On a distant high-rise building, Sun Quan and Lu Su stood by the railing, gazing at the lights of their new house, their expressions deep and thoughtful.

"Liu Bei is already in our trap, and he certainly won't be thinking of returning home anytime soon," Lu Su said softly.

Sun Quan gazed at the deep night, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "Keep a close watch. As long as Liu Bei is trapped, Jingzhou will eventually belong to Jiangdong."