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

Zhou Yu's expression turned serious, and his tone became steady: "My lord, the campaign against Shu is of utmost importance, and there must be no disturbance in the rear. I have already considered the matter of Liu Bei."

He paused, then continued, "Liu Bei and I have been allied through marriage in Jiangdong for half a year. My lord has treated him with lavish gifts of palace women, gold, jade, and other precious items, making him indulge in comfort and neglecting Jingzhou. The strategy of keeping him at arm's length has been largely successful."

Sun Quan nodded slightly: "That is indeed the case. Liu Bei is in Nanxu, where he spends his days drinking and making merry, and has no ill intentions."

"That is precisely why we must not be careless." Zhou Yu said solemnly, "Liu Bei is a hero of our time, with the bravery of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, the strategy of Zhuge Liang, and his trusted old subordinates are all in Jingzhou, eagerly awaiting his return."

"Now that the western expedition is imminent, the army's movement will leave Jiangdong's rear vulnerable. Liu Bei must not be allowed to return. Once he returns to Jingzhou, it will be like a fish out of water, impossible to control. If he takes advantage of our western expedition to launch a surprise attack on Jiangling and cut off our return route, then the western expeditionary army will be in danger, and Jiangdong will also be in danger!"

Zhou Yu's gaze was earnest, and his words struck at the heart of the matter:

"Yu believes that we should continue to treat him well, reassure him, strengthen his resolve, and strictly prevent him from returning home. We must not let our guard down."

As long as Liu Bei remains in Nanxu, Jingzhou will lack a leader, and Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun will not dare to act rashly. My western expeditionary army will then have no worries about its rear.

His words were all based on the overall strategy of conquering Shu, with rigorous logic and a long-term vision, without a trace of radicalism or ruthlessness, fully demonstrating Zhou Yu's strategic vision.

Sun Quan nodded repeatedly, completely agreeing: "Gongjin's words are all gems. I will follow your plan, continue to keep Liu Bei under control, treat him well, and never let him return to Jingzhou. Let him stay peacefully in Nanxu and live a quiet life."

"Your lord is wise." Zhou Yu bowed respectfully.

The emperor and his minister then decided on a strategy.

Inside the secret room, the atmosphere was harmonious, and everything was progressing steadily according to Jiang Dong's plan.

But none of them noticed that, in the shadows of the corridor, a figure stood quietly, listening to the entire conversation inside the hall.

This man was Sun Quan's close attendant, deeply trusted and able to enter and leave the palace without hindrance. However, no one knew that he had long been bribed by Gu Sulin with the large sum of money saved by the Wu Marquis's mansion for Liu Bei's expenses, and had become a pawn planted in the core of the Wu Marquis's mansion.

Without making a sound, he quietly retreated, turned around and went to a side corridor. His eyes quickly scanned the surroundings to make sure no one was paying attention, and then he made a very quick and subtle gesture to a slender figure not far away.

The gesture was short and precise, and only the two of them could understand it.

Not far around the corner stood Madam Sun's personal maid.

This maid was also a spy planted by Gu Sulin long ago, loyal and obedient, waiting only for instructions.

Upon seeing the gesture, the maidservant's heart skipped a beat. Not daring to delay, she composed herself, lowered her head, and hurried toward Madam Sun's courtyard.

Inside the mansion's inner courtyard, in a quiet room.

Madam Sun sat upright at her desk, wiping her sword while flipping through books. She wore plain, unadorned clothes, her long hair simply tied up, her face was beautiful and her demeanor aloof, exuding an innate pride and detachment.

She had already decided in her heart that Liu Bei was by no means a good-for-nothing who indulged in wine and women, but a true hero with lofty ambitions, forbearance and perseverance.

But she was, after all, the daughter of the Sun family of Jiangdong. From a young age, she possessed a proud spirit and her stance was always clear and unwavering.

At this moment, a strange unease quietly welled up in my heart.

Zhou Yu's return will surely stir up trouble in Nanxu.

The door was gently pushed open, and the personal maidservant hurried in, her expression anxious and her face filled with undisguised panic. She quickly walked to Madam Sun's side, lowered her voice, and said in a trembling tone:

"Princess! Something terrible has happened!"

Madam Sun slowly raised her eyes, her clear gaze falling on the maid, her tone calm and even: "What's the matter that you're in such a panic? What kind of behavior is this?"

"Princess, this servant...this servant just overheard the secret discussion between Marquis Wu and Commander Zhou in the corridor of Marquis Wu's residence!" The maid's breathing was rapid, her voice extremely low, yet every word was clear. "Commander Zhou returned from Jiangling and first requested permission to attack Shu, which Marquis Wu has already granted!"

Madam Sun's eyes flickered slightly, and she was secretly alarmed.

To attack Shu?

Zhou Yu's spirit was indeed extraordinary.

The maid continued, "After discussing the campaign against Shu, Commander Zhou mentioned Liu Bei! He said... With the campaign against Shu at hand, the rear must not be thrown into chaos, and Liu Bei must not be allowed to return to Jingzhou!"

Madam Sun's fingertips tightened slightly.

The maid's voice grew increasingly frightened: "This servant heard it clearly, Governor Zhou advised Marquis Wu:"

Continue to keep Liu Bei under strict control in Nanxu, guard him closely, and never let him return for the rest of his life!

If there is any unusual activity, surround the mansion with soldiers and armor, forcibly place him under house arrest, and cut off his escape route!

"Snap—"

The sword in Madam Sun's hand fell heavily onto the table.

"What did you say? Is this really true?"

"This servant heard it clearly! Lord Wu sent his attendant to deliver this month's provisions to Liu Bei. If the princess does not believe me, she can ask Lord Wu's attendant!"

Her fingers tightened suddenly, her knuckles turned white, and her heart sank.

She had a vague feeling that something was wrong.

Zhou Yu was always calm and composed, planning his moves carefully. Such direct and intense words were unlike his usual tone. But upon closer reflection, she couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong; she only felt a heavy weight in her heart, a tightness in her chest.

Moreover, she had already heard rumors that Zhou Yu's illness had delayed his return for half a year.

The military and political affairs in Jiangling were complicated, and he worked tirelessly despite his illness, never daring to slack off for even a day.

Being delayed for half a year and disrupting his original plans must have made him extremely anxious.

A person who is helpless in the face of an emergency and has no way out is often more likely to take extreme measures than usual.

She knew Zhou Yu too well.

His wisdom and strategy were unfathomable, and his mind was resolute. He never hesitated for the sake of Jiangdong's hegemony. He was usually gentle and refined, but when it came to making decisions, he was more ruthless and daring than anyone else.

The fact is that they are kept under control, and the fact is that they are not allowed to return home.

Since the maid spoke so confidently, claiming to have heard it with her own ears,

Zhou Yu... might actually take the step of "house arrest".

Perhaps he had no other choice but to resort to this quick measure to secure Jiangdong's future.

Even if there's only a 30% chance, even if it's just her conjecture, she wouldn't dare to gamble.

Even if Liu Bei were truly under house arrest, and was merely staying in Nanxu for an extended period instead of returning to Jingzhou, the people of Jingzhou would be demoralized and prone to rebellion—once the alliance breaks down, Cao Cao would surely take advantage of the situation to march south, and Jiangdong would be in grave danger.

How can the centuries-old foundation of Jiangdong be destroyed by a mere "maybe"?

The more she thought about it, the more confused and uneasy she became.

That inexplicable strangeness instantly became insignificant in the face of a life-or-death situation.

Whether you believe it or not is no longer important.

The important thing is that she can't afford to gamble.

Zhou Yu, he really dared to do that.

When Madam Sun closed her eyes and opened them again, all that remained in them was a cold and resolute look.

Without hesitation, without wavering.

She stood up, her tone calm yet carrying immense power:

"Go to Liu Bei's residence."

The maid felt relieved and quickly replied, "Yes!"

Madam Sun straightened her clothes, her expression aloof, and walked out with firm steps.

Sunlight fell on her, casting a tall and slender silhouette, exuding both pride and a sense of responsibility.

Her actions were not driven by personal feelings or by Liu Bei alone, but solely by the interests of Jiangdong, the alliance, and the inescapable responsibility she bore.

Inside the small pavilion by the water.

Gu Sulin gazed towards the courtyard, a faint yet composed smile playing on his lips, and said softly to Liu Bei, "My lord, the time has come."