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

Zhang Fei strode forward, his voice booming with barely concealed excitement: "Brother, I've been waiting for you to come back! I've been thinking about you every day for the past six months, fearing that Zhou Yu would harm you. Now that you're back safe and sound, I can finally rest easy!"

Guan Yu also bowed and greeted him, his phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, and he could not hide his joy. He said, "Brother, you have had a long and arduous journey. The entire Jingzhou region is waiting for you to take charge of the overall situation."

"Our lord has returned safely, and the people of Jingzhou can finally rest easy!" Zhuge Liang stepped forward, bowed deeply to Liu Bei, and said with a tone full of relief.

Liu Bei reached out to help Zhuge Liang up, then patted Guan Yu and Zhang Fei on the shoulders, his eyes filled with warmth: "Thank you all for your hard work in guarding Jingzhou and stabilizing our foundation during my absence. I will remember your contributions."

After saying this, he led his civil and military officials slowly toward the government office in the city. When the people along the way heard that Liu Bei had returned, they flocked to the streets to welcome him, and cheers rose and fell, showing the will of the people.

The group entered the main tent of the government office. Liu Bei sat in the main seat, with civil and military officials lined up on both sides. The atmosphere inside the tent was solemn, and everyone waited quietly for their lord to speak.

Liu Bei sat down and looked at everyone in the tent, his tone full of satisfaction: "In the past six months in Jiangdong, every step I took was fraught with danger. When I first arrived in Nanxu, the officials of Jiangdong took turns questioning me, trying to break my spirit. Fortunately, Zi Mao persuaded the scholars with his words that very day, stabilizing my position. During my stay, Eastern Wu tempted me with ease, but it was Zi Mao who constantly reminded me, teaching me to treat my wife with courtesy and sincerity, which earned her trust. In these past six months, he secretly planned and laid out schemes at every turn, never letting his guard down, all to ensure my safe return to Jingzhou. This time, I was able to retreat unscathed, and Zi Mao deserves the most credit."

Then, he looked at Zhao Yun beside him and nodded in praise: "Zilong has protected me all the way, never leaving my side. He has acted with composure and thoroughness, and his guards are strict, so I have no worries about my safety. His loyalty and bravery are commendable, and this is a great achievement."

After hearing this, everyone in the tent looked at Gu Sulin with more recognition and respect. Although Gu Sulin had been introduced by Zhuge Liang to accompany Liu Bei to Jiangdong, they had not personally witnessed his talent. Now, hearing about his quick thinking and effortless thwarting of Zhou Yu's scheme, they were all filled with admiration.

Zhuge Liang spoke first, cupping his hands in a smile to Gu Sulin: "Zimao is exceptionally wise and resourceful, living up to the lord's expectations and my own hopes before his departure."

Zhang Fei laughed and echoed, "I knew Mr. Gu was capable! Ensuring my elder brother's safe return was thanks to the strategist's brilliant plan. The fact that he single-handedly silenced so many civil officials in Jiangdong is enough to show how resourceful and eloquent he is!"

Although Guan Yu did not say it explicitly, the look in his eyes towards Gu Sulin was less disdainful and more approving, and he couldn't help but nod.

The other civil and military officials also spoke up in praise, saying that Gu Sulin was worthy of being given important responsibilities and fully acknowledging his position in the army and the government.

Upon seeing this, Gu Sulin quickly stood up, bowed to Liu Bei and the others in the tent, and said in a humble and polite tone: "You flatter me. My safe escape this time was not due to my efforts alone, but to the good fortune of my lord and the strategist's advice. I was just acting according to the circumstances and doing my duty."

After exchanging pleasantries, the atmosphere inside the tent became even more harmonious. Everyone stopped the small talk, composed themselves, and began to discuss serious matters.

Gu Sulin stepped forward slowly, cupped his hands to Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, and said in a calm and resolute tone: "My lord, strategist, now that we have safely returned to Jingzhou, Sun Quan has personally promised to release you, so he will not easily break the alliance. Although Zhou Yu is unwilling, he is also bound by the overall situation and dares not rashly send troops to invade Jingzhou. In the current situation, we do not need to take the initiative to cause trouble. We only need to focus on reorganizing the affairs of Jingzhou, strengthening our troops, preparing for war, and waiting for the opportune moment. This is the best strategy."

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan, nodded slightly, his eyes full of agreement: "Zimao's words coincide with my own. Jingzhou is a battleground on all sides, with Cao Cao eyeing it from the north and Jiangdong coveting it from the east. Only by first securing our own territory, ensuring our troops are well-trained and our supplies are plentiful, and our city defenses are strong, can we cope with any subsequent changes. Stability is paramount, and this is the only long-term solution." Liu Bei nodded in agreement, saying in a deep voice: "Zimao and the strategist are absolutely right; they are exactly what I was thinking."

Once the agreement was reached, specific tasks were immediately assigned.

Zhuge Liang looked at Zhang Fei and said solemnly, "Yide, send men to keep a close watch on the movements in Jiangdong and Jiangbei. If there is any news, report back immediately."

Zhang Fei readily accepted the order: "Yes, sir! I'll keep a close watch!"

Zhuge Liang nodded, then looked at Guan Yu: "Yun Chang, you and General Huang will train the new army in Jingzhou, pacify the people in the territory, suppress bandits, ensure stability in the territory, and ensure the smooth transport of grain and fodder."

Guan Yu and Huang Zhong responded loudly, "Rest assured, strategist."

He then instructed Zhao Yun: "Zilong, you will lead your personal guards to garrison Gong'an City, protect the city's defenses and the safety of the government offices, and also manage the city's security. You must not slacken your efforts in the slightest."

Zhao Yun bowed and accepted the order: "This subordinate understands."

Zhuge Liang volunteered to take charge of all internal affairs: "My lord, all matters concerning grain storage, appointment and dismissal of officials, pacification of the people, and agricultural production will be managed by me and the gentlemen. I will ensure that the treasury is full, the people are at peace, and that the troops at the front are well protected."

Liu Bei readily agreed. After all the tasks were assigned, the generals and civil officials received their orders, left the main tent, and began to implement them without delay.

From then on, everyone in Jingzhou performed their duties and operated in an orderly manner. In a short period of time, Jingzhou presented a picture of strong military, full granaries, and popular support, and its foundation became more and more solid.

……

Autumn has passed and winter has arrived; in the blink of an eye, half a year has gone by.

During these six months, Jingzhou lived in peace and recuperation, and its strength grew day by day. Liu Bei was stationed in Gong'an, discussing the situation and planning for the future with Zhuge Liang and Gu Sulin every day, and there was no longer the predicament and hindrance he had experienced in Nanxu.

On this day, Liu Bei was discussing state affairs with Zhuge Liang and Gu Sulin in his tent when a scout rushed in, his expression grave. He knelt on one knee and loudly reported, "My lord, urgent news from Jiangdong!"

Liu Bei's heart skipped a beat, and he said in a deep voice, "Speak!"

The scout reported loudly, "Zhou Yu, the Grand Commander of Eastern Wu, suffered a sudden relapse of his old illness during the campaign against Shu, and despite all medical treatment, he passed away five days ago in Baqiu!"

The news reached the tent, and everyone was stunned, falling into silence instantly. Liu Bei gazed at the map of Jingzhou on the table, remaining silent for a long time before finally sighing softly, "Zhou Yu was a renowned general, his wisdom unparalleled in Jiangdong. I deeply regret his passing. You may leave."

"yes!"

Gu Sulin stood calmly to one side, but in his heart, he understood that with Zhou Yu dead, Jiangdong no longer had a core figure dedicated to restraining Liu Bei and determined to attack Shu. The obstacle to westward expansion was gone in an instant; the situation in Jingzhou had become much easier.