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

After the scouts left, only Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang, and Gu Sulin remained in the tent. The atmosphere eased slightly, but remained solemn.

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan, stepped forward slowly, his gaze falling on the map of Jingzhou on the table. He pointed his finger at Jiangling and slowly said, "My lord, with Zhou Yu's death, Jiangdong is shaken, and the morale of the army is also wavering. Previously, Zhou Yu insisted on attacking Shu and took sole control of the Jiangdong army. Now that there is no leader, Sun Quan will definitely be in a dilemma. This place, Jiangling in Nan Commandery, is the biggest change in the current situation."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei raised his eyes to look at the two men and said in a deep voice, "Kongming is absolutely right. Jiangling guards the throat of the Yangtze River, connecting Yizhou to the west and Xiangfan to the north. It is the lifeline of Jingzhou. We have been trapped in Gong'an for half a year. Although our foundation is stable, we still lack this strategic location. Now that Zhou Yu is dead, is there really an opportunity to seize this place?"

Gu Sulin stepped forward and stood beside the map, his tone resolute as he analyzed clearly, "My lord, we are not seeking to seize it, but rather to borrow it. When Zhou Yu was alive, he was always wary of you, regarding Jingzhou as a major threat, and would never cede even a fraction of Jiangling. But now that he has passed away, the successor in Jiangdong will undoubtedly be Lu Su. Lu Su has always advocated alliances and knows that only by allying with Liu Bei can we resist Cao Cao; he is certainly not as ruthless as Zhou Yu."

Furthermore, although Sun Quan harbored ambitions to annex Jingzhou, he understood that with Zhou Yu's recent death, Jiangdong was still unstable internally and its military morale was low. Upon hearing of Zhou Yu's death, Cao Cao would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to march south, his forces aimed directly at Jiangdong. Sun Quan was preoccupied with his own problems and had no capacity to spare troops to defend Jiangling, let alone resist Cao Cao's army alone. Therefore, if we were to propose lending him the land, even if he was reluctant, he would have no grounds to refuse.

Moreover, our borrowing of Jiangling is not a forceful seizure, but rather a promise made in the name of an alliance that, once we obtain the entire Nan Commandery, we will immediately muster our troops and march north to resist Cao Cao, thus relieving the pressure on Jiangdong. This is both reasonable and justifiable.”

Liu Bei nodded repeatedly, his eyes gleaming. Previously, he had been trapped in Nanxu and knew the thoughts of the Jiangdong officials, as well as the importance of Jiangling, but he had been struggling to find an opportunity. Now, Gu Sulin's analysis was so insightful that every word hit the nail on the head, and he had made up his mind.

But then he thought again and frowned: "Zimao's words are all reasonable, but who would be the most appropriate person to send to negotiate this time?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Sulin immediately bowed and volunteered: "My lord, I am willing to go on this mission. I have been with you in Jiangdong for half a year and have dealt with the officials there. I know the character of Sun Quan and Lu Su, and I am also clear about the situation in the Jiangdong government."

"This mission will focus on reasoning with Sun Quan; we are confident we can persuade him to lend us Nan Commandery."

Zhuge Liang chimed in, his eyes full of approval: "My lord, Zi Mao is exceptionally talented in debate and has a deep understanding of the situation in Jiangdong. He is the only one suitable for this mission."

Looking at the two men, Liu Bei felt a surge of warmth in his heart. His advisors were united and each fulfilled their duties, which was truly a blessing for his great cause.

He rose and helped Gu Sulin up, his tone solemn and full of trust: "Since Zimao is willing to go, I am naturally at ease. This mission concerns the future of Jingzhou, so you must be careful in everything you do. Don't be hasty, and always prioritize the overall interests of the alliance. If Sun Quan hesitates, you can proceed slowly, but you must not clash with him. As for the attendants and gifts you need, just ask, and I will have them prepared immediately."

"Rest assured, my lord, Su Lin will certainly live up to your mission." Gu Su Lin replied in a deep voice, his expression firm and without the slightest fear.

The following day, Gu Sulin began preparations for his mission. He did not select many attendants, only a dozen or so capable personal guards, and traveled lightly to avoid attracting attention and arousing suspicion in Jiangdong. As for the gifts, they were all ordinary items, without any rare treasures, only some local specialties from Jingzhou, to show the sincerity of the alliance, rather than to deliberately curry favor.

On the eve of his departure, Zhuge Liang came to discuss the details with Gu Sulin again. He gently waved his feather fan and said, "Zimao, this time when we enter Jiangdong, the old ministers such as Zhang Zhao have always advocated peace, but they are also wary of our lord's growing power. They will definitely try their best to obstruct us in front of Sun Quan. You only need to focus on the core of the alliance against Cao Cao and point out the current predicament of Jiangdong. Lu Zijing will definitely help you from the side, and then the matter will be mostly settled."

Gu Sulin nodded slightly: "Rest assured, strategist, I have a clear understanding of the situation. I will definitely keep the situation under control, explain the advantages and disadvantages, and never let down the lord and strategist's trust."

Three days later, Gu Sulin bid farewell to Liu Bei and, with his entourage, boarded a ship at the Gong'an Wharf, once again sailing down the river to Nanxu. The river was calm and the ship sailed smoothly. Gu Sulin stood at the bow, gazing at the surging river, already having a plan in mind. This trip was not only to borrow Nan Commandery, but also to solidify the Sun-Liu alliance and pave the way for Liu Bei's future conquest of Yizhou.

Meanwhile, Nanxu was still shrouded in grief and chaos following Zhou Yu's death.

Sun Quan was dressed in plain clothes, his face was haggard, and his eyes were full of fatigue.

Zhou Yu was his trusted advisor and the pillar of Jiangdong. Now that he has suddenly passed away, he not only lost a great general, but also has to face the predicament of court turmoil and the advance of Cao Cao's army. He is frowning and restless all day long.

That day, Sun Quan was discussing military affairs with his senior ministers, including Lu Su and Zhang Zhao, and how to stabilize the morale of the army and guard against Cao Cao's southward advance. A palace attendant hurried into the hall and respectfully reported, "My lord, an envoy from Jingzhou has arrived and is currently waiting at the post station outside the city, requesting an audience with you."

Upon hearing this, Sun Quan frowned slightly, a hint of doubt rising in his mind: "An envoy from Jingzhou? Liu Bei only recently returned to Jingzhou, and now Gongjin has just passed away. What is his intention in sending an envoy at this time?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhao immediately stepped forward, his expression grave, and advised, "My lord, there must be something fishy about this! Liu Bei's foundation in Jingzhou is gradually stabilizing, and Gongjin has just passed away. For him to send an envoy here must be for some ulterior motive, and it is certainly not with good intentions. My lord must not see him, lest you fall into his trap."

Lu Su shook his head and retorted, "Mr. Zibu, you are mistaken. The Sun-Liu alliance is for the greater good. Right now, Jiangdong needs the assistance of Jingzhou. Liu Bei sent an envoy here, perhaps to mourn Gongjin and show his sincerity in the alliance. Even if he has something to ask for, we can meet him first, hear his intentions, and then make a decision."

Sun Quan remained silent for a moment, rubbing his throbbing temples, before asking, "Who is the envoy?"

The eunuch hurriedly replied, "My lord, they are Gu Sulin and Gu Zimao, officials under Liu Bei."

"Gu Sulin?"

Upon hearing this name, Sun Quan's eyes flashed with surprise, and his expression quickly became complicated.

He had a deep impression of this name. When Liu Bei first arrived in Nanxu, it was this man who debated with the scholars of Jiangdong and held his own, stabilizing Liu Bei's position.

Later, Liu Bei's successful return to Jingzhou was all thanks to this man's planning. This time, his visit must be carrying Liu Bei's deeper meaning, and is by no means as simple as just paying respects.

Upon hearing Gu Sulin's name, Zhang Zhao's expression darkened further. This man had rendered him speechless and humiliated at the banquet years ago, leaving him with a lingering resentment. Now, he spoke coldly, "My lord, you must not see this man! He is meticulous and exceptionally intelligent. He has repeatedly caused losses for Jiangdong and helped Liu Bei escape. His arrival this time is undoubtedly to seek benefits for Liu Bei. If we meet him, we risk being led by the nose!"

Sun Quan waved his hand, suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his mind. After a moment of contemplation, his eyes gradually became firm.

He gave the order in a deep voice, his tone carrying a hint of monarchical authority.

"Pass on my order: bring Gu Sulin into the palace to meet me."