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

After a two-day journey by boat, Gu Sulin and his party arrived safely in Nanxu. As soon as they settled into the post station, he did not linger for a moment. Dressed in plain clothes and carrying the gifts prepared by Jingzhou, he went straight into the palace to request an audience.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn, a stark contrast to the vibrant spirit of Jingzhou. Sun Quan sat upright in the main seat, dressed in plain robes, his eyes filled with weariness, dark circles under his eyes clearly visible, suggesting he had been deeply troubled by Zhou Yu's death for days. Lu Su stood to one side, his expression sorrowful, while Zhang Zhao stood with his head bowed, his brows furrowed. All the officials in the hall wore mournful expressions, not a single one showing the slightest hint of a smile.

The eunuch announced loudly, "Gu Sulin, the official in charge of Jingzhou, comes to see Lord Wu!"

Gu Sulin slowly entered the hall, and upon reaching the center, bowed deeply to Sun Quan. His voice was steady yet tinged with sorrow: "Gu Sulin has come on the orders of Liu Huangshu of Jingzhou to offer condolences for Governor Zhou. Governor Zhou was a hero of his time, assisting the Marquis of Wu in stabilizing Jiangdong with outstanding achievements. His sudden passing is a tragedy for the entire world. Although Liu Huangshu is far away in Gong'an, he is also deeply saddened and has specially sent me to offer this small gift to express his condolences."

As soon as he finished speaking, the attendant presented the sacrificial offering. It was a piece of fine wine from Jingzhou wrapped in plain silk, not some rare or exotic treasure, but it conveyed a profound sense of respect.

Sun Quan accepted the gifts, his fingertips trembling slightly. His gaze fell on the fine wine from Jingzhou, and his eyes deepened with sorrow. He spoke in a deep voice, "Zimao's visit from afar is very thoughtful. Gongjin and I were like brothers. With his departure, Jiangdong is like a pillar without a beam. I... am heartbroken."

Gu Sulin bowed his head and echoed, "Lord Wu, please accept my condolences. Your merits as Governor will surely be remembered for eternity."

Lu Su stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting to Gu Sulin: "Mr. Zimao, thank you for making this trip."

Gu Sulin nodded slightly and returned the greeting, saying, "Mr. Zijing, you are too kind. As an alliance, Jingzhou and Jiangdong are bound together by fate. It is only right that I, Sulin, come to pay my respects at the Governor's funeral."

He did not rush to the main topic, but instead remained silent with everyone for a moment, letting the somber atmosphere permeate the hall. This moment of silence was both a sign of respect for Zhou Yu and a way to dispel Sun Quan's guard—offering condolences first, then discussing matters, would demonstrate proper etiquette.

After a moment, Sun Quan raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down. He looked at Gu Sulin, his tone softening slightly: "Zimao, how are things since the Imperial Uncle returned to Jing?"

Gu Sulin thanked the host and sat at the head of the side seat, bowing slightly. His tone was sincere: "Thanks to Lord Wu's great fortune, after returning to Gong'an, my lord pacified the soldiers and civilians, reorganized the army, and prepared for war. The territory is stable, and my lady is also doing well in Jingzhou. However, my lord is grateful to Lord Wu for his kindness day and night and dares not betray the great cause of the alliance. Therefore, he specially sent Sulin here, firstly to mourn the governor, and secondly... also to share Lord Wu's burdens."

A glint flashed in Sun Quan's eyes as he looked at Gu Sulin, his tone probing: "Oh? What worries me?"

Gu Sulin's heart skipped a beat. He didn't immediately reveal his hand, but slowly rose, cupped his hands again, and said solemnly, "Lord Wu, please understand. I have come here today to ask you a request. However, this matter is of great importance, and I dare not speak lightly."

"Speak freely," Sun Quan said in a deep voice.

Gu Sulin raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Zhang Zhao and Lu Su, finally settling on Sun Quan, each word spoken with resounding force:

"My lord earnestly requests that the Marquis of Wu temporarily borrow Nan Commandery to serve as a defensive barrier along the river."

The moment these words were spoken, the hall fell silent.

Zhang Zhao's face immediately darkened, and he shouted sternly, "Gu Zimao! Nanjun is a vital frontier town of Jiangdong, a strategic location fought over by military strategists. How can we just lend it out like that? You are taking advantage of Jiangdong's recent loss to demand this important territory. What are your intentions?!"

Lu Su frowned as well: "Zimao, Nanjun was won through the bloody battles fought by Commander Zhou and the soldiers of Eastern Wu. Now that the Commander has been dead for some time, it is probably not appropriate for you to come and use such an important place."

Sun Quan sat motionless, his gaze fixed on Gu Sulin, neither sad nor happy, but with a hint of scrutiny: "Nan Commandery was the gateway to Jiangdong that Gongjin (Zhou Yu) helped me establish. Now that your Imperial Uncle has returned to Jingzhou and his foundation is gradually stabilizing, why do you still need to borrow it? Could it be that you intend to use this opportunity to expand your power?"

Gu Sulin remained calm and spoke with composure: "Please calm down, everyone. Jingzhou is not taking advantage of others' misfortunes."

Because Cao Cao heard of the death of the commander-in-chief, he must have thought that Jiangdong was in dire need of manpower and would launch a major southward campaign. Nan Commandery directly faces the onslaught of Cao Cao's army. Wu Hou has just lost his pillar and his forces are scattered. If he were to defend it alone, the pressure would be immense.

My lord, Liu Bei, is stationed at Gong'an, which is closest to Nan Commandery, and all his troops are there. If we temporarily borrow Nan Commandery, my lord will immediately deploy troops to garrison it, helping the Marquis of Wu to withstand Cao Cao's advance and guard the gateway to Jiangdong. In this way, the Marquis of Wu can focus on internal affairs and pacify his troops without having to divide his forces to look north.

This is not about Jingzhou wanting to occupy land, but rather Jingzhou's willingness to serve as a shield for Jiangdong, sharing its hardships, and fulfilling the righteousness of the entire alliance.

Moreover, my lord Liu Bei and Lord Wu are related by marriage. If a rift develops between them over the Nan Commandery incident, giving Cao Cao an opportunity to defeat them one by one, then Jiangdong will be in grave danger, and Jingzhou will also be difficult to survive alone. This is by no means what Commander Zhou wished for, nor what Lord Wu and Liu Bei wished for.”

His words hit the nail on the head. He pointed out Jiangdong's current predicament and used the greater good of the alliance to his advantage, leaving no room for rebuttal.

Zhang Zhao remained cold: "Even so, Nan Commandery should not be lent out lightly!"

Lu Su remained silent, clearly wavering in his heart, yet he dared not speak easily.

Sun Quan sat in the main seat, his gaze deep as he looked at Gu Sulin, remaining silent for a long time.

He knew Gu Sulin was telling the truth, but Nanjun was too important, and he really couldn't make a decision.

Seeing this, Gu Sulin stopped pressing and simply bowed, saying, "Sulin's words are from the bottom of his heart, all for the sake of the alliance. This matter is of great importance, and I dare not ask Lord Wu to make a decision immediately. Lord Wu can discuss it with the other officials at your leisure. Sulin will wait for news at the post station."

Sun Quan nodded slightly, his tone calm and measured: "I am aware of what Zimao said. You should return to the inn to rest first, and I will send someone to summon you after we have discussed this further."

"Yes."

Gu Sulin said no more, bowed and took his leave, calmly exiting the main hall.

Only after his figure disappeared outside the hall did the discussion inside the hall erupt again.

Zhang Zhao immediately stepped forward: "My lord! You must not lend Nan Commandery! Liu Bei is a man of great ambition, and Zhuge Liang and Gu Sulin are even more shrewd and resourceful. If they obtain Nan Commandery, it will surely become a future threat!"

Lu Su shook his head: "Mr. Zibu, you only look at one aspect and not the other. Now that Gongjin has just died, Cao Cao will surely march south upon hearing the news. Our Jiangdong forces are insufficient. If Liu Bei is willing to defend Nanjun and resist Cao Cao for us, it would be a solution to our predicament."

"But once Nanjun is borrowed, it will be difficult to take it back!"

"If the alliance breaks down, and Cao Cao arrives, Jiangdong will be the first to be in danger!"

The two argued back and forth.

Sun Quan closed his eyes, rubbed his throbbing forehead, and weighed the situation repeatedly in his mind.

To lend something is to give up valuable land.

If we don't lend it, once Cao Cao arrives, Jiangdong will be unable to hold out on its own.

He remained silent for a long time, finally slowly opening his eyes, his voice low and weary:

"This matter... I will consider it further."