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

As dawn broke, the military camp within Gong'an City was already in a state of order.

The four prefectures of Jingnan had just been pacified, and the affairs of the city were numerous and complicated. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan were reorganizing the newly surrendered troops in the camp outside the city, while Mi Zhu, Jian Yong, Sun Qian and others were handling the government treasury and civil administration, and Yi Ji and Ma Liang were pacifying the local gentry.

Inside the tent at this moment, only Liu Bei's three most trusted generals were waiting for the core military meeting.

Liu Bei led Zhuge Liang and Gu Sulin into the tent, where the three generals who were waiting there rose to greet him.

The three men under his command were all renowned and valiant generals.

On the left is Guan Yu, who is nine feet tall, wearing a green robe and a long beard. He has a face like a red date, and his phoenix eyes are slightly lowered, giving him an imposing and dignified air.

Beside him stood Zhang Fei, with a leopard-like head and bulging eyes, a broad back and a powerful waist, a fierce and valiant physique, and a straightforward curiosity in his eyes.

On the far right is Zhao Yun, dressed in white robes and silver armor, with a tall and straight posture like a pine tree, exuding a calm and reserved temperament, gentle yet measured.

After Liu Bei stood still, he raised his hand to introduce the three men: "This is Mr. Gu Sulin, Gu Zimao, a man of exceptional talent and strategy. Last night, he and Kongming devised a grand plan to resolve my current predicament. From now on, he will participate in planning alongside the strategist."

Zhang Fei, known for his straightforward nature, immediately clasped his hands in a respectful salute and said loudly, "Since you are someone highly regarded by my elder brother and the strategist, you must truly be capable. I, Old Zhang, am convinced!"

Zhao Yun also stepped forward, displaying impeccable manners: "Zhao Yun greets you, sir."

Only Guan Yu carefully examined the young man before stepping forward, bowing calmly in military salute, his expression serene and his tone humble: "Guan Yu greets you, sir."

Gu Sulin then clasped his hands in a salute: "The names of the three generals are renowned and I have long admired them."

Seeing this, Zhuge Liang lightly waved his feather fan, steer the conversation toward the most pressing predicament: "The three generals have been in the army for many years, and they must know that Zhou Yu's occupation of Jiangling and his confinement of us in Gong'an is tantamount to strangling us. Zi Mao has already proposed a solution to this predicament, and I would like to share it with you all."

The atmosphere inside the tent became even more somber at the mere mention of Zhou Yu.

This is the huge weight that weighs on the hearts of everyone in Jingzhou.

Gu Sulin stepped forward, his tone calm: "In the Battle of Jiangling, Zhou Yu personally braved arrows and stones, sustaining serious injuries. The Third General accompanied Zhou Yu in the siege, so he must have heard about this."

Zhang Fei was taken aback: "Yes, that's true. What's wrong?"

Gu Sulin continued, "Such a serious injury requires rest and recuperation, but he is of a fierce temperament and carries the hopes of the people of Jiangdong. He works tirelessly day and night to manage the army and refuses to rest. In addition, there are old injuries he sustained since he joined Sun Ce's uprising. Such overwork and excessive energy will inevitably damage his foundation."

He paused, then continued, "Based on the injuries and illnesses, Zhou Yu will inevitably die from them within six months to a year. Once he dies, no one in Jiangdong will be capable of defending Nan Commandery. Our predicament will be resolved without a fight."

We speak only of facts and avoid empty talk.

After he finished speaking, the tent fell silent.

Zhang Fei was the first to react, slapping his thigh: "What you say makes sense, sir! Countless fierce generals on the battlefield have pushed themselves to the limit because their injuries hadn't fully healed, ultimately wearing themselves down! Zhou Yu's approach is likely to lead to his downfall!"

Zhao Yun smiled slightly and nodded, acknowledging Gu Sulin's words.

Guan Yu remained calm, and after listening, he simply nodded slowly: "What you say makes a lot of sense, sir. Military situations are unpredictable; let's see if what you say will truly come to pass."

His words and actions were impeccable, but he remained calm and quiet.

To outsiders, this was already an extremely appropriate attitude.

Gu Sulin knew perfectly well that Guan Yu was not like Zhang Fei or Zhao Yun.

This general was arrogant towards scholars and officials throughout his life, and only recognized practical achievements. It was extremely rare for him to be so polite upon first meeting him.

No matter how reasonable what we say today may seem, it's just empty talk.

Only when these events come true one by one in the future will this peerless general truly acknowledge him from the bottom of his heart.

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and continued, "Zimao's judgment is crucial, and besides, our army has no better option at the moment. We can only wait patiently for the situation to unfold before making any further arrangements. Our army should continue to stockpile provisions and train our soldiers as usual."

Seeing that his generals understood, Liu Bei immediately said loudly, "Now that the strategy has been decided, we should hold Jingnan firmly, train our troops, stockpile grain, pacify the people, and wait for the opportune moment."

"Yes, sir!" the three generals replied in unison.

The morning sun outside the tent gradually grew stronger, shining throughout the military camp.

In the distant city of Jiangling, that imposing figure still stands tall in Jingxiang, but his time has quietly slipped away, and little time remains.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps sounded outside the tent, and a scout, covered in frost and looking flustered, rushed in, knelt on one knee, and said in an extremely urgent voice:

"Reporting to the strategist, my lord! At midnight last night, Governor Liu of Jiangxia passed away at his residence!"

"What?!"

Liu Bei abruptly stood up, his composure vanishing instantly, replaced by shock and desolation. He staggered and slumped back into the main seat, muttering softly, "I share the same clan as Brother Jingsheng. We vowed to support the Han Dynasty and protect the people of Jingzhou. Now Brother Jingsheng is long gone, and my nephew Liu Qi has died young... How could my Han imperial clan have withered to such an extent?"

Liu Qi, son of Liu Biao, was a member of the Han imperial family. When Liu Bei suffered a crushing defeat at Dangyang and was left with nowhere to turn, it was Liu Qi who opened the gates of Jiangxia and took in his remaining troops. During the Battle of Red Cliffs against Cao Cao, it was Liu Qi who provided troops and supplies and stood shoulder to shoulder with him. Officially, Liu Qi was the former lord of Jingzhou and a regional governor; personally, Liu Bei always treated him like a nephew, showing a deep and abiding affection.

Upon hearing the devastating news, this imperial uncle, who had spent half his life in turmoil and had witnessed countless deaths, felt a tightness in his chest, and his eyes instantly reddened.

The atmosphere inside the tent instantly plummeted to freezing point.

Guan Yu stood with his eyes lowered, his expression solemn; Zhang Fei, who was usually hot-tempered, only sighed heavily and said nothing more; Zhao Yun stood with his hand on his sword, bowing his head in silent mourning.

Gu Sulin stood with his eyes lowered, understanding in his heart: the loss of Jiangxia had shaken Jingnan, the old officials were terrified, the people were uneasy, and there were wolves and tigers lurking outside. A monstrous storm was already imminent.

The old saying in Jiangdong, "If Liu Qi is alive, Jingzhou belongs to Liu Qi; if Liu Qi is not alive, it will return to Jiangdong," has come to be fulfilled.

These are things that are not appropriate to say at this moment, nor should they be said.

At this moment, it is only appropriate to cherish this kinship and grieve for that young master.

After a long silence, Liu Bei slowly wiped away his tears, suppressing his grief, and said in a deep voice:

"Issue the order—the four prefectures of Jingnan shall observe three days of mourning throughout their territory. Alcohol, music, and banquets shall be prohibited. The entire city shall wear mourning clothes to pay tribute to Governor Liu."

All former subordinates of Jiangxia and accompanying officials shall be treated with the utmost respect. On the day of Governor Liu's return for burial, I will personally go out of the city to see him off.

His tone was solemn, and his words were steady and measured:

"Although Governor Liu has left, the people and soldiers of Jiangxia must not be thrown into chaos, and the people of Jingzhou and Xiangyang must not panic. As long as I am here, I will ensure the peace and stability of southern Jingzhou and will never allow the flames of war to ravage the people again!"