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

Now, by taking advantage of his efforts to improve the situation step by step, Liu Bei entered Chengdu a year ahead of schedule, and had ample resources to prepare for war in order to capture Hanzhong.

Not only could it defend the northern gateway of Yizhou, but it would also make up for the shortcomings of Hanzhong, which Liu Bei had occupied in history, and greatly enhance its own strength so as to carry out subsequent northern expeditions.

To quell the potential threat arising from Jingzhou during the Northern Expedition, we cannot accept all of Jiangdong's demands for territory, nor can we reject them outright without considering their feelings.

According to historical records, Sun Quan sent Zhuge Jin to demand the three commanderies of Changsha, Guiyang, and Lingling.

Not to mention that Liu Bei himself would never agree to hand over most of Jingzhou, which he controlled, even if he did comply with Sun Quan's request, the people within Jingzhou would certainly not agree.

Liu Bei's former subordinates would feel deeply aggrieved, and the gentry would think that Liu Bei was weak and easily bullied. At best, they would lose the support of the people, and at worst, they would rise up in rebellion.

A direct refusal would inevitably lead to repeating the mistakes of history.

The previous alliance document had already subtly addressed the historical inconsistencies and shortcomings of Liu Bei's position. At this point, only by proactively proposing a demarcation along the Xiang River and offering Sun Quan tangible benefits could Jiangdong be temporarily stabilized.

It was called a three-for-one exchange, but in reality, only one and a half prefectures of territory were handed over. This was the result of Gu Sulin's careful consideration, perhaps just hitting the bottom line of the old Jingzhou troops and gentry.

By proactively returning a little more territory, the alliance situation could be temporarily stabilized, and splitting up Changsha could avoid the geopolitical risks associated with the historical boundary drawn by the Xiang River.

Furthermore, when Liu Bei bestowed rewards, he appointed Zhuge Liang to oversee all affairs in Jingzhou. Kongming understood strategic planning and was skilled in diplomacy, so although Guan Yu and others had their grievances, they could only suppress them for the time being.

By finalizing the demarcation of the Xiang River in advance, thus easing the immediate conflict and stabilizing the alliance between Sun Quan and Liu Bei, Liu Bei could focus his efforts on conquering Hanzhong in the north without worrying about the east, firmly grasp the initiative on the western front, and avoid the crucial mistake he made in his previous life.

After listening, Liu Bei pondered the matter repeatedly, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt that the plan was comprehensive, but he still felt that exchanging three for one was a loss.

This matter is of great importance and cannot be easily concluded: "Zimao's words make a lot of sense. However, this proposal has extremely high implications and affects the overall situation in Jingzhou and Xiangyang. Kongming has been stationed in Jingzhou for a long time and is familiar with the situation there. We must consult his opinion. I will immediately send a light envoy to Jiangling overnight to inquire with Kongming."

Before the matter was settled, a servant came to report: "My lord, Zhuge Jin has arrived and is waiting outside the mansion gate."

Liu Bei straightened his clothes, exchanged a glance with Gu Sulin, and said calmly, "Let's go and meet Ziyu."

Outside the main hall, under the scorching summer sun, Zhuge Jin, dressed in Jiangdong official robes, stood below the steps, his expression respectful yet composed.

Seeing Liu Bei personally come out to greet him, Zhuge Jin felt somewhat relieved and bowed respectfully: "Zhuge Jin has come to pay his respects to Lord Xuande on the orders of Lord Wu."

Liu Bei returned the greeting, speaking in a gentle tone: "Ziyu has come from afar and must be tired from the journey. I have prepared a small feast to welcome you."

Inside the hall, the banquet was simply and elegantly arranged, with guests and hosts seated separately.

Zhuge Jin was well-dressed and had a gentle demeanor. After taking his seat, he first bowed with his hands clasped in greeting, his face full of humility.

"Congratulations, Xuande, on your successful pacification of Bashu and the capture of Yizhou."

He spoke with polite and respectful words, yet his tone was earnest: "Now that you control Jing and Yi provinces, your territory is vast, your army is well-equipped, and your treasury and granaries are full. The alliance between Sun and Liu is becoming increasingly solid."

Throughout Jiangdong, everyone is praising the continuation of the Han dynasty's fortunes. We are one step closer to restoring the Han dynasty and eliminating the traitor Cao Cao; this is truly a blessing for all the people.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei smiled and nodded, calmly returning the greeting: "It is all thanks to the alliance between our two families, who watch over each other and help each other. If it weren't for Jiangdong restraining Cao Cao's army, I would not have been able to enter Sichuan with peace of mind."

Ziyu has traveled a long way and must be exhausted; it must have been very tiring for him.

After some pleasantries and a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere eased a bit, and Zhuge Jin stopped beating around the bush and got straight to the point.

"Lord Xuande, let's not beat around the bush. Today, I have come to Shu on the orders of Lord Wu. Apart from offering my congratulations, there is an old agreement that needs to be discussed in person."

Zhuge Jin, with a calm gaze, slowly said, "In the past, when you were defeated at Dangyang, you were stranded with nowhere to go. Fortunately, we in Jiangdong fought a fierce battle at Chibi and defeated Cao Cao, which allowed you to temporarily establish yourself in Jingzhou."

Previously, both sides had made an agreement—that if Yizhou were acquired, Jingzhou would be returned. Now that Shu is pacified, we hope that Lord Xuande will keep his promise.

Although he had already guessed Zhuge Jin's intentions, Liu Bei still couldn't help but look conflicted and feign a sigh of sorrow as soon as Zhuge Jin finished speaking.

Gu Sulin calmly stood up, her tone gentle yet her stance clear, and immediately corrected him:

"Mr. Ziyu, you are mistaken."

In the past, during the Battle of Red Cliffs, Jiangdong sent 30,000 troops, while my lord assisted with 20,000 troops, including Liu Qi's son Jiangxia army and Guan Yu's navy. When Commander Zhou attacked Nan Commandery, my lord again ordered Zhang Fei to lead troops to assist in the attack on the city, and Guan Yu cut off the northern route, severing Cao Cao's supply and retreat. Such merits are considerable; how could there be no gain? Jingzhou should be returned, but how can it be returned in its entirety?

"I am not asking you to return the entire territory of Jingzhou. My lord, Lord Wu, only asks that Lord Xuande return the three prefectures of Changsha, Guiyang, and Lingling."

Three counties?

Liu Bei was taken aback.

He had thought that Gu Sulin's request to return three places was already too much, but now that Eastern Wu was asking for three counties, how could he agree to that?

Gu Sulin understood and replied, "Mr. Ziyu is wrong again."

The covenant was written in black and white, only stating that the borrowed land would be returned.

All four commanderies of Jingnan were recovered by my lord through arduous battles led by his own generals. Not an inch of land or city was borrowed from Jiangdong. Only Nan Commandery was temporarily borrowed due to the needs of the garrison.

How can the two be confused?

Zhuge Jin had anticipated this response and understood it perfectly, but he had no way to refute it.

In the past, due to Lu Su's momentary oversight, the wording of the alliance agreement had already left room for maneuver, and now he could not argue his way out of it.

Before they arrived, Sun Quan and Lu Su had already made it clear that Liu Bei would use this as an excuse to obstruct them. They told him that he should only ask to take back the three commanderies, and if he couldn't, Nan Commandery would be the bottom line.

Zhuge Jin could only hesitate for a moment before taking a step back and saying, "Since that's the case, then let's stick to the agreement and return to Nanjun."

Liu Bei feigned difficulty, frowning slightly, and sighed deeply, his tone earnest:

"Ziyu, it's not that I'm unwilling to keep the agreement, but the situation is truly difficult. Nan Commandery borders Xiangfan to the north and faces Cao Cao's heavy army directly. It is a crucial front line against Cao Cao. If Nan Commandery is returned to Jiangdong, Wu Hou will have to hold off the northern army alone, under constant pressure, which would be a loss. Our army can hold this position and share the defense burden with Jiangdong, jointly resisting the powerful enemy. This is beneficial to both sides. This is for the sake of Jiangdong."

Liu Bei deliberately avoided mentioning the critical issue of the division between Jing and Yi after losing Nan Commandery, instead using the pressure of border defense as an excuse.

Zhuge Jin understood perfectly well, but couldn't say it out loud in public. He could only remain silent for a moment before asking helplessly:

"Since Lord Xuande is in trouble and refuses to return Nan Commandery, how should this matter ultimately be resolved?"

Liu Bei shook his head helplessly: "This matter is of great importance. Ziyu can stay in Chengdu for the time being. How about I send an envoy to Jingzhou to consult your younger brother Kongming before making a decision?"

Zhuge Jin knew that this matter was indeed of great importance, so he had no choice but to agree.