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

Liu Bei gripped the silk scroll tightly, his eyes slightly moist, and he sighed deeply:

"I could not bear to see the people of Hanzhong suffer. Fortunately, Zimao not only fulfilled my wish but also ensured the safety of hundreds of thousands of people in Hanzhong."

He immediately gave the order:

"Order the entire army to rest for one day, and to march into Nanzheng tomorrow. Anyone who dares to disturb the people will be dealt with according to military law!"

"Order Huang Zhong to strictly guard Nanzheng, pacify the army and civilians, and await their surrender upon entering the city."

"Zhang Lu has rendered meritorious service in protecting the territory and ensuring the safety of the people. After he enters the city, I will personally receive him and treat him with the utmost courtesy. I will never fail to repay his kindness!"

The tent erupted in cheers, the somber mood of the past few days vanishing instantly.

The lights at Yangping Pass remained lit all night, reflecting the joy of the soldiers throughout the camp.

Meanwhile, in Nanzheng City, Zhang Lu and Huang Zhong patrolled the city together to reassure the people, and notices were already posted all over the streets and alleys.

When the people learned that the city had surrendered without a fight and that the old system would remain unchanged, they spread the news far and wide, and the weight that had been hanging over their hearts was finally lifted.

Overnight, the situation in Hanzhong was settled.

The next morning, when it was broad daylight.

The city gates of Nanzheng were wide open, and the streets and alleys of the entire city were swept clean. The people spontaneously stood on both sides of the street. Although they were apprehensive, they were not panicked.

Zhang Lu, dressed in a plain Taoist robe, led Yan Pu, Zhang Wei, and many officials from Hanzhong, as well as the chief priests of the Five Pecks of Rice sect, to wait quietly outside the city gate.

Huang Zhong, dressed in full military attire, stood beside Zhang Lu with a calm and composed expression, maintaining order in the surroundings, showing no trace of arrogance in his armor.

Before long, dust began to rise in the distance, and Liu Bei personally led his army slowly towards them. The three armies were disciplined, their armor and weapons were gleaming, and their steps were orderly.

Upon reaching the city gate, Liu Bei dismounted, signaling the army to halt, and walked forward alone, showing none of the arrogance of a victor.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Lu felt a surge of admiration and immediately led his men in a deep bow, his voice clear and resonant:

"Lu, who guarded Hanzhong for thirty years, had no ambition to contend for hegemony over the world, but only sought to protect the peace and tranquility of the people in the region."

Unfortunately, in this chaotic world, we were weak and powerless. We did not recognize Lord Xuande's great righteousness before, and instead defended our own territory and even went to war with Lord Xuande. This was truly foolish.

I have long heard of Lord Xuande's benevolence and virtue, his leading the people across the river, and his kindness to the common folk; he is truly a benevolent ruler of our time. Now, I willingly surrender with all the household registrations, treasuries, and military equipment of Hanzhong, pledging my utmost loyalty to Lord Xuande, upholding my duties as a subject, assisting Lord Xuande in pacifying the people of Hanzhong, and stabilizing the northern frontier; I have absolutely no disloyalty!

Liu Bei quickly stepped forward and personally helped Zhang Lu up, his tone extremely earnest: "Master, you guarded Hanzhong, protected the people and ensured peace in this chaotic world. I have always admired such merits."

"If it weren't for my teacher's profound understanding of the greater good, Hanzhong would have inevitably been engulfed in war yesterday. I, too, received my teacher's assistance, which saved countless lives. It is I who should be thanking my teacher."

The two walked hand in hand into the city of Nanzheng.

Along the way, Liu Bei saw that the people lived in peace and the charitable houses were still in good condition. He nodded frequently and was very satisfied with Zhang Lu's achievements.

Upon arriving at the main hall of the government office, the guests and hosts took their seats.

Zhang Lu asked nervously, "Lord Xuande, I made an agreement in the surrender letter before. Have you seen it?"

Liu Bei laughed heartily and immediately made a loud promise to Zhang Lu, as well as to the assembled officials of Hanzhong outside the hall, each word ringing with conviction:

"I will keep all the promises I made with the faculty and staff and will never break them!"

The old system of Hanzhong and the affairs of the Five Pecks of Rice sect will be retained without any changes; the members of the Zhang clan will be treated well and will not be made difficult; the benevolent policies of lenient punishments and light taxes, and charitable shelters to help the people will continue to be implemented without disturbing the people!

The instructor will remain as the General of the Town and Commander of the Army, concurrently serving as the Prefect of Hanning. He will continue to oversee the civil administration of Hanzhong and the affairs of the Five Pecks of Rice sect. All civil affairs in Hanzhong, large and small, will still be decided by the instructor, and no interference will be permitted!

A promise of official rank is a promise of absolute authority.

"Shiyuan, once the situation in Hanzhong stabilizes, you will take the lead in handing over administrative and trivial matters to the department teachers."

Hanzhong will inevitably become the frontline battlefield for resisting Yong and Liang in the north. At that time, the old system and traditions should not be retained for long; a stable handover and gradual transition are necessary.

Pang Tong replied, "Yes."

"Once the handover is completed, the Master can go to Qingcheng Mountain to devote himself to preaching as agreed."

I have heard that Mount Qingcheng in Shu County is where Zhang Daoling, the ancestor of my lineage, established his teachings. If my lineage returns, it will surely revive the Taoist tradition and bring blessings to the region.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lu's anxiety subsided completely, and the tension between his brows and eyes disappeared. He bowed deeply once more in gratitude: "Lord Xuande is kind and generous, and always keeps his word. I am deeply grateful!"

Lu Bi quickly completed the handover of government affairs, helping Duke Xuande stabilize the northern frontier. Later, he also preached at Qingcheng Mountain, contributing his modest efforts to the stability of the rear.

After exchanging pleasantries and greetings, the host and guests were all in high spirits, and the atmosphere eased. Liu Bei immediately ordered a banquet to be prepared.

Zhang Lu's gaze then fell on Gu Sulin, who was standing beside Liu Bei. He spoke to Liu Bei with admiration, saying, "Lord Xuande's reputation for benevolence is widespread, and his subordinates are indeed full of talented people."

Mr. Gu Zimao came to my Nanzheng alone. His words were sharp and insightful, and every sentence was sincere and to the point. His words dispelled my doubts and made me see the sun after the clouds had parted.

If it weren't for your profound wisdom, sir, Lu would never have suddenly realized this, and there would be no stable situation in Hanzhong today.

"Sir, you have pacified the people of a city and secured a territory with just your words; it is truly admirable!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei turned to look at Gu Sulin, his eyes filled with satisfaction:

"Zi Mao has such vision, seeing through the essence of pacifying the people. No wonder he can easily resolve the deadlock. He is far superior to ordinary people."

Zhang Lu nodded repeatedly and echoed, "Sir, your words are something I have never heard before in my life. They have awakened me from my dream. I am not an enemy of Xuande, but rather a fellow traveler."

With such a talented sir as your advisor, Lord Xuande's great undertaking is sure to succeed.

Upon hearing this, Pang Tong, Fa Zheng, and other civil and military officials also praised it highly.

Gu Sulin quickly bowed humbly: "My lord's benevolence is widely known, and my teacher is deeply righteous. I am merely stating the facts and dare not claim credit."

The pacification of Hanzhong was entirely due to our lord's aversion to bloodshed and his concern for the people. He also prioritized the safety of the masses and was willing to set aside his own selfish desires.

Everyone laughed heartily, and the atmosphere in the hall was relaxed and joyful.

After Liu Bei took control of Nanzheng, the entire territory of Hanzhong was pacified, and everything proceeded in an orderly manner without any chaos.

Within Hanzhong, charitable institutions continued to provide porridge and relief to the people, the chief priest continued to manage local affairs, and the policies of lenient punishment and low taxes were fully retained. Seeing that their livelihoods were normal and the order had not changed, the people's worries were finally put to rest, and the streets and alleys gradually returned to their former bustling atmosphere, with no more fear of impending war.

Zhang Lu ordered his followers to work together with Liu Bei's army to guard the area, with the political and religious authorities and the military each fulfilling their duties, ensuring stability for both sides.

With the assistance of Gu Sulin, Fa Zheng, and Pang Tong, they drafted a proclamation to reassure the people and posted it at the crossroads of various counties, clarifying the discipline of the Han army and encouraging displaced people to return to their hometowns to farm. They also allocated grain and fodder stored at Yangping Pass to provide relief to the poor people in remote counties of Hanzhong. In just ten days, the entire territory of Hanzhong was pacified by the proclamation, and the hearts of the people were completely won over.

Liu Bei immediately mobilized his troops and deployed defenses in Hanzhong, ordering Wei Yan to lead his army to guard the passes in Hanzhong to prevent Cao Cao's army from attacking.

Huang Zhong was ordered to be stationed in Nanzheng to quell any instability within the territory;

Yan Pu was left to assist Zhang Lu in managing civil affairs and maintaining local education;

They also allocated some military rations to help Hanzhong restore agriculture and solidify its foundation.