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

Zhuge Liang saw through the flaws of this system and directly disbanded all the generals' private troops, reorganizing them under the direct control of the state.

Unified training, unified military discipline, and unified logistics; soldiers are not the private property of generals, and generals cannot use their troops to their advantage.

Zhuge Liang's army was disciplined and its orders were absolute. The entire army moved in and out of formation in an orderly manner. Even when the battle was going badly, the soldiers would not easily collapse, and the morale of the army remained stable.

The fundamental reason why the Shu army was disciplined, well-organized, and able to confront Cao Wei head-on was that it did not rely on personal connections or prestige to lead troops, but rather on a system of governance.

Furthermore, soldiers who have never been trained are no match for even one in a hundred; but those who have been trained can be worth a hundred.

The Shu army was well-equipped, with its weapons, bows and crossbows, and armor all meticulously crafted. Their engineering skills in building camps and fortifications were unparalleled, and they were also adept at the Eight Trigrams Formation, which was unpredictable and ever-changing.

They can be considered one of the world's top elite forces.

However, when Liu Bei was alive, Zhuge Liang mostly managed civil administration and logistics, and rarely personally commanded troops;

Furthermore, the army lacked a commander-in-chief like Pang Tong, who was well-versed in military strategy, knowledgeable in formations, and skilled in command and control. Such a powerful army was like the most intricate machine in the world, falling into the hands of someone who did not fully understand its intricacies. Ultimately, it was an amateur's operation, unable to unleash its true power.

There were many oversights in the Battle of Hanzhong, and even more so in the defeat at Yiling.

It is a real pity that a strong army cannot be used effectively by good generals, and has the ability to fight but cannot make good use of it.

Now things are different. Pang Tong personally went to the front line to command and coordinate, and was well-versed in the art of offense and defense. There were also mid-level generals such as Feng Xi, Zhang Nan, and Fu Tong, whom Zhuge Liang had personally promoted and trained in Jingzhou. They were all familiar with military discipline and knew how to fight.

Only when superiors and subordinates are in sync and soldiers and generals understand each other can this elite force, which has been dormant for many years, unleash its full combat power, show its brilliance, and live up to Zhuge Liang's years of hard work in training troops.

During this time, Gu Sulin also found some free time to meet with Zhuge Liang privately and tell him in detail about his long-term experiments in papermaking, ink making, and woodblock printing in Yizhou.

"Yizhou has a unique geographical advantage. In the mountains and fields, bamboo, hemp, and paper mulberry bark are everywhere, all of which are excellent raw materials for papermaking."

As previously discussed, I further refined and improved upon Mr. Cai's foundation, reducing procedures and lowering material consumption.

A batch of new paper has now been produced. It is thin, flexible, and inexpensive, and can be gradually promoted worldwide in the future.

Furthermore, the ancient pines deep in the Minshan and Dabashan Mountains are vigorous and rich in resin, making them ideal for firing high-quality pine soot ink.

Within the mountains of the region, stone nuggets, which are natural graphite, have been found in many places.

Furthermore, by adding cowhide glue and deer glue, which are abundant in Sichuan, and blending them to solidify the ink, the ink-making process has been greatly improved, and the quality is excellent, sufficient to support the printing of classics.

As for the art of woodblock printing, we have already put it into practice and conducted repeated experiments. The process is feasible and it is by no means just empty talk.

Once this method is perfected, there will be no need to spend countless people hand-copying scriptures and classics.

I have also found a skilled craftsman in Sichuan named Pu Yuan. I have told him all the basic techniques and practical tips, and asked him to study and improve them in secret. You may discuss it with him.

Once the situation stabilizes and financial resources become sufficient, it can be implemented steadily.

With paper readily available, ink plentiful, and classic texts widely circulated, even those from humble backgrounds could truly have books to read and principles to learn.

Zhuge Liang listened quietly, his expression gradually darkening, his gaze becoming distant.

As soon as Gu Sulin finished speaking, Zhuge Liang looked at him, his eyes full of approval and sympathy, and sighed softly:

"Zi Mao has a long-term vision and plans things out thoroughly. It must have been very hard work for him to plan so meticulously in every aspect."

Gu Sulin quickly cupped his hands in greeting, his smile gentle:

"Sir, you are joking. I am merely offering some thoughts and humble opinions. I am neither burdened by complicated political affairs nor burdened by military duties, so how can I say that I am suffering?"

Having just governed Jingzhou, the gentleman immediately came to take charge of the major affairs of Yizhou. He had to hand over various matters in Shu, reconcile the gentry in Jingzhou and Yizhou, coordinate the rear supplies, and appease the people. He worked day and night, which was truly arduous.

"In the future, with the foundations of Jing and Yi regions secure and the Northern Expedition worry-free, we will all rely on you, sir."

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly, his gaze firm, his tone steady and resolute: "This is my duty."

To live up to the lord's trust, I will do my utmost to build a stable foundation for you, free from worries, and to repay the trust and efforts of everyone who has worked alongside me.

The two chatted for a few more minutes before parting ways, waiting for things in Sichuan to stabilize further.

Not long after, news of victory came from the front lines: Liu Feng and Meng Da, whom Liu Bei had sent to capture the three eastern counties of Shenshi, had successfully conquered Shangyong, Fangling, and Xicheng, and the three eastern counties were completely pacified. The army returned in triumph to Chengdu.

When the topic turned to the personnel for the garrison of the three eastern commanderies, Gu Sulin immediately stepped forward and solemnly advised Liu Bei:

"My lord, the three eastern commanderies control the throat of Jing and Yi, connect to Hanzhong in the west and Jingzhou in the south, and are also the flank of the future northern expedition. Moreover, the Shen clan has been entrenched for many years and the people's hearts have not been won over. We must not entrust anyone with our responsibilities lightly."

Moreover, Meng Da is a fickle and unpredictable person, not one who is loyal to defending the land.

Your subject has a suggestion that can guarantee the safety of the three eastern prefectures and eliminate any future hidden dangers:

Prince Liu Feng was still in charge of the army, overseeing the military affairs of the three eastern commanderies and controlling military power to guard strategic locations;

Meng Da was appointed as his assistant to manage military and political affairs, but he was kept under supervision and not allowed to wield power alone.

For local powerful figures like Shen Dan, a policy of restraint was adopted, retaining their titles and retainers to appease them, but without granting them real power.

However, Pang Xi was to be appointed to govern the local area.

This man had long governed Sichuan and was well-versed in the art of pacifying the local people and restraining powerful clans, thus stabilizing the hearts of the people and managing civil affairs.

This separation of military and political power, with mutual checks and balances, not only firmly controls the vital passage between Jing and Yi provinces, but also keeps Meng Da under control, preventing any possibility of him repeatedly defecting. Even if the three eastern commanderies cannot send troops to aid Jingzhou during its future northern expeditions, they can still serve as a significant asset.

After a moment's thought, Liu Bei felt that Gu Sulin's words made sense, and immediately agreed to adjust the appointments accordingly.

With this, Jing and Yi were connected, and Hanzhong and the three eastern commanderies were all under their control. The internal affairs of Yi Province were stable, the northern border defense was secure, and everything was settled, with no more hidden dangers.

Liu Bei immediately made a decision and personally led Pang Tong, Gu Sulin, Huang Zhong, Huo Jun and other veterans from Jingzhou, as well as Fa Zheng, Li Yan, Wu Yi, Wu Ban and other civil and military officials from Yizhou, to return to Jingzhou to coordinate the Northern Expedition.

In the first month of the twentieth year of Jian'an, the sky was clear and the banners fluttered in the wind.

After Liu Bei reorganized his 30,000 elite troops in Yizhou, he bid farewell to Zhuge Liang and others who were left to guard Yizhou, and the large army set off from Chengdu toward Jingzhou.

……

Liu Bei led 30,000 elite troops from Yizhou to a place ten miles outside Jiangling City.

Looking into the distance, the city of Jiangling could already be seen, and the roadsides were already filled with people, young and old, stretching for miles.

The people, carrying clean water, dry food, and mulberry and hemp, spontaneously lined up along the roadside, their eyes filled with respect and anticipation as they gazed eagerly at the approaching army.

A spring breeze rustled the banners. Liu Bei reined in his horse, gazing at the people bowing and cheering by the roadside. A warmth welled in his eyes. He turned to his close advisors, including Gu Sulin and Pang Tong, and spoke in a deep, moving voice:

"Zimao, Shiyuan, look."

We have fought for many years, and what we seek is not personal hegemony, but only to protect the people's safety and bring peace to all living beings.

If we treat the people sincerely, govern with benevolence, do not seize their land, do not disturb their livelihood, and relieve their hardships, the people will welcome us with all their hearts and follow us wholeheartedly.

Throughout history, wise and benevolent rulers have always regarded the people as the foundation of the state and as the most precious resource. Today, in this situation, I am even more convinced that I will uphold benevolence throughout my life and live up to the expectations of all people.

Gu Sulin, Pang Tong, and the others clasped their hands in unison, their expressions solemn: "Our lord has the people in his heart, which is a blessing for all living beings."

We will certainly follow our lord, practice benevolent governance, and live up to the people's expectations.

The army marched slowly forward, and cheers gradually rose from the people along the way as they crowded around the city gate of Jiangling.