Xuzhou and Pengcheng are provincial governors’ offices.

“Does my uncle really want to send troops to Xuzhou? He actually let Gan Ning lead the army here!”

In the hall, Sun Shao said in panic.

Han Dang, Jiang Qin, Zhu Zhi and others all showed expressions of resentment.

Although they were indeed wrong this time, Liu Wu still sent troops against them, and the friendship between them seemed so fragile and pitiful.

You know, Da Qiao is still in Xiangyang.

As Da Qiao’s nominal son, Sun Shao had to give face to the Buddha.
Lu Su suddenly sighed and said, “Although Gan Ning has led a large army, Liu Wu has just finished a battle with Cao Cao. Now, what he needs most is to rest and recuperate, rather than start a war again. Liu Wu sent troops here, probably just to punish Xuzhou, and he will not launch a fierce attack.”

When Lu Su’s voice rang out, everyone’s eyes immediately turned to Lu Su.

Because Lu Su had a close relationship with Sun Quan in the past, although he joined Sun Shao after Sun Shao and Sun Quan separated, Sun Shao did not dare to use Lu Su, so in most cases, Lu Su remained silent.

This sudden opening made everyone in the hall feel a little uncomfortable.

Seeing that everyone’s eyes were on him, Lu Su bowed to Sun Shao and said:

“Report to Lord Peng, Su is willing to be an envoy to Gan Ning’s army and persuade him to withdraw his troops!”

“Are you willing to go on a diplomatic mission to Gan Ning’s army?” Sun Shao asked in surprise and doubt.

“To reply to Marquis Peng, yes, I am sure that Liu Wu will not launch a fierce attack on Xuzhou so easily, so I dare to go on the mission on behalf of Marquis Peng!” Lu Su said firmly.

When Sun Shao heard what Lu Su said, his eyes softened as he looked at Lu Su. The fact that Lu Su stood up at this time changed his impression of him a lot.

“Okay, since you are willing to go on the mission, the safety of Xuzhou is in your hands. If you can really make Gan Ning withdraw his troops, I will definitely grant you a title.” Sun Shao said to Lu Su.

“Thank you, Lord!” Lu Su bowed respectfully.

At this time, Zhou Yu said to Lu Su:

“Then I’ll trouble Zijing to go there.”

As he spoke, Zhou Yu also bowed respectfully and solemnly to Lu Su.

Lu Su patted Zhou Yu on the shoulder and comforted him that there was no need to do so.

Lu Su naturally knew that Zhou Yu was blaming himself for his previous advice which had led to the crisis in Xuzhou.

However, Lu Su understood that this was not Zhou Yu’s fault. As the commander-in-chief of Xuzhou, Zhou Yu naturally needed to consider the future of Xuzhou.

At that time, Liu Wu’s situation was indeed very bad. Cao Cao sent troops in two directions, especially the 100,000 cavalry in the north, which was enough to cut off Liu Wu’s northern territory. At that time, not offending Sun Quan and Cao Cao was not a wrong decision. However, no one expected that Liu Wu could turn the tide and reverse the situation.

Therefore, Lu Su actually believed that although this matter was immoral towards Liu Wu, it was not strictly wrong for the future of Xuzhou.

The only difference is that they bet wrong. And if you bet wrong, you have to stand still and wait to be beaten.

“Please!” Zhou Yu said to Lu Su.

Lu Su took the valuable gifts prepared by Sun Shao and headed to Gan Ning’s military camp in a grand manner.

……

“Misunderstanding? Want us to withdraw?”

In the rolling hills of the military camp, Gan Ning looked at Lu Su, who came in carrying gifts and bluntly said that it was all a misunderstanding. Gan Ning immediately sneered.

“Back then, the General of the Cavalry asked Your Majesty for the position of Marquis of Peng and Governor of Xuzhou for Sun Shao because Sun Shao was his nephew. He gave Xuzhou to Sun Shao for nothing, right? In fact, the General of the Cavalry even squeezed out more than 100,000 dan of grain when you were in Xuzhou and were short of food and clothing. That was more than 100,000 dan of grain, which was saved bit by bit from our brothers. What about your Marquis of Peng? In order not to offend Sun Quan and Cao Cao, you hung up the banner of exemption from war and watched my Xiangyang being attacked by Sun Quan, Cao Cao and Zhang Lu from three directions. What kind of hero are you? Now you say it’s a misunderstanding? Do you think I’m a child?”

Gan Ning was filled with anger and cursed at Lu Su.

Lu Su quietly touched his face which was covered with spit, cupped his hands towards Gan Ning, and said with a smile:

“General, you are right. We did not do well this time and hesitated. However, I, Peng Hou, absolutely respect the General of the Cavalry. The General of the Cavalry is our uncle. Peng Hou said that we should beat him when necessary and scold him when necessary, but Peng Hou promises that such a thing will never happen again in the future. Peng Hou will follow the lead of the General of the Cavalry!”

Lu Su looked like he was admitting his mistake and expressing his stance, which made Gan Ning in the big tent a little confused about how to scold him.

However, Gan Ning understood the purpose of Liu Wu asking him to come to Xuzhou.

Gan Ning looked at Lu Su and snorted coldly, saying:

“The general is quite disappointed by Marquis Peng’s behavior this time. I’m afraid it won’t be so easy to let it go.”

“I heard that it was Zhou Yu who made the slanderous remarks to Marquis Peng?”

Lu Su’s eyelids jumped suddenly. Looking at Gan Ning who was looking at him coldly, he suddenly had a bad premonition in his heart.

“General, you may have misunderstood. Although Gongjin is the Grand Commander of Xuzhou, he does not have the final say. We discussed this matter together at the beginning. Now it seems that we were really out of our minds and did not believe the general.”

Lu Su began to explain to Gan Ning, as if he wanted to remove Zhou Yu from the matter.

As a wise man of the time, Lu Su had a very clear understanding of the current situation in the world. Liu Wu had defeated Cao Cao and had surpassed Cao Cao in momentum.

However, it cannot be said that Liu Wu could send troops to the surrounding princes at will.

What Liu Wu needs to do most now is to recuperate. Only after Liu Wu has absorbed the six states will he have the power to challenge the world.

In addition, with Sun Quan and Cao Cao around, Lu Su did not believe that Liu Wu would actually send troops to Xuzhou.

Therefore, at this time, Liu Wu directed his attack at Zhou Yu, the most capable commander in Xuzhou, which was definitely a heavy blow to Xuzhou.

Gan Ning listened to Lu Su’s excuse for Zhou Yu and sneered:

“No wonder the general told me before I came to Xuzhou that Lu Zijing was extremely intelligent. If I didn’t know that Zhou Yu strongly advocated not letting Marquis Peng help Xiangyang, I would have been fooled by you.”

“Lu Su, go back and tell Marquis Peng that the general said that Zhou Yu is a slanderer who destroyed the relationship between Xuzhou and Xiangyang. If Marquis Peng wants to negotiate and admit his mistakes, he must hand over Zhou Yu’s family. At the same time, Marquis Peng must accompany me and personally admit his mistakes to the general. Otherwise, a hundred thousand troops have already assembled outside Xuzhou, and Marquis Peng will no longer be the governor of Xuzhou.”

Gan Ning’s words caused Lu Su to change drastically.

Lu Su hurriedly said to Gan Ning: “General, there must be some misunderstanding…”

“Someone, get out!”

Before Lu Su could finish speaking, Gan Ning sent someone to fork Lu Su out.

Outside the military camp, Lu Su looked at the heavy cavalry army who were training in iron-red heavy armor and full of majesty, with a look of anxiety and helplessness on his face.

“It’s over. If Xuzhou loses Gongjin, I’m afraid there will be no general in the army!”

“Gan Ning came to Xuzhou for Zhou Yu. Liu Wu has a very vicious vision!”

Lu Su immediately felt Liu Wu’s strong malice, but now he was in a situation where he was strong but had weak men, so even though he had many clever plans, he was still helpless.

After some hesitation on the way, Lu Su still couldn’t come up with a decisive plan to break the situation. The fact was that Liu Wu’s army was already outside Xuzhou.

Would Sun Shao be willing to go to war with Liu Wu for Zhou Yu? Pengcheng, the governor’s mansion.

When Lu Su returned from his diplomatic mission, everyone gathered together.

However, the news that Lu Su brought back made everyone look unhappy.

“They want me to go to Xiangyang to plead guilty, and also want me to hand over General Gongjin’s family. This…”

Sun Shao, who was already fifteen years old, felt quite uncomfortable when he heard this.

Although Sun Shao was young, he understood that Zhou Yu was capable. It could be said that Zhou Yu was the pillar left to him by his father. Liu Wu’s request for him to hand over Zhou Yu’s family was tantamount to cutting off his left and right arms.

All the civil and military officials in the hall were also angry. The other force asked their monarch to apologize in person and hand over their generals. This was undoubtedly a humiliation for these officials.

When Zhou Yu heard what Lu Su said, his face turned ugly and pale.

At this moment, Sun Shao’s voice suddenly rang out.

“Gongjin, if we don’t listen to Gan Ning, and you are the commander-in-chief and mobilize the army, can we stop the attack of Gan Ning and my uncle? If we can stop them, we will fight Gan Ning to the end!”

Sun Shao’s resolute voice shocked everyone in the hall.

Sun Shao actually wanted to resist Gan Ning’s army?
Zhou Yu was even more shocked, and said to Sun Shao in shock:

“My Lord, are you willing to fight Liu Wu for Yu?”

“Gongjin is the great general that my father left for Shao. How can he be handed over so easily? Besides, Shao is now the leader of a region. How can he go and apologize so easily? Even if Liu Wu is Shao’s uncle, I believe my father would not want to see Shao like this.”

Sun Shao was a little angry. He slammed the table and said through gritted teeth.

After hearing Sun Shao’s words, all the civil and military officials felt ashamed, but also excited.

“My lord, you are right. We cannot let Liu Wu manipulate us.”

“If we fight them, I don’t believe it. We already have 50,000 troops in Xuzhou. Can Gan Ning really defeat us?”

“If Liu Wu really attacks us, I believe that Wu Hou Sun Quan will not sit idly by and will fight Gan Ning!”

Cheng Pu, Han Dang, Jiang Qin, Zhu Zhi, Taishi Ci and other generals were very excited. They felt ashamed.

Sun Shao is their lord, but now he is being bullied and humiliated. How can they not be angry?

“Everyone, everyone, my lord, no, absolutely not.”

Just when all the generals and heroes were indignant, Zhou Yu’s voice resounded and calmed everyone down.

Zhou Yu bowed to Sun Shao and said:

“My lord, I am very grateful that you are willing to resist Liu Wu for me. As the governor of Xuzhou, I cannot protect my lord’s dignity. I am ashamed that my lord is humiliated and I am dying.”

“But now Liu Wu is strong, and his cavalry is brave and good at fighting. Even Cao Cao’s 100,000 cavalry are no match for him. Xuzhou is a place of war on four sides. Without natural barriers, it is really difficult to resist Gan Ning’s army, and we cannot let the lord take risks. My lord, you should stay useful and learn from the King of Yue Gou Jian to accumulate the power of Xuzhou. The King of Wu Fu Chai is Liu Wu. Sooner or later, the lord will be able to take power and repeat the name of your father Sun Ce!”

After that, Zhou Yu knelt on one knee in front of Sun Shao and said through gritted teeth:
“This time, I misjudged Liu Wu’s power, which led to a disaster. I am willing to resign from the post of Grand Commander and go to Xiangyang to confess my guilt. But I swear to be loyal to my lord until death. Although I enter Xiangyang, I will never offer a single soldier or strategy to Liu Wu.”

The hall suddenly fell silent.

Zhou Yu rejected the idea of ​​using Xuzhou’s troops to resist Gan Ning’s army and was willing to bear Liu Wu’s punishment.

“Uncle, how could you do this? What would happen to Xuzhou without you?” When Sun Shao heard Zhou Yu’s words, he was already in tears. He hurried down, pulled Zhou Yu up and said.

Zhou Yu wiped Sun Shao’s tears and said with a smile:
“My lord, Xuzhou is also a big province. After I leave, we have Lu Su as our arm in civil affairs, and Zhou Yu is willing to guarantee him. We also have Taishi Ci, Cheng Pu, Jiang Qin and other generals who can still serve as our arms in military affairs.”

……

In response to Gan Ning’s request, Xuzhou quickly responded.

Zhou Yu expressed his willingness to take his family to Xiangyang to accept Liu Wu’s punishment.

However, as a minister, if the king humiliates him, he should die. All the fault is Zhou Yu’s. He must not let Sun Shao go to Xiangyang to be humiliated.

If Sun Shao was forced to go to Xiangyang, Zhou Yu would commit suicide and die to apologize to Liu Wu.

Gan Ning sneered at Zhou Yu’s response.

However, Gan Ning still had a good understanding of Zhou Yu. If he had not met Liu Wu, he would have gone to Jiangdong and joined Zhou Yu.

Therefore, after some consideration, Gan Ning decided not to detain Sun Shao and go to Xiangyang.

Zhou Yu was a general under Sun Shao, and had a very good relationship with Sun Ce. If he forced Zhou Yu to death, then the relationship between Liu Wu and Sun Shao would be extremely cold.

Obviously, Liu Wu did not intend to send troops to Xuzhou.

Gan Ning finally agreed to detain Zhou Yu and his family and send them to Xiangyang without making any demands on Sun Shao.

……

Pengcheng, outside the city gate.

Sun Shao, along with Lu Su, Cheng Pu, Han Dang, Jiang Qin, Zhu Zhi, Taishi Ci and other civil and military officials, saw Zhou Yu off.

“My lord, Lu Su is useful, and we must not discard him.”

Zhou Yu explained to Sun Shao.

“Yes, uncle, Shao knows.” Sun Shao nodded solemnly to Zhou Yu with tears in his eyes.

Zhou Yu then bowed to Lu Su, Cheng Pu, Han Dang, Jiang Qin, Zhu Zhi, Taishi Ci and other generals, waved his hand casually, and got on the carriage.

“Gee~” The coachman drove the carriage westward.

“Uncle, Shao’er will never let you down. Shao’er will learn from King Gou Jian of Yue!” Sun Shao gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and said firmly as he looked at the convoy that was moving further and further away.

King Gou Jian of Yue was the son of King Yun Chang of Yue. As a famous monarch in the Spring and Autumn Period, Gou Jian, with his indomitable will and outstanding political and military talents, eventually succeeded in restoring his country and became the overlord of Central Plains. He was one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period.

Soon after Gou Jian ascended the throne, he defeated the old king of Wu, Helu, and achieved initial success. However, he became too proud and did not listen to Fan Li’s advice, and was eventually defeated by the troops led by King Fuchai of Wu and Wu Zixu.

The shame of Kuaiji and sleeping on brushwood and tasting gall:

After Gou Jian was defeated, he retreated to Kuaiji Mountain and faced the crisis of national destruction. Under Fan Li’s strategy, he surrendered to Wu and begged for peace, thus saving the Kingdom of Yue.

After returning home, Gou Jian worked hard and never forgot to destroy Wu to avenge his humiliation. He appointed Fan Li, Wen Zhong and others to reform the internal affairs and develop production, while not forgetting military training to prepare for the restoration of the country.

Restoration and hegemony:
After more than ten years of hard work, Gou Jian finally got the chance to attack Wu. Taking advantage of Fu Chai’s absence from the north, Gou Jian successfully invaded Wu and killed the crown prince. Fu Chai had no choice but to negotiate peace after returning home.

Gou Jian continued to lead his army to attack Wu, and finally conquered Wu’s capital Gusu in the 24th year of his reign. Fu Chai committed suicide, and Wu was destroyed. Gou Jian then sailed northward, making Song, Zheng, Lu, Wei and other states submit to him, and moved the capital to Langya (now south of Jiaonan, Shandong), where he held an alliance with the princes of Qi and Jin, and was formally recognized as the overlord by King Yuan of Zhou.

Both Zhou Yu and Sun Shao thought that the current situation in Xuzhou was very similar to the situation faced by Gou Jian in the past.
(End of this chapter)