Chapter 75: The Sun-Liu Alliance: The Honest Man Lu Su Was Deceived

When Zhuge Liang heard Liu Wu asking Lu Su to wait a moment, he waved his feather fan gently, his eyes moving, and he understood what Liu Wu meant.

Zhuge Liang looked at Liu Wu with eyes filled with approval.

After spending such a long time with Liu Wu, Zhuge Liang thought he knew Liu Wu quite well.

He was very satisfied with Liu Wu.

The reason was that Zhuge Liang could clearly feel that Liu Wu was not very good at domestic affairs and politics, but was somewhat outstanding in strategy.

Then, Liu Wu was willing to give up power.

He has an accurate eye for talent and can place talented people under his command in appropriate positions.

Such as Xu Shu, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, Jiang Wan, Liu Ba, and Liu Wu would use them without hesitation.

Then, Liu Wu also possessed the advantages of Liu Bei, focusing on benevolence and righteousness, and holding high the banner of the Han Dynasty.

Zhuge Liang felt lucky to have such a lord countless times when no one was around.

“My lord is wise. There is no need to be so anxious!” Zhuge Liang bowed to Liu Wu and smiled.

The two of them smiled and everything was said without words.

Liu Wu then dealt with the issue of arrangements made by the Jingzhou families.

Overall, Liu Wu still maintained stability and development, and therefore did not change the interests of the local forces in Jingzhou.

The aristocratic families in Jingxiang were very satisfied when they saw that Liu Wu gave them benefits without touching their previous interests.

After seeing Liu Wu’s attitude, the outstanding figures from the major families in Jingxiang decided to take up official positions and serve under Liu Wu.

Liu Wu naturally welcomed this with both hands.

Now that his territory has expanded, what he lacks is capable officials.

Although he himself understood that the aristocratic families accounted for too large a proportion of his subordinates, Liu Wu had no other choice. He could not discard the talents from the aristocratic families under his command and turn to those poor scholars.

There are still powerful enemies surrounding us. We need to unite all the forces that can be united and won over to unify the Han Dynasty first. The rest can only be dealt with later.

In addition to the Cai family, the Kuai family, the Pang family, and the Huang family, there is also the Xi family, which has many talented people. Xi Xun, Xi Zhu, Xi Chengye, Xi Ai, Xi Zhen, Xi Hong and others are all talented people in the Jingxiang area.

Especially Xi Zhen, who stayed alone in Lingling after Guan Yu’s defeat in history, showing his unswerving loyalty.

Talented members of the Ma family, such as Ma Liang and Ma Su, all chose to enter officialdom and serve under Liu Wu. The Ma family and Liu Wu already had a nepotism relationship, so Liu Wu naturally welcomed Ma Liang, Ma Su and other talented members of the Ma family.

In addition to the Ma family, the Yang family also has many talents, including Yang Lu, Yang Yi, Yang Yong and other Yang family figures.

Liu Wu had a large number of talented people under his command, but he did not keep all of them in Jingzhou. He also began to send them to Yuzhou and Yanzhou.

……

“What? The General of the Cavalry won’t see me for the time being?”

In Xiangyang, inside the posthouse, Lu Su looked at the waiter who came to report with some suspicion.

“Your Excellency, this is what the General of the Cavalry’s mansion has replied. They said that the General of the Cavalry’s two wives, Mrs. Gan and Mrs. Mi, are about to give birth, so the General of the Cavalry will not see any guests for the time being.”

“If there is any emergency in Jiangdong, you can go see the newly appointed imperial doctor, Zhuge Liang.”

The waiter reported to Lu Su.

“This… Madam Gan and Madam Mi are about to give birth again? Didn’t they just give birth when Miss Shangxiang got married? Why are they giving birth again?”

“Miss, what does Miss say?”

When Lu Su heard Liu Wu talking about Madam Gan and Madam Mi’s childbirth, his brows furrowed, and he asked in some confusion.

“My Lord, both Gan and Mi are pregnant again. The young lady and the General of the Cavalry are on standby because of the Huang family’s affairs.”

The waiter reported.

“This…” Lu Su didn’t know what to say when he heard Sun Shangxiang and Liu Wu were refusing to speak to each other because of Huang Zu.

In fact, after Liu Wu and Huang Zu married, Jiangdong’s generals, such as Cheng Pu, Huang Gai and other veteran generals were very angry and complained to Sun Quan and asked for war.

Sun Quan was also helpless about this.

Apparently, Liu Wu’s marriage to Huang Zu made the Sun family very angry.

However, Liu Wu obviously would not fail to win over Huang Zu just because the Sun family had a grudge against Huang Zu.

Because Huang Zu controlled a large number of troops in Jingzhou and had a very high status.

Undoubtedly, the hatred between the Sun family and Huang Zu would not allow Liu Wu to cut off one side.

This is also the reason why Sun Quan kept silent about Liu Wu’s attempt to win over Huang Zu.

The most urgent task, undoubtedly, is to unite with Liu Wu and them, and jointly march north to destroy the Yuan brothers first, and then divide the four states of Jizhou, Qingzhou, Bingzhou, and Youzhou.

“Let’s go see Zhuge Liang first!” Lu Su thought for a moment and temporarily put aside the quarrel between Sun Shangxiang and Liu Wu.

Sun Shangxiang has given birth to Liu Wu’s third son, Liu Zheng. Their relationship is stable. No matter how many conflicts there are, everything will be fine with the passage of time.

Therefore, Lu Su no longer considered the conflict between Sun Shangxiang and Liu Wu.

After Lu Su delivered the invitation to the Langzhongling residence, he was soon received by Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang was appointed governor of Yuzhou. After he was transferred back to Xiangyang, Liu Wu recommended him to Liu Xie and appointed him as Langzhongling, one of the Nine Ministers.

Zhuge Liang became Liu Wu’s deputy, and also had to communicate with Emperor Liu Xie.

Emperor Liu Xie did not offend Liu Wu.

Zhuge Liang was directly appointed as Langzhongling, one of the Nine Ministers.

“Haha, I’ve heard from Ziyu that Kong Ming is very smart. Seeing him today, I think his name, Crouching Dragon, is indeed well-deserved. He was able to rise to the position of Nine Ministers in just a few years. I admire him!”

In the hall of the Langzhongling Mansion, Lu Su looked at Zhuge Liang, who was wearing a feather fan and a green turban, and bowed and smiled.

Ziyu refers to Zhuge Jin, Zhuge Liang’s elder brother.

Zhuge Jin joined Sun Quan in the fifth year of Jian’an (200 AD). In his early years, he went to the capital Luoyang to study, and later took refuge in Jiangdong. At that time, Sun Ce was assassinated and Sun Quan ascended the throne. With the recommendation of Sun Quan’s brother-in-law Hong Zi, Zhuge Jin was introduced and reused by Sun Quan. He was as famous as Lu Su and other outstanding people from Jiangdong families, and was highly valued by Sun Quan.

Therefore, when Lu Su met Zhuge Liang, he was quite curious.

He had heard of Zhuge Liang a long time ago. As soon as he left Longzhong, he went to Bingzhou and persuaded Gao Gan to lead his troops south, which caused turmoil in Guanzhong in one fell swoop.

Ma Teng, Han Sui and other princes in Guanzhong all fought against Cao Cao.

This gave Cao Cao a headache and he took measures.

Cao Cao’s forces moved into Guanzhong in one fell swoop.

It can be said that Zhuge Liang’s instigation of the Guanzhong Rebellion had already made him famous. His first appointment as governor of Yuzhou and then promotion to the position of Langzhongling, one of the Nine Ministers, added more color to Zhuge Liang’s reputation.

In the hall, Zhuge Liang listened to Lu Su’s flattery and said with a smile:

“I have also heard of Jiangdong Lu Zijing’s name. Please take a seat. I wonder why Zijing came to Xiangyang? Is he here to congratulate my lord on his taking control of Jingzhou?”

“Of course, I heard about the deeds of the General of the Cavalry and his entry into Jingzhou, so I came to congratulate the General of the Cavalry.”

“However, now that Cao Cao has advanced westward into Guanzhong and Gao Gan has retreated to Bingzhou, I’m afraid Ma Teng and Han Sui are no match for Cao Cao. If Cao Cao can deal with Ma Teng and Han Sui, I’m afraid he will be able to free up his hands and send troops to attack the princes in Guandong.”

“However, Yanzhou and Yuzhou, which are controlled by the General of Cavalry, will be the first to be attacked. Therefore, the General of Cavalry must be on guard against Cao Cao.”

“I followed the order of the Marquis of Wu and went to Xiangyang for this matter.”

After Lu Su and Zhuge Liang pretended to be friendly, he told them his purpose.

In the hall, Zhuge Liang looked at the honest and sincere Lu Su, gently waved his feather fan, and said:
“Zi Jing is right. Ma Teng and Han Sui are definitely no match for Cao Cao. After Cao Cao has dealt with Ma Teng and Han Sui, he will be free to retaliate against us. We are indeed the first to bear the brunt. I wonder if the Marquis of Wu has any good ideas. To be honest, Yangzhou, which the Marquis of Wu occupies, is also Cao Cao’s territory. I am afraid that Cao Cao will not let our two families go.”

“To be honest, Kong Ming, Su actually came here for this matter. My master meant that the marriage between the Sun and Liu families would make them one family. After all, the third son of the general should call Marquis Wu his uncle, and the two families should be the same.”

“So, what Marquis Wu meant is that the Sun and Liu families should first integrate the forces in Guandong and form an alliance to resist Cao’s army before Cao Cao is free to do anything. So, when the Sun and Liu coalition forces destroy the Yuan brothers!”

Lu Su did not hide his purpose at all.

When Zhuge Liang heard that Lu Su’s envoy was indeed as he thought, he waved his feather fan and said with a smile:

“Marquis Wu is very ambitious. He actually wants to destroy the Yuan brothers and divide the four northern states.”

“In fact, my Lord should agree with what Marquis Wu said. After all, as Zi Jing said, we should quickly expand our power before Cao Cao is free. The Yuan brothers are indeed an eyesore.”

“However, this matter is of great importance after all, and Liang still needs to consult my Lord.”

When Lu Su heard what Zhuge Liang meant, he was delighted to see that they were interested in forming an alliance to attack the Yuan brothers in the north.

Zhuge Liang was Liu Wu’s right-hand man, so by asking him to receive him, Zhuge Liang represented Liu Wu’s intention.

“Of course, this matter is of great importance, and we should consult the General of Cavalry. Then I will go back to the posthouse and wait for news from Kong Ming.” Lu Su smiled to Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang smiled and sent Lu Su out of the mansion, then went to the mansion of the General of Cavalry to report to Liu Wu.

“Sun Quan is ambitious. Since he wants to form an alliance with Xiangyang and attack the Yuan brothers, we should agree to his request. It will help us seize Jizhou.”

“However, let Jiangdong launch an attack on the Yuan brothers first. Only when Shen Pei senses the crisis and feels that the Yuan family has no hope, will he hand Jizhou over to us!”

“Just say that I, the general, don’t have time to receive him at the moment, and you will be fully responsible for it.”

When Liu Wu heard Zhuge Liang say that Lu Su’s purpose of coming was really for the north, he laughed.

It was decided to let Sun Quan send troops first and use Jiangdong so that they could pick the delicious peach of Jizhou without bloodshed.

Zhuge Liang understood Liu Wu’s meaning, and smiled and said:

“Yes, Liang knows what to do.”

After Zhuge Liang left the General of Cavalry’s mansion, he did not go to find Lu Su immediately.

Instead, he left Lu Su alone for two days before inviting him to meet him.

“Kong Ming, what’s going on? What does the General of Cavalry think?” Lu Su asked Zhuge Liang hurriedly.

“Zi Jing, my lord agrees with the alliance between Sun and Liu, and to jointly send troops to attack the Yuan brothers. However, you also understand that my lord has just taken over Jingzhou, and everything is not stable yet. In addition, it has only been a short time since he acquired Yuzhou and Yanzhou, and the recruited army is also in training. My lord means that Xiangyang can form an alliance with Jiangdong, but I’m afraid we have to wait before Xiangyang sends troops. Besides, my lord is accompanying Gan and Mi, so Liang will receive Zi Jing.” Zhuge Liang said to Lu Su apologetically.

Lu Su listened to Zhuge Liang’s words and felt happy but helpless.

Liu Wu didn’t even see him!
This is obvious.

This means that Liu Wu is not very enthusiastic about sending troops to attack the Yuan brothers now.

Zhuge Liang mentioned that Liu Wu had just taken control of Jingzhou and everything was not stable yet. In addition, he had just acquired Yuzhou and Yanzhou and the recruited army was also in training. Lu Su completely understood what Liu Wu meant.

Sun and Liu can form an alliance, but they must be slow in sending troops to Xiangyang.

After a moment of hesitation, Lu Su smiled and said:

“Su also understands. In this case, we have reached an agreement to jointly attack the Yuan brothers. However, since the General of the Cavalry still needs time, then Jiangdong will launch the attack first.”

“However, Su still needs to make it clear that the court needs to issue an imperial decree for the Sun and Liu families to form an alliance to march north. We also need to reach an agreement in advance. The territory occupied by Jiangdong belongs to Jiangdong. Of course, the territory occupied by Xiangyang belongs to Xiangyang. How do you think?”

Lu Su agreed, but also put forward his own conditions.

The first was to use the imperial edict to constrain the Sun and Liu families to reach a common goal, which was also Jiangdong’s precaution against Liu Wu.

To prevent Liu Wu from being suddenly assassinated in Jiangdong when they attacked the Yuan brothers.

Jiangdong can’t afford to gamble.

Also, whoever fights for the territory owns it.

Liu Wu’s attitude clearly showed that he was not very enthusiastic about the Northern Expedition.

Don’t let them in Jiangdong work so hard. They finally conquered the territory and then Liu Wu came to take it back and cause trouble.

Liu Wu wanted to revive the Han Dynasty, and using imperial edicts was definitely a good way to restrain Liu Wu.

Zhuge Liang listened to the conditions proposed by Lu Su, looked at him, and waved his feather fan in his hand. He was quite moved in his heart. This Lu Su, Lu Zijing, was truly kind and honest.

Just as Lu Su was looking at the silent Zhuge Liang with some nervousness.

Zhuge Liang fluttered his feather fan for a long time before speaking:

“My Lord has ordered Liang to take full responsibility for this matter. Xiangyang does want to form an alliance with Jiangdong.”

“Zijing has already made a request, and Liang thinks that we can agree to it. However, the imperial edict represents the majesty of the Han Dynasty. If it is issued, Jiangdong must also abide by it. Otherwise, it would be disrespectful to the Han Dynasty. We need to make it clear in advance.”

“If Zijing feels that there is no problem, then Huiliang will ask the General of the Cavalry to issue an imperial decree for the Sun and Liu families to join forces to fight against the Yuan family in the north!”

When Lu Su heard Zhuge Liang agree to the request, he suddenly felt a surge of joy and laughed loudly:

“Of course. Your Majesty calls the General of the Cavalry the Emperor’s uncle. The Marquis of Wu knows that the General of the Cavalry is loyal to the Han Dynasty.”

“Marquis Wu will certainly not disobey the imperial decree. I can guarantee that.”

Lu Su quickly confirmed with Zhuge Liang,
Zhuge Liang nodded and smiled when he heard this. He said, “In that case, I will ask the General of the Cavalry to issue an imperial decree for the Sun and Liu families to join forces to fight against the Yuan family in the north!”

“Hahaha, good, Kong Ming is also a straightforward person. Today, Su will treat us all. Let’s drink together to celebrate the alliance between Sun and Liu!”

“No, this is Xiangyang. Liang is the host and Zijing is the guest. It is not right for a guest to treat others. Today, let’s drink happily at Liang’s house!” Zhuge Liang waved his hand and said to Lu Su.

“Then I will respectfully obey your command. The guest should follow the host’s will!”

Lu Su smiled brightly, and he didn’t notice anything wrong.

(End of this chapter)