Autumn cicadas cry mournfully, a single leaf falls, and the world grows desolate.
Lu Yu was painting in bed. The painting depicted a figure in a red robe, surrounded by flames, a young, handsome, elegant, and refined man, but without a face.
Lu Yu said with mixed emotions, "From Huaishui to Jiangdong, you fought for two generations, transforming from a Huaishui itinerant school into a Huaishui conquest school. How many people did you deceive?"
Beside him, Zhuge Jun leaned over.
"Who is Master painting?"
"This is Zhou Yu, Zhou Gongjin, the Right Protector of Jiangdong, known as the Qilin. The world says he hit it off with Sun Ce of Jiangdong at first sight, then followed him faithfully to his death, loyal to Jiangdong. But in reality, he deceived everyone."
This…
Zhuge Jun was slightly stunned. He had heard of Zhou Yu, but… if he deceived everyone?
Was it really necessary?
Just as he was about to speak…
He saw his master, Lu Yu, close his eyes and meditate, as if lost in thought.
Zhuge Jun didn't want to disturb him.
What Lu Yu was thinking about was still Zhou Yu… Posterity had too many misunderstandings about Zhou Yu.
It wasn't about "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" saying he was jealous of Zhuge Liang, lost the lady and the army, and was then angered to death by Zhuge Liang.
In fact, Zhou Yu was an open-minded person.
To understand him, one must look at a few points.
The first and foremost is that, according to the original course of history, three years after the Battle of Red Cliffs, the thirty-seven-year-old Zhou Yu was planning his westward advance into Bashu to divide the world.
But, very suddenly… like Taishi Ci, he died of illness without any warning. His military power was not passed on to his son, but to Lu Su, who was promoted step by step from Colonel to General of the Guards and General of Hengjiang by Sun Quan.
It should be noted that Zhou Yu's death… was not due to Zhuge Liang's anger.
To be precise, it was a premeditated political event.
Regarding Zhou Yu…
Posterity had too many misunderstandings.
For example… everyone subconsciously felt that in Jiangdong, Zhang Zhao was a surrenderist, and Zhou Yu was a war factionist. In fact… they were exactly the same. Neither wanted to defend Jiangdong; everything they did was to escape Jiangdong.
Zhang Zhao believed that the simplest way to escape Jiangdong was to surrender to Cao Cao, killing two birds with one stone: escaping Jiangdong and returning to his hometown of Huaishui.
Zhou Yu believed that the most direct way to escape Jiangdong was to lead troops to occupy Yizhou, and he must have a powerful army.
Here…
Many people would question, why did Zhang Zhao and Zhou Yu want to escape Jiangdong?
Wasn't Jiangdong their homeland?
Wrong…
Jiangdong could be said to be the homeland of the Sun family, the homeland of the four great families of Wu Commandery and the four great families of Kuaiji!
But it was definitely not the homeland of the Huaishui people.
Far from being a homeland, Jiangdong was a nightmare for the Huaishui people.
Zhang Zhao and Zhou Yu were both from Huaishui. They followed Sun Ce to conquer Jiangdong, killing countless Jiangdong people. They were conquerors, and the great families of Jiangdong were the conquered.
It was no exaggeration to say that every true Jiangdong person hated Zhou Yu and Zhang Zhao to the bone.
It was because their conquest was too excessive that they were retaliated against, and Sun Ce was assassinated.
According to the ideas of Zhang Zhao and Zhou Yu, they would definitely, certainly, and absolutely continue to support the Sun family and continue to suppress the Jiangdong people… maintaining their power as conquerors.
But in fact, whether it was Sun Quan in the original historical trajectory or Sun Yi at present…
They chose appeasement. That is to say, they not only did not suppress the Jiangdong forces but instead gave them important positions to counterbalance the Huaishui faction, and even weakened the Huaishui faction openly and covertly.
This behavior made the Huaishui faction's "Conquerors' Alliance," led by Zhou Yu and Zhang Zhao, extremely angry.
But looking further ahead…
These policies and countermeasures of the Sun family would make the local clans stronger and the Huaishui faction weaker.
In the past…
They were conquerors who occupied Jiangdong with powerful forces.
But times change. When the local forces of Jiangdong rise again, they will inevitably retaliate fiercely against them.
Therefore… Zhou Yu and Zhang Zhao, these Huaishui factions… whether they were the itinerant faction or the bloody conquest faction, they were afraid and eager to leave this place of strife.
It was for this reason that they had been trying to escape Jiangdong.
The second point…
If according to the original historical trajectory, Liu Bei would marry Sun Xiaomei, then Zhou Yu proposed to soft-detain Liu Bei and divide Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, while Lu Su proposed to ally with Liu Bei and lend part of Jingzhou to Liu Bei.
On this matter, many people's views were that Zhou Yu was loyal, while Lu Su was somewhat like a spy.
But in fact…
It was Zhou Yu who was harming Sun Quan, and Lu Su who was saving Sun Quan.
Zhou Yu was playing a big game. Although Cao Cao retreated after the Battle of Red Cliffs, Xiangyang was still in Cao Cao's hands, and he could attack the Southern Commandery at any time. Moreover, Zhou Yu was stationed in the Southern Commandery, meaning Zhou Yu was in direct contact with Cao Cao. If Cao's army sought revenge, Zhou Yu would be the first line of defense.
Therefore, in the third year after Red Cliffs, Zhou Yu proposed to attack Yizhou.
His logic was very simple: he could not stay in Jingzhou, as he would be attacked by Cao Cao sooner or later;
Second, he could not return to Jiangdong, as he would be killed by those great families sooner or later;
Third… Yizhou was good. It was rumored that Yizhou would produce a heavenly son, and it was rumored that Wu Yi's sister would become an empress. As long as Zhou Yu led his troops into Yizhou, he could seal the mountain roads and waterways, marry Wu Yi's sister, and then Zhou Yu would be the heavenly son in the prophecy!
In historical records, when Liu Bei met Zhou Yu, he said, "Zhou Yu will never be inferior to anyone."
From this, it can be seen…
Liu Bei was very accurate in his judgment of people.
Contrary to Zhou Yu, Lu Su proposed to cede the Southern Commandery to Liu Bei, and he was saving Jiangdong!
As long as the Southern Commandery was in Liu Bei's hands, who would Cao Cao attack first when marching south? It would be Liu Bei!
Zhou Yu's plan was to enter Yizhou… everything was for the sake of advancing west into Yizhou, but Lu Su's plan was to protect Jiangdong.
The narrative was full, but the actions of every character in history were cruel.
Although… this was not the Zhou Yu in everyone's impression, it was the actual Zhou Yu, the most real Zhou Yu.
"Hoo…"
Thinking of this, Lu Yu exhaled deeply.
Seeing his master look up, Zhuge Jun quickly asked, "Is Master looking for Zhou Gongjin's weakness?"
"In a way," Lu Yu smiled faintly. "Everyone has a weakness. Zhou Yu's weakness… is escaping Jiangdong."
"Ah…"
This statement made Zhuge Jun gasp in surprise.
"Wasn't Zhou Yu like a brother to Sun Ce? How could he think of escaping Jiangdong?"
"You are too naive," Lu Yu shook his head gently, then looked at Zhuge Jun. "In troubled times, everyone represents not themselves, but their families."
"Back then, why did Zhou Yu meet Sun Ce? The rumors say they knew each other since childhood and hit it off immediately. Heh, those are just to fool children. In Lujiang… it was Zhou Yu who actively visited Sun Ce, to be precise, Sun Jian."
"Sun Jian? Visit?" Zhuge Jun felt that… what Lu Yu said overturned his understanding.
"That's right. Knowing each other since childhood and hitting it off immediately are just to fool children. Everyone is an adult. How can there be a 'hit it off immediately' in this world? Zhou Yu visited Sun Jian because his family asked him to. The Zhou family was a prominent clan, having produced two Grand Tutors and one Minister of Personnel. According to reason, such a family would not look down on Sun Jian's background, but… Sun Jian in Lujiang was a subordinate of Yuan Shu. In fact… Zhou Yu's visit to Sun Jian was the Zhou family showing respect to Yuan Shu, and the Zhou family supporting the Sun family was also showing respect to Yuan Shu."
"It's just that later Yuan Shu declared himself emperor, and families like the Zhou family naturally could not associate with rebels. So, as a second best option, they supported the Sun family of Jiangdong."
Lu Yu spoke eloquently…
In fact, in his previous life, after reading "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" many times, whenever he saw Zhou Yu, he felt conflicted, with many disagreements and doubts.
But by following the historical records, Lu Yu discovered… in history, the only important minister Sun Ce entrusted his posthumous affairs to before his death was Zhang Zhao, not Zhou Yu.
After the Battle of Red Cliffs, Zhou Yu was in the Southern Commandery, mustering troops and planning for Yizhou, and never returned to Jiangdong.
All these signs allowed Lu Yu to understand Zhou Yu more accurately…
He was definitely not a simple person; he was very intelligent and wise, and at the same time… he was very complex.
"Then… according to Master, Zhou Yu is not necessarily loyal to the Sun family?"
"That's right!" Lu Yu said with great certainty. This was the conclusion he reached after much deliberation… "Of course, this is just a theoretical analysis. I'm not sure, but… we could send someone to test him, to see if this Zhou Yu is someone we can win over?"
Hiss…
Hearing this, Zhuge Jun tapped his forehead, as if suddenly remembering something. "Master, yesterday… King Wei sent Jiang Gan as an envoy to Jiangdong, and it seems… he was trying to test Zhou Yu."
"Heh heh…"
Hearing this, Lu Yu laughed. "Jiang Gan? He's a pit… sending him, and so openly, how could Zhou Yu, who wanted to escape Jiangdong, possibly say it out loud?"
With this thought…
Lu Yu blinked. He did have a candidate who, if he infiltrated Jiangdong, might be able to find out the true identity of the Qilin Zhou Gongjin!
—Do you want to escape Jiangdong or not!
…
…
The market in Wu Commandery was very lively, truly deserving of its reputation as a land of fish and rice.
Many people carried baskets selling fish, rice, as well as silk and jewelry. The crowds were shoulder to shoulder, bustling and vibrant, presenting a prosperous scene.
Zhuge Mengxue and Zhuge Ruolan, both in plain clothes, sat at a stall selling sliced fish. Zhuge Ruolan's husband, Pang Shanmin, brought them several bowls of paper-thin sliced fish.
The stall owner was still boasting about how delicious his sliced fish was.
But… the faces of the few people at the table were all exceptionally solemn.
The reason for this was that sitting opposite Zhuge Mengxue and Zhuge Ruolan was their younger brother, Zhuge Kongming.
Just half a day ago, he had debated the scholars and left the Jiangdong literati blushing. Lu Xun's stepping forward to support resisting Cao Cao… was what surprised him the most.
Of course, it wasn't just Zhuge Liang who was surprised; Zhou Yu was also surprised.
As the leader of the Huaishui Conquest Faction, it was understandable for him to ally with Liu and resist Cao. But… Lu Xun, as the head of the eight great families and a typical local clan, had no reason to resist Cao Cao!
Clearly… from his perspective, neither the Sun family nor Great Wei could affect the interests of the Lu family.
This… left Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu puzzled.
However… Lu Xun's support completely reversed the situation of the court debate on "pro-war" and "pro-peace." Coupled with a few words whispered to him and Sun Yi by Lu Su, whom Sun Quan trusted most.
Finally…
Sun Quan and Sun Yi simultaneously drew their swords and each shaved off a corner of the table.
The brothers, united, shouted that sentence.
"Ally with Liu to resist Cao! Anyone with further objections shall be like this!"
However, when the two proposed to appoint Lu Xun as the commander, Lu Xun voluntarily yielded the position to Zhou Yu.
The reason was quite sufficient.
Lu Xun's Shanyue soldiers were stronger in land warfare, while in water warfare… it had to be Zhou Yu's Poyang Lake navy.
All these unexpected events…
Zhou Yu, as he wished, became the commander of the navy and took charge of resisting Cao Cao. Although the Lu family did not provide military support, they gave their word regarding grain and supplies to ensure their safety!
This made Sun Quan and Sun Yi very pleased…
They felt that the Lu family understood the situation and the greater good!
Of course…
After leaving the court debate, Zhuge Liang intended to return to the inn to ponder the day's events carefully.
But… just as he stepped out, he was informed that his two elder sisters and a brother-in-law had specifically come to Jiangdong to find him…
Zhuge Liang dared not delay and immediately rushed to the market in Wu Commandery.
However…
Judging by their expressions, their conversation did not seem to be pleasant.
"Kongming, are you truly going to confront the Marquis of Southern Hunt? Brother Jun is his disciple!"
Zhuge Mengxue was still questioning…
Zhuge Liang's eyes were firm. "What a 'Southern Hunt'! Marquis of White Horse has become Marquis of 'Southern Hunt'? If I cannot fight him on water, then I fear I will regret it for life."
"But…" Zhuge Ruolan also spoke, "Setting aside King Wei and the Sun family of Jiangdong, and your Lord Liu, are you and Brother Jun not fighting each other like brothers?"
"Besides, how many soldiers does Great Wei have? And someone like the Marquis of Southern Hunt who plans without error, and the Hundred Victories Army like the Dragon Valiant Camp. Kongming… what are you so persistent about? Just come back… we can return to our hometown, Langya Commandery, and live peacefully there."
Before Zhuge Ruolan could finish speaking.
Zhuge Mengxue's voice rose again. "Kongming, you are no match for the Marquis of Southern Hunt. He… he is too formidable."
"Sister, you are in Jingzhou and do not know what has happened in Jingzhou, but… Xiangyang City has changed hands. I heard that these were all schemes of the Marquis of Southern Hunt. He is too formidable. Kongming… you are not his opponent. Perhaps the unification of Great Wei is the will of heaven. Must you oppose heaven?"
Zhuge Liang's two elder sisters were already getting emotional.
On the contrary, Zhuge Liang appeared calm and composed, fanning himself with a feather fan. "Has your humble brother not observed the stars at night? Knowing heaven is easy, but defying heaven is difficult. To continue the Han Dynasty's destiny… Han traitors are irreconcilable, and those who cling to the past are also moving further away."
"But since I have made this choice, Lord Liu also owes me the favor of three visits. How can I surrender without a fight? Sisters, let Kongming be willful this once, let me fight with all my might this once. Between these surging rivers, I will deduce the changes in the world's situation with the Marquis of Southern Hunt, to the best of my ability. Even if I am destined to lose in the end, Kongming will have no regrets.
"Furthermore, Kongming also wants to compete with Brother Jun again, to see how much the brother who always followed me, asking questions and seeking my guidance in scholarly matters, has grown! This is the honor of our Zhuge family!
"Whether I win or Brother Jun wins, sisters… our Langya Zhuge family is already in an invincible position in this chaotic world! Was this not what Kongming plotted when he left Langya? At least… that plan has achieved the current invincibility of the Zhuge family! Perhaps… that day will be the highlight of Zhuge Liang's life!"
…
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