Chapter 70

The gap brought by Ye Meng’s collapse. The opportunity, no matter how small, was too big for me and Bang Deok to exploit.

The cracks revealed inside were torn apart by external spears and swords, gushing blood like Ye Meng’s coughing up blood.

Zhu Yan, who took command in place of the fallen Ye Meng, quickly restored order and retreated in an orderly manner. Even if we had pursued, it wouldn’t have been much fun.

“Huh… I thought there were no talents under Sun Quan after Lu Su and Gan Ning died, but I was too arrogant.”

Although Guan Yu’s strong pride made it hard to acknowledge others, Bang Deok, being from Xiliang, might not know much about the south. Even though he was assigned to Jing Province, it hadn’t been long.

Even my generals, who thought they understood the south better, agreed with Bang Deok’s words.

Being blocked by Zhu Yan, a relatively unknown figure, was quite shocking. The confidence gained from consecutive victories against Cao Cao and Wei made the落差 even greater.

But I believe this experience will be a good lesson to prevent them from becoming arrogant. People sometimes grow more from failure.

After finishing the aftermath of the battlefield, I finally met a familiar face.

“Congratulations, General Zhang Zhenbei.”

Despite the tired face, the relief and joy were evident, and I responded with a bright smile.

“It’s all thanks to Military Advisor Pang Tong.”

Pang Tong awkwardly laughed and waved his hand.

“No, no. Compared to my bold words, I’m ashamed of what little I’ve done.”

“Little? You held your ground against Sun Quan’s full assault and even trapped some enemy forces in Jing Province. Who would belittle your achievements?”

“It’s not just my merit. The victory at Gangnyeong Castle, Fang Yingming at Dangyang, and the efforts of Wei Wenzhang who came from afar.”

The conversation continued amiably with mutual humility.

The last crisis at Gong’an City was resolved, and Sun Quan lost his famous generals: Ye Meng, Lu Xun, and Zhang Qin.

Ye Meng is on the brink of death, Lu Xun is trapped in Jing Province, and Zhang Qin has already died. No matter what Sun Quan does now, he can no longer pose a significant threat.

The conclusion of the Jing Province siege is approaching. It was finalized by two messengers.

One came from Yi Province, the other from the Yangtze River.

The messenger from Yi Province was Bi Shi, who had previously delivered General Guan Yu’s seal. He carried a personal letter from Liu Bei.

“Military Advisor Pang Tong is appointed as the envoy.”

“I humbly accept the command.”

Almost simultaneously, a messenger arrived from the Yangtze River.

“General at Gogi requests an audience with His Majesty, the King of Hanzhong.”

The final chapter of the war has arrived.

The meeting place was set at the banks of the Yangtze River, in front of Gong’an City.

The main participants were Sun Quan himself and Liu Bei’s representative, Pang Tong. Each side agreed to bring a minimal entourage.

Two advisors and two guards from each side, totaling ten people, gathered for the meeting at dawn.

Our side included Bi Shi, sent by Liu Bei, and Ma Chong, recommended by me, as advisors. Bang Deok and I were chosen as guards.

On Sun Quan’s side, as expected, were Zhu Yan and Sun Jiao, with Fan Zhang as one of the guards.

But Bang Deok’s gaze was fixed on the man standing firmly like a benevolent king.

I thought I knew his name.

If Sun Quan had a guard he trusted most, it could only be him.

“Zhou Tai.”

Just as Liu Bei had Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and Cao Cao had Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun, Sun Quan had Gan Ning and Zhou Tai. Zhou Tai’s presence was as calm as a lake but with immeasurable depth.

“Fifty… no, seventy exchanges.”

“Is that so?”

“Well, it varies.”

If Bang Deok said so, his strength was genuine.

As we assessed the enemy’s strength, they were also scrutinizing us.

“Enough of this. Let’s sit.”

Despite the tension, Sun Quan intervened, calming the atmosphere.

“Military Advisor Pang Tong, entrusted with full authority by His Majesty, the King of Hanzhong.”

“I remember your face. I haven’t forgotten.”

Surprisingly, Pang Tong was the one who carried Zhou Yu’s coffin.

The people of Wu had desperately sought to meet him, a testament to his fame.

“If only I had kept you by my side back then.”

“Discussing the past is futile. And General at Gogi still has many talents. Even after Gong Jin and Zi Jing, talents keep emerging from Jiangdong.”

“Enough with the empty words. State your demands.”

Pang Tong’s words weren’t wrong.

Wu’s history is one of untimely deaths. From Sun Jian to Sun Ce, and even Zhou Yu and Lu Meng, none lived past fifty.

If Wu’s talents hadn’t died young, the end of the Three Kingdoms might have been different.

‘It’s a bit terrifying to think about.’

While I was lost in thought, Pang Tong got to the point.

“We will return Jing Province to its previous state.”

“Take Changsha and Guiyang?”

“Do you oppose?”

“Continue.”

“Also, send your heirs to Chengdu for education and compensate for the resources we lost in this battle.”

“Is that all? Then hear my terms.”

Sun Quan, with a fierce demeanor but an unchanging expression, stated his conditions.

“Ensure the safe return of Lu Xun and his six hundred men stationed at Yiling.”

“Territorial concessions are impossible.”

“Hmm…”

“If you guarantee these, I will also send my son.”

Sun Quan’s offer to send his son as a hostage in exchange for preserving territory and troops was too much of a freebie.

From Sun Quan’s perspective, it’s understandable. Losing Changsha and Guiyang would weaken his control over Jiao Province.

Moreover, returning after a failed campaign would damage his authority, especially in a state already struggling with centralization.

“Very well. We will send the list of students. Upon their arrival, we will release those trapped in Jing Province.”

“That’s too late.”

“We cannot concede further. The resources they consume will also be included in the compensation.”

“…Fine.”

“And regarding the most important matter of territory.”

“Isn’t this enough!”

This is something. The thief wields the stick. After invading and getting beaten, he acts like this.

Pang Tong remained composed.

“Please sit. Otherwise, I will consider this negotiation void.”

If eyes could curse, Sun Quan’s would be spewing venom. He clenched his teeth, the muscles in his jaw bulging.

But ultimately, Sun Quan had no choice but to sit back down.

“We won’t demand territory. And if necessary, we will immediately return Lu Xun’s ten thousand troops.”

“Is that true?”

“Of course, there are conditions.”

“Speak. I’m ready to listen!”

What a swift change in attitude. Indeed, to be the ruler of Wu, the land of betrayal, one must be like this.

Later, the Yi Ling betrayal would completely shatter Wu. This is the demeanor of the destroyer of the Three Kingdoms.

“Lead the returned troops to attack Hefei.”

“Hefei? I heard you had a truce with Cao Cao.”

“That’s with us, not General at Gogi. With the seven armies not yet returned and Cao Cao busy stabilizing Wei after repeated rebellions, now is the opportune moment.”

Sun Quan swallowed dryly, seriously considering Pang Tong’s proposal.

“Will Bai Yan also be returned?”

“That’s difficult. Lu Xun will be returned after the students arrive.”

We are no longer capable of continuing the war.

Attacking a chaotic Wei would bring benefits, but squeezing out already scarce resources would be a loss.

We judged the latter to be greater. Attacking requires far more manpower and resources than defending.

Moreover, the reversal of alliances during the Jing Province siege had to be considered.

But it’s too regrettable to let this golden opportunity to weaken Wei slip away.

Thus, Pang Tong proposed Sun Quan’s attack on Hefei to resolve both concerns.

Would Wei look kindly on Sun Quan, who attacked them at their weakest? Unless we truly become stronger than Wei, it would be hard for Sun Quan and Wei to ally again.

Pang Tong’s proposal was also a threat to completely sever relations with Wei.

“My lord, this is the ‘borrowing a knife to kill’ strategy.”

Zhu Yan spoke gravely. Sun Quan, though often weak in war, has the insight of a ruler. He must understand what we’re aiming for.

Before they could find a workaround, Pang Tong drove the nail in.

“You must give it your all. If you truly wish to discuss the world.”

Losing in Jing Province and then failing against a faltering Wei? From then on, the worry would shift from external to internal—doubted authority and rebellious aristocrats.

“Very well. If a man draws his sword, he must cut something. I will follow your proposal. I, Sun Zhongmou, will become your blade.”

The strategy of borrowing a knife to kill. Sun Quan willingly decided to become the knife.

Watching the negotiation conclude, I was immersed in a sentiment only I could feel.

The war is over. Finally. Without anyone dying or losing anything.

The moment I envisioned since deciding to live as Zhang Lan ten years ago.

The end of the Jing Province siege, as I had imagined.