Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The world is in turmoil, and the situation is volatile. At this time, attention is focused on Sun Ce and Zhou Yu in Jiangdong. Their every move has a profound impact on the direction of the situation in Jiangdong.

After Sun Ce successfully relocated his administrative center to Yangxian Commandery, everything proceeded steadily according to the established strategy. Sun Ce, fully aware of Wu Commandery's crucial geographical location and strategic significance, appointed Zhou Yu to oversee the overall situation. To ensure Zhou Yu's military operations in Wu Commandery were foolproof, Sun Ce also retained four battle-hardened veterans: Huang Gai, Zu Mao, Han Dang, and Cheng Pu, to assist Zhou Yu in executing his strategic plan for Jiujiang. These four veterans, all capable and experienced men who had fought alongside Sun Ce throughout his campaigns, provided him with a sense of security. Their presence at Zhou Yu's side gave Sun Ce considerable peace of mind.

Sun Ce himself hurried to Kuaiji County without stopping. His goal was clear: to dispatch troops from Kuaiji County to coordinate with Ma Chao and support Liu Yao. This created a strategic situation where the three sworn brothers—Ma Chao, Zhou Yu, and Sun Ce—would attack Yuan Shu from three different directions. Caught in this three-pronged attack, Yuan Shu would inevitably be unable to coordinate his efforts and his formation would be in disarray.

Sun Ce's eagerness to dispatch troops stemmed from numerous factors. Firstly, Ma Chao, his sworn brother, held him in high esteem. Throughout Sun Ce's development and early career, Ma Chao had provided him with countless support and assistance, a debt of gratitude that Sun Ce would always cherish. This expedition was largely motivated by a desire to repay Ma Chao's deep friendship, rather than simply out of loyalty to the court. In Sun Ce's heart, brotherhood weighed like a mountain, and for his brother, he was willing to risk everything.

Secondly, although Zhang Hong had yet to report back the court's stance on the current situation, Sun Ce didn't believe it was crucial. In this chaotic world, with various factions vying for power, the court's influence had long since diminished. Rather than pinning his hopes on the court's stance, he could rely on his own strength to expand his territory and establish his hegemony.

Particularly noteworthy was the remarkable talent Zhang Zhao displayed for domestic affairs during the period of pacifying the Shanyue and relocating the capital to Yangxian Commandery, which delighted Sun Ce immensely. Zhang Zhao's meticulous and methodical approach to government affairs was remarkable, whether it was pacifying the people, developing the economy, or rectifying the administration. He managed all affairs within the capital with impeccable order, ensuring a peaceful and prosperous life for the people and a well-maintained social order. This convinced Sun Ce that Zhang Zhao was capable of handling these domestic affairs, and that he could entrust them to him with complete confidence.

Although Sun Ce had always harbored a wary eye for the aristocratic families of Wu Commandery, given their long-standing entrenched presence and extensive connections, possessing immense wealth and influence, their every move could profoundly impact the situation in Jiangdong. However, during this period, the performance of the aristocratic families significantly changed Sun Ce's outlook. Not only did Zhang Zhao play a vital role in various areas, but the civil and military officials recommended by the aristocratic families also performed exceptionally well. Each of them was not only docile and obedient, but also highly motivated, devoting themselves to their respective positions, offering advice and fighting bravely for Sun Ce's cause. This positive attitude gradually lowered Sun Ce's guard and gradually strengthened his trust in the aristocratic families.

Therefore, Sun Ce, with unwavering confidence in Zhou Yu's abilities, entrusted him with all matters concerning Wujun's external affairs. This included the strategic offensive against Jiujiang County, which hinged on territorial expansion and power, as well as the stable governance of Wujun, ensuring the stability and prosperity of the rear area. All of this, Sun Ce confidently entrusted to Zhou Yu. Regarding domestic affairs, Sun Ce entrusted all matters to Zhang Zhao. Zhang Zhao's exceptional administrative skills assured Sun Ce that he would ensure the smooth flow of complex domestic affairs, including people's livelihoods, the economy, and the administration of officials. With all these arrangements in place, Sun Ce, free from any worries, assembled his army and marched out from Kuaiji County, embarking on a new campaign.

Not only that, before leaving, Sun Ce also handed over the education of his younger siblings to Zhang Zhao. After all, no matter how capable Zhou Yu was, he was also shouldering a heavy responsibility, always shouldering the external expansion. He was good at battles but neglected domestic affairs, not to mention that he was constantly fighting. Zhang Zhao, on the other hand, was very capable in domestic affairs. Handing over the education of his younger siblings to Zhang Zhao would also allow them to grow quickly. After all, Sun Quan was already 12 years old. With Sun Ce in charge of the wars in the future, Sun Quan could stay in the rear and stabilize the situation when he was away.

Zhang Zhao, having received his orders, eagerly awaited his meeting with Sun Quan. Upon their meeting, Sun Quan saluted respectfully, his demeanor humble and gentle. During their conversation, Zhang Zhao keenly perceived Sun Quan's gentle and reserved nature, his every gesture measured and composed, unlike Sun Ce's outspoken and imposing demeanor. Yet, when discussing the state of affairs and the governance of the people, Sun Quan displayed a sharp mind, original and unique perspectives, profound insights into numerous issues, and a gentle yet resolute strength in his words. Zhang Zhao's delight over this exchange was unspeakable, as if he had found a rare treasure, certain that this young man would become a great man.

Zhang Zhao watched Sun Quan speak so eloquently before him, and a secret fire seemed to ignite within him. Like a new sprout breaking through the soil in spring, an audacious idea quickly took root and spread. His gaze drifted off into the distance, his thoughts drifting to the future of the Jiangdong aristocratic families.

The Sun family's power has risen, becoming a formidable force in Jiangdong. However, Sun Ce's decisive and resolute approach to the aristocratic families has led to their temporary dependence under his leadership, but this has also become increasingly restrictive. Zhang Zhao understands that while this partnership has helped the Sun family achieve current success, in the long run, it will be a poison to the thirst of the aristocratic families. Once the Sun family's power is consolidated, there's no guarantee that they won't face even more severe suppression.

But Sun Quan was completely different. Still young, he hadn't experienced the brutal blood and fire of the battlefield, nor had he yet developed a ruthless, iron-blooded hand. During his conversations with Sun Quan, Zhang Zhao deeply sensed his gentle and docile nature. Furthermore, as he was about to become Sun Quan's teacher, he was confident that, through daily interactions and personal experience, he would have a profound influence on him. He believed that, given Sun Quan's temperament, he would likely not harbor a strong hatred for the aristocratic families in the future.

In these turbulent times, who would be willing to live a mediocre life? What aristocratic family wouldn't want to achieve new glory and establish a new legacy? The Sun family's foundation is now stable. Wouldn't it be a great opportunity to replace them with a docile leader who is deeply influenced by them? At this thought, a subtle gloom flashed in Zhang Zhao's eyes. A perfect plan gradually took shape in his mind - to find a way to eliminate Sun Ce and then promote Sun Quan to control Jiangdong. Then, under Sun Quan's rule, the aristocratic families would regain their former power and status and continue to dominate Jiangdong.

In these turbulent times, there was no shortage of talented individuals, nor were there any lack of individuals with lofty ambitions to turn the tide. Take the aristocratic families, for example; their presence permeates the entire course of history. The rise and fall of the Han Dynasty was fueled by the power of the aristocratic families; the rise of the Cao family was similarly inseparable from the support and assistance of the aristocratic families; and the Sun family's foothold and development in Jiangdong were inextricably linked to the aristocratic families. The figures supported by these families, whether Cao Cao or Sun Ce, were all heroes among men, powerful figures in troubled times.

Some say that heroes are forged by current events, that turbulent times provide the fertile ground for the birth of heroes; others say that heroes shape current events, that those with exceptional talent and vision, through their wisdom and courage, change the course of history. But regardless, they are far from the docile and harmless lambs they appear, ready to be swayed like sheep. Each harbors his own calculations and schemes, secretly sketching out his own grand ambitions. In these turbulent times, they pursue their ambitions by any means necessary, engaging in one thrilling power struggle after another on the stage of history.

In that turbulent and turbulent era, the subtle shifts in people's hearts, like undercurrents, quietly altered the course of various factions. Sun Ce, who viewed Sun Quan as a gentle, adoring younger brother with immature means, showered him with brotherly love and expectations. However, he never anticipated the subtle transformation taking place within Sun Quan.

Zhang Zhao, a renowned figure of immense talent, taught Sun Quan a unique approach during his time as his teacher, both intentionally and unintentionally. In class, he not only imparted knowledge and scholarship but also subtly guided Sun Quan on the subjects of power and desire. At eleven or twelve years old, Sun Quan was at an age filled with curiosity and thirst for knowledge, yet still unable to fully grasp the world. Facing such a highly respected teacher as Zhang Zhao, Sun Quan was filled with admiration and trust, accepting his guidance without reservation.

Zhang Zhao skillfully interspersed his daily lectures with stories of those who rose to power through power and achieved hegemony through desire, unconsciously instilling in Sun Quan a profound understanding of the power of authority. He subtly guided Sun Quan to consider that in troubled times, only by wielding power could one control one's destiny, protect those around them, and achieve great things in this chaotic world. Under these deliberate guidance, Sun Quan's inner desire for power gradually emerged. The boy, once simply dependent on his brother, began to mentally chart his own course for power.

Over time, under Zhang Zhao's influence, Sun Quan gradually transformed. No longer the docile, ignorant younger brother Sun Ce saw in his eyes, his thoughts and actions slowly shifted. In time, when Sun Ce reassessed Sun Quan, he would be struck by how unfamiliar the younger brother had become. All of this change stemmed from the power Zhang Zhao wielded behind the transfer of knowledge, foreshadowing the potential for a radical shift in the Jiangdong region due to Sun Quan's transformation.

At this moment, all hidden turmoil lay hidden beneath the surface of calm. Those intrigues and uncertainties yet to surface remained unknown. Sun Ce, clad in armor, stood majestic and valiant, exuding a chilling aura. He sat steadily astride his majestic horse, his gaze fixed on the horizon, his eyes filled with the determination to win. Behind him stood the Jiangdong soldiers, neatly lined up, their morale high. They wielded sharp blades, their armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

At Sun Ce's command, the army marched forth from Kuaiji County, advancing towards Yuzhang County. Along the way, military flags clattered, and the thud of footsteps and horses' hooves mingled like a majestic marching melody. Sun Ce's heart was filled with the longing for victory and a desire to repay his brother.