Chapter 1060

However, as Jiangdong’s power grew day by day, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu also faced more complex situations and tests of human nature. In troubled times, the temptation of power and the conflict of interests caused the originally solid alliance relationship to begin to show cracks. Some small forces that had originally surrendered to Jiangdong began to stir in secret, attempting to find a bigger backer; and within Jiangdong, with the frequency of wars, some different voices also appeared.

Sun Ce felt deeply worried about this. He knew well that although external enemies were strong, they could still be fought; if internal trouble arose, the foundation would be shaken. Whenever the night was deep and quiet, he would stand alone outside the camp, looking at the starry sky and pondering, his heart filled with uncertainty about the future and deep worry for Jiangdong’s future.

Zhou Yu saw Sun Ce’s trouble; he walked gently to Sun Ce’s side and said softly, "My lord, what are you thinking about?"

Sun Ce turned his head, looking at Zhou Yu’s eyes full of wisdom and firmness, and sighed. "Gongjin, I sometimes wonder, if we keep fighting like this, can we really bring the people of Jiangdong a peaceful future? Or are we just fighting constantly for survival in these troubled times, and will eventually become new tyrants like those forces we once overthrew?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu’s heart was also shaken. He understood Sun Ce’s confusion and bewilderment; this was a soul-searching question that every hero struggling in troubled times would face. He pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly. "My lord, in troubled times, it is indeed full of too many temptations and tests. But we must always remember what our original intention was. We are for the sake of letting the people of Jiangdong avoid the suffering of war, and for the sake of letting this land restore its past prosperity and peace. As long as we always hold fast to this belief, no matter how difficult the road ahead is, we will not lose our direction."

After listening, a glimmer of light flashed in Sun Ce’s eyes. He held Zhou Yu’s hand tightly and said firmly, "Gongjin, you are right. We cannot let these troubled times make us lose our original intention. No matter what the future holds, we must walk on together, for Jiangdong, for the people, and for our shared ideals."

The two looked at each other and smiled, as if all troubles and worries vanished at this moment. They stood side by side again, facing the challenges of the future together.

In order to consolidate Jiangdong’s internal stability, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu began to carry out a series of reforms. They strengthened the selection and assessment of officials, ensuring that everyone serving in Jiangdong was thinking for the sake of the people; at the same time, they also paid attention to livelihood construction, striving to improve the people’s living conditions, allowing the people of Jiangdong to truly feel peace and happiness.

These measures received widespread support and backing from the people, and Jiangdong’s cohesion was greatly enhanced as a result. Under the joint efforts of Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, Jiangdong gradually became a place that was united, prosperous, and full of vitality.

However, the troubled times did not end because of this. Although Cao Cao retreated temporarily, he did not give up his covetousness for Jiangdong. He secretly united some forces dissatisfied with Jiangdong, attempting to disintegrate Jiangdong’s rule from within.

Facing this new challenge, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu showed their wisdom and courage again. On one hand, they strengthened monitoring and prevention within, discovering and crushing Cao Cao’s conspiracy in time; on the other hand, they also actively sought cooperation with external forces to fight against Cao Cao’s threat together.

In this process, the relationship between Sun Ce and Zhou Yu became even deeper. They were not only comrades-in-arms on the battlefield but also soulmates. Whenever they encountered difficulties or setbacks, they would encourage and support each other, overcoming difficulties together.

As time passed, Jiangdong’s power became stronger and stronger. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu not only consolidated Jiangdong’s defensive lines but also gradually expanded their power to broader regions. They became a force that could not be ignored in troubled times, making enemies like Cao Cao tremble with fear.

However, just as Jiangdong’s cause was flourishing, an unexpected change broke the peace again. Sun Ce was unfortunately injured in a battle; although he received all-out treatment, his injuries were too severe, and he eventually died.

This news was like a bolt from the blue, shocking the entire Jiangdong. Zhou Yu was even more grief-stricken; he had lost his closest comrade-in-arms and soulmate. However, he knew well that he could not immerse himself in sorrow at this moment; the future of Jiangdong still needed him to support it.

Zhou Yu endured the grief and took over the heavy responsibility left by Sun Ce. He continued to uphold Sun Ce’s legacy, leading the Jiangdong soldiers forward. Under Zhou Yu’s leadership, Jiangdong continued to maintain its powerful strength, becoming a backbone force in troubled times.

Whenever the night was deep and quiet, Zhou Yu would stand alone before Sun Ce’s grave, silently telling him about the recent situation in Jiangdong and his own longing. He knew that although Sun Ce had left, his spirit and ideals would forever remain on this land of Jiangdong. And he himself would also continue to struggle unceasingly for this ideal and the future of Jiangdong.

Zhou Yu stood before Sun Ce’s grave; the moonlight was like water, quietly spilling onto the tombstone, as if also mourning this hero who died young. He took a deep breath, as if he could smell the scent of smoke and hot blood intertwined on the past battlefield, and endless emotions surged in his heart.

"Bofu, do you see? Jiangdong still stands tall, and our dreams are being realized step by step." Zhou Yu said softly, as if Sun Ce were right before his eyes and could hear every word he said. "But this road is more difficult than you and I imagined. Cao Cao’s power is expanding day by day, the pressure from the north is getting greater, and internal instability also occurs from time to time."

A wind blew, causing the surrounding leaves to rustle, and Zhou Yu seemed to hear Sun Ce’s echo ringing in his heart: "Gongjin, I know this is not easy. But precisely because of this, I entrusted Jiangdong to you. You are the person I trust the most, and also the person most capable of leading Jiangdong toward the future."

Zhou Yu closed his eyes, and tears slid down quietly. He remembered the days of fighting side by side with Sun Ce, those moments of laughter, arguments, and facing difficulties together, all of which had now become the most precious memories. He took a deep breath, wiped away the tears, and opened his eyes again, a firm light shining in them.

"Bofu, do not worry. No matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will persist. I will use your wisdom, plus my courage, to guard Jiangdong together until the very last moment." Zhou Yu said solemnly, as if conducting a conversation with Sun Ce that transcended life and death.

Just then, a soldier walked over hurriedly, breaking this tranquility. "Viceroy, there is urgent military intelligence."

Zhou Yu withdrew his thoughts, quickly adjusted his state, and asked, "What is it?"

"Cao Cao has gathered his army again, intending to move south to attack Jiangdong." There was a trace of anxiety in the soldier’s voice.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu furrowed his brows, but soon recovered his calm. "Pass the order to immediately summon the generals and hold a military meeting. We must formulate a response strategy as soon as possible."

In the subsequent military meeting, Zhou Yu showed calmness and wisdom beyond ordinary people. He analyzed Cao Cao’s troop deployment, pointed out his weaknesses, and proposed a detailed battle plan. The generals expressed their agreement one after another, full of confidence in Zhou Yu’s leadership ability.

However, after the meeting ended, Zhou Yu sat alone in the camp, falling into deep thought. He knew that this battle would be different from any previous one. Cao Cao moving south this time would surely exhaust all his strength, and Jiangdong had also reached a critical moment of life and death.

Just then, a trusted aide walked into the camp and handed over a secret letter. "Viceroy, this is news from Jingzhou."