Chapter 1732: Joint Resistance

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 once-solid alliance relationship to begin to show cracks. Some small factions that had originally submitted to Jiangdong began to stir in secret, attempting to find a larger backer; and within Jiangdong, with the frequency of war, 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 troubles arose, the foundation would be shaken. Whenever the night was deep and quiet, he would stand alone outside the command tent, looking at the starry sky and contemplating, his heart filled with uncertainty about the future and deep worry for Jiangdong's future.

Zhou Yu saw Sun Ce's distress. He walked gently to Sun Ce's side and said softly: "My lord, what are you thinking about?"

Sun Ce turned his head, looked at Zhou Yu's eyes filled with wisdom and firmness, and sighed: "Gongjin, I sometimes wonder, if we fight all the way like this, can we truly bring a peaceful future to the people of Jiangdong? Or are we just constantly fighting for survival in this troubled world, and will eventually become new tyrants like those forces we once overthrew?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu's heart also shook. 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 filled with 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 Sun Ce heard this, a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes. He held Zhou Yu's hand tightly and said firmly: "Gongjin, you are right. We cannot let this troubled world make us lose our original intention. No matter what the future holds, we must walk together, for the sake of Jiangdong, for the sake of the people, and for the sake of our shared ideals."

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

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 the construction of people's livelihood, striving to improve the living conditions of the people, so that the people of Jiangdong truly felt 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 united, prosperous, and vibrant place.

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 with some factions dissatisfied with Jiangdong, attempting to disintegrate Jiangdong's rule from the inside.

Facing this new challenge, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu once again demonstrated their wisdom and courage. On one hand, they strengthened monitoring and prevention within, timely discovering and crushing Cao Cao's conspiracy; on the other hand, they also actively sought cooperation with external forces to jointly oppose Cao Cao's threat.

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

As time passed, Jiangdong's power became stronger and stronger. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu not only consolidated Jiangdong's defenses but also gradually expanded their power to broader regions. They became an irresistible force in the troubled times, making enemies like Cao Cao tremble with fear.

However, just as Jiangdong's cause was flourishing, an unexpected turn of events 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 passed away.

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 and soulmate. However, he knew well that he could not immerse himself in sorrow at this moment; Jiangdong's future 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 all the way. Under Zhou Yu's leadership, Jiangdong continued to maintain its powerful strength, becoming a backbone force in the troubled times.

Whenever the night was deep and quiet, Zhou Yu would stand alone before Sun Ce's tomb, silently telling him about Jiangdong's current situation 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 Jiangdong's future.

Zhou Yu stood before Sun Ce's tomb; the moonlight was like water, quietly spilling onto the tombstone, as if also mourning for 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 emotion 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 gust of wind blew by, 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 handed Jiangdong over 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, disputes, and jointly facing difficulties, all of which had now become the most precious memories. He took a deep breath, wiped away the tears, and opened his eyes again, his eyes flashing with firm light.

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

Just at this moment, a soldier walked over hurriedly, breaking this tranquility. "Commander, there is urgent military intelligence."

Zhou Yu withdrew his thoughts, quickly adjusted his state, and asked: "What is the matter?"

"Cao Cao is gathering a great army again, intending to march south to attack Jiangdong." The soldier's voice carried a hint of anxiety.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu's brows locked, but he soon regained his composure. "Pass the order down: immediately summon the generals and hold a military meeting. We must formulate response strategies as soon as possible."

At the subsequent military meeting, Zhou Yu demonstrated calmness and wisdom that surpassed 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, filled with confidence in Zhou Yu's leadership ability.

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

Just at this moment, a trusted aide walked into the command tent and handed over a secret letter. "Commander, this is news from Jingzhou." ===== CHAPTER 1733 =====