Making Zhou Yu the Commander of the Southern Ocean was one of the things Qin Tian had planned ever since he began his southward campaign.
For the current Zhou Yu was not suited to hold a post within the core circle under Liu Bei.
Certainly, Zhou Yu was a rare commander-type talent in the realm, and strictly speaking, one of a kind within their army.
Yet because of Sun Ce, Zhou Yu had not directly joined their ranks.
Only after Qin Tian repeatedly invited him had Zhou Yu emerged to lend him a hand.
This determined that Zhou Yu could not independently command an army in the Central Plains and earn Liu Bei's trust.
And without that, Zhou Yu's full capabilities could not be brought into play. It would truly be a waste.
Thus, after much thought, Qin Tian decided that the best placement for Zhou Yu was to keep him in Jiaozhou!
First, this land was far too remote. Keeping Zhou Yu here would not arouse the wariness of others.
Second, precisely because Jiaozhou was so remote, it required an exceptionally capable man to hold the fort here.
In truth, the best candidates should have been capable officials such as Bu Zhi and Lü Dai.
But frankly, the two lacked sufficient seniority. Entrusting them with heavy responsibilities now already counted as an exceptional promotion.
Only Zhou Yu, who had originally been Sun Ce's second-in-command, possessed both the seniority and ability for such an appointment.
More importantly, Qin Tian wanted to open new trade routes and develop the coastal regions.
Whether Bu Zhi or Lü Dai, neither would likely achieve much; Gan Ning had courage in battle to spare, but lacked civil administration.
Thus, considering all conditions, Zhou Yu was the best candidate for Commander of the Southern Ocean.
But