Sun Quan said meaningfully, "Since Zibu is unwilling to let Zhongsi guard Ruxu, I have no choice but to transfer Lu Boyan from Chaisang. The Zhang Clan has to contribute to Jiangdong too, doesn't it?"
"Ah, this..."
Zhang Zhao was rendered speechless. Forcing this old man doesn't require the king to fool around with affairs of state, does it? He had no idea that Sun Quan's decision had in fact been thoroughly considered.
Though Sun Bu had no concrete proof, his reasoning was rigorous and had won Sun Quan's approval.
The Lu Family had survived a catastrophe and only just managed to rekindle its fortunes in Jiangdong. Even if they risked defecting to Liu Bei, they would proceed with the utmost caution.
Given Sun Quan's deep understanding of Lu Xun, Lu Xun would likely keep up the pretense until he was fully prepared.
Jiangdong was in dire need of capable men. If he dealt with Lu Xun on trumped-up charges, he would not only directly force this patient Grand Viceroy into rebellion, but also drive the other Jiangdong gentry clans apart. The Sun Family would then be unable to keep its footing in Jiangdong. Thus, Sun Quan chose a gentler approach.
First, he would transfer Lu Xun to Ruxu, deliberately separating him from Liu Bei's sphere of influence. Then he would gradually strip away his military authority and, once the time was ripe, punish him for his crimes.
"Your Majesty, you must think twice! How could my son possibly be Gan Ning's match?" Recovering his wits, Zhang Zhao continued pleading bitterly. How dearly he wished Sun Quan were merely teasing him, yet that solemn face did not seem to be joking.
Stroking his purple beard, Sun Quan explained, "For many years, internal strife in Jiangdong has never ceased. That is