Chapter 3: Capture Feng Yi, Journey Far to Hebei

That said;

—The precautions weren't wrong.

Gu Yi didn't need to constantly control Gu Xiao; once he made a decision, Gu Xiao would simply act along the path Gu Yi had laid out for him.

Take this banquet, for example.

Once Gu Yi decided he wanted to follow Liu Xiu.

Gu Xiao would, in line with Gu Yi's thinking, grow ever closer to Liu Xiu.

And the marvel didn't end there—the flow of time in the game was completely different from that of the real world.

Time within the game was passing at a staggering pace.

But most crucially, Gu Yi could see everything happening inside the game with perfect clarity; the accelerated flow of time didn't create any information gap for him.

He truly watched over everything like a deity.

Guiding the entire Gu family forward according to his will.

Gu Yi understood this was likely the effect of merging with the character; if he couldn't merge, he'd be nothing more than a bystander at most.

Still, Gu Yi didn't dwell on it.

After confirming that Gu Xiao would indeed act in accordance with his thoughts, he began studying the other functions of the game console.

Namely, 【Family Information】.

It had to be said—in an era like this, the fact that a man of humble origins like Gu Xiao could become an Infantry Colonel commanding seven hundred troops was proof enough that he had real ability.

At least when it came to martial prowess.

Gu Xiao could indeed be called a fierce warrior.

【Name: Gu Xiao】

【Rank: Infantry Colonel】

【Internal Affairs: 31; Diplomacy: 30; Politics: 43; Leadership: 68; Martial: 82】

【Current Reputation: Somewhat Known (Levels: None, Somewhat Known, Universally Followed, Known Throughout the Realm)】

Apart from Gu Xiao.

The Gu family now had four other members.

Three younger sisters and one younger brother.

They currently lived in Dingling City; they were still young, and their stats were nothing remarkable—in fact, by Gu Yi's reckoning, they were a bit on the low side.

The gap between them and Gu Xiao was simply far, far too great.

That was the harsh reality of these times.

In an age where survival itself wasn't guaranteed from one day to the next, feeding all the children was already a tall order, let alone raising them well.

If Gu Xiao weren't an Infantry Colonel, these younger siblings probably wouldn't have survived at all.

Gu Yi carefully reviewed the stats of every current member of the family, and still decided to leave them in Dingling City.

If he wanted the family to change.

In the days ahead, Gu Xiao would inevitably be fighting for his life on all fronts.

Since the system now counted these people as part of the main lineage, Gu Yi needed to ensure their safety.

Have them follow Gu Xiao and Liu Xiu to conquer the realm?

That was far too risky.

Gu Yi had to keep a fallback in reserve.

Many people feel that, compared to the founding emperors of other dynasties, Liu Xiu's path to establishing his kingdom was far, far easier.

The "Son of Heaven's Mandate," the "Grand Magister," and so on.

A string of titles netizens had jokingly pinned on Liu Xiu had made countless people overlook just how difficult his road to founding a dynasty truly was.

But Gu Yi knew it all too well.

At least judging by the current situation, Liu Xiu didn't even have his ticket to the contest for the realm yet!

No—not just now.

Until Liu Xiu took all of Hebei, he wouldn't have that ticket.

Lost in these thoughts, Gu Yi immediately made his decision, then closed the interface and returned to the game.

"Zhanhong."

"I intend to press our advantage and lead the troops to attack Yingyang County. What do you think?"

In just that brief moment, many days had already passed within the game.

By now, Gu Xiao had clearly successfully joined Liu Xiu's ranks, and Liu Xiu was in the middle of discussing the next campaign with him.

Thanks to this Battle of Kunyang.

Liu Xiu's prestige was now nothing like what it had once been.

Although his official post was still merely Vice General of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, no one would overlook his opinions any longer.

Hearing this, Gu Yi immediately frowned.

The news of Liu Yan's death hadn't reached them yet.

According to the historical timeline, just a few days after the Battle of Kunyang, Liu Yan had taken Wan City, which then became the provisional capital of the Gengshi regime.

After that, Gengshi Emperor Liu Xuan, feeling that the brothers Liu Yan and Liu Xiu posed too great a threat.

Found an opportunity to have Liu Yan killed.

By the timeline, the deed should already have been done.

And yet the news still hadn't arrived!

Gu Yi had no intention of making a fuss—Liu Yan's life or death meant nothing to him—and he immediately nodded, cupped his hands, and said, "This humble general will follow the general's orders in all things!"

"Good!"

Liu Xiu was overjoyed, "With Zhan Hong's bravery, our army will surely breach the city!!"

The army set out.

It must be said that Liu Xiu's command of troops was far more terrifying than Gu Yi had imagined.

Previously, regarding this period of Eastern Han's founding history,

Gu Yi had believed Liu Xiu was the greatest commander of the age—whether in seizing battlefield opportunities or commanding the entire army, no one could match Liu Xiu.

Now, it was clear this was no exaggeration.

Under the fearsome reputation of his great victory at Kunyang, Liu Xiu's southern advance had been utterly devastating.

The mere county of Yingyang could not possibly resist.

Meanwhile, Gu Xiao had repeatedly earned merit during this time, rising steadily in rank under Liu Xiu.

Under Liu Xiu's command, the Han army pressed southward, reaching Yingchuan and advancing on Fucheng.

But this time, the Han army was finally halted.

They were forced to camp near Jinchewang.

"No wonder he's one of the Twenty-Eight Generals of the Cloud Terrace who left his name in history—Feng Yi's skill, if he had never been won over by Liu Xiu,"

"would've truly been a major problem."

Hearing the scout's report, Gu Yi couldn't help but sigh inwardly, then spoke to comfort Liu Xiu: "General, do not rush."

"Fucheng is but a matter of days."

"Please grant me a little time, General—I shall reclaim Fucheng without losing a single soldier!"

At these words, Liu Xiu's expression turned utterly astonished. "Zhan Hong, are you serious? In military affairs, one must never jest!"

Based on Gu Xiao's recent performances, Liu Xiu knew his bravery well.

But to capture an enemy city without losing a single soldier?

How could that be possible?

"Rest assured, General," Gu Yi nodded without hesitation, his tone calm and certain.

"Good!"

Liu Xiu was overjoyed, leaping to his feet, stepping before Gu Xiao, and grasping his arm. "If Zhan Hong truly accomplishes this, you shall earn the Primary Merit in this campaign!"

In the days that followed, Gu Yi did not rest.

He had Gu Xiao personally lead patrols daily, and sent every one of his men out to scout.

Gu Yi remembered clearly.

According to historical records, Feng Yi was captured while inspecting subordinate counties.

Liu Xiu later released him.

Only then did Feng Yi surrender the city and join Liu Xiu.

Such merit—

how could Gu Yi possibly let it slip away?

But history only recorded that Feng Yi was captured—it gave no clear location.

Gu Yi could only cast a wide net.

Heaven rewarded the diligent: just days later, the men Gu Xiao had dispatched returned with news.

They had captured Feng Yi!

Han army camp.

When Gu Xiao personally brought Feng Yi back, Liu Xiu froze in shock.

Though he had already received word,

he still could not believe it.

They had simply captured the enemy's chief resistance commander—right out of the blue.

Feng Yi himself was beginning to doubt reality.

He simply could not understand why the Han army had sent so many men—everything seemed as if they had known in advance he would leave the city.

He had barely gone far before Han scouts surrounded him!

He even began to suspect he had been betrayed.

Otherwise, how could the Han army have known?

As he wrestled with these thoughts, Liu Xiu, seated above, finally regained his composure. He fixed Feng Yi with a cold stare and said: "Feng Yi!"

"Your ancestors were subjects of our great Han."

"Why aid the tyrant and stand against my Han army?"

Liu Xiu's gaze was icy, his words laced with deadly intent.

At these words, Feng Yi immediately flushed with shame.

In this age,

such words were deeply humiliating—especially now that he was captured alive.

Seeing this, Gu Yi immediately had Gu Xiao speak: "General, this man is highly capable."

"He fought against our army only under threat from the rebels."

"Why not give him a chance?"

At this, Liu Xiu frowned, glancing at Gu Xiao—the killing intent in his eyes slowly receded.

He did acknowledge Feng Yi's ability.

If he were incompetent—

Nor will they block his army.

Feng Yi was also startled—he never expected Gu Xiao, the very man who had personally brought him back in chains, to plead for him; his gaze instantly grew complex.

After a moment of silence, he said:

"This general speaks truly."

He turned to Liu Xiu, "My elderly mother is currently within the city. If the general would permit me to return and settle her affairs…"

"I am willing to surrender the five cities under my supervision as repayment for your kindness."

His tone was unusually candid.

Upon hearing this, Liu Xiu immediately wore an expression of deep thought—he was clearly moved.

"General!"

At that moment, two urgent cries suddenly came from outside the tent.

Then,

Feng Xiao, Ding Chen, and Lü Yan—the three veteran officers of Liu Xiu's army—rushed in from outside.

First, they glanced at the bound Feng Yi.

Only then did they bow to Liu Xiu.

"We beg the general to spare his life and take him into your service!"

Feng Xiao was Feng Yi's elder brother.

Ding Chen and Lü Yan were both fellow townspeople of Feng Yi.

These men clearly knew of Feng Yi's talent and had come together to recommend him.

Seeing this, Liu Xiu could no longer remain calm.

Surprise flashed in his eyes.

He fixed his gaze on Feng Yi, then glanced at Feng Xiao and the other three, and finally turned his eyes to Gu Xiao.

And Gu Yi directly controlled Gu Xiao to nod firmly at Liu Xiu.

Liu Xiu then spoke again: "Good!"

"I will trust you once!"

He waved his hand, ordering someone to untie Feng Yi.

And Gu Yi directly controlled Gu Xiao to personally escort Feng Yi away.

"Thank you, General!"

Feng Yi stared intently at Liu Xiu, bowed deeply to him, then turned to Gu Xiao: "Thank you, sir, for pleading on my behalf!"

"Should I ever have the chance, I, Feng, will repay you!"

"Feng General, do not betray the general's trust."

Gu Yi said with a hint of teasing: "Otherwise, this petitioner of mine will be punished by the general."

Feng Yi nodded solemnly.

He bowed once more to Liu Xiu, then followed his three friends out.

The hall was now left with only Liu Xiu and Gu Xiao.

"Zhanhong, do you truly believe Feng Yi will surrender the city?"

Liu Xiu could not help but ask Gu Xiao.

"General, rest assured."

Gu Yi immediately nodded, "He will certainly keep his promise and will eventually follow you, becoming one of your greatest assets."

"I have Zhanhong, Ziwei, and others enough."

Liu Xiu smiled and waved his hand, "If he truly delivers the city to us, you shall receive Primary Merit, and with your recent accomplishments, Zhanhong will surely be promoted to Deputy General."

"That would place me on equal rank with you."

"No need for such honors."

Liu Xiu clearly still had no intention of acting independently—he still thought only of securing official titles for his men from the Xuan Han court.

"General."

Gu Yi's expression suddenly turned grave, "I do not intend to return to the court with you."

"Hm?"

Liu Xiu froze, his entire demeanor turning urgent, "Zhanhong, why say such a thing?"

"Wancheng has sent word—my elder brother has captured it. The Han dynasty's revival is now unstoppable. What do you intend to do?"

He was genuinely alarmed.

After all, during this time, Gu Xiao's bond with him had grown immensely; hearing this, he naturally panicked.

But Gu Yi was resolute, speaking with utmost seriousness: "General—"

"During this time, I have seen clearly: the court is filled with men who hold office but do no work."

"I am certain that without you and the Grand Chancellor, these men will accomplish nothing."

"I, Gu Xiao, have followed you personally—not those idle, useless men."

"If the general returns to the court, I shall go first to Hebei!"

He would never let Gu Xiao risk following Liu Xiu back to Wancheng.

According to historical records, Liu Xiu would endure countless brushes with death in the coming days.

If they returned to Wancheng,

and he surrendered his military authority, he would truly be surrendering his life to others.

Liu Xiu might escape.

But that doesn't mean he can definitely escape.

Rather than that, Gu Yi chose to believe in himself.

Take command of the troops, head to Hebei first to fight, and when Liu Xiu arrives in Hebei, join him.

This merit will not be reduced by so much as half.

On the contrary, it will increase considerably.

After all, according to historical records, Liu Xiu's life was far from easy when he first went to Hebei.

Hearing this, Liu Xiu was deeply moved.

He did not oppose what Gu Yi had said.

Who was in the court, he and his elder brother knew best.

Even after they had reached this point.

Those in the court still distrusted them.

Yet he would not let Gu Xiao leave directly; instead, he grabbed Gu Xiao's arm and said, "Zhanhong, don't rush."

"This is precisely the time for you, me, and our brothers to establish merit and achieve greatness."

"As for those in the court, you need not fear them."

Liu Xiu clearly intended to seize this opportunity and claim full credit.

Gu Yi naturally would not tell him what was about to happen; he listened silently to Liu Xiu's strategic vision.

In the days that followed.

The entire Han army waited for Feng Yi to defect.

But before that, news of Liu Yan's death finally arrived.

After confirming the full sequence of events.

Liu Xiu's exceptional nature immediately showed: knowing he had no chance of victory, he suppressed all his rage.

He immediately decided to return to Wancheng and beg forgiveness from Emperor Gengshi, Liu Xuan!

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(End of Chapter)