Chapter 1011

On the other side, Gu Yi left the Li residence with quite a few reflections in his heart. He did not expect that his words could so profoundly touch Li Ru, this wise man in the Xiliang Army. Gu Yi knew deeply that in these chaotic times, every decision could affect the fates of countless people; although he had no intention of getting involved in the vortex of power, since he was already in it, he could not completely stay out of it.

Walking on the streets of Luoyang, Gu Yi felt the weight and vicissitudes of this ancient city. Luoyang, this city that had witnessed the rise and fall of countless dynasties, was now about to become a new turning point in history. Moving the capital to Chang'an was both a challenge and an opportunity for Dong Zhuo's forces. Gu Yi understood in his heart that behind this decision was the profound insight into the current situation and the far-reaching planning for the future by wise men like Li Ru.

Just as Gu Yi was lost in thought, a crisp hawking sound interrupted his train of thought. "Fresh pears, big and sweet!" Gu Yi followed the sound and saw an elderly man carrying a pole, walking with difficulty through the crowd. Gu Yi's heart stirred; he walked up, bought a few pears, and took the opportunity to chat with the old man.

"Old man, is there any fresh news in Luoyang city recently?" Gu Yi asked while gnawing on a pear.

The old man looked up at Gu Yi, and seeing the kindness on his face, he opened up. "Young man, you don't know, but Luoyang city has been very lively recently. Lord Dong Zhuo wants to move the capital to Chang'an; do you think this is good? These old bones of mine don't want to be tossed around."

Hearing this, Gu Yi smiled slightly, not expressing an opinion directly, but continuing to listen to the old man's story. From the old man's words, he learned more about the common people's views on moving the capital. Some worried about the turmoil brought by the migration, while others looked forward to a new beginning. These voices, although small, were the most authentic portrayal of this era.

Bidding farewell to the old man, Gu Yi continued to stroll through the streets. He understood in his heart that regardless of whether the capital was moved or not, for the common people, the most important thing was to be able to live a stable life. And he, although just a commoner, hoped to contribute his own strength to these chaotic times, even if it was just insignificant.

Returning to his residence, Gu Yi began to organize his thoughts. He realized that although he had no intention of pursuing an official career, since he had already had contact with Dong Zhuo and others, he could not stand by and watch. Gu Yi decided to use his wisdom to devise strategies for the future of the Xiliang Army, and at the same time, seek peace for the people in these chaotic times.

The next day, Gu Yi took the initiative to find Dong Zhuo and proposed a series of suggestions for after moving the capital to Chang'an. He suggested that Dong Zhuo should properly settle the people during the relocation process to reduce unnecessary turmoil; at the same time, he should strengthen ties with the powerful clans in the Guanzhong region to stabilize the foundation of the new capital; furthermore, he should also attach importance to agricultural development to ensure that military food supplies were worry-free.

After hearing this, Dong Zhuo was greatly appreciative, believing that Gu Yi was not only talented but, more rarely, had the world at heart. He immediately decided to appoint Gu Yi as an advisor for the relocation of the capital, responsible for coordinating affairs among all parties.

Gu Yi accepted this appointment, knowing deeply that this was a heavy responsibility. In the days that followed, he devoted himself entirely to the preparations for moving the capital, working closely with Li Ru and others, striving together for the future of the Xiliang Army.

Time passed like a white horse crossing a crevice; in the blink of an eye, the day for moving the capital arrived. Under the meticulous planning of Gu Yi and others, although the relocation process was arduous, it was generally smooth. The people gradually settled down in the new capital, Chang'an, and the power of the Xiliang Army was further consolidated in the Guanzhong region.

And Gu Yi, in this process, gradually grew into a wise man capable of handling things on his own. He not only won Dong Zhuo's trust and heavy use but also won a very high reputation among the people. People all said that Gu Yi was a bright spot in those chaotic times, using his wisdom and kindness to bring a glimmer of warmth and hope to this world.

Of course, Gu Yi did not forget his original intention. In his spare time, he would always find time to care about the lives of ordinary people. He knew deeply that true heroes were not those high-and-mighty rulers, but those who were unknown and silently contributed to this world.

As the foundation of the Xiliang Army in the Guanzhong region became increasingly stable, Gu Yi also began to think about more long-term matters. He realized that to truly end these chaotic times, relying on military force alone was not enough. A more reasonable and fair system must be found to govern this country. Thus, Gu Yi began to study the ways of governing from ancient and modern times, both at home and abroad, hoping to find a way out for these chaotic times.

And in this process, the feelings between Gu Yi and Dong Yuan gradually warmed up. The two experienced the hardships and challenges of moving the capital together, cherishing the friendship between them even more. Dong Yuan used her delicate embroidery to make one exquisite sachet after another for Gu Yi, each containing her deep love for him. And Gu Yi, with his wisdom and courage, guarded this precious love.

In these chaotic times, the love between Gu Yi and Dong Yuan was like a beam of light, illuminating each other's world and warming the people around them. They believed that as long as there was love and faith in their hearts, they would definitely be able to overcome all difficulties and welcome a beautiful future that belonged to them.

Just as the feelings between Gu Yi and Dong Yuan were warming up and the Xiliang Army was standing firm in the Guanzhong region, external threats arrived quietly. Feudal lords from the east of the pass, such as Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, were dissatisfied with Dong Zhuo's monopoly on power and united to raise an army, vowing to crusade against Dong Zhuo and restore the order of the Han house. A massive battle concerning the world's landscape was about to begin.

In the Guanzhong land, the autumn wind was bleak and the war drums were thundering. The Xiliang Army and the Guandong Allied Forces were in a standoff at Tongguan, with both sides at daggers drawn and the atmosphere tense to the extreme. Gu Yi, as the strategist for the Xiliang Army, was entrusted with a heavy responsibility by Dong Zhuo, responsible for planning the defense strategy.

Above Tongguan, Gu Yi and Li Ru stood side by side, looking at the camps of the Guandong Allied Forces in the distance. "This time the enemy is coming aggressively; we must not take it lightly," Gu Yi said with a solemn expression.

Li Ru nodded, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. "Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and others are all heroes of the current age; their allied forces' strength cannot be underestimated. But we have the advantage of terrain, and our military morale is united, so we may not lack the strength for a battle."

Gu Yi pondered for a moment and proposed a bold plan. "We can use the terrain advantage of Tongguan to set up layers of traps and lure the enemy deep. At the same time, send a surprise force to circle to the enemy's rear, cut off their food and grass, and drive them into a desperate situation."

Hearing this, Li Ru's eyes lit up, and he slapped the table in admiration. "This plan is excellent! Young friend Gu is truly resourceful; with you in our Xiliang Army, why worry about not winning?"

Once the plan was set, the Xiliang Army acted quickly. Gu Yi personally led an elite force, quietly bypassed Tongguan, and lurked in the rear of the Guandong Allied Forces. And Li Ru was responsible for setting up a net of heaven and earth in front of Tongguan, waiting for the enemy's arrival.