Chapter 1036: Unfolding the curtain

Gongsun Zan also nodded in agreement, his rough voice sounding in the tent: "General Gao Shun is right, we cannot give Yuan Shao’s remaining forces any chance to breathe. Moreover, we should also consider how to further expand our sphere of influence and make the entire north bow at our feet."

Gu Yi nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over every general present: "Brother Gongsun’s words are reasonable. However, before expanding, the first thing we need to do is internal integration. We must ensure that our alliance is as solid as a rock, and the generals must trust and support each other. Only in this way can we be fearless of any challenges."

At this time, a strategist stood up; he was Gu Yi’s capable assistant, named Chen Lin: "My lord, the subordinate believes that we can also consolidate the alliance with General Gongsun through marriage. Marriage is a bond that connects two families and can also make our relationship closer."

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of light flashed in Gu Yi’s eyes. He looked at Gongsun Zan: "Brother Gongsun, what do you think of this proposal? If our two families can marry, it will undoubtedly be the most powerful guarantee for our alliance."

Gongsun Zan laughed heartily, appearing quite bold: "Brother Gu Yi, I raise both hands in favor of this proposal! I happen to have a niece who is talented and beautiful, and she will surely be a match for one of the generals under your command."

Gu Yi also laughed: "That is excellent, then we will arrange this matter as soon as possible and let this marriage become a new starting point for our alliance."

Just as everyone was discussing how to further consolidate the alliance and expand their influence, a scout hurried into the tent, knelt on the ground, and reported: "My lord, there is urgent military intelligence! Cao Cao’s army is rapidly approaching our border, and their intentions are unclear!"

This news stunned everyone present. Cao Cao, this hero who dominated the Central Plains, suddenly dispatched troops at this time, undoubtedly bringing new challenges to Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan, who had just achieved victory.

Gu Yi’s brows locked together, and he said in a deep voice: "Cao Cao dispatching troops at this time must have ulterior motives. We must be prepared to respond."

Gongsun Zan also restrained his smile, his expression stern: "Cao Cao is cunning and resourceful, we must not take it lightly. Brother Gu Yi, what countermeasures do you have?"

Gu Yi pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly: "First, we must strengthen border defense to ensure that Cao Cao cannot easily break through our defensive line. Second, we must send envoys to Cao Cao’s camp to find out his intentions. Finally, we must also prepare for the worst. If Cao Cao really intends to invade our territory, then we will definitely go all out to defend our homeland."

The generals nodded in agreement upon hearing this. They knew that the next battle would be even more difficult, but they also believed that under the leadership of Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan, they would surely be able to overcome all difficulties.

Soon, Gu Yi sent an envoy to Cao Cao’s camp. The envoy carried Gu Yi’s personal letter, expressing Gu Yi’s concern about Cao Cao’s dispatch of troops and asking about his true intentions.

After receiving the letter, Cao Cao laughed heartily: "Gu Yi, oh Gu Yi, you are indeed a smart man. However, I did not dispatch troops this time to be your enemy, but to share Yuan Shao’s territory with you."

The envoy brought Cao Cao’s words back to Gu Yi’s tent. After hearing this, Gu Yi pondered in his heart: "Cao Cao is ambitious, his words cannot be trusted. But it is not appropriate for us to have a head-on conflict with Cao Cao at the moment. Let’s stabilize him first and then make plans."

Therefore, Gu Yi wrote back to Cao Cao, expressing his willingness to discuss the division of Yuan Shao’s territory with him, but at the same time, he also put forward his own conditions, requiring Cao Cao not to invade their territory.

After receiving the reply, a cold smile appeared on the corner of Cao Cao’s mouth: "Gu Yi, oh Gu Yi, you are indeed a cunning guy. However, since you are willing to talk, then I will play with you."

In this way, a subtle game of chess unfolded between Gu Yi and Cao Cao. And Gongsun Zan fully supported Gu Yi’s decision; he believed that as long as they were united, they would surely be able to defeat any enemy.

In the following days, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan strengthened their border defenses while negotiating with Cao Cao. They carefully maintained their own interests while also being vigilant about Cao Cao’s movements at all times.

However, just as the negotiations were in full swing, a sudden piece of news broke the calm—Yuan Shao’s remaining forces were secretly uniting, attempting to launch a counterattack against Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan!

This news put great pressure on Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan. They knew that if they could not quickly resolve Yuan Shao’s remaining forces, their alliance would face an unprecedented crisis.

"Brother Gongsun, it seems we have to temporarily put aside the negotiations with Cao Cao and deal with Yuan Shao’s remaining forces first." Gu Yi said with a solemn expression.

Gongsun Zan also nodded: "That’s right, Yuan Shao’s remaining forces are our heart-and-gut trouble and must be eradicated as soon as possible. Brother Gu Yi, do you have any specific plans?"

Gu Yi took a deep breath: "We need a decisive battle to completely eliminate Yuan Shao’s remaining forces. I intend to lead the army myself, and you will be responsible for staying in the rear to ensure the safety of our base."

Upon hearing this, a hint of worry flashed in Gongsun Zan’s eyes: "Brother Gu Yi, it is too risky for you to lead the army yourself. Let me go instead, and you stay in the rear to command the overall situation."

Gu Yi patted Gongsun Zan on the shoulder: "Brother Gongsun, I appreciate your kindness. But this battle concerns our life and death, so I must go myself. Don’t worry, I will definitely return safely."

In this way, Gu Yi personally led the army to fight a life-and-death battle with Yuan Shao’s remaining forces. And Gongsun Zan fully supported Gu Yi’s actions; he stayed in the rear to ensure the safety of the base and provided a steady stream of material support for the front line.

After months of fierce fighting, Gu Yi finally succeeded in eliminating Yuan Shao’s remaining forces and stabilizing the situation in the north. After learning of this news, Cao Cao also temporarily gave up the idea of competing with Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan for territory and chose to withdraw his troops.

This great battle made the alliance between Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan even more solid, and their power further expanded. The situation in the north thus ushered in a new chapter, and an era belonging to Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan officially unfolded.