Chapter 1037: Sufficient troops

On the day Gu Yi returned in triumph, the entire camp was immersed in jubilation. Gongsun Zan personally led the crowd to welcome him, his face filled with unconcealable joy and pride. When Gu Yi rode his warhorse and slowly stepped into the camp, Gongsun Zan stepped forward and held Gu Yi’s hand tightly.

"Brother Gu Yi, you really did not live up to my expectations! In this battle, you not only eliminated Yuan Shao’s remnants but also laid a solid foundation for the future of our alliance!" Gongsun Zan’s voice was impassioned and filled with admiration for Gu Yi.

Gu Yi smiled and shook his head, his eyes full of determination and humility: "Brother Gongsun, all of this is inseparable from your full support and everyone’s joint efforts. Without you, I could not have achieved such a victory alone."

The two looked at each other and smiled, and that tacit understanding and trust were conveyed in silence. Subsequently, Gu Yi turned to look at the soldiers and announced loudly: "Today’s victory belongs to every one of us! But remember, this is just the beginning; we still have a longer road to walk and more challenges waiting for us. As long as we are united, nothing can stop our progress!"

The soldiers cheered in unison, and morale was high. They knew that under the leadership of Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan, they were moving toward glory step by step.

At the victory banquet, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan sat side by side, drinking together and talking about the future. Chen Lin, as a strategist, also sat on the side and put forward his insights at the right time.

"My lord, General Gongsun, although we have stabilized the north, Cao Cao is still our heart-and-gut trouble. Although he withdrew his troops this time, he will never give up. We must take precautions and be prepared." Chen Lin’s words carried a bit of worry.

Gu Yi nodded, his expression solemn: "Cao Cao is indeed a difficult opponent. But we don’t need to worry too much. As long as we continue to strengthen internal affairs, improve military strength, and seek alliances with other forces, we will have enough strength to contend with Cao Cao."

Gongsun Zan nodded in agreement: "Brother Gu Yi is right. Moreover, we can also use the strategy of marriage to further consolidate our relationship with other forces. The marriage of my previously mentioned niece to a certain general under General Gu Yi can also be arranged as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, a hint of a smile flashed in Gu Yi’s eyes: "I have kept this matter in mind. When the war eases a little, we will start preparing for this marriage and let it become a new story for our alliance."

Just as everyone was discussing how to further consolidate the alliance and deal with future challenges, a scout hurried into the tent, knelt on the ground, and reported: "My lord, there is urgent military intelligence! Sun Quan from the south has sent an envoy to request an alliance with us to fight against Cao Cao together."

This news made everyone’s eyes light up. Sun Quan, the lord of Jiangdong, proposing an alliance at this time was undoubtedly a great help to them.

Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan looked at each other and saw the joy in each other’s eyes. Gu Yi said in a deep voice: "Sun Quan proposing an alliance at this time is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. We must seize it well."

Gongsun Zan also nodded: "That’s right. We can join forces with Sun Quan to fight against Cao Cao together. In this way, our chances of winning will be even greater."

Subsequently, Gu Yi personally met with Sun Quan’s envoy and expressed his willingness to form an alliance. The envoy also brought Sun Quan’s personal letter, which was filled with admiration and expectation for Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan.

In the following days, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan maintained close contact with Sun Quan while continuing to strengthen internal affairs and military preparations. They knew that future battles would be more difficult, but they also believed that as long as they were united, they would surely be able to overcome all difficulties.

Not long after, Gu Yi and Sun Quan officially formed an alliance to discuss strategies for fighting against Cao Cao. And Gongsun Zan continued to stay in the rear to ensure the safety and stability of the base.

In battle after battle, the coalition forces of Gu Yi and Sun Quan showed powerful combat effectiveness. They defeated Cao Cao’s army time and again and gradually expanded their sphere of influence. And Cao Cao also felt unprecedented pressure, and he began to re-examine his strategies and decisions.

However, just as Gu Yi and Sun Quan joined forces to fight against Cao Cao, a new crisis quietly emerged. Some tribes in the north began to stir, attempting to seize territory during the chaos. This news put great pressure on Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan.

"Brother Gongsun, it seems we have to temporarily put aside the confrontation with Cao Cao and solve the problem of the northern tribes first." Gu Yi said with a solemn expression.

Gongsun Zan also nodded: "That’s right, the northern tribes are our foundation and must be stabilized as soon as possible. Brother Gu Yi, do you have any specific plans?"

Gu Yi took a deep breath: "We need an action that combines diplomacy and military force. On one hand, we must send envoys to the tribes to appease and negotiate; on the other hand, we must also prepare enough troops to prevent any unforeseen events."

Upon hearing this, a hint of determination flashed in Gongsun Zan’s eyes: "Brother Gu Yi, go ahead with peace of mind. I will fully support your actions and ensure the safety and stability of the rear."

In this way, Gu Yi led the army again to fight a complex and difficult contest with the northern tribes. He used wisdom and courage to resolve crises time and again and gradually won the trust and respect of the tribes.

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. At the same time, he also kept a close watch on the situation at the front, ready to provide necessary assistance at any time.

After months of effort, Gu Yi finally succeeded in stabilizing the situation in the north and established friendly relations with the tribes. After learning of this news, Cao Cao also temporarily gave up the idea of going north and chose to rest for a while.

When the news of Gu Yi’s success in stabilizing the situation of the northern tribes returned to the camp, the entire alliance was immersed in jubilation. Gongsun Zan personally held a grand victory banquet for Gu Yi and invited all generals and strategists to attend. At the banquet, the lights were bright, and laughter continued.

Gongsun Zan raised his glass and said loudly: "Brother Gu Yi, you have made a great contribution this time! Not only did you stabilize the north, but you also won the respect and trust of the tribes for our alliance. Come, I toast you!"

Gu Yi smiled and took the glass, clinked it with Gongsun Zan, and drank it in one gulp: "Brother Gongsun, this is everyone’s credit. Without your full support and everyone’s joint efforts, I could not have achieved such results."

The two looked at each other and smiled, and the atmosphere was harmonious. At this time, Chen Lin stood up, coughed lightly, and attracted everyone’s attention: "My lord, General Gongsun, although we have stabilized the north, the confrontation with Cao Cao has not ended. What are our plans next?"

Gu Yi put down his glass, and his expression became serious: "Chen Lin is right. Cao Cao is our heart-and-gut trouble, and we must be vigilant at all times. However, after this northern campaign, we have also gained a lot. We have established friendly relations with the tribes, which provides more possibilities for our future."

Gongsun Zan nodded and added: "Moreover, we can also use this opportunity to further strengthen cooperation with the tribes. Perhaps we can get more support and help from them."

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of light flashed in Gu Yi’s eyes: "Brother Gongsun, you are right. We can send envoys to the tribes to propose cooperation. At the same time, we must also strengthen our own military preparations to prepare for future battles."