Chapter 1040: In the bag

Chang'an, Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Gu Yi sat in the study, with a huge map spread out in front of him, marked with the distribution of forces and military deployments in various places. His gaze was deep, as if he were thinking about some major decision. At this time, a light knock came from outside the door.

"Come in." Gu Yi’s voice was steady and powerful.

The door was pushed open, and it was Jia Xu who walked in, holding a scroll of documents with a faint smile on his face. "My lord, regarding the matter of ascending the throne, the subordinate has some thoughts."

Gu Yi raised his head, his gaze falling on Jia Xu, signaling him to continue.

"My lord, the general trend of the world is now set. The south has been pacified, and although there are Yuan Shao and Cao Cao in the north, they are no longer a cause for concern. The matter of ascending the throne should be done sooner rather than later. On one hand, it can stabilize the hearts of the people, and on the other hand, it can give the generals and soldiers under your command a clear goal to strive for." Jia Xu said slowly, his tone revealing determination.

Gu Yi nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and asked: "Then in your opinion, how should we operate?"

"My lord can first discuss with Grand Tutor Dong to find out his intentions. If the Grand Tutor intends to ascend the throne, then my lord can fully support him; if the Grand Tutor has no such intention, then my lord can first declare himself king, gradually advance, and when the time is ripe, then ascend the throne." Jia Xu suggested.

Upon hearing this, a hint of appreciation flashed in Gu Yi’s eyes. "Wenhe’s words are very much to my liking. However, the matter of ascending the throne is no small matter and must be handled with caution. You go and prepare the relevant matters first, I have my own plans."

Jia Xu received the order and left, and Gu Yi was left alone in the study again. He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the prosperous Chang'an City outside the window, his thoughts in a mess. The road to ascending the throne was both tempting and full of thorns. But he knew that this step would have to be taken sooner or later, for the sake of the world, and for himself.

……

The next day, Gu Yi went to Grand Tutor Dong’s mansion and had an in-depth conversation with Old Dong. After hearing Gu Yi’s intention, Old Dong was silent for a long time and finally sighed.

"Yi'er, the matter of ascending the throne, I once had the thought, but now it seems that it is more appropriate for you to dominate the world. I am old and just want to enjoy my old age in peace, I don’t want to toss and turn anymore." Old Dong’s words revealed a hint of exhaustion.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yi was moved. "Grand Tutor, don’t worry, no matter how far I go, I will never forget your kindness. I will consider the matter of ascending the throne carefully and will definitely not live up to your expectations."

Old Dong nodded with satisfaction and patted Gu Yi on the shoulder. "Yi'er, you have grown up and have your own ideas. I believe in you, no matter what decision you make, I will fully support you."

……

After coming out of Grand Tutor Dong’s mansion, Gu Yi’s mood became particularly heavy. He understood that the road to ascending the throne had been spread out before him, but he also knew clearly that this road was not easy to walk. He needed more support and more power to consolidate his rule.

Back at the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Gu Yi immediately summoned his civil and military officials and put the matter of ascending the throne on the agenda. After hearing this, everyone reacted differently, but most of them expressed support. They believed that ascending the throne was in accordance with the mandate of heaven and was also a necessary move to stabilize the world.

In the following days, Gu Yi began to prepare for the ascension to the throne in full swing. He sent envoys to various places to announce the news of the upcoming ascension and sought the opinions of warlords everywhere. At the same time, he also strengthened the defense of Chang'an City to prevent any unforeseen events.

……

In Jingzhou, Liu Biao’s days were becoming increasingly difficult. The armies of Li Jue and Guo Si had approached Wancheng, and Xu Rong’s Liangzhou army was also pressing step by step. Liu Biao knew well that he had no way out. He summoned Kuai Yue, Cai Mao, and others again to discuss countermeasures.

"The situation is critical now, what should we do?" Liu Biao’s voice carried a hint of despair.

Kuai Yue was silent for a moment and said slowly: "My lord, the only plan now is to seek peace with Gu Yi, perhaps there is still a glimmer of life."

Upon hearing this, a hint of hesitation flashed in Liu Biao’s eyes. "Seek peace? We were enemies with Gu Yi before, will he accept it?"

"My lord, times are different now. Gu Yi is about to ascend the throne, what he needs is to stabilize the world, not to make too many enemies. If we take the initiative to seek peace and express submission, perhaps we can exchange for a glimmer of life." Kuai Yue advised.

After hearing this, Liu Biao pondered for a long time and finally nodded. "Good, then follow your words and seek peace with Gu Yi."

……

In Chang'an, Gu Yi received Liu Biao’s peace letter. After reading the letter, a cold smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. "Liu Biao, do you finally know fear? However, seek peace? It also depends on whether I am willing to accept it."

Gu Yi handed the letter to Jia Xu on the side and asked: "Wenhe, what do you think of this matter?"

Jia Xu took the letter, read it carefully, and said: "My lord, Liu Biao seeking peace is a good thing for us. We can take this opportunity to further consolidate our rule over Jingzhou. However, before accepting the peace, we must put forward some conditions to make Liu Biao completely submit."

Upon hearing this, a hint of appreciation flashed in Gu Yi’s eyes. "Good, just follow your words. You go and prepare a peace treaty and let Liu Biao sign and press his fingerprint. From now on, Jingzhou will be in my bag."