Chapter 1075

“My lord, peace talks are naturally impossible,” Xu You shook his head gently, a flash of cunning in his eyes. “But we can adopt a strategy of division, sowing discord between Dong Zhuo and his generals, especially Hua Xiong and Gu Yi.”

Hearing this, Yuan Shao frowned slightly, signaling Xu You to continue.

“Although Gu Yi has talent, he is not Dong Zhuo’s direct subordinate, so his heart must be unstable. We can send an eloquent person to secretly contact Gu Yi, promising him high official positions and generous rewards to induce him to betray Dong Zhuo. At the same time, we can spread rumors that Hua Xiong’s achievements are overshadowing his master, making Dong Zhuo fearful and wanting to get rid of him quickly. In this way, Dong Zhuo’s internal affairs will be in chaos, and we can sit back and reap the benefits,” Xu You spoke eloquently, his words full of confidence.

After listening, Yuan Shao pondered for a moment and said: “Although this plan is brilliant, the risk of implementation is quite high. Since Gu Yi was able to help Hua Xiong launch a surprise attack on our army, he must not be an ordinary person; would he be easily persuaded? Furthermore, the old thief Dong Zhuo is cunning and suspicious; if he discovers it, we will suffer instead.”

Xu You smiled slightly and said: “My lord’s words are correct, so this plan needs to be carried out with caution. I am willing to go personally, and with my one-time acquaintance with Gu Yi, I might be able to persuade him. As for spreading rumors, it can be handed over to Guo Tu and Feng Ji; they are good at this.”

Yuan Shao thought about it again and again, and finally nodded in agreement, but did not forget to exhort: “Ziyuan, be careful on this trip; if it cannot be done, return quickly and do not force it.”

Xu You took the order and left, but he already had a plan in his heart. He knew the difficulty of this trip, but he also understood that this was a great opportunity for him to show his talent and consolidate his position in Yuan Shao’s heart.

On the other side, Gongsun Zan and Sun Jian returned to their respective camps, still feeling indignant. Gongsun Zan was worried about Yan Gang’s safety, while Sun Jian felt guilty about Zu Mao’s disappearance. After discussing, the two decided to secretly send trusted aides to Dong Zhuo’s place to inquire about news, and also considered whether the strategy of division proposed by Xu You was feasible.

A few days later, Xu You disguised himself as a wanderer and quietly approached the place where Dong Zhuo’s army was stationed. Relying on his superior wisdom and eloquence, after several twists and turns, he finally managed to meet Gu Yi in secret.

“Brother Gu, long time no see,” Xu You bowed and saluted with a smile.

Gu Yi’s eyes flickered, feeling both surprised and vigilant about Xu You’s arrival: “Xu Ziyuan, what is your purpose here? Could it be that Yuan Shao sent you to persuade me to surrender?”

Xu You laughed and said: “Brother Gu, you are overthinking. I am not here to persuade you to surrender, but for your future.”

Gu Yi raised his eyebrows, signaling Xu You to continue.

“Brother Gu is brimming with talent, yet you are living under Dong Zhuo, which is truly a pearl being cast in the dark. Although Yuan Shao is not a perfect man, compared to Dong Zhuo, it is a world of difference. If Brother Gu is willing, I can guarantee you will defect to Yuan Shao and will surely be heavily used,” Xu You said earnestly, trying to move Gu Yi.

Gu Yi was silent for a moment and said: “Ziyuan, your words are wrong. Although I, Gu Yi, am not from a famous family, I also know the meaning of loyalty and righteousness. Although Dong Zhuo is cruel and unrighteous, he has shown me kindness. How can I betray him and defect to another camp?”

Xu You knew Gu Yi would say this, so he changed the subject: “Brother Gu is righteous, which I admire very much. But let me ask, is Dong Zhuo really worth your loyalty? He is suspicious by nature, and those with great achievements will surely be feared. Hua Xiong’s bravery is known to the world, yet he cannot avoid Dong Zhuo’s suspicion. If Brother Gu does not plan early, I fear you will follow in Hua Xiong’s footsteps.”

Hearing this, Gu Yi’s heart stirred. Although he was loyal to Dong Zhuo, he was not a blindly loyal person. He had also noticed Dong Zhuo’s suspicion. It was just that he still had many concerns about betraying Dong Zhuo.

“Ziyuan, although what you say makes sense, I still need time to consider. Moreover, even if I am willing, Dong Zhuo has many generals and soldiers; how can I easily escape?” Gu Yi sighed.

Seeing that Gu Yi was shaken, Xu You was overjoyed and said: “Brother Gu, rest assured, I have already planned this. As long as Brother Gu nods, I will arrange it properly to ensure your safe departure.”

Gu Yi remained silent, weighing the pros and cons in his heart. Finally, he looked up at Xu You, a flash of determination in his eyes: “Ziyuan, I will trust you once. But if this matter succeeds, you must guarantee the safety of my two brothers, and……”

“Brother Gu, just say it,” Xu You asked eagerly.

“And, I want to rescue Yan Gang and Zu Mao with my own hands,” Gu Yi’s voice was firm and powerful.

Hearing this, Xu You was shocked, but he remained calm on the surface and nodded in agreement: “Brother Gu, rest assured, I will do my best.”

The two discussed some details, and Xu You took his leave. He understood in his heart that if this plan succeeded, it would not only remove a major obstacle for Yuan Shao but also elevate his position in Yuan Shao’s heart.

However, the world is unpredictable; can Xu You and Gu Yi’s conspiracy really go as planned? How will Dong Zhuo’s suspicion, Hua Xiong’s loyalty, and the undercurrents within the coalition affect the changing situation of this chaotic world? Everything is still unknown.