Chapter 1079: Enhancing Combat Power

Hearing this, a flicker of surprise flashed in Tian Feng’s eyes, followed by a look of relief and a smile. "Mr. Gu, I am very happy that you have reached such a realization. Indeed, regardless of our methods, our ultimate goal is for the world to return to peace. Liu Bei, though his forces are still small, possesses extraordinary ambition and breadth of mind. It is truly a fortunate event that you have befriended him."

Gu Yi nodded and continued: "Mr. Tian Feng, I thought a lot last night. Perhaps some of our previous approaches were indeed too radical, leading to the alienation of the people. To truly unify the world, besides military strength, we need the support of the people. I think we should try to change our strategy, consider the livelihood of the people more, and win the support of the masses through benevolent governance."

Tian Feng was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing Gu Yi’s words. He knew Yuan Shao’s temper and personality well; changing his decisions would not be easy, but Gu Yi’s words were like a fresh breeze, blowing away some of the fog in his heart.

"Mr. Gu, your proposal makes a lot of sense. But Lord Yuan Shao has a fiery temperament; it will likely take some time to make him change his mind. However, I will find an opportunity to advise him, hoping for a turning point." Tian Feng’s tone was sincere, clearly moved by Gu Yi’s sincerity.

Gu Yi looked at Tian Feng with gratitude; he knew that changing Yuan Shao would not happen overnight, but at least someone was willing to stand up and work for a better future.

In the days that followed, Gu Yi began to pay more attention to the livelihood of the people around the camp. He personally visited the villagers, understood their suffering, and provided help as much as he could. His actions gradually won the respect and trust of the people, and the area around Yuan Shao’s camp began to show an unprecedented atmosphere of harmony.

Meanwhile, Tian Feng was also looking for a suitable opportunity to advise Yuan Shao. Finally, after a military meeting, he found his chance.

"My lord, I have something to report." Tian Feng’s voice was steady and powerful.

Yuan Shao looked up, signaling for Tian Feng to continue.

"My lord, I have been deeply impressed by the actions of Mr. Gu Yi among the people recently. By treating the people with a heart of benevolent governance, he has not only won their hearts but also brought more support and stability to our camp. I believe this may be an opportunity for us to change our strategy." Tian Feng spoke every word with great seriousness.

Hearing this, Yuan Shao furrowed his brows, seemingly contemplating Tian Feng’s words. After a moment, he slowly spoke: "Tian Feng, I understand what you mean. But in these chaotic times, can benevolent governance really solve problems? I worry that being too kind will only make us weak and unable to cope with future challenges."

Tian Feng had long anticipated Yuan Shao’s concerns and spoke calmly: "My lord, benevolent governance is not weakness, but a more sophisticated method of rule. If you subdue people with force, they will not be convinced; if you subdue them with virtue, they will be convinced from the heart. Mr. Gu Yi’s approach is setting an example for us. If we can combine benevolent governance with military strength, we will surely achieve more long-term results."

Yuan Shao was silent for a long time before finally nodding. "Tian Feng, what you say makes sense. I will consider changing our strategy and paying more attention to the people’s livelihood and their hearts. You and Gu Yi should draft a detailed plan and present it to me."

Tian Feng felt a surge of joy; he knew this was a major step forward for Yuan Shao. He bowed respectfully and exited the tent.

When Tian Feng told Gu Yi the news, Gu Yi was so excited he almost jumped. He knew his efforts had finally paid off and was even more determined to change these chaotic times together with Yuan Shao.

In the following days, Gu Yi and Tian Feng worked together to formulate a series of policies aimed at improving people’s livelihoods and winning their hearts. They went deep into the masses, understood the real needs of the people, and then proposed targeted solutions. With Yuan Shao’s support, these policies were gradually implemented, and the results became increasingly apparent.

The people began to feel unprecedented warmth and care, and they were filled with gratitude and respect for Yuan Shao’s camp. And because Yuan Shao’s army had gained the support of the people, its combat effectiveness was greatly enhanced.

However, the road to peace is never smooth. Just as Yuan Shao’s territory was gradually stabilizing and winning the hearts of the people, a new force quietly rose in the north—Cao Cao. With his outstanding military talent and profound political wisdom, Cao Cao quickly unified most of the northern regions, becoming Yuan Shao’s most powerful opponent.

Upon learning this news, Gu Yi and Tian Feng furrowed their brows. They knew that the battle with Cao Cao was not just about the struggle for territory, but a collision of two different philosophies of governance. Yuan Shao’s benevolent governance versus Cao Cao’s iron fist—which one was more adaptable to these chaotic times and which one could win the world was about to face its ultimate test.

"Mr. Tian Feng, Cao Cao’s rise is both a challenge and an opportunity for us." Gu Yi discussed countermeasures with Tian Feng in the tent. "We must consolidate our strength as soon as possible while finding ways to coexist peacefully with Cao Cao or defeat him."

Tian Feng nodded in agreement: "Indeed. Cao Cao is wise and brave, and his methods are ruthless; we must not take him lightly. But we are not without a chance of winning; our benevolent governance has already won the hearts of the people, which is our greatest advantage."

The two discussed for a long time and finally decided to start from two aspects: first, to continue deepening benevolent governance to make the people’s support more solid; second, to strengthen military training to improve the army’s combat effectiveness in preparation for any eventualities.