Chapter 1080

Yuan Shao expressed his support for their proposal. He knew that a battle with Cao Cao was inevitable, but he also hoped that through his efforts, this war would be the last, allowing the world to return to peace as soon as possible.

Gu Yi and Tian Feng divided the work and were each busy. Gu Yi went deep into the masses, promoting education and improving medical care, striving to make the lives of the people happier. Tian Feng was responsible for military training; he strictly selected soldiers and strengthened tactical drills to ensure that every soldier could exert maximum combat effectiveness on the battlefield.

However, just as Yuan Shao’s territory was moving toward prosperity, an unexpected crisis quietly descended. Cao Cao suddenly launched an attack on Yuan Shao’s territory, and the offensive was exceptionally fierce. For a time, Yuan Shao’s army retreated step by step, and the situation became precarious.

Upon learning the news, Gu Yi was anxious. He knew that this war was not just about the loss or gain of territory, but about their persistent pursuit of peace and justice. He immediately found Tian Feng to discuss countermeasures.

"Mr. Tian Feng, we cannot sit and wait for death. We must find a way to turn the tide of the battle." Gu Yi’s tone was filled with anxiety and firmness.

Tian Feng pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Gu Yi, I have a plan, but the risk is immense. We need a surprise force to launch an attack from Cao Cao’s rear and disrupt his deployment. At the same time, we need to hold back Cao Cao’s main force on the front line to buy time for them."

Inside Changancheng, the discussion between Gu Yi and the strategists continued.

"My lord, such a division is indeed a sound strategy." Li Ru stroked his beard, his eyes flashing with wisdom. "Incorporating Huainan into Yuzhou will not only alleviate the population pressure in Yuzhou but also strengthen central control over the south. And making the six commanderies of Jiangdong independent as Yangzhou is in line with its geographical and economic reality."

Chen Deng also nodded in agreement: "The establishment of Fuzhou is of great significance for developing Lingnan and promoting ethnic integration. The division of Jiaozhou and Guangzhou lays the foundation for our future maritime expansion."

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and slowly said: "This plan is excellent. However, my lord must also consider how to ensure a smooth transition and avoid dissatisfaction or even armed rebellion from local forces due to loss of interests."

Hearing this, Gu Yi smiled slightly: "Kongming’s words are very true. I have already ordered people to draft relevant decrees and will send capable officials to various places to explain the policies and soothe the hearts of the people. For those forces that might harbor dissatisfaction, we will also make preparations in advance to ensure that the reforms proceed smoothly."

Just as everyone was discussing, a guard hurried into the hall, knelt, and reported: "My lord, there is urgent military intelligence!"

Gu Yi’s expression tightened, signaling for the guard to continue.

"News from the Southern Xiongnu royal court: Huchuquan has decided to respond to Yuan Shao’s call and is leading the Southern Xiongnu cavalry south, intending to attack Bingzhou!" The guard’s voice carried a hint of anxiety.

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent instantly, and everyone’s eyes were fixed on Gu Yi.

Li Ru furrowed his brows: "The Southern Xiongnu’s move is undoubtedly instigated by Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao’s intention is to disperse my lord’s forces and buy time for his own northward advance."

Chen Deng also looked worried: "The Southern Xiongnu cavalry is fierce; if they join forces with Yuan Shao and others, they will surely become a thorn in the side of our army."

Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment before saying: "My lord, although the Southern Xiongnu are strong, they are not invincible. We can send an envoy to the Southern Xiongnu royal court to try and persuade Huchuquan to abandon this idea. At the same time, we should mobilize the Bingzhou troops and prepare for battle."

Gu Yi nodded in agreement and then asked: "Who is willing to go to the Southern Xiongnu royal court as a lobbyist?"

As soon as the words fell, someone stepped forward: "My lord, this subordinate is willing to go!"

This person was Xu Huang, a brave general under Gu Yi.

Gu Yi looked at Xu Huang, feeling a sense of silent approval. Xu Huang was not only skilled in martial arts but also wise and brave, making him the best candidate for this mission.

"Good! Xu Huang, take the order. I command you to go to the Southern Xiongnu royal court immediately and persuade Huchuquan to abandon the idea of moving south. If he insists on refusing, you must act according to the situation and ensure the safety of Bingzhou." Gu Yi said with a firm tone.

After receiving the order, Xu Huang hurried out of the hall to prepare for his journey to the Southern Xiongnu royal court.

Gu Yi continued to discuss countermeasures with the strategists.

"My lord, Yuan Shao’s move is undoubtedly a provocation. We must not only deal with the threat of the Southern Xiongnu but also be on guard against the movements of Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and other forces at all times." Li Ru reminded him.

Gu Yi nodded to show he understood: "I have long known that Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and others are wolves with wild ambitions. However, if they want to fish in troubled waters, they will have to see if I agree."

Having said this, a sharp look flashed in Gu Yi’s eyes. He knew that this struggle was not just about the competition for territory, but a contest for hegemony over the world.

In the days that followed, Gu Yi mobilized troops and strengthened the defenses of Bingzhou while closely monitoring the movements of the Southern Xiongnu royal court. At the same time, he sent secret agents to infiltrate the internal circles of Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and other forces, attempting to obtain more intelligence.

Xu Huang, carrying Gu Yi’s mission, rode at full speed and finally arrived at the Southern Xiongnu royal court.

Inside the royal court, Xu Huang met Huchuquan and Shen Pei. Facing these two representatives of the Southern Xiongnu and Yuan Shao, Xu Huang fearlessly expounded Gu Yi’s stance and wishes.

"Chanyu Huchuquan, my lord knows well of your bravery and that of the Southern Xiongnu. However, Yuan Shao is a cunning and scheming man. The reason he is wooing you to move south and attack Bingzhou is actually to use your hands to weaken my lord’s forces. If you truly send troops to Bingzhou, I fear you will end up falling into Yuan Shao’s trap." Xu Huang said earnestly.

Hearing this, Huchuquan furrowed his brows, clearly moved by Xu Huang’s words. But he was also worried about missing this opportunity and failing to realize the dream of the Xiongnu’s revival.

Shen Pei sneered from the side: "General Xu Huang’s words are wrong. Lord Yuan Shao is a hero of the world; how could he do such a treacherous thing? Furthermore, the Southern Xiongnu are adjacent to Bingzhou; it is only natural to send troops to attack Bingzhou. General Xu Huang, please return; do not waste your breath."

Xu Huang looked at Shen Pei, feeling a sense of silent mockery. He knew Shen Pei was good at sophistry, but since he had come, he could not give up easily.

"Mr. Shen Pei’s words are wrong. In the affairs of the world, is it for Yuan Shao alone to decide? My lord is also a hero; if he goes to war with Yuan Shao, the outcome is yet to be seen. Furthermore, although the Southern Xiongnu and Bingzhou are adjacent, there is no deep-seated hatred between them. Why should you let the warriors of the Southern Xiongnu die for the sake of selfish interests?" Xu Huang retorted.

After hearing this, Huchuquan fell into deep thought. He knew that what Xu Huang said was not false; Yuan Shao was indeed untrustworthy. But if he really gave up this opportunity, how could he answer to his tribesmen?

Just as Huchuquan was hesitating, Xu Huang spoke again: "Chanyu Huchuquan, my lord knows your difficulties. He is willing to form an alliance with you to confront Yuan Shao and other forces together. As long as you are willing to abandon the idea of attacking Bingzhou, my lord will fully support you in unifying the grasslands and reviving the Xiongnu."

This sentence was like a bolt of lightning striking Huchuquan’s heart. He knew that forming an alliance with Gu Yi might be his best choice. After all, Gu Yi’s strength was evident to all, and his ambition did not lie in the grasslands.

After careful consideration, Huchuquan finally made his decision: "Good! I am willing to form an alliance with Lord Gu Yi to confront Yuan Shao and other forces together."

Hearing this, Xu Huang felt a surge of joy. He knew his mission was accomplished. Thus, he bowed to Huchuquan and Shen Pei: "That is excellent! I shall return now to report to my lord. I hope our two sides can work together and create brilliance!"

Having said this, Xu Huang turned and left the Southern Xiongnu royal court. Huchuquan watched Xu Huang’s retreating figure, silently praying: I hope this choice is the right one!