Chapter 1081: Indescribable

Xu Huang hurried back to Changancheng, his heart filled with the joy and anticipation of having successfully persuaded Huchuquan. He knew that this move had not only won precious peace for Bingzhou but had also paved a path for Gu Yi’s grand cause of unification.

Upon returning to Changancheng, Xu Huang went straight to Gu Yi’s residence to report the situation at the Southern Xiongnu royal court in detail.

"My lord, I have not failed your mission. Chanyu Huchuquan has agreed to form an alliance with us to confront Yuan Shao and other forces together." Xu Huang’s voice carried a hint of excitement.

Hearing this, a look of relief appeared on Gu Yi’s face. He patted Xu Huang’s shoulder and praised: "Xu Huang, you have performed a great service this time. I will surely reward you for your merits and not let your hard work go to waste."

Xu Huang lowered his head modestly: "My lord, you are too kind. This is merely my duty; I dare not speak of merit."

Gu Yi laughed and immediately summoned strategists like Li Ru, Chen Deng, and Zhuge Liang to inform them of the news Xu Huang had brought back.

"Everyone, Xu Huang has successfully persuaded Huchuquan, and the Southern Xiongnu will form an alliance with us. In this way, we can concentrate our forces to deal with Yuan Shao’s threat." Gu Yi’s tone was filled with confidence.

Li Ru nodded in praise: "My lord, Xu Huang’s merit is immeasurable. However, we must still act with caution. Yuan Shao is cunning and deceitful; if he learns that the Southern Xiongnu have formed an alliance with us, he will surely take other measures to deal with us."

Chen Deng also echoed: "Mr. Li Ru’s words are very true. We should strengthen defenses in various places while closely monitoring Yuan Shao’s movements. Once there is any sign of trouble, we can react quickly."

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and slowly said: "Besides this, we can also use this alliance to further woo other forces. For example, Ma Chao, Han Sui, and others in Xiliang also have grievances with Yuan Shao. If we can form an alliance with them, we will surely strengthen our power."

Hearing this, Gu Yi’s eyes lit up: "Kongming’s words are exactly what I think. I shall write a letter immediately and send an envoy to Xiliang to invite Ma Chao and Han Sui to Changancheng to discuss major matters."

In the days that followed, Gu Yi strengthened defenses in various places while actively wooing other forces. Yuan Shao, as Li Ru had predicted, was furious upon learning that the Southern Xiongnu had formed an alliance with Gu Yi. He immediately summoned his strategists to discuss countermeasures.

"Gu Yi is extremely cunning; he has actually managed to persuade the Southern Xiongnu to form an alliance with him. In this way, our plan has been disrupted." Yuan Shao’s face was as gloomy as water.

Strategist Tian Feng advised: "My lord, since the Southern Xiongnu have become our enemies, why don’t we unite with other forces to deal with Gu Yi? For example, tribes like the Wuhuan and Xianbei in the north also have grievances with Gu Yi. If we can form an alliance with them, we will surely strengthen our power."

Hearing this, Yuan Shao nodded: "Tian Feng’s words are reasonable. I shall send envoys to the north immediately to form an alliance with tribes like the Wuhuan and Xianbei. At the same time, we must also strengthen defenses in various places to prevent Gu Yi from launching a sudden attack."

However, Yuan Shao’s wishful thinking did not succeed. Gu Yi had long anticipated that he would take such actions and had made preparations in advance. He not only strengthened defenses in various places but also sent out secret agents to monitor Yuan Shao’s movements at all times.

Not long after, Gu Yi received good news from Xiliang. Ma Chao, Han Sui, and others had agreed to form an alliance with Gu Yi to confront Yuan Shao together. This news made Gu Yi overjoyed, and he immediately summoned his strategists to discuss the next step of the action plan.

"Everyone, Ma Chao, Han Sui, and others have formed an alliance with us. We can now concentrate our forces to launch an attack on Yuan Shao." Gu Yi’s tone was filled with the spirit of battle.

Li Ru reminded him: "My lord, although we have wooed Ma Chao, Han Sui, and others, we must still act with caution. Yuan Shao is cunning and deceitful; he will surely set up many traps, waiting for us to take the bait."

Gu Yi nodded: "Mr. Li Ru’s words are very true. We will surely act with caution and not give Yuan Shao any opportunity to exploit."

In the days that followed, Gu Yi led his army to launch multiple attacks on Yuan Shao’s territory. Both sides went back and forth, and the battle was exceptionally fierce. However, because Gu Yi had made full preparations in advance, his army always maintained the advantage.

Finally, in a decisive battle, Gu Yi’s army successfully defeated Yuan Shao’s main force. Yuan Shao was forced to retreat, losing vast territories. This victory brought Gu Yi’s prestige to its peak, and he became a hero in the eyes of the people of the world.

Xu Huang, meanwhile, performed great service in this battle once again. He was not only brave and skilled in battle but also offered strategies for Gu Yi many times, becoming a capable general under Gu Yi’s command. Whenever Xu Huang was mentioned, Gu Yi would praise him endlessly, calling him his right-hand man.

In the days that followed, Gu Yi continued to expand his power. He successively pacified tribes like the Wuhuan and Xianbei in the north, unifying the entire northern region. At the same time, he actively wooed forces in the south, attempting to achieve the unification of the whole country.

However, the road to unification was not smooth. Gu Yi still had to face many challenges and difficulties. But he firmly believed that as long as he persisted in his efforts, he would one day be able to realize his dream and become the true hegemon of the world.