Chapter 1092

Hanzhong, Zhang Lu's mansion.

Upon learning that Dong Zhuo's envoy had been expelled by Liu Yan, Zhang Lu felt both indignant and fortunate. Indignant at Liu Yan's unreasonable tyranny, and fortunate that he had chosen to form an alliance with Dong Zhuo.

"Mr. Jia, Liu Yan's move is undoubtedly a declaration of war against us." Zhang Lu said to Jia Xu, who had come to visit, "My Five Pecks of Rice Sect in Hanzhong will definitely go all out and fight side by side with Lord Dong."

Jia Xu smiled, "It is good that Sect Leader Zhang has this determination. However, we still need to act cautiously. Liu Yan's military strength is not bad, so we must not underestimate the enemy."

Zhang Lu nodded, "Mr. Jia, rest assured. I, Zhang Lu, am not a reckless person. I will reorganize my army and prepare for war, waiting for Lord Dong's order."

Seeing this, Jia Xu was secretly satisfied. He knew that Zhang Lu had completely stood on Dong Zhuo's side, which was of great benefit to their plan to march south.

As time passed, the situation between Yizhou, Hanzhong, and Chang'an became increasingly tense. Dong Zhuo continuously prepared for the southward march, Zhang Lu reorganized his army and prepared for war in Hanzhong, and Liu Yan tightened his defense of Yizhou.

A contest concerning the pattern of the world was quietly unfolding. And in this contest, everyone was fighting for their own interests and beliefs. Whether it was Dong Zhuo's ambition, Zhang Lu's heart for independence, or Liu Yan's responsibility to defend the land, all would become key factors in this contest.

And behind this contest, there were countless strategists planning and countless soldiers fighting in blood. Their fates would also change with the result of this contest. In this great war concerning the world, everyone was writing their own legend... ===== CHAPTER 1784 =====

Chang'an City, Prime Minister's Mansion.

Gu Yi sat in the study, playing with an exquisite jade pen in his hand, his eyes deep, as if thinking about something. At this moment, the voice of an attendant came from outside the door, "Prime Minister, General Ji Ling, along with Young Master Yuan Shu and the Young Lady, have arrived outside the mansion."

Gu Yi gently put down the jade pen, the corners of his mouth curling into a faint smile, "Please invite them in."

Before long, Ji Ling walked into the study with Yuan Han, Yuan Li, and Feng Ji. Ji Ling bowed, "Greetings, Prime Minister. I have safely brought Young Master Yuan Han, Young Lady Yuan Li, and Lady Feng."

Gu Yi stood up, his gaze sweeping over the three, finally stopping on Feng Ji's peerless face, and he couldn't help but sigh secretly in his heart. He nodded slightly, his tone peaceful, "General Ji Ling, you have worked hard. You may withdraw and rest first; I have words for Young Master Yuan and Lady Feng."

Ji Ling received the order and withdrew, leaving only Gu Yi and the three members of the Yuan family in the study. The atmosphere was a bit awkward for a moment. Yuan Han gathered his courage, stepped forward, and cupped his hands, "Yuan Han greets the Prime Minister. My father's last wish is to hope that the Prime Minister can protect us."

Gu Yi smiled slightly, signaling Yuan Han not to be overly polite, "Young Master Yuan, you are too polite. I have also heard about your father's affairs. Since your father had this last wish, I will naturally do my best."

Yuan Li also spoke softly at this time, her voice as pleasant as a clear spring, "Li'er also thanks the Prime Minister." Although she was young, her demeanor already revealed the temperament of a young lady from a great family, and her eyes flashed with uncertainty about the future and a trace of expectation.

Feng Ji bowed gracefully and said softly, "I am Feng Ji, greetings to the Prime Minister. Han'er, Li'er, and I will rely on the Prime Minister from now on." Every movement of hers revealed endless charm, making it hard for people to look away.

Gu Yi coughed lightly, breaking this enchanting atmosphere, "I know that although Yuan Gonglu had faults, his descendants are innocent. Young Master Yuan, what are your plans for the future?"

Yuan Han lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then replied, "Han'er wishes to follow the Prime Minister, learn the way of governing the country, and hope to be able to do something for the people of the world in the future."

Gu Yi nodded in approval and looked at Yuan Li, "What about Young Lady Yuan? Do you have any thoughts?"

Yuan Li was slightly stunned, then replied, "Li'er is willing to listen to the Prime Minister's arrangements, whether it is learning literature or martial arts, I am willing to do so."

Gu Yi calculated secretly in his heart: if Yuan Li's talent and appearance were cultivated, she would surely become an excellent candidate for marriage in the future, strengthening the connection between Dong Zhuo's forces and other forces. As for Feng Ji, he had other plans in mind.

"Lady Feng, what do you think?" Gu Yi turned to Feng Ji and asked.

Feng Ji blinked her eyes, as if she had already perceived Gu Yi's thoughts, and she said softly, "I will leave everything to the Prime Minister's decision; I only hope to be able to accompany Han'er and Li'er and take care of them as they grow up."

Gu Yi nodded with satisfaction, "That is very good. I will arrange a good teacher for Young Master Yuan, and Young Lady Yuan can enter the Chang'an Academy. As for Lady Feng, you will temporarily reside in the Prime Minister's mansion. How about that?"

The three heard this and thanked Gu Yi for his arrangements. Gu Yi waved his hand, signaling that they could withdraw, while secretly pondering in his heart: Yuan Shu's move, although out of helplessness, also left a trace of his own bloodline. And was he not also planning for the future? These young faces might be the beginning of a new generation.

A few days later, Yuan Han began his learning career, studying classics with a Confucian teacher designated by Gu Yi every day, and Yuan Li also entered the Chang'an Academy to study with many children of noble families. Feng Ji was placed in the backyard of the Prime Minister's mansion; although her life was not as luxurious as before, it was quiet and comfortable.

One day, Gu Yi was handling government affairs in the study when Feng Ji suddenly requested an audience. Gu Yi was slightly surprised but still had her invited in.

"Lady Feng, what is the matter that you want to see me?" Gu Yi put down the documents in his hand and asked gently.

Feng Ji stepped forward lightly and bowed, "Prime Minister, I have a request. Although I am a woman, I am also willing to share your worries. If you do not mind, I am willing to help manage household chores in the mansion or assist in handling some trivial matters."

Hearing this, Gu Yi's heart stirred. Feng Ji was not only beautiful but also intelligent. If he could keep her by his side, she might become a capable assistant. Thus, he smiled, "Lady Feng has this intention, and I could not ask for more. From today on, you will assist in managing the affairs of the mansion."

Hearing this, a trace of joy flashed in Feng Ji's eyes, which then turned into a gentle smile, "Thank you for your trust, Prime Minister. I will definitely do my best."

As time passed, Feng Ji's role in the Prime Minister's mansion gradually emerged. She not only managed the affairs of the mansion in an orderly manner but also often put forward some constructive suggestions, making Gu Yi look at her with new eyes.

And Yuan Han and Yuan Li also grew up under Gu Yi's arrangements. Yuan Han made rapid progress in his studies, and Yuan Li showed extraordinary talent in the academy, winning the praise of teachers and students.

Everything seemed to be developing in the direction Gu Yi expected. He knew that the future of these young people would be closely linked to the rise and fall of his Dong Zhuo forces. And he, as the behind-the-scenes pusher of all this, must ensure that every step was steady and powerful.

Time flew like an arrow, and in the blink of an eye, a few years passed. Yuan Han had grown into a handsome and dashing young man, Yuan Li had also grown into a graceful young woman, and Feng Ji still maintained that peerless appearance, only with a bit more maturity and wisdom in her eyes.

Gu Yi looked at all this before him, his heart filled with emotion. He knew that everything he did was not only for himself but also for everyone in this chaotic world, so that they could have a better future. ===== CHAPTER 1785 =====