Chapter 1502: Cannot Do Without You

In Liu Bei's council chamber, the candlelight flickered, reflecting the furrowed brows and deep eyes of a group of strategists. They sat around the table, the atmosphere heavy and tense. Liu Bei stood in the center, holding Gu Yi's letter, his gaze sweeping over everyone one by one, his heart filled with both expectation and worry.

"Everyone, although Gu Yi's plan is brilliant, as we expected, its gentleness is feared to be unable to withstand the sharpness of Cao Cao. We need to improve it on this basis to make it more comprehensive and more ruthless." Liu Bei's words carried an unquestionable firmness.

The chief strategist, Zhuge Liang, shook his feather fan lightly and spoke slowly: "My lord's words are very true. Gu Yi's plan is clever in utilizing the terrain and the hearts of the people to delay the pace of the Cao army. However, Cao Cao is full of schemes and will definitely not sit idly by. We need to add ambushes on the basis of Gu Yi's plan to disrupt the Cao army's formation with surprise attacks, and at the same time strengthen intelligence collection to ensure that we have a thorough grasp of the Cao army's movements."

Guan Yu, who was on the side, raised his thick eyebrows upon hearing this and said in a deep voice: "Brother, I am willing to lead the elite myself as a surprise force to set an ambush on the path that the Cao army must pass, giving them a surprise attack."

Zhang Fei was also unwilling to fall behind and slapped the table: "Second brother is right! I am also willing to go, fighting side by side with the second brother, letting that Cao Cao know the power of our brothers!"

Liu Bei smiled slightly, a warm current surging in his heart. He knew deeply that with these loyal and courageous brothers by his side, why fear Cao Cao's million-strong army? "Good! Both virtuous brothers have commendable courage, but this matter still needs to be planned carefully to ensure nothing goes wrong."

Next, everyone began to discuss the specific battle plan in detail. Zhuge Liang proposed that they should utilize the complex terrain of Yanzhou to set up multiple defense lines, each of which needed to have clear tactical goals and retreat routes, ensuring that they could effectively consume the Cao army's strength while ensuring the flexible mobility of their own army.

Zhao Yun suggested that they should dispatch elite scouts deep into the Cao army's hinterland to find out the location of their grain, fodder, and supplies, launching attacks at the right time to cut off the Cao army's logistics and force them into chaos without a fight.

The discussion lasted until late at night, and finally, a complete strategic plan that combined Gu Yi's original plan with everyone's wisdom was produced. Liu Bei nodded with satisfaction, his heart filled with confidence for the upcoming battle.

The next day, Liu Bei secretly mobilized the army according to the plan and at the same time sent envoys to the surrounding commanderies to seek the support of allies to jointly fight against Cao Cao. For a time, the whole of Yanzhou was excited, and morale was high.

And Gu Yi's side was not idle either. He knew deeply that although his plan had flaws, if it could be coordinated with Liu Bei's deployment, it would definitely have unexpected effects. Thus, he personally led an elite squad, sneaked into the rear of the Cao army, and began his "harassing the enemy" operation.

Gu Yi utilized his familiarity with the terrain and his deep understanding of Cao Cao's personality to attack frequently, either attacking grain and fodder or spreading rumors, making the Cao army panic internally and morale low. Although Cao Cao sent heavy troops to encircle and suppress, he could never capture Gu Yi's whereabouts. For a time, Gu Yi seemed to have turned into an omnipresent ghost, making Cao Cao have a headache.

At the same time, Liu Bei's defense works in Yanzhou were becoming increasingly perfect, and the soldiers on each defense line were waiting in full battle array, just waiting for the Cao army to arrive to give them a head-on blow.

Finally, Cao Cao's army surged like a tide, and a great battle that would determine the fate of Yanzhou and even the entire Central Plains was about to unfold. Liu Bei stood on the city wall, looking at the dust flying in the distance, and muttered in his heart: "Gu Yi, our friendship will be best proven in this battle."

The horn of battle sounded, and the armies of both sides collided like iron torrents, blades and shadows flickering, blood staining the battlefield. However, in this seemingly evenly matched contest, the tacit cooperation between Liu Bei and Gu Yi quietly changed the situation of the battle. Every offensive of Cao Cao was cleverly resolved by Liu Bei; and Gu Yi's harassment tactics made the Cao army exhausted and morale low.

After several days of fierce fighting, Cao Cao finally had to withdraw his troops because of insufficient logistics and collapsed morale. The Battle of Yanzhou ended with Liu Bei's victory, and Gu Yi's name became even louder because of this battle, becoming a shadow that Cao Cao could not erase in his heart.

After the battle, Liu Bei and Gu Yi met again, the two looked at each other and smiled, without needing to say more, that deep friendship had already taken root and sprouted in their hearts, no matter how the world changed, it could not be shaken.

"Gu Yi, being able to win this time is thanks to you." Liu Bei said sincerely.

Gu Yi shook his head with a smile, "Liu Bei, we are brothers, sharing weal and woe, enjoying wealth together, this is what I should do."

In the sunset, the figures of the two were pulled very long, as if predicting that their friendship would be as warm and lasting as this sunset glow, illuminating the road ahead for each other.

After the battle, although Yanzhou was devastated, it quickly recovered its vitality under Liu Bei's governance. The common people rebuilt their homes, merchants came and went frequently, and it was a scene of prosperity. Liu Bei knew deeply that all this peace and prosperity were hard-won, so he cherished the friendship with Gu Yi even more and paid more attention to internal governance and external defense.

Gu Yi did not stay long after the battle. He knew deeply that he was a free spirit and not suitable for being bound to a city or a place for a long time. Thus, when saying goodbye to Liu Bei, he proposed an idea: "Liu Bei, I want to travel around to find more wise and talented people to prepare for the chaos in the world in the future."

Liu Bei listened to this, although a little reluctant, he also understood Gu Yi's ambition. He patted Gu Yi on the shoulder and said: "Good brother, go. No matter where you go, this is your home. If there is a need in the future, just a letter, I will definitely do my best to help."

Gu Yi nodded gratefully, the two shook hands tightly, and then Gu Yi rode on a fast horse and disappeared into the dust in the distance.

Gu Yi's journey of travel was not smooth; he experienced countless wind and rain and dangers, but he also made many like-minded friends and wise and talented people. They discussed the general trend of the world together, analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of various warlords, and prepared for the chaotic times in the future.

In the process of traveling, Gu Yi also paid attention to Liu Bei's movements at all times. Whenever Liu Bei encountered difficulties or crises, Gu Yi would always appear in time to offer advice and resolve the danger. And Liu Bei also always regarded Gu Yi as his closest comrade and brother, trusting and grateful to him no matter when and where.

With the passage of time, the situation in the world became more and more turbulent. Cao Cao, Sun Quan, Yuan Shao, and other warlords rose one after another, competing for the hegemony of the world. And Liu Bei also gradually strengthened his power with the help of Gu Yi and others, becoming a force that could not be ignored in the Central Plains region.

However, just when Liu Bei was preparing to show his ambition, a sudden piece of news made him fall into deep grief. Gu Yi unfortunately encountered an ambush by Cao Cao during his travels, was seriously injured, and was in critical condition.

After Liu Bei learned the news, he immediately sent the most elite troops and the best physicians to rescue him. However, when they arrived at the scene, Gu Yi was already on his last breath. Liu Bei tightly held Gu Yi's hand, tears streaming down his face: "Good brother, you must hold on! I cannot do without you!"

Gu Yi looked at Liu Bei with a smile and said with his last strength: "Liu Bei…… I…… I can't make it…… you must take care of yourself…… you must unify the world in the future…… realize our dream……" ===== CHAPTER 1503 =====