Chapter 1569

Gu Yi seemed to see through Zhang He's thoughts and advised him, "Junyi, a great man born in troubled times should wield a three-foot sword to achieve immortal merit. If you remain under Han Fu's command, I fear you will never have a day to shine. Although Yuan Shao is not a perfect man, he is capable of recognizing and employing talent. If you can gain his appreciation, you will surely be able to fully display your abilities."

Zhang He was silent for a moment, finally made up his mind, and nodded, "Brother Gu's words are reasonable. I am willing to follow you to defect to Yuan Shao and plot great things together."

Gu Yi was overjoyed upon hearing this, hurriedly grasped Zhang He's hand, and said, "Junyi, you are truly a hero with courage and insight! Rest assured, I, Gu Yi, will certainly not let you down. Let us prepare now and set off for Yuan Shao's camp on an auspicious day."

Thus, the two began to plot their plan to defect to Yuan Shao. Gu Yi utilized his connections within the coalition to quietly arrange a route for Zhang He to leave Han Fu's camp, and they agreed upon a location and time to meet with Yuan Shao.

Several days later, on a bright and breezy morning, Zhang He took his simple luggage and quietly left Han Fu's camp. In his heart, there was both longing for the future and anxiety about the unknown challenges. But he knew that this step was an important turning point in his life, and no matter the result, he had to face it bravely.

After several days of trekking, Zhang He finally arrived at the agreed-upon location to meet Yuan Shao. When he saw the envoy sent by Yuan Shao to welcome him, a surge of excitement could not help but rise in his heart. He knew he was about to step into a new world, a world full of opportunities and challenges.

In Yuan Shao's camp, Zhang He received a warm welcome. Yuan Shao personally hosted a banquet to entertain him and inquired about his martial arts and strategic wisdom. Zhang He did not shy away, speaking eloquently and displaying his talents and ambitions to the fullest.

Yuan Shao was overjoyed after hearing him and immediately decided to entrust Zhang He with important responsibilities. Zhang He did not fail Yuan Shao's expectations; in the subsequent battles, he repeatedly performed miraculous feats and gradually became a fierce general under Yuan Shao's command.

Gu Yi also gained Yuan Shao's appreciation and promotion for his merit in recommending Zhang He. From then on, the two fought side by side under Yuan Shao's banner, together writing a legendary chapter.

As time flowed, Zhang He gradually grew into an outstanding general under Yuan Shao. He not only performed miraculous feats on the battlefield but also actively participated in political struggles, offering strategies for Yuan Shao and winning his trust and respect.

However, as Yuan Shao's power continued to grow, internal contradictions gradually became prominent. Although Zhang He and Gu Yi tried their best to assist Yuan Shao, they ultimately could not change Yuan Shao's character flaws and decision-making errors. In the end, Yuan Shao was heavily defeated by Cao Cao at the Battle of Guandu, and his power plummeted.

After Yuan Shao's failure, Zhang He and Gu Yi faced a difficult choice. They knew deeply that Yuan Shao was beyond saving, but they were unwilling to easily abandon their beliefs and pursuits. After careful deliberation, they decided to defect to Cao Cao to continue seeking opportunities to achieve merit and establish a career.

Under Cao Cao's command, Zhang He and Gu Yi quickly demonstrated extraordinary military talent and political wisdom. Cao Cao, this hero of troubled times, with his profound insight and excellent leadership, quickly identified the value of Zhang He and Gu Yi, regarding them as his right-hand men.

Zhang He, relying on his superior martial arts and calm judgment on the battlefield, repeatedly led troops to achieve key victories. He was not only invincible on the front lines but also excelled in tactics like surprise attacks and ambushes, leaving the enemy unable to defend against him. Whenever the war reached a stalemate, Zhang He could always come up with strategies to break the enemy, establishing great military merit for Cao Cao.

As for Gu Yi, with his keen political intuition and profound strategic foundation, he played an irreplaceable role in Cao Cao's shogunate. He was adept at analyzing the political situation and predicting future trends, providing Cao Cao with many valuable suggestions. At the same time, Gu Yi was also skilled at handling interpersonal relationships, capable of coordinating the interests of all parties to ensure that Cao Cao's decisions were executed smoothly.

As time passed, the status of Zhang He and Gu Yi under Cao Cao's command became higher and higher. They not only became Cao Cao's capable assistants but also occupied pivotal positions in the Cao Wei regime. However, they did not become arrogant or complacent because of this; instead, they became more humble and cautious, always maintaining loyalty and awe toward Cao Cao.

During the establishment of the Cao Wei regime, Zhang He and Gu Yi played a crucial role. They not only assisted Cao Cao in pacifying many separatist forces in the north but also participated in major campaigns such as the southern expeditions against Sun Quan and Liu Bei. In these campaigns, they demonstrated excellent military talent and a firm political stance, making great contributions to the stability of the Cao Wei regime.

However, as the Cao Wei regime grew increasingly powerful, internal contradictions gradually became prominent. Cao Cao's descendants engaged in fierce struggles to compete for the succession. Although Zhang He and Gu Yi tried their best to remain neutral, they ultimately could not avoid being drawn into this political storm.

In this struggle, Zhang He and Gu Yi always adhered to their principles and beliefs. They neither supported any side nor participated in any conspiracies. They knew deeply that whoever eventually inherited Cao Cao's foundation would need their assistance and support. Therefore, they chose to remain silent and watch the changes.

However, their silence did not bring peace. Some people with ulterior motives began to exclude and suppress them, attempting to push them out of the core circle of the Cao Wei regime. Facing such a predicament, Zhang He and Gu Yi did not choose to yield. Relying on their talent and courage, as well as the trust and appreciation Cao Cao had for them during his lifetime, they successfully resisted these attacks.