Chapter 1696: Falling into Chaos

The news of the alliance quickly spread throughout the north, causing a huge reaction. After Yuan Shao learned that Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan had formed an alliance, he was so angry that he jumped like thunder; he knew well that his current situation was already very critical and he must find a way to break the situation as soon as possible.

"Ju Shou, Shen Pei, you two come to see me immediately!" Yuan Shao urgently summoned his two major strategists.

Ju Shou and Shen Pei hurried over, and seeing Yuan Shao's gloomy face, both muttered secretly in their hearts. Yuan Shao took a deep breath, told them about the alliance, and then asked: "In the current situation, what countermeasures do you have?"

Ju Shou pondered for a moment and said: "Lord, although Gongsun Zan is brave, his personality is irritable and easy to provoke. We can try to provoke the relationship between him and Gu Yi, letting them kill each other, and we can sit and reap the benefits of the fisherman."

Shen Pei added: "At the same time, we can also contact Cao Ren and let him contain Gu Yi from the flank, reducing our pressure. In addition, we must also strengthen internal unity, stabilize the morale of the army, and prepare to meet the upcoming great battle."

After hearing this, Yuan Shao nodded slightly: "This plan is feasible. Ju Shou, you are responsible for provoking the relationship between Gongsun Zan and Gu Yi; Shen Pei, you are responsible for contacting Cao Ren and coordinating actions; I will personally sit in the middle army and coordinate the overall situation."

The three agreed on the plan and began to act separately. Ju Shou sent secret agents to spread contradictions between Gongsun Zan and Gu Yi everywhere, trying to incite disputes between the two sides; Shen Pei personally went to Cao Ren's camp to discuss cooperation matters.

However, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan were no pushovers. They had already anticipated the strategies Yuan Shao might adopt, so they strengthened their communication and trust with each other. When Ju Shou's secret agents tried to sow discord, they were quickly seen through, which instead deepened their vigilance against Yuan Shao.

As for Shen Pei's contact with Cao Ren, although it achieved certain results, Cao Ren also knew his own situation well. He had to take into account the alliance relationship with Yuan Shao, but he did not want to be too deeply involved in this dispute. Therefore, he appeared quite cautious in his actions and did not fully act according to Yuan Shao's wishes.

Days passed, and the situation in the north became increasingly tense. A great battle between Yuan Shao and Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan was on the verge of breaking out. However, just at this critical moment, an unexpected piece of news came—Yuan Shao's ally Cao Ren actually chose to withdraw his troops at this time!

This news shocked Yuan Shao. He had originally counted on Cao Ren to contain Gu Yi from the flank, winning more time and space for himself. However, Cao Ren's withdrawal made him fall into an even more passive situation.

"This Cao Ren, actually so unloyal!" Yuan Shao stood up in anger.

Ju Shou and Shen Pei also showed worry. They knew well that losing Cao Ren's support would make Yuan Shao's situation even more difficult. However, things had reached this point, and they could only do their best.

"Lord, do not be angry," Ju Shou advised, "Although Cao Ren's withdrawal is unfavorable to us, it is not without a turning point. We can use this opportunity to concentrate our forces and launch a fierce attack on Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan, perhaps we can break the situation in one fell swoop."

Shen Pei also nodded in agreement: "Mr. Ju's words are absolutely correct. Although our troop strength is not as good as the opponent's now, if we can layout cleverly and use terrain and tactical advantages, we may not have no chance of winning."

Yuan Shao listened to the two's words, and the anger in his heart gradually subsided. He knew well that he had reached the critical moment of life and death and must go all out to save his fate.

Thus, Yuan Shao began to urgently mobilize troops, preparing to launch a decisive attack on Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan. And Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan had also made preparations long ago; they were ready and waiting to meet Yuan Shao's challenge.

A great battle concerning the fate of the north was about to begin...

The armies of both sides confronted each other at the border of Jizhou, with swords drawn and bows bent. Yuan Shao personally went into battle to direct; he watched the enemy troops in front with bright eyes, his heart filled with determination and murderous intent. And Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan also led elite troops respectively, preparing to fight Yuan Shao to the death.

Following an order, the armies of both sides began to launch fierce attacks. Arrows fell like rain, and the sound of war drums was deafening. Soldiers shouted and charged, fighting for their respective beliefs and ideals.

The battle was exceptionally fierce, and both sides suffered heavy casualties. However, Yuan Shao's army after all had the advantage in numbers and equipment, and they gradually gained the upper hand. Seeing this, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan were secretly anxious, but they did not give up hope.

Just then, an unexpected turning point appeared. Yuan Shao's army suddenly encountered ambush troops of unknown identity during the pursuit. These ambush troops were well-trained and had strong combat strength; they quickly launched a fierce attack on Yuan Shao's army.

Yuan Shao's army suddenly fell into chaos. They had originally thought victory was in their grasp, but they did not expect to encounter such an ambush. Soldiers were panicked and fled in all directions, and the entire battlefield fell into chaos.

Seeing this, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan were overjoyed. They quickly seized the opportunity and led the army to launch a counterattack on Yuan Shao's army. Under the pincer attack from both sides, Yuan Shao's army soon collapsed, and Yuan Shao himself was captured.

This great battle finally ended with the victory of Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan. They not only successfully repelled Yuan Shao's attack but also captured Yuan Shao himself, achieving a decisive victory. And Yuan Shao's forces were completely disintegrated in this great battle, and the situation in the north also underwent earth-shaking changes.

The news of Yuan Shao's capture quickly spread throughout the north, causing a huge uproar. Feudal lords from all over the place discussed it one after another; some marveled at the strength of the alliance between Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan, while others began to calculate how to seek their own interests in this new situation.

In Gu Yi's camp, the generals gathered together to celebrate this hard-won victory. Gu Yi sat in the main seat, smiling, but his eyes revealed a trace of depth. He knew well that although Yuan Shao was defeated, the situation in the north was still complex and changeable, and the road ahead was still long.

"Everyone, although we achieved victory, we must not let our guard down," Gu Yi spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful, "Although Yuan Shao was captured, his remaining forces still cannot be underestimated. We must stabilize the situation as soon as possible and consolidate our victory results."

Gao Shun stood out, bowed, and said: "Lord's words are absolutely correct. I suggest that we should first strengthen the monitoring of Yuan Shao's remaining forces to prevent them from making a comeback. At the same time, we must also set about reorganizing the army and improving combat strength to prepare for future battles."