Chapter 1698

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of light flashed in Gu Yi's eyes as he looked at Gongsun Zan: "Brother Gongsun, what do you think of this proposal? If our two families can be joined by marriage, it would undoubtedly be the strongest guarantee for our alliance."

Gongsun Zan laughed heartily, appearing quite magnanimous: "Brother Gu Yi, I support this proposal with both hands! I happen to have a niece who is both talented and beautiful; she would surely be a perfect match for one of the generals under your command."

Gu Yi also smiled: "That is excellent. Then let us arrange this matter as soon as possible and let this marriage become the new starting point for our alliance."

Just as everyone was discussing how to further consolidate the alliance and expand their influence, a scout hurried into the camp, knelt on the ground, and reported: "My lord, there is urgent military intelligence! Cao Cao's army is rapidly approaching our border, and their intentions are unclear!"

This news stunned everyone present. Cao Cao, the hero who dominated the Central Plains, had suddenly dispatched troops, undoubtedly bringing new challenges to Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan, who had just achieved victory.

Gu Yi frowned deeply and said in a low voice: "Cao Cao dispatching troops at this time must mean he has ulterior motives. We must be prepared to respond."

Gongsun Zan also restrained his smile, his expression stern: "Cao Cao is a cunning and resourceful man; we must not take this lightly. Brother Gu Yi, what is your strategy?"

Gu Yi pondered for a moment and then spoke slowly: "First, we must strengthen border defense to ensure Cao Cao cannot easily break through our lines. Second, we must send envoys to Cao Cao's camp to ascertain his intentions. Finally, we must also prepare for the worst; if Cao Cao truly intends to violate our territory, we will surely go all out to defend our homeland."

The generals nodded in agreement upon hearing this. They knew the coming battles would be even more difficult, but they also believed that under the leadership of Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan, they would surely be able to overcome all difficulties.

Soon, Gu Yi dispatched an envoy to Cao Cao's camp. The envoy carried Gu Yi's personal letter, expressing his concern regarding Cao Cao's troop movements and inquiring about his true intentions.

After receiving the letter, Cao Cao laughed heartily: "Gu Yi, oh Gu Yi, you really are a smart man. However, my dispatching of troops this time is not to be your enemy, but to divide Yuan Shao's territory with you."

The envoy brought Cao Cao's words back to Gu Yi's camp. After hearing them, Gu Yi pondered secretly: "Cao Cao is an ambitious man; his words cannot be trusted. But it is not appropriate for us to clash head-on with Cao Cao at this moment; it is better to stabilize him first before making further plans."

Thus, Gu Yi replied to Cao Cao, expressing his willingness to discuss the division of Yuan Shao's territory with him, but also putting forward his own conditions, demanding that Cao Cao must not violate their territory.

After receiving the reply, a cold sneer appeared at the corner of Cao Cao's mouth: "Gu Yi, oh Gu Yi, you really are a cunning fellow. However, since you are willing to talk, I will play along with you."

Just like that, a subtle game of chess unfolded between Gu Yi and Cao Cao. Gongsun Zan fully supported Gu Yi's decision, believing that as long as they were united as one, they would surely be able to defeat any enemy.

In the days that followed, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan strengthened their border defenses while negotiating with Cao Cao. They carefully safeguarded their own interests while remaining vigilant of Cao Cao's movements at all times.

However, just as the negotiations were in full swing, a sudden piece of news broke the calm—the remnants of Yuan Shao's forces were uniting in secret, attempting to launch a counterattack against Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan!

This news brought immense pressure to both Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan. They knew that if they could not quickly resolve the remnants of Yuan Shao's forces, their alliance would face an unprecedented crisis.

"Brother Gongsun, it seems we must temporarily set aside the negotiations with Cao Cao and resolve the remnants of Yuan Shao's forces first," Gu Yi said with a solemn expression.

Gongsun Zan also nodded: "That's right, Yuan Shao's remnants are our greatest threat and must be eradicated as soon as possible. Brother Gu Yi, do you have any specific plans?"

Gu Yi took a deep breath: "We need a decisive battle to completely eliminate Yuan Shao's remnants. I intend to lead the army myself, while you remain to guard the rear and ensure the safety of our base."

Upon hearing this, a trace of worry flashed in Gongsun Zan's eyes: "Brother Gu Yi, it is too risky for you to lead the expedition yourself. Let me go instead, and you stay in the rear to command the overall situation."

Gu Yi patted Gongsun Zan on the shoulder: "Brother Gongsun, I appreciate your kindness. But this battle concerns our survival, and I must go myself. Rest assured, I will surely return safely."

Thus, Gu Yi personally led the army to launch a life-and-death struggle against Yuan Shao's remnants. Gongsun Zan fully supported Gu Yi's actions, remaining in the rear to ensure the safety of the base and providing a steady stream of material support to the front lines.

After months of fierce fighting, Gu Yi finally succeeded in eliminating Yuan Shao's remnants and stabilizing the situation in the North. Upon learning this news, Cao Cao also temporarily abandoned the idea of competing with Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan for territory and chose to withdraw his troops.

This great battle made the alliance between Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan even more solid, and their influence expanded further. The situation in the North ushered in a new chapter, and an era belonging to Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan officially began.