Chapter 1699

On the day Gu Yi returned in triumph, the entire camp was immersed in jubilation. Gongsun Zan personally led the crowd to welcome him, his face filled with unconcealable joy and pride. When Gu Yi rode his warhorse and slowly entered the camp, Gongsun Zan strode forward and gripped Gu Yi's hand tightly.

"Brother Gu Yi, you truly did not let me down! In this battle, you not only eliminated Yuan Shao's remnants but also laid a solid foundation for the future of our alliance!" Gongsun Zan's voice was impassioned, filled with admiration for Gu Yi.

Gu Yi smiled and shook his head, his eyes full of firmness and humility: "Brother Gongsun, all of this is inseparable from your full support and everyone's collective effort. Without you, I alone could not have achieved such a victory."

The two looked at each other and smiled, that tacit understanding and trust passing between them in silence. Subsequently, Gu Yi turned to look at the soldiers and announced loudly: "Today's victory belongs to every one of us! But remember, this is only the beginning; we still have a longer road to travel and more challenges awaiting us. As long as we are united as one, nothing can stop our progress!"

The soldiers cheered in unison, their morale soaring. They knew that under the leadership of Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan, they were moving toward glory step by step.

At the victory banquet, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan sat side by side, drinking together and discussing the future. Chen Lin, as a strategist, also sat to the side, offering his insights at the appropriate time.

"My lord, General Gongsun, although we have stabilized the North, Cao Cao remains our greatest threat. Although he withdrew his troops this time, he will never give up. We must take precautions and be prepared to respond." Chen Lin's words carried a hint of worry.

Gu Yi nodded, his expression solemn: "Cao Cao is indeed a difficult opponent. But we need not be overly worried. As long as we continue to strengthen internal governance, improve military power, and seek alliances with other factions, we will have sufficient strength to contend with Cao Cao."

Gongsun Zan nodded in agreement: "Brother Gu Yi is right. Furthermore, we can utilize the strategy of marriage to further consolidate our relationships with other factions. The marriage between my niece, whom I mentioned earlier, and one of General Gu Yi's subordinates can also be arranged as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of a smile flashed in Gu Yi's eyes: "I have kept this matter in mind. Once the war eases slightly, we will begin preparations for this marriage, letting it become a new success story for our alliance."

Just as everyone was discussing how to further consolidate the alliance and respond to future challenges, a scout hurried into the camp, knelt, and reported: "My lord, there is urgent military intelligence! An envoy from Sun Quan in the South has arrived, requesting to form an alliance with us to jointly resist Cao Cao."

This news made the eyes of everyone present light up. Sun Quan, the lord of Jiangdong, proposing an alliance at this time was undoubtedly a great help to them.

Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan looked at each other, both seeing the joy in the other's eyes. Gu Yi said in a low voice: "Sun Quan proposing an alliance at this time is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. We must seize it well."

Gongsun Zan also nodded: "That's right. We can join hands with Sun Quan to resist Cao Cao. In this way, our chances of victory will be even greater."

Subsequently, Gu Yi personally met with Sun Quan's envoy and expressed his willingness to form an alliance. The envoy also brought Sun Quan's personal letter, which was filled with admiration and expectations for Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan.

In the days that followed, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan maintained close contact with Sun Quan while continuing to strengthen internal governance and military preparations. They knew that future battles would be even more difficult, but they also believed that as long as they were united as one, they would surely be able to overcome all difficulties.

Not long after, Gu Yi and Sun Quan officially formed an alliance and jointly discussed strategies to resist Cao Cao. Gongsun Zan continued to remain in the rear to ensure the safety and stability of their base.

In battle after battle, the joint forces of Gu Yi and Sun Quan demonstrated powerful combat effectiveness, defeating Cao Cao's army time and again and gradually expanding their sphere of influence. Cao Cao also felt unprecedented pressure and began to re-examine his strategies and decisions.

However, just as Gu Yi and Sun Quan were joining forces to resist Cao Cao, a new crisis quietly emerged. Certain tribes in the North began to stir, attempting to seize territory amidst the chaos. This news brought immense pressure to both Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan.

"Brother Gongsun, it seems we must temporarily set aside the confrontation with Cao Cao and resolve the issue of the Northern tribes first," Gu Yi said with a solemn expression.

Gongsun Zan also nodded: "That's right, the Northern tribes are our foundation and must be stabilized as soon as possible. Brother Gu Yi, do you have any specific plans?"

Gu Yi took a deep breath: "We need an operation that emphasizes both diplomacy and military force. On one hand, we must send envoys to the various tribes for pacification and negotiation; on the other hand, we must also prepare sufficient military force to prevent any unforeseen circumstances."

Upon hearing this, a trace of firmness flashed in Gongsun Zan's eyes: "Brother Gu Yi, go ahead with peace of mind. I will fully support your actions and ensure the safety and stability of the rear."

Thus, Gu Yi led the army on an expedition once again, engaging in a complex and difficult struggle against the Northern tribes. Using wisdom and courage, he resolved crises time and again, gradually winning the trust and respect of the various tribes.

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. At the same time, he closely monitored the situation on the front lines, ready to provide necessary assistance at any time.

After months of effort, Gu Yi finally succeeded in stabilizing the situation in the North and establishing friendly relations with the various tribes. Upon learning this news, Cao Cao also temporarily abandoned the idea of moving North and chose to rest and reorganize.

When the news of Gu Yi's success in stabilizing the situation with the Northern tribes reached the camp, the entire alliance was immersed in joy. Gongsun Zan personally hosted a grand victory banquet for Gu Yi, inviting all generals and strategists to attend. At the banquet, the lights were bright, and laughter and joy were constant.

Gongsun Zan raised his wine cup and said loudly: "Brother Gu Yi, you have truly performed a great service this time! You not only stabilized the North but also won the respect and trust of the various tribes for our alliance. Come, I toast you!"

Gu Yi smiled and took the wine cup, clinking it with Gongsun Zan's before drinking it in one gulp: "Brother Gongsun, this is all thanks to everyone's efforts. Without your full support and everyone's collective effort, I could not have achieved such results."

The two looked at each other and smiled, the atmosphere harmonious. At this moment, Chen Lin stood up and coughed lightly, attracting everyone's attention: "My lord, General Gongsun, although we have stabilized the North, the confrontation with Cao Cao is not yet over. What are our plans for the next steps?"

Gu Yi set down his wine cup, his expression becoming serious: "Chen Lin is right. Cao Cao is our greatest threat, and we must remain vigilant at all times. However, through this Northern campaign, we have also gained much. We have established friendly relations with the various tribes, which provides more possibilities for our future."

Gongsun Zan nodded and added: "Furthermore, we can utilize this opportunity to further strengthen cooperation with the various tribes. Perhaps we can obtain more support and help from them."

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of light flashed in Gu Yi's eyes: "Brother Gongsun, you are right. We can send envoys to the various tribes to propose cooperation. At the same time, we must also strengthen our own military preparations to be ready for future battles."