Chapter 1700

The atmosphere at the victory banquet remained warm, but the topic gradually shifted toward future planning and strategy. Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan knew deeply that although the North was temporarily stabilized, the real challenges were still ahead.

"Brother Gu Yi," Gongsun Zan set down his wine cup, his expression serious, "how do you think we should lay out our plans next?"

Gu Yi pondered for a moment and said slowly: "I believe we should adopt a two-pronged strategy. On one hand, continue to strengthen the alliance with Sun Quan to ensure the stability of the Southern front; on the other hand, we must begin preparations for a counterattack against Cao Cao. However, before that, we must first consolidate the Northern defense line to ensure we have no worries in the rear."

Gongsun Zan nodded in agreement: "That is indeed the case. Although the Northern tribes are temporarily settled, there is no guarantee they won't change again. We need to send reliable generals to guard the area while strengthening our connections with them."

At this moment, Chen Lin interjected: "My lord, General Gongsun, I think we can also consider disintegrating Cao Cao's forces from within. Although Cao Cao is powerful, his internal structure is not monolithic. We can send secret agents to sow discord among his generals and create internal chaos."

Upon hearing this, a trace of appreciation flashed in Gu Yi's eyes: "Chen Lin's plan is excellent. However, this matter must be handled with caution to ensure there are no mistakes."

Gongsun Zan also nodded in agreement: "Indeed, if this plan succeeds, it will be greatly beneficial to us. But we must also be careful not to alert the enemy."

Everyone continued to discuss future plans, the atmosphere warm and tense. Everyone knew that future 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.

Just then, a soldier hurried into the camp, knelt, and reported: "My lord, there is urgent military intelligence! Cao Cao's army has begun to move and seems to be preparing to launch an attack against us."

This news shocked everyone present. Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan looked at each other, both seeing firmness and determination in the other's eyes.

"It seems Cao Cao can finally no longer restrain himself," Gu Yi said in a low voice. "Pass the order down: the entire army is to enter a state of combat readiness and prepare for battle."

Gongsun Zan also stood up, his voice impassioned: "Brothers, we have waited for this day for a long time. Now, it is time to let Cao Cao see what we are capable of."

In the days that followed, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan cooperated closely, deploying troops and generals to prepare for the battle against Cao Cao's army. They knew that this battle would determine their future and the fate of the entire alliance.

Finally, Cao Cao's army pressed against the borders, and the battle was on the verge of breaking out. Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan led their troops to meet the enemy, and the two sides engaged in fierce combat. On the battlefield, blades flashed, smoke filled the air, and every moment was filled with life-and-death struggles.

However, under the wise command of Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan, their army demonstrated powerful combat effectiveness. They repelled Cao Cao's attacks time and again, gradually gaining the upper hand on the battlefield.

Upon seeing this, Cao Cao was greatly shocked. He had originally thought he could easily defeat the joint forces of Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan, but he had not expected to encounter such stubborn resistance. He began to re-examine his strategies and decisions, and a trace of doubt could not help but arise in his heart.

Just then, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan seized the opportunity and launched a fierce counterattack. They led elite troops to charge straight at Cao Cao's main camp. Upon seeing this, Cao Cao was terrified and hurriedly commanded his army to resist.

However, under the fierce onslaught of Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan, Cao Cao's army gradually collapsed. Having no other choice, Cao Cao could only lead his remnants to flee back to Xu Chang.

In this battle, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan achieved a glorious victory. They not only defeated Cao Cao's army but also expanded their sphere of influence. The entire alliance was immersed in joy, and morale was high.

After the battle, Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan met in the camp. The two looked at each other and smiled, their hearts filled with joy and pride.

"Brother Gu Yi, we fought beautifully in this battle," Gongsun Zan said with a smile.

Gu Yi also nodded: "Yes, we did indeed fight very well in this battle. However, this is only the beginning. Cao Cao will not give up just like that; we still need to continue our efforts."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Zan's expression became serious: "You are right. We cannot take this lightly. Next, we must continue to strengthen internal governance and military preparations to be ready for future battles."

Gu Yi took a deep breath: "That's right. Furthermore, we must continue to seek alliances with other factions. Only by being united as one can we overcome all difficulties."

The two continued to discuss future plans, the atmosphere harmonious and warm. They knew the road ahead was still long, but they also believed that with each other's company and support, they would surely be able to go further and more steadily.

The warmth of the victory banquet had not yet dissipated when Gu Yi and Gongsun Zan plunged into intense post-battle summaries and future planning. Inside the camp, the lights were bright, and the two sat around a table covered with maps marked with various signs, showing their strategic layout for the next steps.

"Brother Gu Yi, although we won a great victory in this battle, it also exposed quite a few problems," Gongsun Zan pointed to a spot on the map, his brow furrowed. "For example, this defense line—if Cao Cao attacks again, do we have sufficient troops to defend it?"