Chapter 1703

Chang'an, Prime Minister's Mansion.

Gu Yi sat in his study with a huge map spread out before him, marked with the distribution of forces and military deployments across various regions. His gaze was profound, as if he were contemplating some major decision. At this moment, a light knock came from outside the door.

"Come in," Gu Yi's voice was steady and powerful.

The door was pushed open, and Jia Xu walked in, holding a document with a faint smile on his face. "My lord, regarding the matter of ascending the throne, this subordinate has some thoughts."

Gu Yi raised his head, his gaze falling on Jia Xu, signaling him to continue.

"My lord, the general trend of the world is now settled. The South is pacified, and although there are Yuan Shao and Cao Cao in the North, they are no longer a cause for concern. The matter of ascending the throne should be done sooner rather than later. On one hand, it can stabilize the hearts of the people; on the other hand, it can give the soldiers under your command a clear goal to strive for," Jia Xu said slowly, his tone revealing firmness.

Gu Yi nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and asked: "Then in your opinion, how should this be handled?"

"My lord can first discuss it with Grand Tutor Dong to ascertain his intentions. If the Grand Tutor intends for you to ascend the throne, then my lord can fully support it; if the Grand Tutor has no such intention, my lord can first declare yourself King, advance step by step, and when the time is ripe, then proceed with the matter of ascending the throne," Jia Xu suggested.

Upon hearing this, a trace of appreciation flashed in Gu Yi's eyes. "Wenhe's words align perfectly with my thoughts. However, the matter of ascending the throne is no small affair and must be handled with caution. You go and prepare the relevant matters first; I have my own plans."

Jia Xu received the order and left, leaving Gu Yi alone in the study once again. He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the bustling city of Chang'an outside, his mind filled with thoughts. The road to the throne was both full of temptation and filled with thorns. But he knew this step had to be taken sooner or later, for the sake of the world and for himself.

The next day, Gu Yi went to Grand Tutor Dong's mansion and had an in-depth conversation with Old Dong. Upon hearing Gu Yi's intentions, Old Dong remained silent for a long time before finally sighing.

"Yi'er, regarding the matter of ascending the throne, I have had thoughts about it, but now it seems more appropriate for you to dominate the world. I am old and only wish to enjoy my remaining years in peace; I don't want to stir up trouble anymore," Old Dong's words revealed a hint of exhaustion.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yi was deeply moved. "Grand Tutor, rest assured, no matter how far I go, I will never forget your kindness. I will consider the matter of ascending the throne carefully and will definitely not let you down."

Old Dong nodded with satisfaction and patted Gu Yi on the shoulder. "Yi'er, you have grown up and have your own ideas. I believe in you; no matter what decision you make, I will fully support you."

After leaving Grand Tutor Dong's mansion, Gu Yi's mood became exceptionally heavy. He understood that the road to the throne was laid out before him, but he also knew that this road was not easy to walk. He needed more support and more power to consolidate his rule.

Returning to the Prime Minister's Mansion, Gu Yi immediately summoned his civil and military officials and put the matter of ascending the throne on the agenda. Everyone had different reactions upon hearing this, but most expressed support. They believed that ascending the throne was in accordance with the mandate of heaven and was a necessary move to stabilize the world.

In the days that followed, Gu Yi began to prepare for the ascension in full swing. He sent envoys to various regions to announce the news of his upcoming ascension and sought the opinions of various warlords. At the same time, he also strengthened the defenses of Chang'an to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.

In Jingzhou, Liu Biao's life was becoming increasingly difficult. The armies of Li Jue and Guo Si had already approached Wancheng, and Xu Rong's Xiliang army was also pressing in step by step. Liu Biao knew deeply that he had no way out. He summoned Kuai Yue, Cai Mao, and others once again to discuss countermeasures.

"The situation is critical now; what should we do?" Liu Biao's voice carried a hint of despair.

Kuai Yue remained silent for a moment and said slowly: "My lord, the only strategy now is to seek peace with Gu Yi; perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope."

Upon hearing this, a trace of hesitation flashed in Liu Biao's eyes. "Seek peace? We were enemies with Gu Yi before; will he accept it?"

"My lord, times change. Gu Yi is about to ascend the throne; what he needs is to stabilize the world, not to make too many enemies. If we take the initiative to seek peace and express our submission, perhaps we can win a glimmer of hope," Kuai Yue advised.

After hearing this, Liu Biao pondered for a long time before finally nodding. "Good, then we shall follow your words and seek peace with Gu Yi."

In Chang'an, Gu Yi received Liu Biao's letter of peace. After reading it, a cold sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth. "Liu Biao, do you finally know fear? However, seeking peace? It also depends on whether I am willing to accept it."

Gu Yi handed the letter to Jia Xu, who was standing to the side, and asked: "Wenhe, what do you think of this matter?"

Jia Xu took the letter, read it carefully, and said: "My lord, Liu Biao seeking peace is a good thing for us. We can take this opportunity to further consolidate our rule over Jingzhou. However, before accepting the peace, we must put forward some conditions to make Liu Biao submit completely."

Upon hearing this, a trace of appreciation flashed in Gu Yi's eyes. "Good, then we shall follow your words. You go and prepare a peace treaty for Liu Biao to sign and seal. From now on, Jingzhou will be in the palm of my hand."