Chapter 1756: Having Concerns

"My lord, peace talks are naturally impossible," Xu You shook his head gently, a flash of cunning in his eyes. "But we can adopt a strategy of division, to alienate the relationship between Dong Zhuo and his generals, especially Hua Xiong and Gu Yi."

Hearing this, Yuan Shao frowned slightly, signaling Xu You to continue.

"Gu Yi, although talented, is not Dong Zhuo's direct subordinate; his heart must be unstable. We can send an eloquent person to secretly contact Gu Yi, promising him high official positions and generous rewards to induce him to betray Dong Zhuo. At the same time, spread rumors that Hua Xiong's achievements are overshadowing his master, and Dong Zhuo is jealous and wants to get rid of him. In this way, Dong Zhuo's internal affairs will be in chaos, and we can sit back and reap the benefits," Xu You spoke endlessly, his words full of confidence.

Yuan Shao listened and pondered for a moment, saying: "This plan is clever, but the risk in implementing it is quite large. Since Gu Yi was able to help Hua Xiong launch a surprise attack on our army, he is certainly no ordinary person; how could he be easily persuaded? Furthermore, the old thief Dong Zhuo is cunning and suspicious; if he discovers it, we will suffer instead."

Xu You smiled slightly and said: "What my lord says is very true, so this plan needs to be carried out cautiously. I am willing to go personally; with my one-time acquaintance with Gu Yi, I might be able to persuade him. As for spreading rumors, that can be left to Guo Tu and Feng Ji; they are good at this."

Yuan Shao thought it over repeatedly and finally nodded in agreement, but did not forget to exhort: "Zi Yuan, be careful on this trip; if it cannot be done, return quickly, do not force it."

Xu You took the order and left, but he already had a plan in his heart. He knew the difficulty of this trip, but he also understood that this was a great opportunity for him to show his talent and consolidate his position in Yuan Shao's heart.

On the other side, Gongsun Zan and Sun Jian returned to their respective camps, still feeling indignant. Gongsun Zan was worried about Yan Gang's safety, while Sun Jian felt guilty about Zu Mao's disappearance. After discussing, the two decided to secretly send trusted aides to Dong Zhuo's place to inquire about news, and also considered whether the strategy of division proposed by Xu You was feasible.

A few days later, Xu You disguised himself as a wanderer and quietly approached the place where Dong Zhuo's army was stationed. Relying on his superior wisdom and eloquence, after several twists and turns, he finally managed to meet Gu Yi secretly.

"Brother Gu, long time no see," Xu You bowed and saluted with a smile.

Gu Yi's eyes flickered, feeling both surprised and vigilant about Xu You's arrival: "Xu Ziyuan, what is your intent in coming here? Could it be that Yuan Shao sent you to persuade me to surrender?"

Xu You laughed and said: "Brother Gu speaks too seriously. I did not come to persuade you to surrender, but for Brother Gu's future."

Gu Yi raised his brows, signaling Xu You to continue.

"Brother Gu is overflowing with talent, yet you are relegated under Dong Zhuo; it is truly a pearl cast in darkness. Although Yuan Shao is not a perfect man, compared to Dong Zhuo, it is a world of difference. If Brother Gu is willing, I can guarantee you will defect to Yuan Shao and will certainly be valued," Xu You said earnestly, trying to move Gu Yi.

Gu Yi was silent for a moment and said: "Zi Yuan, you are mistaken. Although I, Gu Yi, am not from a famous family, I also know the meaning of loyalty. Although Dong Zhuo is cruel and unrighteous, he has shown me appreciation. How can I betray him and defect to another camp?"

Xu You knew Gu Yi would say this, so he changed the subject: "Brother Gu is righteous, which I admire very much. But let me ask, is Dong Zhuo really worth your loyalty? He is suspicious by nature; those with great achievements will certainly be feared. Hua Xiong's bravery is known to the world, yet he cannot avoid Dong Zhuo's suspicion. If Brother Gu does not plan early, I fear you will follow in Hua Xiong's footsteps."

Hearing this, Gu Yi's heart stirred. Although he was loyal to Dong Zhuo, he was not blindly loyal. He had also noticed Dong Zhuo's suspicion. It was just that letting him betray Dong Zhuo still left him with many concerns.

"Zi Yuan, although what you say makes sense, I still need time to consider. Furthermore, even if I were willing, Dong Zhuo has many generals; how could I easily escape?" Gu Yi sighed.

Seeing Gu Yi waver, Xu You was overjoyed and said: "Brother Gu, rest assured, I have already planned for this. Just as long as Brother Gu nods, I will arrange it properly to ensure you leave safely."

Gu Yi was silent, weighing the pros and cons in his heart. Finally, he looked up at Xu You, a flash of resolution in his eyes: "Zi Yuan, I will trust you once. But if this matter succeeds, you must guarantee the safety of my two brothers, and..."

"Brother Gu, speak your mind," Xu You asked eagerly.

"And, I want to personally rescue Yan Gang and Zu Mao," Gu Yi's voice was firm and powerful.

Hearing this, Xu You was shocked, but he remained calm on the surface and nodded in agreement: "Brother Gu, rest assured, I will certainly do my utmost."

The two discussed some details, and Xu You took his leave. He understood in his heart that if this plan succeeded, it would not only remove a major obstacle for Yuan Shao but also allow his position in Yuan Shao's heart to rise to a higher level.

However, the world is unpredictable; can Xu You and Gu Yi's conspiracy really go as planned? Dong Zhuo's suspicion, Hua Xiong's loyalty, and the undercurrents within the coalition army—how will they affect the changes in this chaotic world? Everything is still an unknown. ===== CHAPTER 1757 =====