Chapter 1763: Strengthening Defense

Inside Changancheng, the discussion between Gu Yi and a group of strategists continued.

"My lord, such a division is indeed a good strategy." Li Ru stroked his beard, his eyes flashing with wisdom. "Incorporating Huainan into Yuzhou will not only alleviate the population pressure in Yuzhou but also strengthen central control over the south. And making the six commanderies of Jiangdong independent as Yangzhou is in line with its geographical and economic reality."

Chen Deng also nodded in agreement: "The establishment of Fuzhou is of great significance for developing Lingnan and promoting ethnic integration. The division of Jiaozhou and Guangzhou lays the foundation for our future maritime expansion."

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and said slowly: "This plan is excellent. However, my lord still needs to consider how to transition smoothly to avoid local forces becoming dissatisfied due to damaged interests, or even rising in rebellion."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yi smiled slightly: "Kongming is absolutely right. I have already ordered people to draft relevant decrees and will send capable officials to various places to preach the policies and appease the people. For those forces that might be dissatisfied, we will also make preparations in advance to ensure the reform proceeds smoothly."

Just as everyone was discussing, a guard hurried into the hall, knelt, and reported: "My lord, there is urgent military intelligence!"

Gu Yi's expression tightened, signaling the guard to continue.

"News from the Southern Xiongnu royal court: Huchuquan has decided to respond to Yuan Shao's call and lead the Southern Xiongnu cavalry south, intending to attack Bingzhou!" The guard's voice carried a hint of anxiety.

As soon as this was said, the hall fell silent, and everyone's eyes were fixed on Gu Yi.

Li Ru frowned: "The Southern Xiongnu's move is undoubtedly instigated by Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao's move is intended to disperse my lord's forces and buy time for his northward advance."

Chen Deng also looked worried: "The Southern Xiongnu cavalry is fierce. If they join forces with Yuan Shao and others, they will surely become a major threat to our army."

Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment before saying: "My lord, although the Southern Xiongnu are strong, they are not invincible. We can send an envoy to the Southern Xiongnu royal court to try and persuade Huchuquan to abandon this idea. At the same time, we should mobilize the Bingzhou troops and prepare for battle."

Gu Yi nodded in agreement and then asked: "Who is willing to go to the Southern Xiongnu royal court to serve as a lobbyist?"

As soon as he finished speaking, one person stepped forward: "My lord, this subordinate is willing to go!"

This person was Xu Huang, a brave general under Gu Yi.

Gu Yi looked at Xu Huang, secretly praising him in his heart. Xu Huang was not only highly skilled in martial arts but also wise and brave, making him the best candidate for this mission.

"Good! Xu Huang, take the order. I command you to go to the Southern Xiongnu royal court immediately and persuade Huchuquan to abandon the idea of moving south. If he insists on not complying, you must act according to the situation and ensure the safety of Bingzhou." Gu Yi said firmly.

After receiving the order, Xu Huang hurried out of the hall to prepare for his departure to the Southern Xiongnu royal court.

Gu Yi continued to discuss countermeasures with his strategists.

"My lord, Yuan Shao's move is undoubtedly a provocation. We must not only deal with the threat from the Southern Xiongnu but also be wary of the movements of Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and other forces at all times." Li Ru reminded.

Gu Yi nodded, indicating he understood: "I have long known of the wolfish ambitions of Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and others. However, if they want to take advantage of the fire, they have to see if I agree."

Speaking of this, a sharp look flashed in Gu Yi's eyes. He knew that this struggle was not just about territorial contention, but a contest for hegemony over the world.

In the following days, Gu Yi mobilized troops and strengthened the defense of Bingzhou while closely monitoring the movements of the Southern Xiongnu royal court. At the same time, he sent spies to infiltrate the internal circles of Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and other forces, attempting to obtain more intelligence.

Xu Huang, carrying Gu Yi's mission, galloped all the way and finally arrived at the Southern Xiongnu royal court.

Inside the royal court, Xu Huang met Huchuquan and Shen Pei. Facing these two representatives of the Southern Xiongnu and Yuan Shao, Xu Huang fearlessly expounded Gu Yi's position and wishes.

"Chanyu Huchuquan, my lord knows well of your and the Southern Xiongnu's bravery in battle. However, Yuan Shao is cunning and full of schemes. The reason he is wooing you to move south and attack Bingzhou is actually to use your hands to weaken my lord's forces. If you really send troops to attack Bingzhou, I fear you will end up falling into Yuan Shao's trap." Xu Huang said earnestly.

Upon hearing this, Huchuquan frowned, clearly moved by Xu Huang's words. But he was also worried about missing this opportunity and failing to realize the dream of Xiongnu revival.

Shen Pei sneered from the side: "General Xu Huang is wrong. Lord Yuan Shao is a hero of the world; how could he do such a treacherous thing? Furthermore, the Southern Xiongnu are adjacent to Bingzhou, so sending troops to attack Bingzhou is a matter of course. General Xu Huang, please return; do not waste your breath anymore."

Xu Huang looked at Shen Pei and sneered inwardly. He knew Shen Pei was good at sophistry, but since he had come, he could not give up easily.

"Mr. Shen Pei is wrong. Are the affairs of the world decided by Yuan Shao alone? My lord is also a hero; if he goes to war with Yuan Shao, the outcome is yet to be seen. Furthermore, although the Southern Xiongnu and Bingzhou are adjacent, there is no deep hatred between them. Why should the warriors of the Southern Xiongnu go to their deaths for the sake of one person's selfishness?" Xu Huang retorted.

Huchuquan fell into deep thought after hearing this. He knew Xu Huang's words were not false; Yuan Shao was indeed untrustworthy. But if he really gave up this opportunity, how would he answer to his tribesmen?

Just as Huchuquan was hesitating, Xu Huang spoke again: "Chanyu Huchuquan, my lord knows of your difficulties. He is willing to form an alliance with you to fight against Yuan Shao and other forces together. As long as you are willing to abandon the idea of attacking Bingzhou, my lord will fully support you in unifying the grasslands and reviving the Xiongnu."

This sentence was like a bolt of lightning across Huchuquan's heart. He knew that forming an alliance with Gu Yi might be his best choice. After all, Gu Yi's strength was obvious to all, and his ambition was not on the grasslands.

After careful consideration, Huchuquan finally made a decision: "Good! I am willing to form an alliance with Lord Gu Yi to fight against Yuan Shao and other forces together."

Xu Huang was overjoyed upon hearing this. He knew his mission was accomplished. So, he cupped his hands to Huchuquan and Shen Pei: "That is excellent! I will return now to report to my lord. I hope our two sides can work together to create brilliance!"

After saying this, Xu Huang turned and left the Southern Xiongnu royal court. Huchuquan looked at Xu Huang's retreating back, praying silently in his heart: I hope this choice is the right one! ===== CHAPTER 1764 =====