Chapter 1785: Finally Conceded

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At the banquet, the Prime Minister's mansion was brightly lit, and Gu Yi specifically set up a banquet to welcome Yuan Li back. During the banquet, guests raised their glasses to pay tribute to Yuan Li one after another, praising her heroism and wisdom. Yuan Li returned the salute one by one, but in her heart, she understood even more that behind this glory was countless days and nights of hard work and risk.

"Li'er, on this border trip, what particularly unforgettable things did you encounter?" Gu Yi sipped his wine and asked curiously.

Yuan Li thought for a while and smiled: "The most unforgettable was the negotiation with the ruler of the Yan Kingdom. At first, he had a tough attitude and seemed unwilling to resolve the border issue peacefully. I was truly feeling a mix of emotions at that time, fearing the negotiation would break down and worrying that I would not be able to take on this responsibility."

Feng Ji listened nervously from the side and hurriedly asked: "Then what happened later? How did you persuade him?"

"Actually, the key was still explaining the pros and cons, as well as showing Great Zhou's sincerity." Yuan Li said slowly, "I told him that war would not only make the people of the two countries suffer but also destroy the trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Peace is the win-win choice. Moreover, I also put forward some specific cooperation plans, such as opening border trade and sending envoys to learn each other's culture and technology; these proposals made him waver."

Gu Yi nodded in approval: "Li'er, you can start from the other party's perspective and put forward practical and feasible plans; this is precisely the key to your success this time. An official must not only have courage but also wisdom."

At this moment, Li Mu also stood up with his glass and smiled: "Yuan Li, I knew in the academy that you were not someone who would stay in a pond, and now you have truly shone brilliantly. Come, I toast you a glass, wishing you a bright future!"

Yuan Li smiled and clinked glasses with Li Mu, her heart full of gratitude: "Li Mu, thank you for your support and encouragement all along. Without you, perhaps I would not have today's achievements."

The banquet proceeded lively, the guests talked and laughed, and Yuan Li also felt a long-lost relaxation and joy. However, she knew that the peace at the border was only temporary and required more effort and maintenance in the future.

Several days later, Yuan Li was summoned by Gu Yi again. Gu Yi's expression was somewhat serious, seemingly having some important matters to discuss.

"Li'er, I recently received some urgent reports from the border." Gu Yi said in a deep voice, "Although your negotiation was successful this time, some small border countries seem restless and have signs of colluding in secret. I am worried that they might provoke incidents again."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Li felt a tightness in her heart: "Prime Minister, then how should we respond?"

Gu Yi pondered for a moment and said: "I want to send you to the border again. This time, it is not only for negotiation but also requires you to secretly investigate the true intentions of these small countries. If necessary, you can take some decisive measures to maintain the interests of Great Zhou."

Yuan Li nodded without hesitation: "Prime Minister, Li'er is willing to go. As long as it is for Great Zhou, Li'er is not afraid of any difficulties and dangers."

Gu Yi looked at Yuan Li's firm eyes, his heart full of relief: "Li'er, you are indeed someone with a sense of responsibility. This mission is arduous; you must act carefully. I will send an elite troop to accompany you as your backing."

After taking the order, Yuan Li began to prepare intensively. She selected several capable assistants, formulated a detailed plan, and studied the geographical, cultural, and political situation of the border countries again. She knew that this mission was more complex and dangerous than the last, but she was already fully prepared.

Several days later, Yuan Li embarked on the journey to the border with the elite troop. Along the way, she remained vigilant at all times, fearing to miss any clues. At the same time, she also communicated and talked with the accompanying soldiers, understanding their thoughts and difficulties, and striving to enhance the cohesion of the team.

After arriving at the border, Yuan Li first met with General Zhao Yong. Seeing Yuan Li coming again, Zhao Yong felt full of admiration: "Young Lady Yuan, you are truly the heroine of our Great Zhou. With you here this time, I believe the border will certainly be able to turn danger into safety again."

Yuan Li smiled and shook her head: "General, you overpraise me. This mission is arduous; we need to work together. Have you discovered anything unusual at the border recently?"

Zhao Yong said in a deep voice: "Recently, there have indeed been some small countries acting in secret, but their specific intentions are not clear. I have strengthened border patrols, but I still need you to investigate further."

Yuan Li nodded, having already formed an initial plan in her heart. In the following days, she took her accompanying staff deep into various parts of the border, communicating and talking with local residents to understand their lives and thoughts. At the same time, she also secretly investigated the movements of those small countries, trying to find their true intentions.

After a hard investigation and screening, Yuan Li finally discovered the conspiracy of those small countries. It turned out that they intended to unite to resist Great Zhou and seize the rich resources and strategic locations of the border. Moreover, they had already secretly colluded with some rebels at the border, preparing to launch an attack from inside and outside.

Upon learning this news, Yuan Li was shocked in her heart. She immediately discussed countermeasures with General Zhao Yong and decided to take decisive measures to thwart this conspiracy. On one hand, they strengthened border patrols and vigilance, and on the other hand, they also secretly laid traps and ambushes, preparing to give those small countries a heavy blow.

Finally, on a dark and windy night, the coalition of those small countries launched an attack. However, what they never expected was that the Great Zhou army had already made preparations. Under the command of Yuan Li and Zhao Yong, the Great Zhou army fought bravely and engaged in a fierce battle with the coalition.

After a bitter battle, the Great Zhou army finally repelled the coalition's attack. Yuan Li looked at the scene of smoke and corpses everywhere on the battlefield, her heart full of pain. She knew that war was cruel, but to protect the interests of Great Zhou and the tranquility of the people, she had to walk on firmly.

After the war, Yuan Li and General Zhao Yong summarized the experience and lessons of this battle together. They decided to further strengthen the defense and construction of the border and improve the combat effectiveness and morale of the army. At the same time, they also decided to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with surrounding countries to jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

When Yuan Li returned to Chang'an again, she had already become a true hero. Her name spread through every street and alley, and people praised her heroism and wisdom one after another. However, for Yuan Li, these glories were not the most important. She only hoped that Great Zhou could always be peaceful and tranquil, and the people could live and work in peace and contentment.

In the Prime Minister's mansion, Gu Yi summoned Yuan Li again. He looked at Yuan Li's tired but firm eyes, his heart full of emotion: "Li'er, you have performed a great service again this time. I truly don't know how to reward you."

Yuan Li smiled and shook her head: "Prime Minister, Li'er does not need any reward. As long as I can serve Great Zhou, Li'er feels satisfied."

Gu Yi nodded, his eyes full of relief and expectation: "Li'er, you are indeed a rare talent. I believe that the future Great Zhou will surely be more prosperous because of you." ===== CHAPTER 1786 =====