The impact of this battle is truly unimaginable.
Not only for the Guanzhong region.
Even Liu Yoong in the Guandong region was completely defeated by Gai Yan, and the Guandong region was also entirely returned to Liu Xiu.
It can be said that Liu Xiu is now only one step away from unifying the realm, with Kui Xiao and Gongsun Shu in the Shu Region remaining.
However, the most critical issue in the current situation is not this.
It's that Liu Xiu obtained the Heirloom Seal of the Realm and the seven-foot treasured sword left by Han Gaozu Liu Bang.
These things hold immense significance for Liu Xiu.
With these two items, and coupled with Liu Xiu's current influence.
He considers himself the legitimate authority.
Indeed, Liu Xiu made a decision that aligned with most people's judgement of the time.
He sent letters to Kui Xiao and Gongsun Shu.
Wanting to persuade them to surrender.
After all, considering his current strength, any clear-eyed person should be able to see that Liu Xiu's path to unification is already unstoppable.
Relying solely on Kui Xiao and Gongsun Shu.
Undoubtedly, it is akin to an ant trying to topple a tree.
Gu Yi did not excessively involve himself in these matters.
Gu Xiao's contributions are already substantial enough, and after years of campaigning, Gu Xiao is no longer young.
For the sake of the family's succession.
Gu Xiao must marry and have children.
Population is the foundation of family succession.
Establishing the basis for the family's continuity is essential to expanding the family's influence.
This is also a problem that Gu Yi must face.
Gu Xiao's younger siblings have already been brought to Luoyang.
But these four have little hope of achievements, and the focus must be on the next generation.
After stabilizing the Guanzhong region, Gu Yi began to subtly manipulate Gu Xiao into resting, no longer competing for achievements like before.
Faced with this sudden change.
Liu Xiu was not displeased at all; instead, he was delighted.
Gu Xiao's contributions were indeed too great.
Especially in the battle to unify Guanzhong.
Gu Xiao should be considered the foremost contributor; such a monumental achievement, naturally, deserves ample rewards.
Gu Xiao has now become the Grand Commandant.
If he continues to achieve, sooner or later he will reach a point where further titles will be impossible.
Now that Gu Xiao has begun to withdraw.
How could he not be happy?
Liu Xiu, as Emperor, is different from other founding emperors.
His political acumen is strong, and he naturally realized this point.
Upon hearing that Gu Xiao intended to marry, he even actively assisted in choosing several suitable matches from Hebei, personally bestowing marriage upon Gu Xiao.
This is an extraordinary honor.
Liu Xiu, who can now be called the Lord of the Realm, personally bestowing marriage.
This event alone is enough to enter the annals of history.
Especially on the day of Gu Xiao's wedding, Liu Xiu, as Emperor, personally attended to signify his favoritism toward the great hero Gu Xiao.
He even brought gifts.
Gu Yi has been observing it all.
He could somewhat guess Liu Xiu's intentions behind such actions.
Without a doubt, it was to help Gu Xiao build influence.
Gu Xiao was sent to Hebei; given his background, even as a great hero.
Positioning himself completely in Hebei, or suppressing the powerful families there, is indeed quite challenging.
Only by constantly helping Gu Xiao build influence.
And providing assistance can ensure smooth progress.
Gu Yi carefully examined the suitable matches Liu Xiu chose for Gu Xiao; most were not major clans in Hebei.
Pulling one faction, opposing another, balancing the situation...
This is the Emperor's Heart Skill.
.....
"Zhan Hong."
"You have fought alongside me for many years, I have long settled down, and now seeing you settled, I am at peace."
At the wedding banquet, Liu Xiu sat at the head seat, smiling as he looked at Gu Xiao.
Gu Xiao was also radiant.
As a warrior who rose from obscurity, everything now truly glorifies his ancestors.
No, it can't even be said to glorify ancestors;
——it is establishing a new branch of the family tree.
Forget the Gu family, throughout history, how many can achieve the Emperor personally bestowing marriage and coming to celebrate?
How could a warrior like Gu Xiao not be excited?
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Gu Xiao, beaming, raised his cup and drank with Liu Xiu.
Faced with a warrior like Gu Xiao, Liu Xiu showed no imperial arrogance, and the atmosphere among those present was joyful and harmonious.
"Zhan Hong needs to keep striving."
After placing down his cup, Liu Xiu secretly glanced around at those present, then again fixed his gaze on Gu Xiao, saying, "Hurry up and have more offspring."
"I hope to have my offspring become in-laws with your family."
Liu Xiu's tone was extremely calm.
But this simple remark left everyone stunned.
Become in-laws?
With the Emperor
This...
Everyone was shocked, and the Gu Xiao's in-laws from Hebei clans couldn't contain their joy.
Liu Xiu currently has only one offspring.
That is Crown Prince Liu Jiang.
Although he hasn't been formally declared Crown Prince yet, as the eldest son, it is almost certain.
If they could truly become relatives with Liu Jiang.
Given time, Liu Jiang formally becomes Crown Prince, and they can have offspring.
That.... is unimaginable.
The other ministers were also stunned, and couldn't help but ponder the meaning behind Liu Xiu's words.
Only the straightforward warrior Gu Xiao was unconcerned, only feeling more honored, immediately stood up, cupped his fist toward Liu Xiu, and forcefully declared:
"Rest assured, Your Majesty... I will do my utmost!"
Seeing this, Liu Xiu paused for a moment, then instantly showed a sincere smile.