"Hahaha!"
"I knew Zhan Hong would surely help me!"
Inside Handan City, Liu Xiu was pulling Gu Xiao along while talking to his assembled generals about the friendship between Gu Xiao and himself.
Currently, Liu Xiu's followers were a gathering of talent.
Not only were some of the Twenty-Eight Generals of Yuntai present, but also some capable individuals from the region of Hebei.
Such as Ren Guang... and Pi Tong.
Fortunately, it was the founding period; at any other time,
a commoner like Gu Xiao, wanting to directly participate in the core of a regime, would surely face targeted opposition.
But in the current founding period, things were different.
After all, the world was still unsettled, and Liu Xiu still needed to conquer it.
When Liu Xiu spoke of Gu Xiao's abilities, and Feng Yi recounted his previous experience of being captured by Gu Xiao in Fu City, this group quickly accepted Gu Xiao.
The entire celebratory feast was filled with joy.
Hearing Liu Xiu's words, Gu Yi also smiled immediately and promptly controlled Gu Xiao to respond, "I have long known the general is destined for greatness."
"Since our parting in Fu City, I have been waiting here for the general's arrival."
"After learning of the general's arrival in Hebei."
"I originally wanted to pay my respects, but unfortunately, Liu Lin rebelled, so I waited for the opportunity to assist the general in defeating this traitor Liu Lin!"
Gu Xiao was a pure warrior.
Gu Yi could completely trust him in warfare, but in social interactions, he was lacking, so Gu Yi needed to intervene a bit.
"Good! Good!"
"Zhan Hong is indeed a paragon of wisdom and courage!"
Liu Xiu was overjoyed, and everyone present burst into laughter.
Gu Yi watched Gu Xiao and the others drink, and only after the third round of toasts did Gu Yi speak again, "General!"
"I told you before."
"I follow you, not the Liu Xuan court."
"Now that the general has secured Hebei, the brothers under your command are all willing to offer their utmost service."
"Consider that Liu Xuan is merely a puppet, yet dares to usurp the title of Emperor."
"I implore the general, for the sake of the Great Han, to heed the will of the people and ascend to the throne!"
With these words, the atmosphere of the entire banquet changed instantly.
Everyone was shocked.
They never expected Gu Xiao to be the first to say such a thing.
After a brief moment of astonishment, everyone quickly reacted, standing up one by one to salute Liu Xiu!
No one did not want Liu Xiu to become emperor.
Whether it was the families in Hebei supporting Liu Xiu or the generals following him.
For them, Liu Xiu ascending the throne meant great benefits!
These were merits achieved by following the future Emperor!
"We implore the general, for the sake of the Great Han, to heed the will of the people and ascend to the throne!!"
Clearly, like Gu Yi, they deliberately did not mention Liu Xiu's position within the Liu Xuan court.
Upon hearing this, Liu Xiu instantly became serious.
He first looked at Gu Xiao, then at everyone present, remained silent for a long time, and finally shook his head.
"The world is in chaos now; how can I usurp the throne at this time?"
"You all need not mention it again."
His attitude was firm, giving no opportunity for further discussion, and he directly raised his wine cup, "Come, everyone, drink!"
Regarding Liu Xiu's response, Gu Yi was not surprised at all.
Liu Xiu had only just taken Hebei.
He was still far from the power recorded in history when he eventually became emperor.
This was the extraordinary aspect of Liu Xiu.
Everyone understood that he would eventually part ways with the Liu Xuan regime and become emperor.
But at a time when his foundation was not secure, Liu Xiu could completely restrain his inner emotions, a rare ability indeed.
Gu Yi wasn't in a hurry.
Bringing up the matter was to make Liu Xiu understand.
Gu Xiao was on his side, was in the past, and still is now!
Although Liu Xiu did not accept the suggestions for ascending the throne, he still rewarded his followers for their achievements!
Gu Xiao was naturally among them.
From a mere commoner, he successfully rose to the position of General of Conquered!
Although, due to Liu Xiu not yet becoming emperor, the reward was not significant, it undoubtedly made the atmosphere even more enthusiastic.
The crowd once again drank and began to discuss the current state of the Liu Xuan court.
Everyone could affirm.
As Liu Xiu's power grew, the Liu Xuan court would surely find ways to target Liu Xiu again!
As expected, half a month later.
The Liu Xuan court sent emissaries to Hebei, bringing Liu Xuan's decree to Liu Xiu.
They decided to enfeoff Liu Xiu as King Xiao and ordered him to hand over all his troops and immediately return to Chang'an to receive his reward.
Of course, Liu Xiu would not heed such an edict.
However, he did not directly kill the emissary as his followers suggested; instead, he used the excuse that Hebei was unsettled to reject it.
He still needed time to prepare!
But everyone also understood that an open rupture between Liu Xiu and the entire Liu Xuan court was not far off.
In this regard, the Liu Xuan court seemed to be wary of Liu Xiu's prestige.
They only appointed Xie Gong, who was somewhat at odds with Liu Xiu, as the governor of Youzhou State, commanding the troops there.
They intended to use this to monitor Liu Xiu, ready to deal a fatal blow from behind the moment he dared to make any rash moves.
Yet, on the surface, both sides maintained a façade of harmony.
Liu Xiu often sent people to offer condolences to the soldiers under Xie Gong's command.
Reducing their vigilance.