Zhang Xin's face stiffened the moment he saw Liu Hua.
"This humble general—since you're already at the door, why not come in?" Liu Hua asked, puzzled. Then her eyes brightened as she noticed Zhang Ning in his arms. "Oh? What a beautiful little girl. Where did she come from?"
Zhang Xin took a deep breath.
If I die, I die.
Without another word, he strode into the bedroom and gently set Zhang Ning down on the bed.
"Wait here for a moment."
Zhang Ning nodded obediently.
Zhang Xin then returned to the courtyard and pulled Liu Hua aside.
She looked at him, confused.
"Sister Hua… things have changed."
He quickly explained everything in a low voice.
"What did you say?!" Liu Hua's voice rose sharply. "Didn't you promise me—"
"Shh, keep your voice down!" Zhang Xin hurriedly stopped her.
"When you were just a Yellow Turban before, it was under duress. Once you left, the court wouldn't pursue it," Liu Hua said urgently, lowering her voice. "But now you're becoming their leader? That's a bandit chief—that's a death sentence! Do you understand?"
"I understand," Zhang Xin replied helplessly. "But Zhang Bao threatened to kill himself. I had no choice."
Liu Hua fell silent.
The customs of the Han valued righteousness above life itself. If Zhang Xin had forced Zhang Bao to his death, he wouldn't be praised—he would be condemned as ungrateful, and his reputation would be ruined forever.
After a long pause, Liu Hua sighed deeply.
"Then take your wife and go. I'll stay here and wait for the Han army."
Zhang Xin's heart sank.
She had even switched to calling herself "I" instead of "concubine"—she was truly angry.
"Sister—"
"Say no more," Liu Hua cut him off. "You saved my life, and I repaid you with my body. We owe each other nothing now. I am a daughter of the Liu clan of Hejian—how can I serve a rebel?"
"If you try to force me to leave, then kill me."
She turned her head away, refusing to look at him.
Zhang Xin softened his tone. "Sister Hua, don't be angry. Zhang Bao didn't make me leader to continue fighting the court. It's to preserve what's left of the Yellow Turbans. He said if the court offers amnesty in the future, I can accept it."
Liu Hua hesitated.
Zhang Xin pressed on, "This isn't the time to argue. If the Han army breaks in, they'll massacre the city. When tens of thousands of soldiers flood in, do you think anyone will care that you're from the Liu clan?"
Liu Hua trembled slightly, clearly imagining the aftermath.
Zhang Xin grabbed her hand. "Come with me."
Reluctantly, she followed him back inside.
Zhang Ning looked up at them curiously.
"Tonight, I'll trouble Sister Hua to look after my sister," Zhang Xin said, then quickly donned his armor and dragged out a wooden chest from beneath the bed.
Inside lay a set of horse tack—a high saddle and double stirrups.
He had prepared it long ago for a moment like this.
In the courtyard, Zhang Xin saddled the horse. Liu Hua lifted Zhang Ning up, then mounted as well.
As her feet settled into the stirrups, a flicker of surprise crossed Liu Hua's face—but she quickly suppressed it, snorting coldly and turning away.
Zhang Xin ignored it and led the horse forward.
Soon, he found Left Leopard and the two thousand troops he had gathered.
"This humble general greets the Chieftain," Left Leopard said, cupping his fists. "The troops are assembled."
He returned the military tally.
Zhang Xin took it and looked over the soldiers lining the street.
"Form ranks!"
The soldiers snapped into formation instantly.
These men had been drilled under Zhang Xin's methods. Their combat skill might vary—but their discipline was impeccable.
Left Leopard stared in amazement. "Now I understand why the General insisted on making you commander."
Zhang Xin gave a faint smile. "Left Leopard."
"This humble general is here."
"Did you bring the incendiary materials?"
"Yes."
"Take five hundred men. Hide inside the East Gate and prepare the materials. If the Han army enters the city, set it ablaze. Then withdraw immediately through the West Gate and regroup with me."
"Understood!"
Left Leopard departed with five hundred soldiers.
"Sit!"
The remaining fifteen hundred soldiers sat down in perfect unison.
"Wait here. I'll return shortly."
Zhang Xin then led his personal guards toward the North Gate.
There, dozens of carriages clogged the road, piled high with boxes. Soldiers crowded around, grumbling.
Zhang Xin frowned and grabbed a nearby soldier. "Go get Li Yue."
Moments later, Li Yue came running, drenched in sweat. "Chieftain!"
"What is this?" Zhang Xin pointed at the carriages. "Why so many boxes?"
"They're valuables… from the households of the commanders…"
Zhang Xin cut him off. "We're breaking out, not moving house! What use is wealth if we lose our lives? Keep a few carriages for people—dump the rest!"
"But if the others object…"
"Tell them to come find me."
"…Understood."
Soon, the excess carriages were pushed aside, and the disorganized troops began forming ranks.
Satisfied, Zhang Xin handed Liu Hua and Zhang Ning over to Li Yue's protection.
Then he sent word for Zhang Niujiao and Hu Cai to come.