"Commander, I would value your insight on this matter," Chen Song said respectfully, cupping his hands.
Since the coming battle against the Wuhuan would depend heavily on the cooperation of the local officials, Zhang Xin chose not to conceal his thoughts.
"Although the Wuhuan are divided among four major leaders, the strongest among them are Shanggu's Nanlou and Liaoxi's Qiuliju. Would you agree, Lord Chen?"
Nanlou commanded over nine thousand households and more than fifty thousand followers, making him the most powerful. Qiuliju came next, with over five thousand households and around thirty thousand people. As for Su Puyan and Wu Yan, their forces were far smaller—together barely amounting to ten thousand.
"…That is correct," Chen Song nodded.
Having spent over a year traveling through You and Ji Provinces, Zhang Xin had a firm grasp of the Wuhuan situation. The local officials, being natives of Youzhou, were even more familiar with it.
"In that case," Zhang Xin continued with a faint smile, "we only need to cut off the route between Yuyang and Shanggu, preventing Wu Yan from contacting Nanlou. That eliminates one of the four."
"Commander, that is too presumptuous!" Chen Song blurted out, unable to hold back. "There are countless routes between Yuyang and Shanggu. How can you guarantee intercepting Wu Yan's envoys?"
Zhang Xin remained calm. "If Wu Yan seeks Nanlou's aid, he must present valuable gifts. Otherwise, why would Nanlou mobilize troops in the dead of winter just to avenge a son?"
"Such treasures cannot be transported through hidden paths. We need only set ambushes along the main roads."
Chen Song considered this and found it reasonable. Still, he pressed further. "Even if Nanlou is neutralized, three Wuhuan factions remain. How does the commander plan to deal with them?"
Zhang Xin smiled. "Without Nanlou, the rest are no real threat."
"The combined strength of Wu Yan, Qiuliju, and Su Puyan is about forty thousand. Remove the old and weak, and their fighting force is at most ten thousand."
"Would Qiuliju and Su Puyan truly commit all their strength for Wu Yan's son? Unlikely. At most, they'll send five or six thousand men."
"In this bitter cold, they come from afar and are ill-suited for siege warfare. We fortify our defenses, clear the surrounding fields, and wait. When they grow exhausted and begin to withdraw, we strike—and victory will be ours."
Though Chen Song was not well-versed in military affairs and still felt uneasy, he could only nod in agreement.
"Yang Yi," Zhang Xin called.
"Present!"
"Summon all generals for a council. Also bring the magistrate of Yuyang."
"At once."
"Chen Song."
"Commander?"
"Fetch the map of the prefecture."
"Yes, sir."
—
Before long, the Yellow Turban generals and Deng Xing gathered in the hall.
Seated at the head, Zhang Xin spoke loudly, "Yesterday, while marching, we encountered a Wuhuan massacre in Yili. I led a pursuit, killed many of them, and returned."
The generals nodded—they were already aware.
"Moments ago, Wu Yan sent an envoy, claiming one of the dead was his son, and demanded his return."
Zhang Xin paused, scanning their faces. "But he is already dead. The envoy has now declared that Yuyang will be razed to the ground."
He leaned forward slightly. "Tell me—do we fight, or sue for peace?"
Chen Song nearly rolled his eyes.
You killed their son, executed their envoy, and even sent them women's clothing as humiliation—was peace ever truly an option?
Zhang Xin, however, had his reasons. The army had just arrived and barely rested; morale and strength had yet to recover. If he openly pushed for war, dissatisfaction might arise. Better to let others voice the call.
He glanced at Yang Yi—but before Yang Yi could step forward, Zhang Niujiao burst out.
"Outrageous!" he roared. "These barbarian dogs have raided our lands year after year, bringing misery to our people! They can kill Han civilians, yet we cannot strike back? What nonsense!"
He stepped forward and saluted. "Commander, I request permission to fight! Let them come—I will slaughter them all!"
Deng Xing's face changed drastically, but Chen Song quietly pulled him back and shook his head. Deng Xing understood and could only smile bitterly.
Zhang Xin gave a slight nod—his arrangements seemed unnecessary after all.
"General Zhang speaks the truth," Yang Yi added, stepping forward. "The Wuhuan were the aggressors. If they kill Han people, we have every right to kill them in return!"
"Wu Yan lost one son and dares to raise an army. Countless Han have died—who do we seek justice from?"
"I believe we must not seek peace. We rely on Yuyang's people for sustenance—now we must defend them. If Wu Yan dares come, we will settle all debts!"
His words were partly guided by Zhang Xin—but also from the heart. Having grown up in Xiliang, he had witnessed raids all his life and harbored deep hatred for the nomadic tribes.
"Exactly!" Zuo Bao chimed in. "We came from hardship ourselves—how can we stand by while the people suffer?"
Hu Cai and Li Le echoed in agreement.
The Yellow Turbans did not oppose the Han Empire itself, but the corrupt powers controlling it. Against foreign raiders, they stood united.
"Very well!" Zhang Xin rose, one hand resting on his sword. "Since Wu Yan wants war—then war it is!"
The generals stood and saluted. "Awaiting your command, Commander!"
"Chen Song."
"Present."
"Hand the map to Zuo Bao."
Zuo Bao received the scroll, confused.
"Zuo Bao," Zhang Xin continued, fixing his gaze on him, "Wu Yan will surely seek Nanlou's aid. I entrust you with all cavalry in the city. Set ambushes along the main roads. Any Wuhuan you encounter—kill them without question. Not a single rider must reach Shanggu."
"Yes, sir!"
"Yang Yi!"
"Present!"
"Gather the captured warhorses and acquire more from the city. Form a cavalry unit of two hundred and begin training immediately."
"Yes, sir!"
"Hu Cai."
"Present!"
"Oversee the forging of weapons."
"Understood."
"Zhang Niujiao, Li Le."
"Present!"
"You are responsible for the city's defense."
"Yes, sir!"
After the generals departed, Zhang Xin turned to Deng Xing.
"Magistrate."
"What are your orders, Commander?"
"The Wuhuan come from afar and will rely on plunder. Strengthen the walls and clear the fields—leave them nothing to take."
Deng Xing sighed inwardly. "Understood."
Zhang Xin then looked at Chen Song.
Chen Song bowed. "Commander?"
"Distribute all weapons and armor in the prefecture to my troops. Send word to the surrounding counties—have them prepare immediately."
"I accept the order."