After the messenger departed, Qiuliju summoned his nephew, Tadun.
"Uncle, you called for me?"
A tall, powerfully built young man strode into the tent and saluted with a hand to his chest.
Qiuliju looked him over with clear approval. He was growing old and did not have many years left, while his own son, Louban, was still too young to inherit leadership. Among all his kin, only Tadun possessed both the courage and ability to take over.
This campaign against Yuyang would be the perfect chance for him to establish his reputation.
"Tadun," Qiuliju said, briefly explaining the situation, "you will lead the troops this time."
"I will not disappoint you, Uncle!" Tadun replied, unable to hide his excitement.
"Remember," Qiuliju added seriously, "do not overextend yourself. Let Wu Yan take the lead in anything dangerous. As long as you bring these three thousand warriors back safely, it will already be a great achievement."
"I understand!"
With that, Qiuliju handed over the command token, authorizing Tadun to muster troops.
Tadun gathered three thousand Wuhuan cavalry, carrying provisions for five days, and set out toward Youbeiping. Along the way, they encountered Su Puyan of Liaodong, who had brought eight hundred men. After a brief exchange, the two forces joined and proceeded together to Wu Yan's camp.
Wu Yan was displeased—he had paid a heavy price in gifts, yet received only 3,800 troops in return. Still, he dared not voice his dissatisfaction and instead slaughtered cattle and sheep to host them.
—
When news reached Yuyang, Zhang Xin ordered scouts to monitor Wu Yan closely and instructed Zuo Bao to tighten patrols along key routes. Meanwhile, he focused on forging equipment and training troops within the city.
Two days later, Tadun and Su Puyan approached Wu Yan together.
"Lord Wu Yan," Tadun said after bowing, "the New Year is less than ten days away. When do you plan to march? My men are eager to return home."
Su Puyan echoed, "Indeed—when will the army move?"
Wu Yan forced a smile. "Please be patient. We will march once Nanlou's reinforcements arrive."
Tadun frowned. "Shanggu is only two days away. We've already arrived, yet Nanlou has not. I suspect he will not send troops."
Wu Yan hesitated. Tadun's words made sense. Even if Nanlou refused, a reply should have arrived by now.
Could his envoy have been intercepted?
Suppressing his unease, Wu Yan said, "Wait a few more days. I will send another messenger."
Tadun shook his head. "Even if Nanlou agrees, it will take at least five more days. My men won't wait that long."
To him, the goal was simple—raid Yuyang, gain spoils, and return. Whether Nanlou joined or not didn't matter; in fact, fewer allies meant a larger share.
Su Puyan added, "We should act now. My territory is often harassed by Gongsun Zan. If he discovers my absence, he may attack."
Compared to Tadun's excuse, Su Puyan's concern was far more pressing. Gongsun Zan, already notorious among the Wuhuan, frequently led swift cavalry raids against them.
Faced with pressure from both sides, Wu Yan had no choice but to agree.
—
The next day, Wu Yan combined his two thousand men with Tadun and Su Puyan's forces. Though numbering just over six thousand, they exaggerated it to ten thousand and marched toward Yuyang.
At Pinggu, the magistrate—already warned by Zhang Xin—implemented scorched-earth tactics and shut the gates. Unable to plunder, the Wuhuan moved on toward Hunu.
Hearing of the approaching army, the magistrate of Hunu fled in panic, abandoning the city. The Wuhuan forces entered freely and looted at will.
When Zhang Xin received the report, he immediately summoned Zuo Bao.
"Wu Yan should have marched straight on Yuyang to avenge his son," Zhang Xin said. "Yet he stopped to plunder. That shows their alliance is fragile."
He then issued orders: "Take one thousand elite troops with ten days of provisions. Move out tonight and lie in ambush north of the Qiu River. Within ten days, I will defeat them. When they arrive, strike at the right moment."
"Yes, sir!"
Zuo Bao departed under cover of darkness.
Zhang Xin then sealed the city gates and ordered Yang Yi and Li Le to patrol day and night, awaiting the enemy.
—
After three days of looting, Tadun and the others reluctantly resumed their march toward Yuyang under Wu Yan's insistence.
When they reached the city, Wu Yan deployed his six thousand troops in formation, creating an imposing display.
On the walls, Zhang Xin stood ready.
Wu Yan signaled one of his generals, who rode forward and shouted:
"Hear this, Yellow Turbans! Our king has come only for revenge! Zhang Xin killed our prince—hand over his head, and we will withdraw immediately!"
"Refuse, and when the city falls, not even chickens or dogs will be spared!"
"The New Year approaches—do you really wish to lose your lives before it arrives?"
Zhang Xin narrowed his eyes.
A calculated strategy—intimidation through numbers, followed by psychological pressure, and finally threats of massacre.
Against most armies, such tactics might have worked. Fear could drive soldiers to betray their commander.
But the Yellow Turbans were different. Bound by faith and loyalty, especially under Zhang Xin—now tied to Zhang Jiao's lineage through his engagement—their allegiance was unshakable.
Still, he could not allow such words to spread unchecked.
"Ridiculous!" Zhang Xin sneered coldly.
"You cloak your greed in the name of revenge—nothing more than banditry and plunder!"