Before long, Yang Yi, Hu Cai, and Li Le arrived at the prefect's residence.
"Huh? Commander, where's Zuo Bao?" Zhang Niujiao asked, noticing his absence. He clearly remembered Zuo Bao had been recalled a few days earlier.
"I've already sent him out of the city to set up an ambush," Zhang Xin replied with a faint smile.
"You've already made arrangements?" Zhang Niujiao was startled.
Zhang Xin nodded, then turned to Yang Yi. "How are the newly trained cavalry? Can they fight?"
"They can!" Yang Yi answered confidently.
Having served in the Xiliang army for years, he understood cavalry well. Normally, it took at least three years to train a competent rider—longer for an elite. But with the riding innovations Zhang Xin had introduced, soldiers could skip much of the basic training like mounting, balance, and stability.
In the past, without stirrups, riders had to grip the horse tightly with their legs while controlling the reins with one hand—inefficient and exhausting. Now, even inexperienced riders could maintain balance and perform basic attacks at low speed.
Though still far from elite, they were more than capable of short-range combat.
"Good." Zhang Xin then looked at Hu Cai. "What about the spears?"
"Five hundred have been completed, just as ordered. They're ready for use," Hu Cai replied.
"In that case…" Zhang Xin swept his gaze across the room. "The chance to defeat the enemy lies tonight. All generals, listen carefully!"
Everyone straightened immediately.
"Yang Yi!"
"Here!"
"You will lead the cavalry. Wear armor, but do not carry spears. Assemble at the city gate before midnight."
"Yes, sir!"
"Hu Cai!"
"Here!"
"Bring all the spears to the gate and clear the obstructions."
"Yes, sir!"
"Zhang Niujiao!"
"Here!"
"Tonight we launch a surprise attack. Yang Yi and I will lead from the front. You will command 2,500 infantry and follow behind."
"Yes, sir!"
"Li Le!"
"Here!"
"You and Hu Cai will guard the city. Without my order, the gates must not be opened."
"Yes, sir!"
Zhang Xin's voice hardened. "All troops going out will wrap their horses' hooves, gag the animals, and carry fire starters. Move out as ordered!"
"Yes, Commander!"
—
At midnight, the gates of Yuyang opened silently. Three thousand Yellow Turban soldiers slipped out into the darkness, heading toward the Wuhuan camp ten miles away.
Luck was on their side—no scouts intercepted them. Whether due to negligence or the bitter cold, the Wuhuan had left themselves exposed.
Soon, Zhang Xin's cavalry reached within two hundred paces of the enemy camp.
The Wuhuan had not built proper fortifications. A few crude wooden barriers surrounded rows of felt and sheepskin tents. No sentries were visible—only faint embers flickering in the wind.
"So careless… Heaven favors me tonight," Zhang Xin muttered.
He ordered the barriers dismantled and raised his weapon.
"Attack!"
Five hundred cavalry surged forward, crashing into the camp. Flames spread instantly as tents caught fire. In moments, the entire camp was ablaze.
The Wuhuan awoke in chaos—some tried to fight, others searched desperately for their horses, while many simply panicked.
The camp dissolved into disorder.
Seeing the confusion peak, Zhang Xin shouted, "Do not linger! Follow me—straight to the central tent! Take Wu Yan's head!"
With a roar, the cavalry charged deeper into the camp.
—
Inside his tent, Tadun was shaken awake.
"What is it?" he muttered, annoyed at being disturbed.
"Young Lord! The Han army is attacking! We must flee!"
"What?!"
Tadun leapt up and rushed outside.
Flames lit the night. Screams filled the air. Yellow Turban cavalry cut through the camp with terrifying efficiency.
"Stay calm! Don't panic!" Tadun shouted, quickly regaining composure. Gathering his guards, he called out, "The enemy is few in number! Regroup here!"
Gradually, several hundred Wuhuan rallied around him.
Just as he prepared to counterattack, Zhang Niujiao arrived with the infantry.
"Wuhuan dogs! Did you ever expect this day?" he roared, charging forward.
The fragile order collapsed instantly. Tadun had no choice but to retreat with the men he had gathered, fleeing toward Hunu.
—
Meanwhile, Zhang Xin pushed straight toward Wu Yan's main tent, but was delayed by elite guards. By the time he cut them down, Wu Yan had already fled.
Zhang Xin immediately issued orders. "Inform Zhang Niujiao to continue clearing the camp!"
"Yes, sir!"
"The rest—after me! Continue the pursuit!"
Morale surged as the Yellow Turbans pressed their advantage.
At Zhang Xin's side, Yang Yi hesitated before speaking. "General… we only have five hundred cavalry, and two hundred are newly trained. They may not withstand a long pursuit."
"At least a thousand enemies have escaped. If we push too far, it could backfire…"
Zhang Xin waved him off with a smile. "The Wuhuan have already lost their will to fight. And Zuo Bao is waiting at the Qiu River. There's no chance of failure."
Hearing this, Yang Yi said no more.
—
By dawn, Zhang Xin's forces caught up with the fleeing Wuhuan north of Hunu.
Wu Yan, utterly shaken, dared not fight. He fled straight toward Hunu, hoping to take refuge inside.
But the people there, having suffered days of looting, slammed the gates shut at the sight of the retreating army and their pursuers.
Denied entry, Wu Yan turned west, attempting to cross the Qiu River and escape.
But as his forces reached the river—
A force of Yellow Turban troops burst forth from the north.
Zuo Bao led the charge, his voice thundering:
"Wu Yan! You've fallen into my commander's trap! Surrender now, or die!"