"There's no better option for now, but…"
Zhang Xin leaned closer and whispered into Guan Yu's ear.
Guan Yu listened in silence, nodding from time to time.
When Zhang Xin finished, he asked softly, "What do you think?"
Guan Yu lowered his eyes and pondered for a long while.
"…Feasible."
Zhang Xin's lips curved into a smile. "Then it's settled. Please remain at my residence for a few days, Lord Guan, and wait for the scouts' report."
"Very well."
Zhang Xin's injuries had not yet healed, and the long walk had drained him. In the end, he had no choice but to request a carriage.
The ride was anything but smooth.
Each jolt sent waves of pain through his ribs, and his face twisted uncontrollably.
Yet with Guan Yu sitting beside him, he stubbornly held back any sound, forcing himself to endure—his expressions shifting wildly instead.
Seeing this, Guan Yu's phoenix eyes flickered with amusement.
It was clear he was holding back laughter.
Zhang Xin's heart stirred, and he suddenly asked,
"By the way, Lord Guan… may I ask the name of your lord?"
Guan Yu's gaze sharpened instantly.
Zhang Xin quickly added, "To have a man like you at his side, he must surely be a righteous man as well. I admire him deeply. If you would tell me his name, I wish to build a cenotaph and pay my respects."
Guan Yu's expression softened slightly.
"My lord's surname is Liu, given name Bei, courtesy name Xuande. He is a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan—a member of the Han imperial clan."
"As for offerings—there is no need. Liu Jun has his own family."
So it really was Liu Bei…
Zhang Xin's heart shook, but he quickly masked it with a look of deep remorse.
"To think I unknowingly harmed a member of the imperial clan… I am truly ashamed."
"On the battlefield, blades have no eyes," Guan Yu said quietly. "Life and death are beyond control. Just remember what you've said today."
Soon, the carriage arrived at the prefect's residence.
Zhang Xin personally led Guan Yu inside, arranged proper accommodations through Wang Rou, and even ordered wine and meat to be sent to the artisan camp before finally returning to the rear courtyard.
Naturally, Liu Hua and Zhang Ning questioned him about his shaved hair.
Zhang Xin gave a brief explanation before retreating to rest.
By the time he awoke, night had already fallen.
The generals had all gathered.
To avoid unnecessary explanations, Zhang Xin wore a tall crown to conceal his head before heading to the main hall.
Inside, Zhang Niujiao, Zuo Bao, Yang Yi, Hu Cai, and Li Le had long been waiting.
They rose together in greeting.
Zhang Xin returned their courtesy, then briefly explained Guan Yu's situation so they would be prepared.
He had intended to invite Guan Yu as well, but Guan Yu refused to meet the Yellow Turbans, so Zhang Xin let the matter drop.
Hu Cai and Li Le had no objections.
Zuo Bao remained calm.
Yang Yi was indifferent.
Only Zhang Niujiao grumbled endlessly—until Zhang Xin cut him off:
"If you're so capable, go fight him one-on-one."
That immediately shut him up.
Reckless as he was, he wasn't a fool.
The tension dissolved, and the hall soon filled with laughter and toasts.
Zhang Xin, unable to drink, used tea in place of wine, taking the opportunity to strengthen bonds with his men.
By the end, both host and guests were in high spirits.
The next day, Zhang Xin summoned Chen Song and Deng Xing.
After they were seated, Deng Xing asked, "What are your orders, Commander?"
"In the recent battle, our army achieved victory," Zhang Xin said calmly, "and I rewarded the soldiers generously."
"However, Yuyang is a small county. If too much money suddenly enters circulation, prices will inevitably rise—and the people will suffer."
Both officials were visibly surprised.
"Therefore, I ask you to organize caravans to purchase grain and cloth from places like Jizhou to stabilize the market."
Deng Xing hesitated, then sighed.
"The commander's concern for the people is admirable… but we lack funds."
Chen Song nodded. "After the rebellions and raids, and after paying taxes and salaries… there is barely anything left."
"If you need grain, there is some. But money… very little."
Zhang Xin turned to Deng Xing. "And the county?"
"The same," Deng Xing admitted.
"In that case," Zhang Xin said after a moment's thought, "use my treasury."
"Draft a plan. We must act quickly."
"Understood."
Days passed as Zhang Xin recovered.
The army moved steadily:
Yang Yi trained cavalry Li Le oversaw equipment Hu Cai and Zhang Niujiao handled pensions Zuo Bao recruited 2,500 new troops
Meanwhile, Guan Yu occasionally spoke with Zhang Xin, though always at a distance.
Then, on the fourteenth day of the first month, a scout rushed in.
"Tadun and Supuyan are preparing to withdraw!"
Zhang Xin's eyes lit up.
"Is this certain?"
"I confirmed it with locals," the scout replied. "They've been feasting in Wuyan's camp. The tribe can barely sustain them anymore."
Zhang Xin stood abruptly.
"Heaven truly favors us!"
"Summon the generals—now!"
__
An hour later, the hall was filled once more.
Even Guan Yu arrived.
The Yellow Turban generals glanced at him—then deliberately looked away.
Zhang Xin swept his gaze across the room.
"The time has come," he said firmly.
"Today—we rise."