"Since their whereabouts are unknown, how can we persuade them to come to our aid?"
Liu Yu pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head. "Zishan, I don't think offering amnesty is appropriate."
Wei You frowned slightly. "What is Your Excellency's concern?"
"The Yellow Turbans have been far too excessive in their killings," Liu Yu replied. "They entered Yuyang before securing their footing, slew Nanlou, and then annihilated Wuyan. Every campaign they wage brings immense strain upon the people. How can the common folk endure this?"
"Moreover, the Wuhuan rebellion stems from the failures of local governance—not from inherent fault in the Wuhuan themselves. What right does this Yellow Turban force have to wage war against them on its own authority?"
"If they had merely punished them, that would be one thing. But to slaughter the entire male population of Wuyan's tribe?" Liu Yu's eyes widened in anger. "Such brutality—if we were to pardon them, they would surely become a scourge upon the land!"
He straightened his robes and said firmly, "Zishan, issue a proclamation to all commanderies. I intend to punish the Yellow Turbans and reclaim Yuyang!"
Wei You smiled helplessly.
He knew his superior had fallen back into his old ways.
Liu Yu's governance—if described kindly—was benevolent and humane.If described bluntly… he was a saint.
To Liu Yu, Han and Hu were no different—they were all people under heaven.
When the Wuhuan rebelled, he blamed himself for failing to guide them. He would even use supplies meant for the Han people to aid the Hu tribes, believing that if they were fed, they would cease their unrest.
And for a time, it worked.
The Hu were grateful. The Han, for the sake of peace, endured their losses.
But this was never a lasting solution.
In years of abundance, peace could be maintained. But in years of famine, unrest always returned. The Wuhuan had caused trouble more than once during Liu Yu's tenure.
In truth, these tribes were like wolves—impossible to fully tame.
Yet Liu Yu refused to see it, steadfast in his belief that kindness alone could win their hearts.
Still… such a man was easy to persuade.
"My lord, please reconsider," Wei You said gently. "If war breaks out, how many soldiers will die? How many wives will lose their husbands, how many mothers their sons, how many children their fathers?"
"If peace can be preserved through amnesty, sparing the land from bloodshed, would that not be the greater good?"
"And besides, it is the season of spring planting. This is hardly the time to mobilize troops."
As expected, Liu Yu hesitated.
Seizing the moment, Wei You began recounting Zhang Xin's conduct since arriving in Yuyang—his discipline, his treatment of the common people.
"I never expected a Yellow Turban leader to treat the people so well…" Liu Yu murmured, conflicted. "But even so… killing cannot be justified."
Wei You smiled faintly. "Once he accepts amnesty, Your Excellency may admonish him. With your reputation for both benevolence and authority, he will surely reform."
Liu Yu nodded slowly. "Very well. We shall proceed as you suggest."
Then he added, "Bring me the administrative records."
"Yes, my lord."
Just as Wei You turned to leave, a minor official approached, holding a bamboo tube.
"Lord Wei, a man outside the gate claimed to be from the Tian family of Wuzhong and left this letter for you."
Wei You accepted it, dismissed the clerk, and broke the seal.
As he unrolled the bamboo slips, his expression suddenly changed.
"This… how can this be?!"
Liu Yu looked up in surprise. "Zishan, what has startled you so?"
Wei You took a deep breath before speaking slowly.
"My lord… Zhang Xin marched through the Lulong ancient road, crossed eight hundred li of mountainous terrain, and launched a surprise attack on Liucheng."
"He killed over ten thousand Wuhuan. Tadun and Wuyan died in battle, and Qiu Liju fled. More than fifty thousand people—both Han and Hu—were captured, along with countless livestock."
"The Wuhuan of western Liaoning… have been wiped out."
"W-what?!"
Liu Yu was stunned. "Quick—let me see!"
Fifth day of the second lunar month
After several days of rest, Zhang Xin reorganized his forces in Xuwu.
This campaign consisted of two thousand cavalry, two thousand infantry, and one thousand auxiliaries provided by Tian Kai—five thousand men in total.
He first sent the auxiliaries ahead to clear the route and establish supply depots. Only then did the main force advance.
They carved paths through mountains and built bridges across rivers.
The Lulong Road was treacherous—steep cliffs, narrow paths, and snow-slick terrain. Dozens of soldiers fell to their deaths during the march.
After more than ten grueling days, they finally reached Bailang Mountain.
"Fortunately, we made it in time," Zhang Xin said, glancing at the thin layer of remaining snow.
Tian Kai nodded. "If the snow had fully melted, the Wuhuan would have taken their herds out to graze. We would have had nowhere to conceal our approach."
"Heaven favors us," Zhang Xin replied. "Speed is critical—Brother Shifan, lead the way."
"With pleasure," Tian Kai said with a laugh.
They advanced another hundred li, rested for a night, then pressed forward.
Zhang Xin ordered Zhang Niujiao to lead the infantry behind, while he personally led two thousand cavalry in a rapid strike toward Liucheng.
Only when they were thirty li away did Wuhuan scouts discover them and rush back in alarm.
By the time Zhang Xin reached the Wuhuan camp, barely half their cavalry had assembled.
Their ranks were disordered, their morale shaken.
Zhang Xin did not hesitate.
He raised his spear.
"Charge!"
"Zhang Xin again?!" Wu Yan and Tadun cried out in shock and fury.
"Hold the line! Buy time!" Qiu Liju shouted, ordering Tadun forward.
Tadun led several hundred warriors to intercept—but in an instant, a shadow flashed past.
Guan Yu, mounted on the very horse gifted by Qiu Liju, struck like lightning.
With a single thrust, Tadun fell dead.
The Wuhuan ranks collapsed immediately.
"Tadun!!"
Qiu Liju's eyes reddened with grief and rage.
"Zhang Xin, I swear I'll kill you!"
But even as he shouted, he turned and fled, abandoning his banner.
The army fell into chaos.
Seizing the moment, the Yellow Turbans pressed the attack. Guan Yu, Zuo Bao, and Yang Yi split their forces, cutting down the fleeing cavalry.
Amid the chaos, Wu Yan attempted to escape—but Zhang Xin recognized him instantly.
Drawing his bow, he loosed three arrows in rapid succession.
One struck true.
Wu Yan fell from his horse.
Zhang Xin rode forward and finished him with a single thrust.
Meanwhile, Guan Yu pursued Qiu Liju to Liucheng. The gates slammed shut behind the fleeing leader.
Zhang Xin immediately ordered Guan Yu to hold the city with five hundred cavalry, while he and the others swept the battlefield.
Under repeated calls of "Those who surrender will not be killed," the remaining Wuhuan laid down their arms.
The next day, Zhang Niujiao arrived with the infantry. Using pre-prepared siege equipment, they advanced on Liucheng.
The final assault had begun.