Zhang Xiu lowered himself to his knees, bowing deeply.
"This defeated general greets Marquis Xuanwei."
Zhang Xin studied him in silence.
The young man before him was close in age—perhaps slightly older, yet still clearly junior to Zhao Yun. His bearing was steady, his expression sincere… almost too sincere for a defeated commander.
Then the title struck him.
Marquis Xuanwei.
A strange feeling crept into Zhang Xin's chest.
Historically, that title had once belonged to Zhang Xiu himself—granted in chaotic times, more out of necessity than merit. And yet now, fate had twisted things so that the man knelt before him, addressing him by that very name.
"…Have we met before?" Zhang Xin asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Yes."
Zhang Xiu nodded, a faint smile appearing.
"During the fourth year of Zhongping, when my Lord campaigned in Liang Province… you once secured grain in Zuli. I was then a minor official. I saw you from afar."
Zhang Xin paused.
Then it came back.
A desperate campaign. Surrounded. Starving. Fighting for survival.
Faces blurred in memory—but the moment remained.
"So it was you…"
His expression hardened instantly.
"You once aided the court in its time of need," Zhang Xin said coldly. "And now you stand against it. Why?"
Zhang Xiu lowered his head.
"I… was wrong."
No excuses. No arguments.
Just that.
Zhang Xin waved his hand.
"Take him away."
As the guards led Zhang Xiu out, Zhang Xin's gaze lingered.
An honest man, he thought.
Too honest for this world.
And that made him… valuable.
The Prisoners
"My Lord," Xu He said, stepping forward, "the remaining captives have been brought."
"Bring them in."
A group of women entered the tent.
Silence followed.
Zhang Xin's eyes fell upon the one at the center—and for a brief moment, even he froze.
She was not flawless.
Individually, her features were ordinary.
Yet together… they formed something striking. Something difficult to look away from.
And beneath that—an unspoken allure.
A presence.
"…Could it be…"
Zhang Xin quickly looked away.
"Why are they all women?"
Xu He bowed.
"Zhang Ji left no heirs. Only wives and concubines."
He gestured as he introduced them.
"This is his wife, Lady Zou…"
Zhang Xin heard nothing else.
So it really is her.
He straightened slightly, regaining composure.
"They are not to be mistreated," he said calmly. "Have them housed in the city. Provide servants. Ensure proper care."
Wang Meng stepped forward.
"It will be done."
A Subtle Scheme
Later, outside the main tent—
Wang Meng approached Dian Wei, who stood guard like an iron tower.
"General Dian."
"Ah, Wang Meng!" Dian Wei grinned. "What brings you here?"
Wang Meng smiled faintly.
"Has the Lord been overworking himself?"
Dian Wei snorted.
"Of course! Every night he studies maps until dawn. If the other lords had even a fraction of his dedication, things would be easier."
Wang Meng leaned closer.
"There may be… a way to ease his burden."
Dian Wei blinked.
"What way?"
Wang Meng lowered his voice.
"The Lord… has taken a liking to one of the captives."
Dian Wei frowned.
"…So?"
Wang Meng sighed.
"General Dian, must everything be spelled out?"
A moment passed.
Then realization hit.
"…You mean—"
Wang Meng only smiled.
Dian Wei hesitated.
"The Lord's discipline is strict…"
"He won't be angry," Wang Meng assured him. "On the contrary… this may be exactly what he needs."
Dian Wei scratched his head.
"…Alright. I'll try."
Nightfall
Inside the tent—
Zhang Xin had just finished washing.
"Old Dian!" he called. "Bring me my foot towel!"
The tent flap opened.
Dian Wei entered—carrying a bundle.
Without a word, he tossed it onto the bed and turned to leave.
"Wait—what are you doing? I asked for a towel!"
No answer.
Dian Wei was already gone.
"…What's gotten into him?"
Shaking his head, Zhang Xin walked over and pulled back the bedding—
—and stopped.
A woman lay there.
Bare, trembling, her face flushed with shame and fear.
For a long moment—
silence filled the tent.
Zhang Xin's expression slowly changed.
Not to desire.
But to something far more complicated.
Behind this… was not just impulse.
It was a test.
A temptation.
And perhaps…
a trap.