Qian Man's heart was filled with anxiety.
The Xianbei people are a nomadic people; ordinarily, their tribes are scattered among various settlements, only gathering when there's a need.
At this moment, there were only three thousand tribesmen in the royal court at Tanhan Mountain.
If he didn't quickly gather them, and the enemy attacked, his royal court would be wiped out with just one charge.
By the time Qian Man frantically assembled his tribesmen, Zhang Xins army was already five li away.
Qian Man hurriedly sent someone to inquire about the other party's intentions.
Could Yan Rou really have sent troops to conquer them?
A tribesman rode out to meet Zhang Xins army, and not long after, he returned with a burly man built like an iron tower.
When Qian Man saw this burly man, he went completely numb.
He knew this person well!
Isn't this Dian Wei?
When Kuitou and Zhang Xin fought their decisive battle, Dian Wei's bravery left a very deep impression on him.
Since he appeared here, then...
Holy crap!
Zhang Xin came personally?
Wasn't he in Chang'an, pulling hair with Dong Zhuo?
Why did he suddenly come to the grasslands?
At this instant, Qian Man remembered how he had instructed his tribesmen to plunder Han people, and he suddenly felt a pang of guilt.
"Qian Man!"
Dian Wei shouted, startling Qian Man.
"Why are you leading troops here? What is your intention?"
"You, Zhang Xin, led several thousand soldiers to my royal tent without a word, and you still have the nerve to ask me what my intention is?"
Qian Man grumbled inwardly, but on his face, he smiled and said, "The scouts reported that a troop of soldiers was heading toward the royal tent. This king did not know whether they were friend or foe, so I gathered my tribesmen to be on guard."
"I didn't expect it to be Wuxiang... Marquis Xuanwei himself. This king has failed to welcome you, and I hope you will forgive me."
After speaking, Qian Man performed a Han etiquette on horseback.
Dian Wei's expression softened slightly upon hearing this, and he nodded.
"Now that you know Lord has arrived, come with me to pay your respects."
"This..." Qian Man looked troubled.
Zhang Xin suddenly led troops here; who knew what he wanted to do?
Qian Man was already feeling guilty; how could he dare to go alone to pay his respects at this time?
What if Zhang Xin really came for the border raids? Wouldn't going there be walking right into a trap?
"Hmm?"
Dian Wei's expression turned unkind when he saw him hesitate.
"Since you have seen Lord, why do you not bow!"
"Could it be that you are leading troops here, intending to ambush Lord!"
With this huge accusation thrown at him, Qian Man instantly shivered, his thoughts racing.
Their side had assembled in haste and were not at all prepared for battle.
The battle strength was three thousand against four thousand, the advantage was not with them.
Qian Man instantly caved, followed Dian Wei to Zhang Xin, dismounted, and bowed.
"Qian Man, the minor king of Xianbei people, greets Marquis Xuanwei of the Heavenly Dynasty."
"No need for formalities."
Zhang Xin smiled slightly, "Qian Man, it's been a long time since we last met."
Seeing Zhang Xin's pleasant demeanor, Qian Man's unease lessened. After exchanging pleasantries, he asked, "May I know the purpose of Lord's visit this time?"
Zhang Xin explained the matter of exchanging horses.
Of course, he naturally wouldn't mention other things.
Qian Man breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
He didn't know why Zhang Xin suddenly came to him to exchange horses, but as long as he wasn't here to cause trouble, it was fine.
"A small matter."
Qian Man patted his chest and said, "If Lord wants other things, my Xianbei people may not have them, but if Lord wants warhorses, Lord can have as many as he wants!"
If Zhang Xin took them for free without giving anything, Qian Man would definitely not give them to him.
But if it was an exchange of horses, then it didn't matter.
The warhorses of Zhang Xins army were only somewhat lacking in strength due to prolonged exertion; they would recover with proper care for a period of time, they weren't useless.
Anyway, the Xianbei people feed horses every day, and feeding any horse was the same.
There was no war now, so this small matter had no impact; it was better to do a favor.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xin almost blurted out, 'I want them all.'
Fortunately, he still remembered that his main purpose this time was to ambush Jizhou.
Ambush, ambush, the most important part is the 'ambush' itself.
If he were to go south with tens of thousands of warhorses, Yuan Shao would probably have received the news before he even reached the border of Jizhou.
"Good, then I'll trouble you," Zhang Xin nodded.
Qian Man joyfully ordered his tribesmen to prepare warhorses for Zhang Xins army.
While waiting, Zhang Xin called Qian Man over.
"I heard someone say that you've been a bit restless lately?"
"What does Lord mean by thlowly, Lord..."
Qian Man waved his hand with a missing finger, reluctantly bidding farewell to Zhang Xin.