Celebrations, rewards, resettlement—
These past few days had left Zhang Xin utterly occupied.
Wei You came again, bringing Liu Yu's reply: Zhang Xin must choose between becoming Prefect of Yuyang or Protector of the Wuhuan.
He could not have both.
Zhang Xin responded without hesitation. He told Wei You he was willing to present one thousand warhorses to Liu Yu. In addition, he would offer ten thousand more warhorses and a method for rapidly training cavalry to the imperial court, to aid in suppressing the rebellion in Xiliang.
After all, he couldn't afford to maintain such a massive herd anyway—better to turn it into political capital.
He made his stance clear: whether his request was granted or not, these gifts would still be delivered. He only asked that Liu Yu mention them in his memorial.
While campaigning against Qiuliju, Zhang Xin had already noticed that some Wuhuan cavalry were equipped with stirrups and high-bridged saddles.
These "Three Treasures of the Horse" required no advanced craftsmanship. Once seen, they could not be kept secret for long.
Zhang Xin had anticipated this.
Since exposure was inevitable, he might as well offer them openly to the court—earning merit and goodwill in the process.
For the nomadic tribes, who grew up riding, such equipment was merely an enhancement. But for Han soldiers, it was transformative—nothing less than revolutionary.
Even if the steppe tribes adopted it, it would not be decisive.
After all, true military dominance required more than cavalry. Later empires had combined cavalry with advanced siegecraft and engineering—something the current nomadic tribes lacked entirely.
Setting aside everything else, how many suits of iron armor could they even produce?
As for rival warlords learning the same methods in the future—so be it.
If Zhang Xin were ever defeated because of it, that would simply mean he had failed to keep pace.
For the Han as a whole, the benefits far outweighed the risks.
"I will relay your intentions to the governor," Wei You said, visibly impressed by his generosity.
Taking advantage of the moment, Zhang Xin also proposed trading cattle for grain. Wei You agreed to include that in his report.
A few days later, Wei You returned with supplies—and news.
Liu Yu had agreed.
Zhang Xin immediately handed over the promised warhorses and oxen, along with detailed diagrams and instructions for the "Three Treasures of the Horse."
Then, he waited.
Luoyang, Northern Palace
Emperor Liu Hong was in the midst of court deliberations when a messenger arrived with a memorial from Liu Yu, Governor of Youzhou.
"Bring it here," Liu Hong said.
Zhang Rang personally delivered the document.
As Liu Hong read it, his eyes widened—and then he burst into laughter.
"Excellent! Excellent!"
The court officials exchanged puzzled glances. Cui Lie, the newly appointed Minister of Works, stepped forward.
"What news has brought such joy to Your Majesty?"
Many officials inwardly scoffed at him—after all, Cui Lie had purchased his position just a month ago for five million coins.
"A month ago," Liu Hong said, smiling broadly, "the bandit leader Zhang Xin of Yuyang led his forces into Liaoxi, defeated Qiuliju, and now seeks to surrender to the court."
This news struck the court like a bolt of lightning.
Recently, the empire had been plagued by unrest in Liang, You, and Ji Provinces. Huangfu Song was locked in stalemate, and Wang Fen could barely defend his cities against the Black Mountain bandits.
Yet now, without deploying a single imperial soldier, the chaos in Youzhou had resolved itself.
How could Liu Hong not be pleased?
"Your Majesty's wisdom and virtue have inspired even rebels to submit!" Cui Lie declared, seizing the moment to flatter.
The rest of the officials, though reluctant, echoed the praise.
Liu Hong ordered the memorial passed around, then asked, "Zhang Xin requests to be both Prefect of Yuyang and Protector of the Wuhuan. What do you think?"
General He Jin reacted first.
"He is offering ten thousand warhorses—and a method for rapidly training cavalry?" he asked in astonishment.
"Yes," the envoy confirmed. "The method has already been delivered and awaits outside the palace."
He Jin stepped forward immediately.
"Your Majesty, I believe his request should be granted!"
He argued that Zhang Xin had shown loyalty, avoided harming civilians, defeated the Wuhuan, and now offered invaluable military resources.
"With the stalemate in Liangzhou, these warhorses and methods could turn the tide," He Jin urged. "His sincerity is beyond doubt."
In truth, He Jin had his own motives.
Lacking strong allies at court and growing wary of Dong Zhuo's independence, he saw Zhang Xin as a promising subordinate—capable, rootless, and easier to control.
But Sikong Zhang Wen stepped forward to oppose him.
"Your Majesty, the Yellow Turbans are rebels. Zhang Xin submits only out of fear," he said coldly.
"The Prefect of Yuyang and Protector of the Wuhuan are both high offices with salaries of two thousand shi. Even a loyal subject would not be granted both—how could a former rebel deserve such favor?"
He Jin faltered. "Then what of the warhorses and cavalry method?"
Zhang Wen sneered.
"A mere prefecture cannot sustain so many warhorses. He is simply offloading what he cannot afford—using them to bribe the court."
Then he bowed.
"I propose granting him the title of Colonel of the Vanquishing Barbarians."
This position carried prestige, but little real power—no administrative authority, no independent resources, and no control over Wuhuan cavalry.
In essence, it made Zhang Xin nothing more than a tool of the court.
Most officials nodded in agreement.
Liu Hong considered this, then said, "But Liu Yu warns that if Zhang Xin is dissatisfied, he may rebel again. What then?"
Zhang Wen replied calmly, "After last year's campaigns, Youzhou still has troops stationed in Ji County. If Zhang Xin rebels, Liu Yu can mobilize local forces and Wuhuan cavalry to suppress him."
Liu Hong seemed intrigued.
He Jin, however, grew anxious and glanced at his brother, He Miao.
After a moment of confusion, He Miao suddenly stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, why not first examine this method of rapid cavalry training?"
He Jin's eyes lit up.
"Yes! Your Majesty, we should evaluate its usefulness before deciding on rewards."
Liu Hong nodded.
"Very well. Let us see it first."
He turned to the envoy.
"Can it be demonstrated?"
"Yes, it can."