Yuyang, Prefectural Governor's Residence
Inside the main hall, Zhang Xin sat in the seat of honor. At his side was Wei You, the envoy sent by the provincial governor. Below them stood two leaders of the Wuhuan.
Both men were clearly uncomfortable with the Han custom of kneeling, their expressions stiff and awkward.
Nengchen Di appeared to be around twenty years old. He stood tall—nearly eight feet five inches—and possessed a powerful, imposing build. Zhang Xin studied him silently.
No wonder he could rise above so many rivals and contend with Ju Shu.
In contrast, Ju Shu seemed much smaller. Though still about 1.8 meters tall, he looked almost slight beside Nengchen Di.
"This is the governor's envoy," Zhang Xin said, gesturing toward Wei You. "Speak freely. Whatever you wish to say, say it before him."
Wei You had been specifically summoned for this matter.
Zhang Xin understood that completely eliminating the Wuhuan was unrealistic—and Liu Yu would never allow it. The best strategy was to divide and control them, while gradually stabilizing relations through trade.
Taking advantage of the situation, Zhang Xin had already submitted his proposal to the provincial government. Liu Yu approved and sent Wei You to assist.
"General Ming!"
Both men spoke at once, then glared at each other, hostility evident in their eyes.
"Ju Shu, you may speak first," Zhang Xin said calmly.
"Thank you, General Ming."
Ju Shu stepped forward and bowed.
"Since ancient times, it has been the natural order for a son to succeed his father. My father has passed, so it is only right that I lead the Wuhuan of Shanggu."
He shot a sharp glance at his rival.
"Yet this traitor, Nengchen Di, has incited rebellion, causing endless conflict. In just a few months, thousands of our people have been killed or injured. His crimes are unforgivable!"
"I humbly request that General Ming execute this rebel and restore peace to the Wuhuan!"
"Nonsense!"
Nengchen Di let out a cold laugh, then stepped forward and bowed.
"General Ming, among the Wuhuan, strength decides leadership—not lineage. Ju Shu is weak, and his followers lack confidence in him. That is why I was chosen."
He straightened slightly.
"If someone like him leads, how could he possibly control the tribes? Disorder would only grow, and conflict between the Hu and Han would erupt again. Surely this is not what you—or Governor Liu—desire."
Zhang Xin narrowed his eyes slightly.
"So you believe you are capable of governing?"
"If General Ming supports me," Nengchen Di declared, striking his chest, "I swear that the Wuhuan of Shanggu will never again harm the Han people!"
"General Ming, you must not trust him!" Ju Shu interjected urgently. "The conflict between our people and the Han arises because we lack food and clothing. When people cannot survive, how can they obey orders?"
"He speaks of restraint, but it is nothing more than empty promises!"
"What a convenient excuse—'we had no choice,'" Zhang Xin said with a faint sneer. "You accuse him, but are you any better?"
Ju Shu hesitated, then lowered his head.
"I… I am unworthy. But if General Ming is willing to provide grain each year, I will do everything in my power to restrain my people."
Compared to Nengchen Di's bold claims, Ju Shu's words sounded far more grounded.
Zhang Xin nodded slightly.
"Both of you make valid points."
Before either could continue, he raised a hand.
"Here is my decision. For now, you will cease hostilities. Each of you will lead your own faction. Over time, we will see who can better control their people and prevent harm to the Han. That person will be recognized as leader of the Shanggu Wuhuan."
"General Ming—" Nengchen Di began, clearly dissatisfied.
He currently held the advantage in strength; a truce was not in his favor.
Zhang Xin's gaze turned cold.
"Unhappy? Then shall I send troops against you instead?"
Nengchen Di's heart skipped a beat. He quickly bowed his head.
His strength might rival Qiu Liju's former forces—but Zhang Xin had already crushed Qiu Liju. If the Han army marched from Yuyang, they could arrive within a day. And Ju Shu would surely support them.
Defiance was not an option.
"Then it is settled," Zhang Xin said firmly. "The rest depends on your actions."
"Yes," both men replied.
Ju Shu quietly exhaled in relief. Though he had not gained direct support, the ceasefire bought him valuable time.
Nengchen Di, however, remained resentful, though he dared not show it.
At the side, Wei You stroked his beard, smiling faintly.
Divide and control through strength—an effective strategy indeed.
Zhang Xin continued, "Ju Shu mentioned that your people raid the Han because of a lack of food and clothing. I believe there is truth in that."
Ju Shu looked up, surprised.
"But simply handing out supplies is not a lasting solution," Zhang Xin went on. "What happens when I leave office, and my successor refuses to continue such aid?"
Both men fell silent.
"Therefore," Zhang Xin said, "I intend to establish a trade market in Yuyang. You may exchange cattle, sheep, and horses for grain, salt, and other necessities."
He paused briefly.
"In addition, I will request Governor Liu to send instructors and distribute seeds, teaching your people how to cultivate land."
He looked at them directly.
"If the Wuhuan can sustain themselves, why would your warriors risk their lives raiding the Han?"
"General Ming… you would truly teach us farming?" Ju Shu asked, barely able to hide his excitement.
For generations, the Wuhuan had lived alongside the Han, but without formal status or land grants. The court treated them more as auxiliary forces than citizens. Naturally, their agriculture remained weak.
But if they could truly learn—
Who would choose war over a full stomach?
Zhang Xin gestured toward Wei You.
"The governor's envoy stands here. Ask him if you doubt me."
Wei You nodded in confirmation.
Zhang Xin's plan was simple: use force to maintain balance, then gradually stabilize the region through agriculture and trade. Over time, self-sufficiency would weaken the incentive for raiding.
Ju Shu immediately dropped to his knees.
"If General Ming can help my people become self-sufficient, then my four thousand tribes will follow your command!"
"Under the command of the imperial court," Zhang Xin corrected calmly.
Wei You was still present, after all.
"Yes, yes—under the court!" Ju Shu quickly amended.
Seeing this, Nengchen Di had no choice but to kneel as well, though his enthusiasm was far less.
Zhang Xin looked down at the two men kneeling before him, his thoughts deep and unreadable.