Zhang Xin froze in place.
What the—why is my father here? I never invited him…
Seeing his silence, Lü Bu quickly stepped forward to explain.
"We are all from the same hometown as Boping. When General Ming issued the recruitment order, we heard that we could fight the Hu, protect the people, and earn merit. So we came of our own accord," he said earnestly.
"Everyone here is strong and capable. We only hope General Ming will give us a chance. If you doubt us—you may test us!"
Zhang Xin sighed inwardly.
As if I don't know how strong you are…
Still, since Lü Bu had come, turning him away would only harm his reputation. Maintaining the image of a courteous and discerning leader mattered.
At this moment, Lü Bu was still just a bold local warrior—not yet the fearsome figure he would become. Useful, yes… but dangerous in the long run. Especially if he ever crossed paths with Dong Zhuo.
Greedy too, Zhang Xin noted. But money isn't my problem.
With that, he smiled.
"Since you all wish to serve the country and kill the barbarians, you may stay."
"I'll need to assess your abilities first. Afterward, I'll assign your positions."
Lü Bu's face lit up with joy. He immediately knelt.
"Thank you, General Ming!"
The others followed suit.
"Rise," Zhang Xin said, helping him up. "Do you have a courtesy name?"
"Bu Fengxian," he replied respectfully.
Zhang Xin nodded, then turned to the others.
One by one, they introduced themselves—Gao Shun, Wei Xu, Song Xian, Hao Meng, and several others.
When Gao Shun stepped forward, Zhang Xin observed him closely.
Calm. Steady. Disciplined.
Just as I remember.
The Drill Ground
Soon, Zhang Xin led them to the military training grounds.
Six thousand troops stood assembled—infantry and cavalry, hardened over months of training and proper treatment. Though not lavish, Zhang Xin ensured his soldiers were fed better than most—meat every few days, a rare luxury in those times.
Morale was high.
Standing atop the platform, Zhang Xin's voice rang out:
"The autumn harvest approaches! The Xianbei will soon invade. Shall we let them take what we've worked for all year?"
"NO!" the soldiers roared.
"Then what do we do?"
"KILL! KILL! KILL!"
The ground trembled with their cries.
Satisfied, Zhang Xin gestured toward Lü Bu and the others.
"Today, these brave men will demonstrate their skills."
Lü Bu's Display
Lü Bu mounted his horse.
The moment he did, his expression shifted.
"This tack…"
He spurred forward, grabbed a bow, and galloped across the field.
Arrow after arrow flew.
Every single one struck the bullseye.
Cheers erupted.
Then he drew three arrows at once—
Still, not a single miss.
Zhang Xin couldn't help but marvel.
No wonder he becomes legendary…
Zhao Yun Steps Forward
Beside him, Zhao Yun watched with shining eyes.
"Zilong, want to try?" Zhang Xin asked.
"With your permission."
Moments later, Zhao Yun rode out.
His arrows flew—
Every one struck true.
The soldiers erupted again.
Clash of Titans
Zhang Xin stroked his chin.
Who's stronger? Lü Bu… or Zhao Yun?
Soon, the two faced each other—mounted, armored, armed with wooden staffs for safety.
The drums thundered.
They charged.
Lü Bu struck first—fast and heavy.
Zhao Yun dodged and countered like lightning.
The clash was breathtaking.
Back and forth they rode, trading blows, neither gaining the upper hand. Their staffs moved like spears and halberds, their timing nearly flawless.
After thirty rounds—
Crack!
Both staffs shattered.
"Enough!" Zhang Xin called.
The two dismounted, exchanging looks of mutual respect.
"I never expected such a warrior," Zhao Yun admitted.
Lü Bu laughed. "Nor I!"
Appointments
Seizing the moment, Zhang Xin made his decisions.
"Fengxian, I appoint you as a valiant cavalry officer. You will command five hundred cavalry."
Lü Bu was ecstatic.
"Thank you, my lord!"
"Zilong, you will also command five hundred."
Zhao Yun hesitated—but accepted.
"Wenyuan," Zhang Xin said to Zhang Liao, "you will lead three hundred."
Then he turned to Gao Shun.
"I've heard you're skilled at training troops. What do you think of my army?"
Gao Shun answered bluntly:
"Well organized… but in battle—chaotic."
Zhang Xin's heart sank.
"…Can you improve them?"
"Yes."
"Then I appoint you as military advisor for training."
Gao Shun bowed.
Private Concerns
That night, Zhang Xin summoned Zuo Bao.
"The men assigned to Lü Bu—make sure they are absolutely loyal."
Zuo Bao frowned. "You don't trust him?"
Zhang Xin nodded.
"He shows respect—but only until he gains power. Already, he oversteps. A man like that… may rebel if unsatisfied."
"Then why keep him?"
"Because we need him."
"Away with him now, and we lose public support. Keep him—and he helps us win battles."
Zuo Bao nodded slowly.
"And Gao Shun?" he asked.
"Win him over. He's trustworthy."
The Imperial Edict
Days later, an imperial decree arrived.
Emperor Ling of Han had reassigned command of the western campaign. Zhang Xin was ordered to prepare three thousand Wuhuan cavalry and await transfer.
Along with the decree came a letter.
From Zhang Rang.
Zhang Xin opened it eagerly.
His eyes widened.
"My strategist… has arrived?"
He read the name—
—and froze.
"It's him?!"