"Yunchang is back?"
Zhang Xin's face lit up with joy. He immediately ordered someone to summon Guan Yu to the main hall.
Moments later, Guan Yu strode in, tall and imposing as ever. He bowed deeply, holding the military tally with both hands.
"Your subordinate, Guan Yu, greets Your Excellency. I have carried out your orders beyond the frontier to map the lands, and have returned to report!"
Behind him, Yan Rou also stepped forward and bowed.
Zhang Xin quickly moved to help them up, taking back the tally.
"You've both worked hard. Were either of you injured?"
Guan Yu smiled faintly. After months under the harsh steppe sun, his already ruddy face had darkened even further.
"Thanks to Yan Rou's guidance, we avoided many Xianbei groups. No one was harmed."
Zhang Xin turned to Yan Rou, clearly pleased.
"In that case, you shall serve as a squad leader—fifty men under your command."
Yan Rou's eyes lit up.
"Thank you, my lord!"
Zhang Xin then looked back at Guan Yu.
"And the mission?"
Without another word, Guan Yu produced a bundle of silk maps and handed them over.
Zhang Xin accepted them—but instead of opening them, he set them aside and smiled.
"At the beginning of the month, your wife and son arrived safely in Yuyang. They are waiting at home."
Guan Yu froze.
After years apart, the thought of seeing his family again stirred him deeply.
"Thank you… my lord."
His voice trembled slightly despite his towering presence.
"Go home and rest for a few days," Zhang Xin said warmly. "Tonight, I will host a banquet. Many heroes have recently joined us—you should meet them."
Guan Yu nodded, then glanced briefly at Dian Wei before taking his leave.
The Map
Once Guan Yu departed, Zhang Xin finally unfolded the maps.
As he pieced them together, his expression changed.
"So detailed?"
Yan Rou chuckled modestly.
The maps marked everything—roads, mountains, water sources, Xianbei settlements, even estimated population sizes.
It was as if Zhang Xin had gained full visibility of the battlefield.
"In that case," Zhang Xin laughed, "being a mere squad leader is beneath you."
"I appoint you as a garrison commander. You may take two additional attendants—and choose whichever woman you favor from the textile workshop."
"And every soldier who went beyond the frontier may do the same."
Yan Rou was overwhelmed with gratitude.
"Thank you, my lord!"
"From now on, call yourself my subject," Zhang Xin said, pulling him to sit. "Now—tell me everything."
The Xianbei Situation
Yan Rou began his detailed explanation.
After Emperor Wu of Han defeated the Xiongnu, they split into northern and southern factions. The southern group submitted to Han, while the northern migrated west.
The Xianbei, originally from the Greater Khingan Mountains, seized the opportunity to expand into former Xiongnu lands.
Over time, they grew powerful—especially under their great leader Tanshihuai, who unified them and built a vast steppe empire.
At their peak, they could field over 200,000 troops.
Even the Han Dynasty struggled against them.
But now, things had changed.
After Tanshihuai's death, the Xianbei fractured into three major factions:
Western Xianbei, led by Kui Tou — ~100,000 people Central Xianbei, led by Bu Dugen — ~50,000–60,000 Eastern Xianbei, led by Su Li and Gujin — ~60,000–70,000
If united, they could still muster 80,000–100,000 troops.
Zhang Xin's Dilemma
Zhang Xin frowned as he studied the map.
Six thousand against eighty thousand… how do you win that?
Defending was possible. Like the Wuhuan, the Xianbei were poor at siege warfare. With strong walls and scorched-earth tactics, he could hold them off.
But that wouldn't solve the real problem.
If they keep coming every year… how can Yuyang ever develop?
He stared at the map, deep in thought.
"Subdue the Xianbei…"
A dangerous idea flickered in his mind.
"Invite them to a feast… kill their leaders… and turn the rest into obedient allies?"
He paused.
Then his eyes suddenly lit up.
"No…"
"It's kill first—then feast—then make them submit."