Upon reaching Gaoliu Pass, Zhang Xin could already see the Han troops lined along the city walls, standing ready for battle.
"Halt!"
When they were still a hundred paces away, the soldiers on the wall shouted in unison.
Though Zhang Xin had already sent scouts ahead to notify the Prefect of Dai Commandery, a force of this size could not simply be allowed through. Procedures had to be observed.
Zhang Xin raised a hand, signaling the army to stop. Accompanied only by Dian Wei, he rode forward.
"I am Zhang Xin, Protector of the Wuhuan. I have already sent word. Open the gate!"
"Please verify your identity, Captain Zhang."
A basket was lowered from the wall. The guard clasped his fists in apology.
"This humble officer is on duty—please forgive the inconvenience."
Zhang Xin took out his official seal and handed it to Dian Wei, who placed it into the basket. It was quickly drawn up.
After a brief inspection, the garrison commander called out:
"Open the gates!"
With a heavy rumble, the city gates swung wide.
Zhang Xin led his army inside in orderly formation.
The first to enter were the former Yellow Turban soldiers. Each man rode with two women—one in his arms, another on horseback beside him.
The garrison soldiers stared, eyes wide with envy.
For years, they had only heard of barbarians abducting Han women—never of Han soldiers bringing women back from the steppe.
This new Protector of the Wuhuan… truly formidable.
As the Yellow Turban men passed, the Wuhuan cavalry followed—each likewise holding a woman.
This time, the garrison couldn't help but grumble.
"What right do they have?"
Zhang Xin ignored the murmurs and retrieved his seal from the commander.
"Captain," the man said with a grin, unable to hide his admiration, "when will you lead another campaign beyond the pass?"
Zhang Xin raised a brow. "Oh?"
"My brothers came earlier," the commander said, scratching his head. "They all want to follow you out to fight the barbarians."
Zhang Xin glanced at the eager faces around him and smiled.
"Very well. Next time I ride out—if you're willing—you may come with me."
The surrounding soldiers lit up immediately.
"Thank you, Captain!"
Though the Protector of the Wuhuan had the authority to mobilize local troops, it was rarely exercised to avoid conflict with regional officials. But Zhang Xin saw no harm in making a bold promise—and quietly extending his influence.
Outside the pass lay Gaoliu, where the Prefect of Dai Commandery was already waiting with his officials.
"The Captain's recent campaign has slain tens of thousands and shaken the frontier," the prefect said with a respectful bow. "It is a great blessing for the people of Youzhou."
Zhang Xin returned the courtesy.
"I merely did my duty. I am unworthy of such praise. May I ask—how goes the matter I entrusted to you?"
"The proclamation is ready," the prefect replied. "It only awaits your seal."
"Then please have it brought."
"You won't be entering the city?" the prefect asked, surprised.
Zhang Xin smiled faintly.
"My army will remain outside. I will not disturb the people."
The prefect nodded and sent a clerk to fetch the document.
Meanwhile, Zhang Xin instructed Yan Rou to assist in resettling displaced civilians.
Soon, the proclamation was brought.
It first detailed the victory, boosting morale. It then warned that the Xianbei, now short on supplies, might launch desperate raids into Youzhou. Finally, it ordered all counties to maintain scorched-earth measures until the threat was fully resolved.
Winter made such orders tolerable—at any other time, they would have been impossible.
Zhang Xin stamped the document repeatedly, making it official.
Couriers, already prepared, were dispatched in all directions.
After a final exchange of pleasantries, the prefect returned to the city, while Zhang Xin remained outside to arrange his camp.
That night, the camp erupted in celebration—songs, laughter, and cheers filled the air.
As the noise gradually died down, quieter, more private sounds followed, leaving the garrison atop Gaoliu exchanging awkward glances.
Zhang Xin drank little. After a brief rest and a hot bath, he returned to his tent.
Inside, a young woman lay on the bed, wrapped tightly in blankets, her face flushed with shyness.
Her name was Wang Jiao, a woman from Bingzhou. Years ago, she had been taken by Kui Tou and forced into his household.
Though she still had family, sending her back was impractical—and beyond Zhang Xin's reach.
Besides, she was strikingly beautiful, tall and graceful, and Zhang Xin had taken an interest in her.
This time, he had no intention of giving her away.
He had asked if she would stay—and she had agreed.
Zhang Xin sat at the edge of the bed, loosening his belt, his expression calm.
Not far away, in a crude holding cell, Kui Tou listened.
The faint sounds from Zhang Xin's tent carried through the night.
His fists clenched. His eyes burned red.
That was my woman…
The next morning, Zhang Xin emerged refreshed.
He glanced at Kui Tou from afar, a faint, knowing smile forming.
Now he understood certain… peculiar tastes of powerful men.
Afterward, Zhang Xin exchanged livestock with the prefect for grain and fodder, distributing it among the people and sending them home.
He then issued orders:
Lü Bu and Yan Rou would lead eight hundred former Yellow Turbans to garrison Ning County Pass Ju Shu and Wu Xue would return with the Wuhuan cavalry to Shanggu The livestock would be temporarily held by the Wuhuan
Zhang Xin himself, along with the remaining forces, escorted Kui Tou and the captives toward Yuyang.
At the entrance to Yuyang County, a young man guided a horse-drawn carriage at a slow pace.
"Teacher," he said softly, "we've arrived in Yuyang."