Last month, a meteor blazed across the skies near Chang'an, its fiery tail stretching more than ten zhang, illuminating the night like a burning torch.
The omen struck terror into the camps of the Western Liang rebels led by Bian Zhang and Han Sui. Horses neighed wildly, and even the donkeys brayed in panic. Han Sui, uneasy, took it as a sign of impending disaster and proposed withdrawing to Jincheng.
When the news reached Dong Zhuo, he seized the moment without hesitation. The very next day, he joined forces with Bao Hong, the Right Governor, and launched an attack—crushing the rebel army and beheading thousands.
Riding the momentum of victory, General Zhang Wen ordered Zhou Shen, General Who Suppresses Bandits, to lead thirty thousand troops in pursuit and besiege Yuzhong. At the same time, Dong Zhuo, as General of the Eastern Central Army, was dispatched with another thirty thousand to campaign against the Xianling Qiang.
What should have been a triumphant turn of events soon unraveled.
At the imperial palace, Liu Hong was overjoyed upon hearing the initial reports of victory—so much so that he indulged himself further in the company of palace maids.
But the tide of war shifted abruptly.
Zhou Shen found himself surrounded at Yuzhong, while Dong Zhuo was besieged by Qiang forces at Wangyuan.
Before the campaign, Sun Jian had advised Zhou Shen:
"The rebels lack provisions within the city. Their supplies come from outside. Grant me ten thousand troops—I will sever their supply lines while you maintain the siege. Once their supplies are cut, they will either surrender or flee. Then we may pursue together and pacify Liangzhou."
It was a sound plan.
But Zhou Shen ignored it.
Instead, it was Bian Zhang and Han Sui who cut off his supply lines.
Dong Zhuo faced the same crisis.
With provisions exhausted, Zhou Shen panicked. He abandoned his baggage and fled in disorder, leading to the near destruction of his entire army. The remaining Han forces suffered heavy losses and retreated in chaos.
Only Dong Zhuo managed to preserve his army.
Feigning calm, he ordered a dam built along the river under the pretense of fishing. Then, under cover of night, he crossed the shallows downstream where the water had receded.
When the Qiang forces realized and pursued, Dong Zhuo had the dam destroyed. Floodwaters surged, cutting off pursuit and allowing him to withdraw unscathed.
With the New Year approaching, Liu Hong's earlier joy turned to frustration.
"Let us discuss how to deal with Zhang Wen and the others," he said coldly in court.
After lengthy deliberation, the officials agreed not to punish them—for now. Instead, they would be allowed to atone through future merit.
The truth was simple: the court lacked capable generals.
Huangfu Song had already been demoted. Zhu Jun was in mourning for his mother. Lu Zhi was respected for scholarship but not trusted in war. As for He Jin and He Miao—hardly worth mentioning.
There was no one left to send.
Thus, the matter was quietly set aside.
Attention then turned to Dong Zhuo.
In this disastrous campaign, he alone had achieved both victory and survival.
"Enfeoff Dong Zhuo as Marquis of Lixiang, with one thousand households," Liu Hong declared. "Sun Jian shall be appointed as an advisor."
Just as the court was about to adjourn, a eunuch hurried in.
"Zhang Xin, Protector of the Wuhuan and Prefect of Yuyang, has submitted a memorial!"
Liu Hong paused, surprised.
"A memorial? At this time? Has he come to offer thanks?"
Only days earlier, Yuyang had ranked among the top prefectures in Youzhou. Pleased, Liu Hong had formally confirmed Zhang Xin in his post—custom dictated a letter of gratitude in return.
But this… was too fast.
Then Liu Hong recalled Liu Yu's earlier report: the Xianbei invasion, the mobilization of forces, Zhang Xin leading troops into battle.
Could it be… the campaign has concluded?
His heart stirred.
"Summon the envoy at once!"
Moments later, Tian Kai entered the hall in official robes. Though composed, his exhaustion was evident.
"Your servant, Tian Kai, registrar of Yuyang, pays respects to Your Majesty!"
"Rise," Liu Hong said. "No need for formalities."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Tian Kai stood—but suddenly collapsed to his knees.
"What is the matter?" Liu Hong asked, concerned.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Tian Kai said hastily. "I have traveled over two thousand li in ten days. Changing horses without rest… my legs can no longer bear it."
His condition spoke for itself—dark circles under his eyes, his face cracked by the winter wind.
Two thousand li in ten days.
The court stirred uneasily.
Something significant had happened.
"Tell me," Liu Hong urged, "what is the result of the Youzhou campaign?"
A smile appeared on Tian Kai's face.
He drew out several memorials, raised them high, and declared loudly:
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Zhang Xin, Protector of the Wuhuan, has achieved a great victory over the Xianbei—beheading more than twenty-five thousand and capturing six of their leaders!"
"Furthermore, fifty-four Xianbei chieftains have surrendered and are now on their way to Luoyang!"
Silence.
Then—
"What?!"
The entire court erupted.
More than twenty-five thousand slain? Sixty chieftains accounted for?
Had Zhang Xin annihilated the Xianbei outright?
Xu Xiang, the newly appointed Minister of Works, exclaimed in disbelief, "Impossible! Could these achievements be fabricated?"
Tian Kai immediately turned and bowed respectfully.
"My lord, the sixty Xianbei leaders are already en route. They will arrive in Luoyang after the New Year."
He raised his head, voice steady.
"When they arrive, whether my prefect has exaggerated… will be plain for all to see."