The imperial court wasted no time after the New Year.
Sixty Xianbei chieftains entering Luoyang together—such a spectacle had not been seen since the restoration under Emperor Guangwu of Han.
Liu Hong was overjoyed.
That such an achievement occurred during his reign only proved his brilliance—at least in his own eyes.
With the treasury newly filled from tax collections, he ordered a grand celebration. The more extravagant, the better.
This triumph had to be seen by all.
The streets of Luoyang overflowed with people.
Gongs and drums thundered, firecrackers crackled, banners fluttered, and the crowds surged like a tide.
At the forefront rode Lü Bu.
Tall, handsome, and clad in armor, he cut an imposing figure. Behind him trailed the subdued Xianbei chieftains, their former arrogance nowhere to be seen.
The contrast only heightened his presence.
Women lining the streets screamed in excitement.
Hearing them, Lü Bu instinctively straightened his posture, occasionally casting glances toward the onlookers, clearly enjoying the attention.
As he approached the palace gates, he raised his head and gazed at the towering halls.
"So this… is Luoyang…"
His chest swelled.
"A true man should be like this!"
After a series of elaborate ceremonies, the Grand Master of Ceremonies instructed Lü Bu and the others in court etiquette.
Soon after, they were led into the grand hall.
The Xianbei chieftains trembled as they entered, bowing repeatedly and confessing their guilt.
After a stern reprimand and a display of imperial authority, Liu Hong dismissed them, satisfied.
Then his gaze fell upon Lü Bu.
"Minister Lü," he said with a smile, "tell me—how was this battle fought?"
Though Zhang Xin's memorial recorded the events, nothing matched a firsthand account.
All eyes turned toward Lü Bu.
Excitement surged through him.
He cleared his throat.
"At that time, I led five hundred cavalry to charge fifteen hundred Xianbei on the right flank…"
His voice grew louder and more animated as he spoke, recounting every clash and charge with vivid detail.
When he finished, Liu Hong's eyes gleamed.
"Oh? Then you must be quite brave?"
"I am extremely brave!" Lü Bu declared, pounding his chest. "Those Xianbei—killing them is as easy as slaughtering chickens!"
The court erupted in laughter.
Delighted, Liu Hong waved his hand.
"In that case, I appoint you as Colonel of the Bandit-Slaying Cavalry. Proceed to Chang'an and report to Zhang Wen."
"Once there, win merit and do not disappoint me."
"Your Majesty, I will not fail you!" Lü Bu exclaimed, bowing deeply.
From a minor officer to a commander of two-thousand-shi rank—this was a meteoric rise.
Though technically equal in rank to Zhang Xin's title, the difference in authority was vast.
Zhang Xin commanded a frontier region, wielding both military and administrative power.
Lü Bu, for now, was simply an independent field commander.
But even so—this was a leap few could dream of.
After Lü Bu withdrew, Liu Hong turned to the court.
"What do you think of Zhang Xin's proposal regarding the Xianbei?"
The strategy was simple.
Divide them.
Zhang Xin proposed elevating Qianman as Great Chanyu, placing her nominally over the Xianbei, while splitting actual power:
Fuluohan to lead the central tribes Budugen to command the western tribes The eastern tribes further divided among rival leaders
Meanwhile, Kui Tou would remain in Luoyang under supervision.
With rivalries deepened and unity broken, the Xianbei would inevitably fall into internal strife.
At the same time, trade would be controlled—ensuring dependence on the Han.
After discussion, the officials largely agreed.
It was elegant—and ruthless.
Even if a strong leader emerged again, the court could simply reshuffle the balance.
Satisfied, Liu Hong issued edicts conferring titles upon Qianman and the others.
As for Kui Tou—
He would remain in Luoyang, living comfortably under watch.
Far away in Yuyang, however, there was no rest.
Zhang Xin found himself busier than ever.
News of the victory at Tanhan Mountain spread quickly. Xianbei tribes from Bingzhou and Liangzhou sent envoys bearing furs and medicinal herbs, seeking peace.
Unsure of protocol, Zhang Xin turned to Cai Yong.
This time, thankfully, the answer did not come from a book.
With Cai Yong's guidance, memorials were drafted one after another, and caravans of tribute goods were sent to Luoyang.
The commotion soon caught the attention of Liu Yu.
Upon learning that the Xianbei were suing for peace, Liu Yu laughed heartily and even wrote a letter praising Zhang Xin.
Zhang Xin replied humbly, taking the opportunity to mend their earlier conflict over the seized grain.
Just as things began to settle, another matter arose.
Wei Xu, Hou Cheng, and several others came to see him.
They stood awkwardly, exchanging glances, unable to speak.
Zhang Xin frowned.
"What brings you here?"
After a moment, Wei Xu stepped forward and bowed.
"My lord… we have come to resign."
"Resign?" Zhang Xin was stunned. "Have I treated you poorly?"
"Not at all!" they hurriedly replied.
Wei Xu took out a letter and handed it over.
"After Fengxian reached Luoyang, His Majesty appointed him Colonel of the Bandit-Slaying Cavalry and sent him to Chang'an."
"He wrote to us… saying the situation there is dangerous, and he lacks support."
Wei Xu bowed deeply.
"We are all from the same village. We swore to advance and retreat together."
"We ask Your Excellency to grant us leave—to go aid him."
Silence fell.
The bond of brothers—
and the call of war—
stood before Zhang Xin once more.