Zhang Xin accepted the imperial edict.
Tao Qian cupped his hands and prepared to take his leave.
"Wait," Zhang Xin called out. "Advisor Tao, where are Guan Yu's troops stationed?"
He had no intention of building any sort of relationship with Tao Qian.
People often said Guan Yu was arrogant, but in truth, Tao Qian was even more so—only his arrogance was carefully performed. Guan Yu, for all his pride, at least maintained outward courtesy. If you gave him face, he would return it.
Tao Qian, however, sought reputation above all else. If he truly despised someone, he could simply avoid them—but instead, he would deliberately show up and humiliate them in public, just to cultivate an image of upright defiance.
Zhang Xin had no interest in becoming a stepping stone for such a man.
"Over there," Tao Qian said, pointing briefly before leaving.
After Tao Qian departed, Zuo Bao, Zhao Yun, and the others stepped forward to offer congratulations.
Once that was done, Zhang Xin led his troops toward Guan Yu's camp.
"My lord!"
Guan Yu's face lit up with relief as he stepped forward and bowed. "When I heard of Geng Bi's defeat and the chaos in Liangzhou, I was deeply worried. I only regretted that I could not go to find you."
"Hahaha! Seeing you safe puts my mind at ease," Zhang Xin laughed.
Behind Guan Yu, Fu Luohan, Su Li, and the others also bowed in greeting.
"No need for formalities," Zhang Xin said, helping Guan Yu up. "I'm glad you're unharmed, Yun Chang."
Then his gaze shifted to the Xianbei leaders.
"What were your casualties?"
They were momentarily stunned—then deeply moved.
For years, the Han court had treated their cavalry as expendable auxiliaries. Never had anyone asked about their losses upon arrival.
"Thank you for your concern, my lord," Fu Luohan replied quickly. "Since reaching Chang'an, we've fought over ten battles. More than three hundred dead, over a thousand wounded."
"You've worked hard," Zhang Xin nodded. "I will petition the court to reward you."
The number was acceptable—but still significant. If compensation was lacking, resentment could easily arise, especially after they had marched over two thousand li to assist.
"Thank you, my lord!" the two said, visibly grateful.
"Come, let's talk inside."
As they entered the tent, Zhang Xin took the main seat and ordered wine and food.
After several rounds of drinking, the atmosphere grew lively. Old comrades shared stories of recent battles, laughing and marveling at each other's exploits.
Noticing that Fu Luohan, Budugen, and Su Li felt somewhat out of place, Zhang Xin frequently drew them into the conversation, making sure they were included.
The banquet ended in high spirits.
That night, instead of resting in the large tent prepared for him, Zhang Xin went to a smaller one.
Inside, Han Sui's youngest daughter, Han Shu, quickly rose to greet him.
"Han Shu greets Your Excellency."
"No need for that."
Zhang Xin waved it off, sat down, and pulled her closer.
"How is your leg?" he asked.
During the forced march, she had been tied to a horse, and the constant riding had left her thighs raw and injured.
"Thank you for your concern, my lord. I've recovered," she said softly, cheeks flushed.
"That's good."
He drew her into his arms. "Your mother offered you to me. If you're unwilling, say so—I won't force you."
Though his words sounded gentle, his hands betrayed a different intent.
Han Shu lowered her head, blushing. "I only hope Your Excellency will treat me kindly…"
Between becoming the wife of a powerful noble and remaining part of a disgraced family, the choice was obvious.
The next morning, Zhang Xin left the tent looking slightly worn.
Just then, imperial rewards arrived—officials and soldiers bringing boxes of copper coins.
"So fast?" Zhang Xin was surprised.
He hadn't even requested them yet.
After gathering the troops, he personally oversaw the distribution. Even after everyone received their share, over a hundred thousand coins remained.
"Seems the court isn't as stingy as people say," he muttered.
Without hesitation, he distributed the remainder among the soldiers.
They were deeply grateful.
After resting two more days, Zhang Xin issued orders:
Ju Shu, Fu Luohan, and others would return to Youzhou with their troops.
Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao, Dian Wei, and other meritorious officers would accompany him to the capital to receive honors.
Guan Yu, whose contributions were comparatively modest this time, was instructed to return with the Yuyang troops instead.
Soon, the once-crowded camp emptied out.
From over ten thousand men, only about four hundred former Yellow Turban soldiers remained at Zhang Xin's side.
"Time to go."
Zhang Xin set out eastward toward Luoyang, escorting Han Sui's family.
After only a few miles, they spotted a group of cavalry waiting by the roadside.
It was Lü Bu, along with Wei Xu and over a hundred riders.
Seeing Zhang Xin approach, Lü Bu rode forward with a grin.
"My lord—let us travel together."