News struck like a thunderclap.
Yang Feng shot to his feet. "What did you say?!"
"The Han army crossed the river two days ago," the soldier panted, "and has already taken Puban!"
The tent instantly fell silent.
Xu Huang's expression darkened. He stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Commander, this confirms my earlier concern. If the imperial army has seized Puban, then their next move will very likely be toward Zhiguan Pass."
Yang Feng's face turned grim. "How many troops do they have?"
"This subordinate does not know the exact number," the soldier replied, "but their banners are orderly, and their discipline is strict. They do not appear to be local militia."
Xu Huang's brows furrowed even deeper. "If they are not militia, then they must be elite troops from the capital…"
Yang Feng clenched his fists. "Then we can't delay any longer. Send orders immediately—recall the detachment at Zhiguan Pass and prepare the entire army to withdraw south!"
"Commander!" Xu Huang quickly objected. "We must not panic. If we retreat now, we will lose all initiative. Instead, we should verify the enemy's numbers and intentions first."
Yang Feng hesitated. "But if they strike Jiangyi—"
"Then we intercept them on the road," Xu Huang cut in firmly. "Zhiguan Pass is dangerous terrain. Even a small force can hold it. If the enemy truly intends to advance, they cannot bypass it easily."
He paused, then continued, "Moreover, Pingyang has not yet fallen. If we withdraw now, all previous efforts will be wasted. The troops' morale will collapse."
Yang Feng fell into silence, his expression wavering.
After a long moment, he exhaled sharply. "Fine. Send scouts at once to investigate the Han army. At the same time, order the troops at Zhiguan Pass to hold their position at all costs."
"Yes!"
—
Meanwhile, outside Pingyang, the fires of the Yellow Turban camp flickered against the night.
Within the city walls, the defenders remained on high alert.
The magistrate stood atop the battlements, staring into the darkness beyond. The Wei family's private soldiers patrolled alongside the county troops, all of them tense.
No one knew that a new force had already entered the battlefield.
—
Far away, on the road to Hedong, Zhang Xin's army advanced steadily.
The banners fluttered, the formation tight and disciplined.
At the center rode Zhang Xin, flanked by Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, and Xun You.
"Puban has been secured," a scout reported as he dismounted.
Zhang Xin nodded. "Good. Faster than expected."
Xun You smiled faintly. "My lord, the enemy is now in a dilemma. If they continue attacking Pingyang, they risk being cut off. If they withdraw, their momentum is lost."
Zhang Xin looked ahead, eyes sharp. "Then we'll force them to choose… and make sure either choice leads to their defeat."
Zhao Yun asked, "Where do we strike next, my lord?"
Zhang Xin raised his hand and pointed forward.
"Zhiguan Pass."
Xun You's eyes gleamed. "Just as planned."
Zhang Xin smiled coldly. "If we seize the pass first… we shut the door on them completely."
The wind howled across the rugged terrain of Hedong as the army pressed on.
A trap was quietly closing.