The Wei clan had to be destroyed.
In a small commandery like Hedong, how could men like Yang Feng and Guo Da—mere commoners—raise over a hundred thousand followers with a single call? Perhaps the Way of Peace played a role in bewitching the masses, but the deeper cause was clear: rampant land annexation had driven the people to desperation.
Zhang Xin had promised land to persuade the White Wave Yellow Turbans to surrender. Yet nearly all the land in Hedong was controlled by powerful clans like the Wei family. Once Yang Feng submitted and order was restored, would these clans willingly give up their holdings to resettle the rebels?
Impossible.
When that time came, Zhang Xin would have no land to distribute. His promise would be broken, and unrest could flare up once more. To prevent Hedong from descending into chaos again, and to secure lasting peace, he had no choice but to take drastic measures.
Besides, the Wei family had played their part in fueling the Yellow Turban uprising. Let this be their atonement.
It had nothing to do with avenging his junior sister. Nothing at all.
"Understood."
Niu Feng nodded.
After receiving further instructions, he left the city and caught up with Yang Feng's envoy. Together, they traveled to Pingyang and met Yang Feng in person.
When the message was delivered, Yang Feng seemed to lose all strength, staring blankly ahead.
Regret filled him.
Had he agreed when Zuo Bao first approached him, he could have secured the position of magistrate of Pingyang—a major county with a salary of one thousand shi. Rising from a commoner to such rank would have brought honor to his ancestors.
But his greed had cost him everything. Now, he had no leverage left.
The White Wave Yellow Turbans had long since lost their will to fight. Everyone wanted to surrender to Zhang Xin. If not for the young commanders holding things together, the army might have already collapsed.
"General Yang, let us surrender. At least we can receive land and live in peace."
"If we continue resisting, we'll only die without burial!"
"The young general has shown mercy because of our ties to the Yellow Turbans. We must not betray his goodwill!"
Voices rose one after another. Even Xu Huang stepped forward to persuade him.
Seeing no alternative, Yang Feng let out a long sigh.
"…Very well. I will write a letter of surrender. Make the preparations."
Better to live.
If he continued to suppress dissent, these very officers might bind him and deliver him to Zhang Xin.
As the others eagerly left to prepare, Niu Feng remained where he stood.
Yang Feng frowned. "Why aren't you returning to report?"
"I have one more message," Niu Feng said calmly. "From the Commander."
He glanced around.
Understanding, Yang Feng dismissed everyone else.
"Speak freely."
Niu Feng stepped closer and lowered his voice.
"The Commander says: if General Yang still wishes to become magistrate of Pingyang, he must eliminate the Wei family."
Yang Feng froze. "Why?"
"That is not for you to know," Niu Feng replied. "Without the Wei family, governing Pingyang will be far easier for you."
At the mention of "governing Pingyang," Yang Feng's eyes lit up.
He understood all too well.
These great clans held immense power. Even officials often needed their approval to enforce orders. Without it, governance was crippled.
Destroying the Wei clan now would remove a major obstacle.
Whatever enmity Zhang Xin held against them, Yang Feng would gladly assist.
"Please inform the Commander—I will see it done."
Niu Feng's expression hardened.
"Remember—this matter concerns your reputation. It must remain known to you alone. If word leaks… not only will you lose the magistracy, you may lose your life."
"Of course, of course," Yang Feng said quickly, though inwardly pleased.
Zhang Xin had handed him leverage. Why should he fear betrayal?
If anything, this secret could one day elevate him even further.
After sending Niu Feng off with great courtesy, Yang Feng immediately summoned his troops.
They stormed the Wei estate.
Over a thousand members of the Wei family—men, women, and children—were slaughtered without mercy.
Still unsatisfied, and fearing interference from other powerful clans, Yang Feng extended the purge to every prominent family in the city.
After all, once they surrendered, the court would pardon their crimes.
What did it matter?
When it was done, Yang Feng felt utterly invigorated.
Only then did he send his letter of surrender.
—
Upon receiving it, Zhang Xin advanced.
At Jiangyi, the garrison commander had already assembled his troops outside the city, unarmed, awaiting takeover.
Zhang Xin entered, secured the defenses, distributed supplies, and ordered the construction of a large camp outside the city to house the surrendered rebels.
Then, under Dian Wei's protection, he personally entered the camp—greeting the elderly, embracing children, speaking kindly to all.
With steady food and a gentle demeanor, he quickly won their loyalty.
The same unfolded at Linfen.
After securing both cities, Zhang Xin marched toward Pingyang.
Yang Feng led his forces out to welcome him.
Under Dian Wei's watchful eye, Yang Feng stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"This sinner, Yang Feng, pays his respects to Your Excellency."
"We sinners pay our respects!" the young commanders echoed.
Zhang Xin smiled.
"You recognized the will of Heaven and chose the pragmatic path. By surrendering, you spared the people from suffering. I will petition the Emperor for your pardon. Rise."
"Thank you, my lord," Yang Feng said, standing.
The others followed suit.
Zhang Xin's gaze swept across them.
"Which one is Xu Huang?"
Xu Huang stepped forward, clasping his hands. "I am he."
Zhang Xin gave a brief nod before looking away.
Xu Huang was puzzled.
How did this man know his name?
Then he noticed the Prefect of Hedong standing nearby—and understood.
By then, Zhao Yun had secured the city walls, raising signals to indicate all was safe.
"Let us enter the city," Zhang Xin said.
"Please, my lord," Yang Feng replied, smiling as he led the way.
Zhang Xin cast a glance at Niu Feng.
Understanding instantly, Niu Feng guided his guards to subtly separate Yang Feng from his officers.
As they neared the gate—
A figure suddenly burst from the shadows.
Disheveled, drenched in blood, his eyes burned with fury as he fixed his gaze on Yang Feng.
"You treacherous dog, Yang Feng—prepare to die!"