A moment later, all of Zhang Xin's generals gathered.
When they saw Xu He, they looked at him with curiosity.
Who was this man?Why did he look so disheveled?
Zhang Xin smiled and introduced them, explaining that Xu He had surrendered and would now be one of their own. The generals stepped forward one by one to greet him.
Whatever they truly thought, appearances had to be maintained.
Xu He returned each greeting in turn.
Watching this scene, Zhang Xin felt a surge of pride.
Zhang Niujiao, Zuo Bao, Yang Yi, Xu He, Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, Taishi Ci, Guan Jian, Xu Huang, Zhu Ling, Yue Jin… along with Xun You, Dian Wei, and Wang Ling.
A gathering of talent.
With such men under his command, how could Qingzhou not be secured?
After the greetings ended, Zhang Xin turned to Xun You.
"Gongda, how many Yellow Turbans did we capture yesterday?"
"Over 9,300," Xun You replied.
Out of Xu He's army of more than ten thousand, nearly three thousand had fallen in battle. Including those who escaped, the numbers aligned.
Zhang Xin thought for a moment, then issued orders.
From the prisoners, 8,000 would be retained and reorganized together with the remaining 2,000 Hanoi veterans.
Those veterans had fought bravely—now was the time to promote them into junior officers and let them lead.
The ten thousand men were divided into five units of two thousand each.
Zhang Xin personally commanded the central army, with Dian Wei as his deputy.
Zhang Niujiao took one unit, with Xu He as deputy.
Zhang Liao led another, assisted by Yue Jin.
Gao Shun commanded a unit, with Wang Ling at his side.
For the final force, Zhang Xin appointed Xu Huang as commander, with Zhu Ling assisting him.
All troops would be trained under Gao Shun's strict supervision.
Zuo Bao and Yang Yi continued to command the cavalry.
Taishi Ci and Guan Jian remained in charge of naval forces.
Now that he had sufficient troops, it was time to give these capable generals independent commands and temper their leadership.
As for the remaining 1,300 prisoners, combined with Pingyuan's local troops, about 2,000 men were formed into another force.
Zhang Xin handed them to Xun You.
Though Xun You held the title of Military Advisor General, Zhang Xin did not intend to use him in direct combat. Instead, this force would handle logistics, transport, and future labor organization.
Afterward, Zhang Xin instructed Yang Yi to distribute surplus warhorses among the units for scouting.
The former Yellow Turbans had arrived with multiple horses per man—there was no shortage.
The generals, now entrusted with troops and mounts, were visibly delighted.
Xu Huang, in particular, was deeply moved.
He had once been nothing more than a surrendered soldier. Now, he commanded two thousand men.
Among the commanders, Zhang Niujiao was already a Colonel, while Gao Shun and Zhang Liao held ranks of Lieutenant General.
Xu Huang alone held the modest title of military officer—yet commanded equal strength.
Though the rank was low, authority came from trust—and Zhang Xin had given him that trust.
Once all arrangements were complete, Zhang Xin turned the discussion toward retaking Qingzhou.
"First, Hebei."
At this moment, Xu He stepped forward.
"My lord spared my life. I am willing to travel to the various counties and persuade them to surrender."
"Good," Zhang Xin nodded. "You will go with Zhang Niujiao."
With Xu He's influence, the recapture of those counties would be effortless.
Next came Henan.
Zhang Xin asked, "What is the situation there?"
"There are more than ten Yellow Turban leaders," Xu He replied. "The strongest is Guan Hai of Beihai, followed by Sima Ju of Qi. Each controls a full commandery. The others are far weaker."
"If we secure these two, the rest will fall easily."
At this moment, Guan Jian stepped forward.
"My lord, I am willing to go to Beihai and persuade Guan Hai to surrender."
Zhang Xin raised an eyebrow.
Xu He saying this made sense—but Guan Jian?
"You know him?"
"We are family," Guan Jian grinned. "By seniority, he should call me elder brother."
Zhang Xin hesitated. "What if it's just the same name?"
Names were often repeated.
Guan Jian paused, then turned to Xu He. "Have you seen Guan Hai before?"
"Of course."
"Describe him."
After hearing the description, Guan Jian laughed in relief.
"No mistake—that's my cousin."
"Very well," Zhang Xin said, pleased. "If you succeed, I will recommend you for promotion."
"I will not fail, my lord!"
Zhang Xin then turned back to Xu He.
"What about Sima Ju?"
"I have a close relationship with him," Xu He said. "I can write and persuade him."
Zhang Xin burst into laughter.
Xu He was proving invaluable.
Off to the side, Xun You stroked his beard, smiling quietly.
After a moment, Zhang Xin turned to Taishi Ci.
"Ziyi, return to Ande and take the fleet back to the island."
The navy had served its purpose—cutting off Xu He's retreat.
Now winter approached. Within weeks, the Yellow River would freeze.
Warships left in place would be vulnerable.
Most campaigns in the north were fought in winter precisely because frozen rivers removed natural barriers.
"Understood," Taishi Ci said.
Zhang Xin then looked at Wang Ling.
"Stay close to Gao Shun. Learn from him."
Wang Ling bowed eagerly.
"Yes, my lord!"
"Very well," Zhang Xin waved his hand. "Go reorganize the army."
The meeting adjourned.
Not long after the generals left, a soldier entered the tent.
"My lord—Yu Jin has arrived."