When an army marched out to war, the rear was left exposed. Zhang Xin would never tolerate a fully empowered Tao Qian watching his back with hostility.
Five thousand elite troops—this was practically the backbone of an entire province's military strength.
If Tao Qian handed them over, he would lose any ability to threaten Qingzhou.If he refused…
Then Zhang Xin would simply turn south and strike Xuzhou first.
With authority over both Qing and Xu provinces, he had every justification to execute Tao Qian for disobeying military orders.
I, Zhang, act only to secure the hinterland—not out of personal grievance.
With that, Cui Yan took the letter, picked up Zhang Xin's staff of authority, and led a small escort straight for Tan County.
Meanwhile, Tao Qian had been living quite comfortably.
Although Zhang Xin had forbidden him from attacking neighboring regions, the influx of Yellow Turban remnants into Qingzhou had worked in his favor. Many were either eliminated by Zang Ba or resettled under the guidance of Mi Zhu, Wang Lang, and others.
Xuzhou prospered. The land was peaceful, the harvests abundant.
With Zhang Xin no longer accepting refugees into Qingzhou, waves of displaced people from Yanzhou and Yuzhou flooded into Xuzhou instead, swelling its population even further.
How could Tao Qian not be pleased?
He summoned his officials and held a grand banquet.
Inside the prefectural hall, music filled the air. Dancers moved gracefully as cups of wine were raised and emptied in quick succession. Laughter echoed throughout the room.
Cao Hong lifted his cup and toasted Tao Qian repeatedly, showering him with praise.
Tao Qian laughed heartily, drinking without restraint.
After more than a dozen cups, he turned toward Zhao Yu.
"Yuanda, drink!"
Zhao Yu frowned. After a long hesitation, he cupped his hands.
"My lord, Qiao Mao has sent letters across the provinces. He claims the traitor Dong Zhuo is coercing the Emperor, and the lords have risen in response."
"I have also heard that the Prince of Hongnong has been poisoned. Dong Zhuo's cruelty knows no bounds. Does Your Excellency not consider raising troops to punish him?"
The festive mood instantly soured.
Tao Qian's face darkened.
"Yuanda, you misunderstand. Can you even tell if those letters from the Three Dukes are real?"
He counted on his fingers.
"Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Han Fu… aren't they all partisans? This is nothing more than a power struggle between factions. Why should we involve ourselves?"
He waved dismissively.
"Come, now that Xuzhou is at peace, let us drink!"
Zhao Yu shook his head.
"Dong Zhuo deposed the Emperor, murdered the Empress Dowager, and killed the Prince of Hongnong. These are acts of treason. Even if we do not raise troops, how can we indulge in feasting at such a time?"
Tao Qian's patience snapped.
Before he could erupt, Wang Lang quickly intervened.
"My lord, the coalition is acting under imperial command. If you refuse to respond, it may give others cause to act against you."
Mi Zhu added, "It would be wise to at least send some troops."
That might have worked—if Zhang Xin hadn't been mentioned.
The moment his name came up, Tao Qian exploded.
"Zhang Xin is merely a regional military governor! The campaign against Dong Zhuo lies beyond his jurisdiction—what right does he have to command me?"
Recalling his earlier humiliation at Cui Yan's hands only fueled his anger.
"Let him try sending someone to kill me again if he dares!"
At that moment, a minor official rushed in.
"My lord! General Wei's envoy has arrived!"
The hall fell silent.
Tao Qian scoffed drunkenly.
"Let him in. I'd like to see what Zhang Xin has to say this time."
"Military law states: those who disobey their superiors shall be executed!"
Cui Yan's voice rang out before he even entered.
He strode into the hall, staff in hand, his presence imposing.
"Xuzhou insults General Wei—are you testing military law?"
The moment Tao Qian saw him, memories of his previous encounter resurfaced. His drunkenness vanished instantly.
"You must have misunderstood," Tao Qian said hastily. "May I ask what brings you here?"
Cui Yan produced Zhang Xin's letter.
"General Wei orders Xuzhou to dispatch five thousand elite troops to Qingzhou."
Tao Qian frowned. "For what purpose?"
Normally, he would reject any mention of a campaign against Dong Zhuo outright.
But Cui Yan replied calmly, "That need not concern Xuzhou. Simply issue the transfer order and hand over the tiger tally."
Zhang Xin had anticipated everything.
Tao Qian pressed further. "If troops are to be mobilized from Xuzhou, how can I not know their purpose?"
Cui Yan pointed to the letter in his hand.
"The general has already spoken."
Tao Qian opened it.
Inside was a single sentence:
"Give me soldiers—or I will come take them myself."
Tao Qian's face turned red with fury.
"Outrageous! That brat dares to be so arrogant!"
Cui Yan's eyes narrowed.
"Will Xuzhou comply—or not?"
"No!" Tao Qian shouted instinctively—then quickly faltered. "If Your Excellency explains the reason, I will comply."
Without another word, Cui Yan drew his sword and slashed.
Zhao Yu reacted instantly, kicking Tao Qian hard from behind.
Tao Qian tumbled across the floor, knocking over tables before coming to a stop.
"My lord, calm yourself!" Mi Zhu and Wang Lang rushed to steady him.
Cui Yan's voice was icy.
"The order has been given, yet Xuzhou delays and makes excuses. Do you seek to test military law?"
Mi Zhu quickly smoothed things over.
"My lord has been drinking and spoke without thinking. Please forgive him."
Wang Lang inwardly sighed. I warned you…
Cui Yan snorted.
"The army in Qingzhou is already assembled. If Xuzhou dares delay further, the general's forces will arrive at once. Consider your position carefully."
Cold sweat drenched Tao Qian.
Zhang Xin held imperial authority and command over both provinces. Even if he acted harshly, no one could restrain him—not now.
And if his army marched south…
Xuzhou would not be able to resist.
Tao Qian forced a smile, clutching his sore backside.
"I was drunk earlier and spoke carelessly. I will write the order immediately."
Cui Yan sheathed his sword and watched him closely.
As Tao Qian wrote, Cui Yan glanced at the officials.
"These troops—Zang Ba's men—are they Xuzhou's elite?"
"Yes," Mi Zhu and the others confirmed.
Cui Yan nodded. As long as there was no deception, that was enough.
Once the order was sealed, Cui Yan snatched it up.
"The tiger tally."
Tao Qian hurriedly handed it over.
Cui Yan dried the ink, tucked everything away, and bowed.
"This official takes his leave."
"Safe travels… safe travels…" Tao Qian said stiffly.
After Cui Yan departed, Tao Qian dismissed everyone.
Moments later, the sound of smashing objects and furious shouting erupted from the hall.
"Zhang Xin… that brat has gone too far!"