General Zhang considered it carefully and found Zhang Xin's reasoning sound.
"When have the Qiang not rebelled two or three times a year?" he muttered. Still, unease lingered. "But what if they don't rebel? Or what if the Han army refuses to withdraw?"
"If that happens…" Zhang Xin said after a brief pause, "then we retreat into the Taihang Mountains and wait for an opportunity."
The Taihang range stretched from the western hills of the future capital, less than a hundred li from Yuyang. His meaning was clear—withdraw to Yuyang first. If the Han army didn't pursue, all was well. If they pressed hard, then they would take to the mountains and wage guerrilla war.
Either way, it was better than waiting here to die.
General Zhang turned to the others. "What do you think?"
"This strategy allows both offense and defense," Left Leopard nodded. "Very good."
"This humble general believes it is feasible," Hu Cai added.
Li Yue chimed in, "Yes, yes."
"Since that's the case…" General Zhang paused, then called out, "Someone, bring Zhang Niujiao back."
Moments later, Zhang Niujiao returned, still fuming. He shot Zhang Xin a glare, silently set the overturned table upright, and sat back down.
General Zhang looked over everyone present. "Zhang Niujiao, Left Leopard, Hu Cai, Li Yue!"
"We are present!"
The four stood and cupped their fists.
"For this breakout," General Zhang said slowly, "someone must lead troops out of the West Gate to draw the Han army."
At once, everyone's heart tightened. Whoever took that role would almost certainly die.
Zhang Xin quietly let out a breath of relief. His name hadn't been called.
"That person… will be me," General Zhang said.
"And after I die, you will take Zhang Xin as your commander. From then on, you must obey his orders without question!"
"What?!"
Everyone was stunned.
"This cannot be!" Zhang Xin immediately stood up.
He still held respect for General Zhang. His plan had been meant to save him, not send him to his death.
"General, no!" Left Leopard said urgently. "I have received great kindness from the Great Virtuous Teacher. Let me go in your place!"
"Hah! With me here, is it your turn?" Zhang Niujiao scoffed, then cupped his fists. "Let me go. The Yellow Turbans cannot be without the General!"
Hu Cai and Li Yue echoed, "Yes, yes!"
"My decision is final!" General Zhang said firmly. "What use is it for an old man with no heirs to cling to life a few more days?"
"Besides, the court has already marked me as a rebel leader. Do you think they would ever let me live in peace in Yuyang? Even if the Qiang rebellion forces them to withdraw, they will return once it is suppressed."
"If I die, you may still lie low and wait for your chance. If I live, you will never know peace."
The hall fell silent.
He was right. As the main rebel leader, the court would never let him go. But if he died, they might ignore a scattered remnant force.
Zhang Xin tried again. "General—"
But General Zhang grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the main seat. "A Xin, come. Sit."
Zhang Xin pulled free and bowed. "Please choose someone else."
"You don't want this position?" General Zhang asked.
"I don't," Zhang Xin shook his head. "I am young and inexperienced. I cannot bear such responsibility. Please reconsider."
"Please reconsider," the others echoed.
General Zhang smiled faintly. "A Xin, will you listen to me?"
"I won't."
Zhang Xin shook his head without hesitation.
What was so great about being the leader of the Yellow Turbans? Wouldn't it be better to follow the course of history—start small, bide his time, and align with a rising power later?
"A Xin," General Zhang sighed, "I do not ask you to overthrow the Han. Since this uprising began, I've realized the Han's mandate is not yet exhausted. With our strength, we cannot establish the Yellow Heaven."
"I only ask you to preserve a final spark. In the future, whether you continue the rebellion or surrender—it will be your choice."
"Then please lead the breakout yourself," Zhang Xin insisted. "You are still in your prime. As for heirs, you can—"
"I am fifty-four," General Zhang interrupted, removing his yellow headscarf and revealing graying hair. "Even if I had a son now, how old would he be when I die?"
Then, without warning, he drew his sword and pressed it to his neck.
"If you refuse, I will end my life here!"
"General, no!" everyone cried out.
"Uncle!" Zhang Ning rushed forward, clutching his leg in panic.
Zhang Xin stood there, stunned.
He had only come to this meeting planning to slip away afterward—how had it turned into being forced at swordpoint to take command?
"Zhang Xin!" Zhang Niujiao barked. "The General has spoken—stop refusing! Do you want to force him to his death?"
"Little Commander," Left Leopard urged, "please agree!"
Hu Cai and Li Yue added, "Yes, yes!"
Zhang Xin fell silent for a moment, then asked quietly, "General… why do you trust me so much?"
"Because among us," General Zhang said, "only you have the strategy and foresight to carry this forward."
Zhang Xin took a deep breath. "Then… please put down your sword. I accept."
There was no other way out of this situation.
At worst, he could follow the example of others—find a mountain stronghold and wait for amnesty later. As the General had said, the future path would be his to decide.
"Agreed?" General Zhang asked.
"Agreed," Zhang Xin nodded, then hesitated. "But… I am young and lack prestige. I fear I cannot command everyone."
As he spoke, he glanced deliberately at Zhang Niujiao.
Hu Cai and Li Yue were easy enough. Left Leopard seemed reasonable. Only Zhang Niujiao was troublesome.
General Zhang lowered his sword and smiled. "That is no issue. Do you remember what I said earlier? If you had a good plan, I would give you a great gift."
"This is my duty—I dare not accept a reward," Zhang Xin replied.
"No, you must accept it."
General Zhang looked him up and down—sharp brows, bright eyes, steady build—and nodded in satisfaction.
"A Xin…" he said slowly, a faint smile forming, "do you want a wife?"