"Yes."
The woman nodded.
"What is your name?" Zhang Xin asked as he began checking the household register.
He had no qualms about distributing Wuhuan women among his men—but Han women were different. At the very least, he needed to know whether she was married, and whether she was willing.
Otherwise, how would he be any different from the Wuhuan?
The woman's surname was Zhou, from Liaodong Commandery. Years ago, when the Wuhuan ravaged the region, her entire family had been killed. Because of her beauty, she had been taken and presented to Qiu Liju.
After hearing her story, Zhang Xin sighed softly.
"Since you have nowhere to go… how about I arrange a marriage for you here?"
Zhou blushed and lowered her head, nodding faintly.
What choice did she have?
In these chaotic times, how could a lone woman survive without someone to rely on—especially one as beautiful as she?
This young general is handsome and courteous… being with him wouldn't be so bad…
Her cheeks flushed deeper, fingers nervously clutching the hem of her clothes.
At the side, Guan Yu's breathing grew slightly heavier.
Zhang Xin had offered him many things before, all of which he had refused without hesitation.
But this time…
If Ziqing had taken a liking to her himself, he wouldn't be offering her to someone else…
A faint expectation stirred in his heart.
He knew that if he asked, Zhang Xin would certainly grant it.
But his pride would never allow him to speak first.
Though Zhang Xin appeared focused on Zhou, he had long noticed Guan Yu's reaction from the corner of his eye. Seeing his flushed face grow even redder, Zhang Xin couldn't help but smile inwardly.
So even the famed Guan Yu is still human after all.
"Tell me," Zhang Xin suddenly said, pointing at Guan Yu, "what do you think of my elder brother?"
Guan Yu instinctively straightened.
As expected—Ziqing hasn't forgotten me.
Zhou was startled.
She had assumed Zhang Xin intended to take her as a concubine.
Seeing her hesitation, Zhang Xin hurriedly added, "My brother is unmatched in loyalty and righteousness, and his bravery is second to none. If you marry him, he will surely protect you well."
Zhou glanced at Guan Yu.
Tall and imposing, with a long, flowing beard—he exuded a powerful, masculine presence.
In this era, a fine beard was a mark of beauty. It was no wonder Guan Yu was known as the "Lord of the Magnificent Beard."
He is not as refined as the young commander… but still a worthy man.
After a moment's thought, she made up her mind.
"You're unwilling?" Zhang Xin asked, growing anxious when she didn't immediately respond.
Running out of words, he blurted, "My brother is invincible!"
Guan Yu immediately turned his face aside and tugged at Zhang Xin's sleeve.
Enough, enough… you've said too much…
Zhou snapped out of her thoughts and quickly lowered her gaze. "No… I am willing."
"Good!" Zhang Xin slapped his thigh. "Then it's settled. Brother Yun, stay here—I'll go handle military affairs."
"W-wait—!" Guan Yu grabbed him, his expression conflicted. "Isn't this… inappropriate?"
"Oh? You don't like her?" Zhang Xin said deliberately. "Then I'll—"
"No, that's not it…"
The mighty Guan Yu now looked as awkward as a bashful youth.
"Since you like her, and she's willing, what's the problem?" Zhang Xin said decisively. "You're in my army—military and personal matters alike fall under my command. It's settled."
Without giving him another chance to object, he turned and strode out of the tent.
Zuo Bao and Yang Yi followed.
Guan Yu chased after him to the entrance. "Brother! Brother!"
Zhang Xin didn't turn back.
After a long moment, Guan Yu sighed and glanced behind him.
Zhou stood quietly inside, her face flushed like a peach blossom.
"…Will this really work?" he muttered.
__
Walking through the camp, Zhang Xin smiled at Zuo Bao and Yang Yi.
"Not envious?"
"I'm getting old," Zuo Bao replied calmly. "Such matters no longer concern me."
"Wait… what?" Yang Yi blurted out. "You too?!"
Zhang Xin looked at them in disbelief. "Don't tell me both of you—"
Yang Yi hurriedly explained, "I already have a wife at home."
"I did as well," Zuo Bao added with a sigh.
"…Say no more. I understand." Zhang Xin patted their shoulders sympathetically.
Then he ordered the soldiers to assemble and brought forward a group of captive women.
He had once promised to reward his men with wives.
Now that the campaign was over, it was time to make good on that promise.
Han women were handled first.
As before, Zhang Xin asked each of them individually. Those who wished to return home were allowed to do so; those with nowhere to go could choose to marry.
Men were called forward in order of merit and seniority. If both sides agreed, the match was made. If not, the next man stepped forward.
After the Han women, it was the Wuhuan women's turn.
Here, the rules were different.
If a soldier took a liking to one, he could claim her without needing her consent.
Among the captives were over ten thousand women of childbearing age—more than enough for distribution.
Zhang Xin allocated three women to those who had fought in the Wuyan campaign, two to veteran Yellow Turbans, and one to the newer recruits.
The rest would be distributed later to the troops guarding the city.
Of the original Yellow Turban forces left to him, only a little over three thousand remained. Unless absolutely necessary, he did not wish to expend them further.
Better to let them settle down, take wives, and raise families.
If the world could not be pacified quickly, then in twenty years, he would still have a loyal generation to rely on.
After everything was arranged, Zhang Xin ordered the army to rest and reorganize for ten days.
__
During this time, a letter from Tian Kai spread across Youzhou like wildfire.
The people began to hear of a man named Zhang Xin—
The one who slew Nanlou, annihilated Wuyan, and killed Supuyan.The one who dared to march five thousand men across eight hundred li to strike Qiu Liju.The one who, in just two months, shattered three of the four Wuhuan commanderies.
Such courage. Such audacity.
Who else but Zhang Ziqing?
At the same time, Liu Yu—renowned for his virtue—was reinstated as Governor of Youzhou.
And among the people, a folk song quietly spread:
"Liu Bo'an brings peace to the fields;Zhang Ziqing brings peace to our homes."