To be honest, Zhang Xin was tempted.
The offer from the Tian family was simply too attractive—it struck directly at his greatest weakness.
Although he had rendered meritorious service, no one could petition the court on his behalf. For now, he could only wait passively for imperial amnesty. And who knew how long that would take?
With the Tian family's support, everything would become much easier.
They might only be a gentry clan from a small county in Wuzhong, but their network of influence spread like a web.If someone in the county lacked authority, a relative might have it.If not in the county, then in the commandery.If not there, then in the court.
Connections extended endlessly.
The great clans of the Han and Jin truly were formidable—otherwise, how could there be the saying: "Among the high, none are poor; among the low, none are noble"?
Zhang Xin took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
Though his body was only seventeen, the soul within was far more mature—he would not act rashly.
"Since Brother Shifan has come prepared," Zhang Xin said as he stepped forward and bowed, "you must already have a complete plan. Please enlighten me."
He was certain Tian Kai would not come empty-handed. If there were no reliable strategy to defeat Qiu Liju, even a surprise attack would be meaningless.
Zhang Xin's life or death might not matter to the Tian family—but if his defeat allowed the Hu tribes to rise again in Youzhou, that would certainly not be in their interest.
A flicker of surprise crossed Tian Kai's eyes.
He had expected Zhang Xin, being young and faced with such favorable terms, to agree immediately. Yet instead, he remained cautious and composed.
Still, since Zhang Xin was clearly interested, Tian Kai no longer concealed anything.
"What concerns you," Tian Kai said with a faint smile, "is that Qiu Liju has many troops while you have few. Am I right?"
"Come, let us sit and talk."
Zhang Xin nodded and sat beside him. "Exactly."
"You are newly arrived in Youzhou," Tian Kai continued, "so you may not fully understand the Wuhuan. Though Qiu Liju commands many men, the Wuhuan are not always unified."
"Like the Han, they are divided into large tribes and many smaller ones."
Zhang Xin nodded in agreement.
The situation in Youbeiping was proof enough—after defeating Wuyan, scattered tribes still remained, though too small to pose any real threat.
"My Tian family has long dealt with Liaoxi and knows the Wuhuan well," Tian Kai went on. "Qiu Liju's core tribe numbers about ten thousand. Excluding the old, weak, women, and children, there are only around three thousand warriors."
"And after your recent victories, many of those losses must have come from his own tribe. That leaves him even weaker."
"With the heavy snow now, he will not be on guard. If you strike directly at his headquarters, victory is assured."
"Once Qiu Liju falls, the remaining tribes will scatter. They will no longer be a threat."
Zhang Xin fell into deep thought.
He had once dared to raid a force of six thousand with only five hundred cavalry. Courage was not his weakness.
If Qiu Liju truly had only around three thousand effective troops, then with his own cavalry—and with a warrior like Guan Yu—even a direct strike was feasible.
And the rewards…
If he eliminated Qiu Liju after already suppressing the Wuhuan across multiple commanderies, then with Tian family backing, becoming Governor of Yuyang would not be impossible.
With official status would come legitimacy—and the ability to recruit talent.
Most of the great figures of the era were still unknown.
Zhang Xin's original goal had been simple: find a worthy lord, live comfortably, and rely on his historical knowledge to secure a decent future.
Even something as small as the stirrup could have earned him favor under a figure like Cao Cao.
Later, when Zhang Bao entrusted him with the Yellow Turbans, his goal had only been survival—clear his name, protect his followers, repay his debt.
But everything changed when he realized he had indirectly caused Liu Bei's death.
If Cao Cao and Liu Bei could contend for the world…
Why not him?
When undertaking great ambitions, how could one cling to personal safety?
Zhang Xin lifted his head, determination blazing in his eyes.
"Let's do it."
Seeing this, Tian Kai smiled faintly. The matter was settled.
"Someone!" Zhang Xin called. "Invite Brother Yunchang."
Soon, Guan Yu arrived. Seeing Tian Kai, he showed a trace of surprise.
A scholar? When had Zhang Xin recruited such a man?
Zhang Xin introduced them.
Though Guan Yu held some disdain for scholars, he returned the greeting politely.
"Ziqing, why have you called me?" he asked.
Zhang Xin explained Tian Kai's plan. "If we are to strike Qiu Liju, we will need your strength. Brother Yun, will you assist me once more?"
"If it is to fight the Hu, I will not hesitate," Guan Yu replied firmly. Then he frowned slightly. "But the distance is great—how will we supply the army?"
Tian Kai answered calmly, "My family will provide five thousand shi of grain and a thousand men to transport it. From Xuwu to Liucheng is only seven hundred li."
Only seven hundred…
Zhang Xin resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
Guan Yu remained cautious. "Even so, advancing deep into enemy territory is extremely dangerous."
Tian Kai turned to Zhang Xin with a faint smile. "Does the Commander fear this?"
Zhang Xin scoffed inwardly at such a crude provocation—but outwardly, his expression grew resolute.
"A man born into this world," he declared, rising to his feet, "should wield his blade and accomplish great deeds worthy of the nation!"
"That Qiu Liju—he is nothing!"
Guan Yu's eyes lit up.
What a spirit.
If only he were not a rebel…
Zhang Xin turned to him. "Brother Yun, are you afraid?"
Guan Yu stroked his beard and snorted. "Killing Wuhuan is as easy as slaughtering chickens."
With that, the three reached an agreement and began refining their strategy.
An hour later, Tian Kai departed for Wuzhong.
Zhang Xin ordered the army to break camp and march toward Xuwu. Before leaving, he had a wooden sign planted along the road:
"The cold is severe and the roads are blocked by snow. I will spare you barbarian thieves for now. Should you dare invade again next year, I will crush you without mercy."