Zhang Xin hurried back to the front lines.
Zuo Bao had already arrived with the main force and formed ranks outside Yuyang City.
Behind the army, craftsmen busied themselves assembling siege ladders. The wood had long been prepared and crafted into parts—now they only needed to be put together for immediate use.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Upon seeing the Yellow Turban army, the Commandant of Yuyang immediately ordered the gates shut and sent word for the prefect to conscript laborers for defense.
Before long, his subordinates returned.
"The prefect… has fled."
"The prefect fled?" The commandant froze. "What about the chief clerk?"
"He… fled as well."
"What?!"
He stood stunned.
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Meanwhile, Zuo Bao led five hundred soldiers to the city walls.
"Hear this, Han soldiers!" he shouted. "Our commander grants you one hour! Surrender, and no harm will come to you. Resist, and once the city falls—none will be spared!"
"Surrender and we take nothing! Resist, and none will live!"
The roar of five hundred voices shook the walls.
The soldiers atop them turned pale.
After repeating the warning more than a dozen times, Zuo Bao withdrew.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
"Commandant… what should we do?" a garrison officer asked.
"What should we do?" the commandant snapped. "We have received the state's grace—we fight to the death! Go summon the magistrate and conscript laborers at once!"
The officer hesitated. "Most of our troops were taken to Ji Province. Only two hundred remain… we cannot hold the city."
"You dare speak of surrender?" the commandant roared, drawing his sword. "Do you wish to test military law?"
Forced, the officer turned to leave.
But after only a few steps, he saw the magistrate of Yuyang hurrying up the wall with several officials.
"This humble official greets the Commandant," the magistrate said, breathless.
"You're just in time," the commandant said. "Raise laborers—we defend the city!"
The magistrate did not move.
Instead, he lowered his voice.
"Commandant… perhaps we should surrender."
"Yes—yes!" the officials behind him echoed. "The Yellow Turbans promised not to harm us!"
"You… you actually believe them?" the commandant trembled with anger.
A minor official stepped forward. "The Way of Peace teaches benevolence. We have never heard of them massacring cities. Please reconsider."
"If we surrender, the people live," the magistrate added. "If we resist, even if you uphold your honor—what of the citizens?"
The officials bowed together.
"Please, Commandant—order the gates opened."
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The commandant looked around.
The soldiers were pale, fearful—without will to fight.
The magistrate refused cooperation.
Morale had collapsed.
After a long silence, he laughed bitterly.
"…Fine. If you wish to surrender, then surrender."
He raised his sword to his throat.
"I have received the state's grace—I will repay it with my life. I will never submit!"
With that, he cut his own throat.
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An hour later, Zhang Xin's army advanced in formation, pushing forward the siege ladders.
But as they reached the gates—
They found them already open.
The magistrate of Yuyang stood outside with his officials, behind him rows of unarmed soldiers.
Zhang Xin gave Zhang Niujiao a glance.
Understanding, Zhang Niujiao rode forward with a few men.
Soon, he returned with the magistrate and his entourage.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Deng Xing, the magistrate, looked around.
Seeing Zuo Bao—tall, imposing, with a long beard—he assumed him to be the commander.
"This humble official, Deng Xing, greets the General."
Zuo Bao blinked, then quickly pointed.
"You're mistaken. He is our commander."
Deng Xing froze.
This army… is led by someone so young?
Though shocked, he quickly bowed again.
"This humble official was blind. May I ask the General's name?"
Zhang Xin glanced at Zhang Niujiao, who gave a subtle nod—confirming they carried no weapons.
"There is no need for formality," Zhang Xin said, stepping forward to help him up. "My name is Zhang Xin, courtesy Ziqing. My army has come from afar—please arrange lodging."
Deng Xing hesitated.
"The city barracks can only hold a thousand. Your army is large… perhaps we could prepare land outside the city for you to camp?"
"In this cold?" Zhang Xin shook his head. "The ground is frozen. My men cannot build camps in such conditions."
He thought for a moment.
"How about this—you arrange for households to vacate some homes. I will compensate each with five thousand coins."
"When spring comes, we will withdraw outside the city and return their homes."
Deng Xing frowned. "But where will those families stay?"
"They can stay with others," Zhang Xin replied. "Any household willing to take them in will receive an additional two thousand coins."
Deng Xing hesitated—then nodded slowly.
"…Very well. I only ask that, after entering, your army does not harm the people."
"Of course."
Zhang Xin turned.
"Zhang Niujiao!"
"Present!"
"Pass my order—once inside the city, no soldier may leave without permission. Violators will be executed!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Yang Yi!"
"Here!"
"You will lead patrols. Any soldier who disturbs the people—execute on the spot. No need to report."
"Yes!"
After issuing the orders, Zhang Xin turned back with a faint smile.
"Does this satisfy you, Magistrate?"
Deng Xing exhaled in relief.
"The General is truly benevolent."
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Soon, the army entered the city in order.
Zuo Bao took control of the remaining garrison.
Zhang Niujiao secured the defenses.
Only then did Zhang Xin enter Yuyang alongside Deng Xing.
Looking at the worn, weathered city before him, Zhang Xin felt a quiet surge of satisfaction.
"Finally… a place to stand."
This—
was only the beginning.