As news of Zhang Xin's defeat of Qiuliju spread, the first to arrive was the governor of Liaoxi.
The seat of Liaoxi was at Yangle, only a few dozen li from Liucheng. Naturally, he had been the first to learn of Qiuliju's fall.
After exchanging formal greetings, the governor quickly revealed his purpose—
He wished to take over the management of the population.
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In the Eastern Han, officials were judged primarily on three things:
Taxation, education, and population.
Tax revenue was unreliable—disasters could wipe it out entirely.
Education was difficult to measure, as there was no formal examination system.
Only population growth was clear and visible.
More people meant stability, resources, and prosperity.
Fewer people meant chaos, poverty, and decline.
Thus, for every official, population was the most important achievement.
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After some consideration, Zhang Xin agreed.
He had never intended to relocate all the Han people from Liucheng back to Yuyang.
Yuyang had barely four hundred thousand people. If tens of thousands suddenly poured in, it would not be able to sustain them.
Moreover, the territory he truly controlled was limited—just Yuyang and part of Hunu.
Giving everything away was impossible—
But giving nothing would be foolish.
After negotiation, a compromise was reached.
Zhang Xin would return the people of Liaoxi to their homes.
In addition, he would provide one thousand Wuhuan women and one hundred cattle to help restore local production.
In exchange, the governor of Liaoxi would speak on Zhang Xin's behalf to higher authorities.
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After sending him off, Zhang Xin gathered the displaced people from Liaodong and other regions, instructing them to return home.
He distributed food based on distance and issued weapons—three knives for every ten people—for protection.
The people wept with gratitude.
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Then the army began its return.
Five thousand soldiers.
Thousands of civilians and captives.
And vast herds of livestock stretching as far as the eye could see.
They had come swiftly.
Now, burdened with people and supplies, they moved slowly.
What should have taken ten days stretched into nearly a month.
Fortunately, spring had arrived.
No one froze to death.
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Along the way, Zhang Xin was forced to deal with countless logistical problems—
Food distribution.
Population control.
Livestock management.
Yet by the time they neared Youbeiping, everything was orderly.
His command ability had improved greatly.
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As they entered Youbeiping, people began returning home in groups.
With every farewell, Zhang Xin's reputation grew.
Eventually, Tian Kai also took his leave and returned to his clan.
After parting ways, Zhang Xin continued toward Hunu.
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At Hunu, the magistrate Zhou Yuan led officials out to welcome him.
"General, you have endured a long campaign. I have prepared a modest feast."
This time, Zhang Xin did not refuse.
After drinking, he handed over the people of Hunu—and more than three hundred cattle.
Zhou Yuan was overjoyed.
With these achievements, promotion was almost certain.
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Zhang Xin had seized nearly ten thousand cattle from Qiuliju.
Far more than Yuyang needed.
So he decided to distribute them across the counties to win support.
After all—
If he intended to rule here, generosity now would pay dividends later.
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After leaving Hunu, Zhang Xin gathered the remaining people.
Yuyang was near.
The army could escort them no further.
As usual, he distributed food and weapons.
Then—
His gaze paused.
A young man stood among the crowd.
Half a head taller than those around him, dressed plainly—but his eyes were different.
Calm.
Steady.
Resolute.
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"Bring him here," Zhang Xin said.
The man stepped forward and bowed.
"This humble one greets the Commander."
Zhang Xin's eyes sharpened.
Even this bow—there was something unusual about it.
"What is your name?"
"Yan Rou."
Yan Rou…
The name stirred a faint memory.
He seemed to recall—
A man who had once served Liu Yu, later followed Yuan Shao, and eventually served Cao Cao.
Not a famous figure—but certainly not insignificant.
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"Would you join my army?" Zhang Xin asked.
"I will grant you leave to visit your family first."
Surprise flashed in Yan Rou's eyes.
He bowed deeply.
"I am willing."
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Zhang Xin nodded, then turned to his officer.
"Take him. When we reach Yuyang, arrange for him to return home first."
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The next day, the army resumed its march.
After more than two months of campaigning—
They were finally returning home.
The sight of green fields and busy farmers filled Zhang Xin with quiet satisfaction.
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Outside Yuyang, a large group awaited them.
Officials—far more than expected.
Zhang Xin frowned slightly.
"When did Yuyang gain so many officials?"
As he approached, Deng Xing stepped forward with a smile.
"Congratulations, Commander, on your victorious return."
Zhang Xin lowered his voice.
"Where did all these officials come from?"
Deng Xing leaned closer and whispered:
"Liu Yu intends to recruit you."
"Aide Wei You is already waiting at the prefectural office."
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Zhang Xin's eyes flickered.
So—
The court had finally made its move.