Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 201 Zhang Jiao
The hustle and bustle of the camp was kept out by the tent curtains.

Zhang Xian sat in the main seat, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the cold bronze military tally.

The words of the garrison commander, "a commoner from the countryside," lingered in his mind.

They rescued Dong Zhuo at Xiaquyang... Could it really be those three?

"Report!" Guard Ashan lifted the curtain and entered, bringing in a chill.

"My lord, the person has been brought."

The tent flap was lifted again, and three figures walked into the tent against the light.

The man in the lead was about seven feet five inches tall, with a kind face, wearing a faded coarse cloth shirt and a worn leather armor over it.

He walked with a steady gait and a calm gaze, yet possessed an air of neither arrogance nor servility.

The man following closely to his left was nine feet tall, with a two-foot-long beard, a face like a red date, lips like painted rouge, phoenix eyes, and silkworm eyebrows. He had a dignified and imposing appearance.

His green battle robe, though old, was washed clean and crisp. At this moment, his phoenix eyes were slightly closed, and his hand was on the sword at his waist.

The man on the right had a leopard's head and round eyes, a swallow's chin and tiger's beard. Although he was not as tall as Guan Yu, he was exceptionally robust with bulging muscles.

He was dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, and was staring with wide, round eyes, curiously examining the furnishings inside the tent.

The three of them entered, and although their expressions remained normal, their movements still carried a hint of unease.

They bowed to the head of the table, saying, "This humble subject is Liu Bei, courtesy name Xuande."

Guan Yu's courtesy name was Yunchang.

Zhang Fei's courtesy name was Yide.

"Greetings, General Zhang!"

Zhang Xian's gaze swept over the three men, finally settling on Liu Bei.

He made no other move, only raised his hand and said, "Please sit down, three brave men, and have some tea."

Ashan personally brought over hot water and brewed tea in the Bingzhou style.

Liu Bei bowed with his hands clasped in greeting, his demeanor composed.

"Liu Xuande?" Zhang Xian put down the military tally.

"I've heard that Lu Zigan is your teacher? In the battle of Xiaquyang, when Dong Zhonglang was being pursued, it was the three of you who bravely intervened?"

Liu Bei put down his teacup, his expression calm: "I dare not say I can save you. General Dong is an official appointed by the court. Although we are commoners, how could we sit idly by when we see danger on the road? We just happened to be there and did our best. It is nothing more than a small contribution that General Dong can't mention."

The answer was watertight, downplaying the credit for his own contributions.

“Lu Gong’s disciple is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and prioritizes loyalty and righteousness. Yet he humbled himself and wandered the battlefield. Was it just to stand up for justice?”
"Is Xuande's ambition perhaps not limited to this?" He took a sip of tea.

He patted Ah Shan's hand, signaling him to pour tea for the three of them as well.

Liu Bei met Zhang Xian's gaze: "I come from humble origins, but I am grateful to my teacher for not abandoning me and for teaching me poetry and books and explaining the greater principles of life. At this time of turmoil in the world and suffering for the people, I dare not forget my teacher's teachings. I do not seek fame or fortune, but only wish to emulate the ancient knights-errant, wielding my three-foot sword to quell injustices in the world and protect the peace of this land."

As for his future…” He paused, recalling Dong Zhuo’s actions when he heard that they had done something to clear his name, and then smiled with a hint of self-deprecation before falling silent.

The tent fell silent for a moment, with the crackling of the charcoal fire.

Zhang Xian looked at Liu Bei and suddenly laughed: "Because you were a commoner, Dong Zhuo looked down on you?"

Guan Yu's eyes widened slightly, while Zhang Fei's face showed a hint of resentment.

Liu Bei nodded with a wry smile: "Indeed."

"This is how the officialdom of the Han Dynasty is now: those with power come from prestigious families, while those who are mediocre can also hold high positions."

"Since you three have nowhere to go for the time being, why don't you stay in my camp? You three brothers have great skills, it would be a pity if they were buried in the countryside. I don't have so many rules under my command, I only promote people based on their talents."

He extended an olive branch.

These three are capable; even if they can't be put to good use, it wouldn't hurt to employ them for a while.

A flicker of excitement crossed Liu Bei's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He rose and bowed respectfully, saying, "We are deeply grateful for the General's kindness! We are willing to serve as your vanguard!"

Zhang Xian smiled. At this time, given his status, it was indeed impossible for Liu Bei to refuse him.

Originally, he was only after a chance to advance his career. Now that he had offered him a branch, how could Liu Bei not try to curry favor?

He then looked at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei: "Your elder brother has agreed, what are your thoughts?"

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei rose and bowed in return, saying, "You flatter us, General Zhonglang. We are willing to serve as your vanguard!"

Zhang Xian nodded and asked, "How many local militia does Xuande command?"

Liu Bei clasped his hands in greeting: "Reporting to the General, the combined forces number over eight hundred."

"Well, let's incorporate eight hundred men into one unit. Since they are your troops, Xuande will temporarily serve as a military commander. Yunchang, Yide."

"exist!"

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei clasped their hands and bowed.

"You two will continue to assist your elder brothers, each serving as a troop leader!"

"promise!"

The three brothers, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, agreed in unison, their voices tinged with excitement.

"Ah Shan".

“Here.” Zhang Xian’s personal guard, Ashan, stepped forward.

"Go with Xuande and the others to take their troops to the Mountain Battalion to distribute military equipment, and then give them some training to see how well they perform."

"promise!"

After bowing respectfully, Ashan turned to Liu Bei and said, "General Liu, please."

Liu Bei's face lit up with even more joy. He hadn't expected Zhang Xian to actually allocate military equipment to his troops, so he quickly extended his hand and said, "Brother Ashan, this way please."

The group walked out of the tent.

Zhang Xian slowly got up, put his hands behind his back, and walked out of the tent.

Looking at the dark sky, he let out a long sigh.

'Brother Gongqi.'

(The courtesy names of the three Zhang brothers are explained in Chapter 51.)
-
Night gradually fell, engulfing the countless corpses and scorched earth outside Guangzong City.

The cold wind, carrying snowflakes, howled as it swept across the ruined camps and city walls.

A dark figure, like a ghost blending into the night, silently slipped out from an inconspicuous corner of the Han army camp.

The shadowy figure seemed to know the patrol posts and routes like the back of its hand. In a few leaps and bounds, it avoided all the checkpoints, both visible and hidden, and silently approached the base of a section of the city wall on the west side of Guangzong City, where most of the wall had collapsed.

The city wall here was severely damaged in the earlier battles. Although the huge gap was barely plugged by the Yellow Turban army with wood, stones and other debris, the defense was relatively weak, and it also became one of the secret channels for secretly transmitting messages between the city and the outside.

The shadowy figure was Zhang Xian.

He received a secret letter that evening and came. He believed that Zhang Jiao really wanted to meet him in secret, so he did not bring any attendants.

Of course, he still carried his armor and a giant hammer in the cargo compartment.

If it really is a trap, he can fight his way out using his own martial arts skills and rare medicines.

Clad in tight black clothing, he clung to the cold, damp ruins like a gecko, listening intently for a moment.

A very faint, rhythmic tapping sound came from inside the wall, three long and two short taps.

Zhang Xian counted on his fingers and responded on the wall bricks, two short and three long.

The debris blocking the opening was carefully removed from the inside, creating a gap just wide enough for one person to pass through sideways. A foul air, mixed with the stench of decay and medicine, rushed out.

A thin, yellow-turbaned warrior, also dressed in black, poked his head out. His eyes were wary and weary. He nodded silently to Zhang Xian.

Zhang Xian slipped in from the side.

Inside the gap was a narrow, winding passage, filled with a nauseating stench.

The passage leads to a residential area that has been largely destroyed by war, with ruins standing out starkly in the darkness.

The Yellow Turban Warrior led the way, his movements swift and practiced, clearly familiar with this ruined labyrinth.

After winding through several dilapidated courtyards with faint lights and coughing sounds, we finally stopped in front of a low courtyard that was unremarkable in appearance and even looked somewhat run-down.

The courtyard gate was ajar, and a string of herbs that had long since dried and turned black hung on the lintel.

The strongman knocked a specific code on the door.

A short while later, the door opened halfway silently.

The one who opened the door was Zhang Ning, the young girl who had served Zhang Jiao medicine by his bedside during the day.

She had changed into a slightly more presentable dress, her face showing undisguised fatigue. When Dang saw Zhang Xian, a complex emotion appeared in her eyes.

There was hope, resentment, and a sense of helplessness as if grasping at straws.

"Your father is waiting for you inside." Her voice was very low and trembling slightly as she stepped aside to make way for him.

Zhang Xian slipped inside. The courtyard gate immediately closed and was bolted shut.

The strongman who led the way disappeared silently into the shadows of the courtyard wall, like a shadow.

The courtyard was cramped, with only one main house that could barely be considered intact.

A faint, bean-sized glow shone from the inner room.

An overwhelming medicinal smell filled the air.

Zhang Ning led Zhang Xian through the outer room and gently pushed open the door to the inner room.

Under the dim light, Zhang Jiao leaned against a low couch covered with a fur coat, several layers of thin, dark-colored quilts covering his body.

His cheeks were sunken like a skull, his cheekbones protruded high, and his skin had an ominous waxy yellow color, tightly wrapping around his bones.

Those eyes that once could ignite a prairie fire are now nothing but bluish-black circles around the eye sockets.

Each breath seemed difficult, producing a hoarse sound like an old bellows.

Hearing footsteps, he turned his eyes toward the door.

When he saw Zhang Xian's still youthful face, a glimmer of light seemed to flicker deep within his cloudy eyes.

"Cough...cough cough..." He coughed violently.

Zhang Ning hurriedly stepped forward, skillfully patting his back to soothe him, tears welling in her eyes.

Zhang Xian silently walked to the bedside and sat down, pulling Zhang Jiao's arm to check his pulse: "Brother Gongqi... I've come."

Zhang Jiao caught his breath and his cloudy gaze fell on Zhang Xian's face. After looking at him for a long time, he managed to force a smile that was more like a grimace, his voice hoarse and weak.

"Zi...Zixu...What a...General Zhang...cough cough...He commands Bingzhou...His army is strong and powerful...He's very imposing..."

His words carried a heavy self-deprecation and a hint of indescribable bitterness.

Zhang Xian was silent for a moment: "Your body is already at its limit. Eat this."

He stuffed a ginseng porridge pill into Zhang Jiao's mouth.

Zhang Ning stared intently at Zhang Xian, then looked nervously at her father.

When she saw her father's originally sallow complexion begin to regain its color, she was overjoyed and grabbed Zhang Jiao's arm.

"Father, are you feeling better?"

Zhang Jiao's emaciated body trembled slightly, and a hoarse sound came from his throat. After a while, he finally exhaled a long breath: "Zi Xu's medical skills are becoming more and more mysterious."

"It only treats the symptoms, not the root cause. This pill will only make you feel better for four or five days at most, but your body has already reached its limit."

"Father!" Zhang Ning cried out, looking helplessly at Zhang Jiao.

The latter patted her head, his face full of pity, and said, "Silly girl, your father is a man who is about to die, and we both knew that long ago."

He turned to Zhang Xian and said, "We were on the same path back then, but we went our separate ways. You have seen what I am going through now. How are you doing in Bingzhou?"

Zhang Xian looked into his eyes: "Bingzhou is a harsh and desolate border region! After I enter, I will reclaim the wasteland and provide relief through work!"
Later, he recruited refugees to join him, provided them with land, farming tools, and seeds, reformed the bureaucracy, and reduced taxes so that they could support themselves!
They also dug ditches, built roads, constructed workshops, and promoted commerce! Wool, furs, medicinal herbs, ores... anything useful could be converted into cash!
Brother Gongqi, it is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish!
Right now, Bingzhou ensures that everyone willing to work hard can earn a decent living with their own hands!

Hearing Zhang Xian's words, a hint of longing flashed in Zhang Jiao's eyes, and his thin arms trembled slightly: "Great, really great."

Zhang Xian sighed: "Brother Gongqi, there is no other solution to the current situation in Guangzong. I am willing to be transferred away from Bingzhou by that scoundrel He Jin because of our past discussion. I do not want these hundreds of thousands of people to suffer a tragic end. You invited me here to give yourself a way out, or to give them a way out?"

He looked intently at Zhang Jiao and asked directly what he wanted to know.

“A way out…?” Zhang Jiao suddenly coughed again, revealing his agitated state of mind.

“Zixu…cough cough…you…you tell me…where is the way to survive? Return home? Cough cough…the land in my hometown has long been seized by powerful families…going back would only mean starving to death or being exploited to death again! This big man…this cannibalistic world has never given the poor a real…way to live!”

He grabbed Zhang Xian's arm.

"Look...look at Guangzong! Look...the mountains of corpses piled up outside the city! Look at these people waiting to die inside the city! Cough cough...cough cough cough!"

He pointed outside the door: "This is the Han Dynasty! This is Heaven! It...it only gave a way to live to the powerful and wealthy! Only gave a way to live to the parasites who suck the blood of the people! When has it ever given a way to live to these people in the city! Was I wrong to rise up in rebellion?! Was I wrong to try to open a path to survival for the common people?! Cough cough cough...cough cough!"

Another violent coughing fit ensued, and blood stained his front.

Zhang Ning stood to the side, sobbing uncontrollably.

Zhang Xian let his withered, cold hand grip him tightly, the faint strength emanating from his arm revealing resentment and anger.

He sighed.

"Brother Gongqi is right!"

"The world is sick! And it's terminally ill! Is Heaven dead? Shall a Yellow Heaven rise?"

"Brother Gongqi, you and I both know that this is just a slogan! A slogan that can rally people's hearts! The real way out is not about changing the world, but about the system!"

"If the system doesn't change, even if the world changes, it will just be another corrupt and exploitative court!"

Zhang Xian's voice wasn't loud, but it struck Zhang Jiao's dying heart like a heavy hammer, and also struck Zhang Ning's heart.

“System…” Zhang Jiao murmured, repeating the two words.

He stared intently at Zhang Xian, as if trying to see through him and discern the truth or falsehood in his words.

"How can you guarantee that the imperial court and powerful families will tolerate you... undermining their foundations like this?"

His voice was weak, but his true nature was evident.

Zhang Xian's lips curled into a confident smile: "Brother Gongqi, do you know how many refugees there are in Bingzhou today?"

Hundreds of thousands of them! They reclaimed new land and built new villages!

They have eaten their fill, are dressed warmly, and have hope for the future; they are my foundation!
The imperial court? The powerful families? If they want to shake my foundation...

First, you'll have to ask the swords in the hands of my tens of thousands of Bingzhou soldiers if they agree!

Ask the million people under my rule if they agree!

"Bingzhou is bitterly cold, and it is precisely because of this bitterness that it is a suitable place to lie low! The more aristocratic families and powerful clans disdain a place, the more I will accumulate strength to change the world!"

“Brother Gongqi, you want to overthrow this man-eating, rotten old tree, but all you know is arson!”

But the bigger the fire gets, the more it will eventually burn everything, including you who started it!

And I, in this place where the old tree's shade cannot reach, will use bricks and stones, sweat and new rules to rebuild a spacious mansion that can shelter people from the wind and rain and provide them with a peaceful home! It may be slow, but it will be steadfast!

Zhang Jiao's grip on Zhang Xian's arm gradually loosened.

The light in his eyes began to dim little by little.

It was a sense of bewilderment after an ideal was challenged by a more solid and feasible path.

He was breathing heavily, his cloudy gaze slowly shifting to Zhang Ning, who was kneeling before the bed, her face streaked with tears.

In that gaze, there was endless longing and reluctance, as well as a selfish and heavy entrustment.

“Ning… Ning’er…” He struggled to raise his other, withered hand.

Zhang Ning quickly grabbed her father's hand: "Father...your daughter is here..."

Zhang Jiao's gaze shifted back and forth between Zhang Ning and Zhang Xian, finally settling on Zhang Xian's face.

With his last ounce of strength, he trembled and pushed Zhang Ning's hand, extremely slowly, toward Zhang Xian.

"Zi...Zixu..."

He hissed like bubbles in his throat: "The people of this world are suffering too much...too much."

I was wrong... I took the wrong path... but my heart was not wrong!

"I'm entrusting Ning'er to you...and...and the lives of hundreds of thousands in this city...give them...give them a real way to live...like...like you said...live...live like human beings, don't...don't...like...animals anymore..."

"They...they are Huang Tian's...most loyal believers. With Ning'er here...Ning'er is here, they will become your most loyal supporters. Give Ning'er...Ning'er an identity. Let her live."

"Say...yes...to me!"

Zhang Xian looked into those eyes that seemed to be pleading.

He took a deep breath, met Zhang Jiao's gaze, and slowly nodded.

"I promise you!"

"well…"

The last glimmer of light in Zhang Jiao's eyes went out completely, but the corners of his mouth seemed to twitch with extreme difficulty, as if he wanted to show a relieved smile.

The hand that Zhang Ning and Zhang Xian had been holding finally fell limply to the ground.

His withered head was tilted to one side.

His breath ceased.

"Father!!"

Zhang Ning let out a heart-wrenching cry, collapsed onto the cold bed, and wept uncontrollably.

The flame of the oil lamp flickered violently, illuminating the emaciated body on the bed, devoid of any life, and the heartbroken girl kneeling before it.

　Burned out
　　
　
(End of this chapter)