Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 235 The World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament
Early summer in Wuyuan County brings a refreshing coolness unique to the northern frontier.

Under the sweat and toil of countless prisoners, migrants and craftsmen, Jiuyuan New City has begun to take shape as a magnificent city.

The rammed earth and stone walls stand majestically, and the streets inside the city are crisscrossed, with the foundations of government offices, military camps, markets, and residences clearly visible.

The Protector-General's Office, nestled against the Yin Mountains, was even more grand in scale, becoming the core of military and political control over the northern frontier.

The surrender and reorganization of the Yuwen tribe was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples before quickly settling down.

Under the close supervision and efficient operation of Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao, the process of identification, separation, and resettlement was ruthless yet orderly.

The remaining clansmen, regardless of age, gender, or age, were completely dispersed and migrated in batches to Wuyuan, the resettlement sites that Xihe County had already planned.

What awaited them was land grants, household registration, learning Chinese, wearing Hanfu (traditional Han clothing), and children entering elementary schools to learn to read and write.

The Yuwen tribe completely transformed from an independent political and cultural entity into the embrace of Han culture.

Guiyi Tuqi.

This cavalry force, led by Yuwen Mohuai and his son and composed of the remaining elite troops of the Yuwen tribe, after a brief rest and replenishment of some standard Han army equipment, crossed the majestic Yinshan Mountains and plunged into the vast and boundless Gobi Desert in the north.

Their mission is clear.

They drew maps, probed the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, and served as a scout for the Bingzhou army's future northern frontier strategy.

As Yuwen Mohuai rode on his horse, he looked back one last time at the familiar grassland on the southern slope of Yinshan Mountain. His eyes held no lingering affection, only a resolute determination and a gamble on the future.

Huang Zhong, stationed in Wuyuan, was like a pillar of strength stabilizing the sea.

On the one hand, they intensified troop training, repaired city walls, stockpiled grain and fodder, and consolidated the newly recovered defense lines of Yunzhong and Wuyuan.

On the one hand, they closely monitored the resettlement and assimilation process of the scattered Yuwen tribe members, using both kindness and severity to ensure that they did not cause trouble.

At the same time, continuous pressure was applied to the remaining Hu forces in Shuofang and Shangjun, forcing them to either flee far away or submit.

After a swift and fierce conquest, the northern frontier of Bingzhou entered a relatively stable but turbulent period of digestion and construction.

After arranging everything in Wuyuan, Zhang Xian, accompanied only by a few personal guards, embarked on his journey south back to Jinyang.

The northern wind brushed against his cheeks, and the ambition to conquer new territories that once filled his heart was replaced by a deep longing for his wife and unborn child.

Zou Wan is about to give birth, which is not only a family matter, but also relates to the stability and morale of the Bingzhou Group.

Meanwhile, the undercurrents in the Luoyang court and the subtle changes in the world situation, like invisible threads, pulled at his thoughts.

He knew that the brief calm was just a lull before the storm.

In the heart of Bingzhou, in Jinyang City of Taiyuan Prefecture, a scene of stability and prosperity unfolded.

On the banks of Zhaoyu Lake, in the newly reclaimed fields, lush green wheat seedlings sway gracefully in the warm summer breeze.

The Yellow Turban refugees who were resettled last year have now settled down here and become the new masters of this land.

The displaced people, having integrated into the local customs of Bingzhou, have begun to skillfully drive oxen and curved plows, working in the fields with their faces beaming with anticipation for a bountiful harvest.

The barriers between them and the local people gradually melted away in their daily work together and mutual support.

Pharmacies, elementary schools, and night schools—these products of the new policy penetrated into the grassroots like capillaries, silently changing people's lives and perspectives.

Inside the prefectural governor's residence, Xun Yu was still busy with his paperwork.

Under strict regulations and the supervision of the Performance Evaluation Office, the various officials of each department worked together like precise gears.

The Household Affairs Department checked the land registers of the newly relocated Yuwen tribe members, the Granary Affairs Department inventoried the storage capacity prepared for the autumn harvest, the Works Department's documents flew to the Craftsmen's Camp like snowflakes, urging the delivery of a new batch of farm tools and military equipment, and the Field Affairs Department's officials inspected the ditches and weather under the scorching sun.

All of this is for one goal: to solidify the foundation and accumulate strength.

Nineteen students from Luoyang, including Ruan Yu, who passed the rigorous internship examination, are now undergoing a second, more in-depth round of training.

They were not immediately granted prestigious official positions, but were instead sown by Xun Yu like seeds in the most basic soil of Bingzhou.

Nguyen U was sent to Lütse County to assist the experienced agricultural officer in promoting the trial planting of new seed drills and new crops. He needed to directly interact with the most down-to-earth farmers, answer their questions, and solve practical problems in farming.

Zhou Wen was assigned to a new settlement in Xihe County, where refugees and non-Han people lived together, to serve as a deputy official in charge of land reclamation. He was tasked with learning how to mediate disputes between different ethnic groups and promoting Sinicization education.

Zhang Sheng joined the granary and started from the most basic task of registering the grain and fodder entering the warehouse.

They shed the naiveté and arrogance of imperial students, and amidst the soil, sweat, and mundane affairs, gradually came to understand the true meaning of practical matters as described by Xun Yu, and experienced the underlying logic of Bingzhou's operation.

Their logs contained fewer vague discussions and more specific cases, as well as solutions and reflections.

The atmosphere inside the former general's mansion was completely different from the orderly atmosphere outside.

A heavy atmosphere, a mixture of anticipation and tension, filled the air.

Zou Wan's due date was approaching, her belly was high and protruding, and she was having considerable difficulty moving around, but she still maintained a calm demeanor, with only a trace of longing for her husband far away and the trepidation of becoming a mother occasionally flashing between her brows.

Xiahou Lan stood guard outside the inner courtyard like a gatekeeper, his armor almost always on him, his eyes like an eagle's.

The number of guards was tripled again, and the inspection of water sources and ingredients in the mansion was strict to an extreme degree. Even the medicine Zou Wan took every day to prevent miscarriage was tested by the physician himself before being served by her maid Xiao Yun.

The slightest disturbance will trigger the highest level of vigilance.

"Madam, please slow down."

Zou Wan's personal maid, Xiao Yun, carefully helped her take a slow walk in the courtyard.

The early summer sun shines through the grapevines, casting dappled shadows.

Zou Wan gently stroked her swollen belly, feeling the vitality of the little life inside, and a gentle smile appeared on her face: "The little one is quieter today, he was quite fussy the past few days."

"Perhaps the young master is happy because he knows the general is coming back." Xiao Yun smiled sweetly, then offered a sincere prayer: "Madam and young master are blessed with good fortune; mother and child will surely be safe and sound!"

Zou Wan nodded, but her gaze involuntarily drifted northward.

She knew that her husband's burdens went far beyond this.

Bingzhou is stable, but it is still surrounded by powerful neighbors, with powerful families harboring their own ambitions, and there is also the unfathomable vortex of Luoyang... This child about to be born is an important cornerstone for the future of Bingzhou.

His safe birth held the hearts of countless followers of Zhang Xian together.

The sound of dark hooves shattered the tranquility of the official road outside Jinyang City.

Zhang Xian's weary figure finally appeared on the horizon.

He didn't alert many people, but quietly entered the city with his personal guards and headed straight for the general's mansion.

As he strode through the guards and into the inner courtyard, his eyes immediately fell on his wife, who was being supported by a maid in the corridor.

Their eyes met, and a thousand words were left unsaid.

Zhang Xian took a few quick steps, gently grasped Zou Wan's hand, felt the warmth of her palm, and looked down at her high, protruding belly: "Wan'er, I'm back. You've had a hard time these past few days."

A layer of mist instantly welled up in Zou Wan's eyes. All her strength turned into tenderness and dependence the moment she saw her husband: "Husband... I'm so glad you're back safe and sound."

Xiahou Lan breathed a sigh of relief. After months of tension, she could finally relax a little when she saw Zhang Xian's figure.

Zhang Xian stepped forward and patted Xiahou Lan's strong arm: "Brother Lan, you've worked hard too."

"It's not hard at all. Staying in the General's Mansion, we're protected from the wind and rain. It's much more comfortable than being outside."

Xiahou Lan chuckled.

Zhang Xian also said happily, "You're so glib. Anyway, with you around, I can feel at ease when I'm away. Take a break during this time. Wan'er, didn't you say last time that you visited a few good families? Hurry up and have someone act as a matchmaker. If you're not going to make a name for yourself outside, then you should get married before them."

Zou Wan also covered her mouth and laughed, "Yes, yes, Uncle Xiahou should hurry up and get married, so that when your husband's child is born, he will have a playmate."

Xiahou Lan felt extremely uncomfortable being teased by the couple, and quickly left the courtyard under the pretext of patrolling.

With Xian-ge (his brother) back, the General's Mansion is now as secure as a rock.

“This kid is unwilling to get married even when we urge him to. Never mind, even if we have to force him, we have to help him find a match. Wan’er, let me help you back to your room.”

Watching Xiahou Lan flee, he shook his head in annoyance, then helped Zou Wan back into the room.

They dismissed everyone else, leaving only the husband and wife.

He examined Zou Wan's physical condition in detail, listened to her stories of the past few months, and recounted the battles in Wuyuan, the surrender of the Yuwen tribe, and the exploration of the northern desert in simple language.

Zou Wan nestled in her husband's arms, her eyes filled with affection.

After a while, Zhang Xian was completely relieved. Zou Wan was in good health, and the fetus in her womb was growing healthily.

The only concern is that the fetus is too large, which may cause some trouble for the mother during labor.

He immediately ground the inkstone and picked up his pen, personally planning Zou Wan's diet for the next month or two.

"The little one is getting a bit big, so you'll definitely have a painful delivery. For the next while, focus on a light and healthy diet, and don't give all your nutrition to the little one at once."

Zou Wan hesitated and refused, saying, "Wouldn't it be better if the little one was stronger? Husband, don't worry about me, I can handle it." Zhang Xian tapped her forehead, "In the entire Han Dynasty, my medical skills are second to none, if not the best. Just listen to me."

He ignored Zou Wan's slight resistance. Mothers always worry about their children, but as a father, he not only had to worry about his children, but also about his wife.

After writing for a while, he called Xiaoyun over and handed her the recipe.

"Instruct the cooks in the manor to prepare the madam's meals according to this recipe from now on."

The maidservant gave a soft "hmm," then picked up the recipe and scurried out of the room.

The two lingered in the room for a while longer. In the evening, Zhang Xian changed into casual clothes, left the general's mansion, and went to the prefectural government.

"Lord!"

"General!"

"General!"

Along the way, greetings were constant. Seeing Zhang Xian again after several months apart seemed to invigorate everyone, making them work with even more energy.

He responded to each of them.

Until they entered Xun Yu's signing room.

"Wenruo, I'm back!"

Xun Yu didn't even get up, his pen still moving, as he looked up, smiled, and nodded: "How is my lord?"

"Great! Let me tell you, in Wuyuan, that guy, that commotion..."

He casually grabbed a chair, dragged it over to Xun Yu's desk, sat down, and began to spit as he spoke.

Xun Yu listened attentively while writing continuously, occasionally adding a few words, demonstrating not just being inattentive, but multitasking to the fullest extent.

After a long while, he finally finished processing a batch of urgent official documents, then put down his brush and took a sip of the tea that had long since gone cold beside him.

"The lord's arrangement for the Yuwen tribe is indeed ingenious. By scattering the tribesmen, Yuwen Mowei only has his cavalry. The supplies for his journey to and from the desert will have to rely on the allocation from the prefecture government. This is undoubtedly putting a chain around his neck."

"This person is willing to gamble with the entire tribe, so his character must be good. It's a pity that he is a new ally, so it's impossible to completely trust him."

"If he proves in the future that he is truly loyal, the lord may wish to reward him more."

Xun Yu's gaze was gentle, just like his consistent gentlemanly demeanor.

Zhang Xian nodded: "That's what I think too." Then he looked at Xun Yu, stood up and solemnly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Wenruo, you have suffered greatly in supporting Jinyang. Please accept my bow!"

"Lord!"

Xun Yu suddenly stood up and quickly grabbed Zhang Xian's hand.

“My lord, there is no need for such formalities between us. I know your intentions, and you know my heart. This is sufficient.”

The two men, ruler and subject, looked at each other, both revealing a pleased smile in their eyes.

Yes, if Zhang Xian did not completely trust Xun Yu, why would he entrust Xun Yu with the power of Jinyang and even the entire Bingzhou?

For Xun Yu, if it weren't for genuine assistance, why would he have devoted himself so wholeheartedly to repaying such a sincere heart?

The two exchanged a smile and then sat back down.

This time, Xun Yu spoke first. He had taken over Han Ji's position and knew that his lord wouldn't do this unless there was a reason. The commotion he made meant that he had something important to give an order for.

"What does the lord wish to instruct Yu to do now?"

He has already been quite outspoken.

Zhang Xian laughed heartily: "Wenruo understands me best."

His knuckles tapped lightly on the hardwood tabletop, producing a clear, resonant sound: "Now that the external affairs of Bingzhou have been settled, it is time to devise a long-term plan. Wenruo, summon the people back: Qiang Yinzhicai, Zhao Hu of Weize Pass, Guo Jia of Lishi City, and the officials in charge of public works, agriculture, and granaries in each prefecture... We need to discuss how Bingzhou should proceed in the next three years."

Xun Yu gazed intently, pondered for a moment, and then replied.

“It would be possible to recall the officials in charge of various regions for discussion, but they hold important positions. If they are removed from their posts, local government affairs will likely be delayed for a while. Moreover, since they are located in different places, their return times will also vary.”

Zhang Xian replied, "Summon those from far away first, and those from nearby later. We can take advantage of the time difference. The appointment and discussion will not take more than a few days. I believe that the basic officials of Bingzhou can maintain the status quo."

Xun Yu nodded: "That's a good idea. Shall I begin drafting it immediately?"

he asked.

Zhang Xian nodded, but continued speaking.

"Discussing the policy direction for the next few years is only the first thing; there is another thing I want to do."

"What's the matter?"

Xun Yu's eye twitched. His inhuman lord was back again. He really wanted to use one person as several.

A flicker of excitement flashed in Zhang Xian's eyes.

"Our Bingzhou has recovered its lost territory, bringing back to Han lands a county that had been separated from Han territory for a hundred years. Isn't this a great joy?!"

“Of course,” Xun Yu nodded.

The recapture of lost territory is undoubtedly an exciting event, and the joy it brings to the common people far surpasses that of the officials in the imperial court.

"Then let this joyous news spread far and wide."

Zhang Xian waved his hand and said, "At the same time, in the name of the former General and Marquis of Jinxiang, Zhang Xian, I hereby issue a wide invitation to all heroes! I will hold the Greatest Martial Arts Tournament in the World outside Jinyang City! I invite all martial arts practitioners in the world to compete!"

"The World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament?!"

A glint of light flashed in Xun Yu's eyes.

"Our lord intends to recruit more valiant generals!"

Zhang Xian nodded, then shook his head.

"The martial arts competition is one thing, and it's reasonable to hold this tournament with such titles under the pretext of recovering lost territory. But the real purpose is what comes after this tournament!"

"After that?" Xun Yu asked, slightly puzzled.

Zhang Xian explained: "If we successfully hold this conference and spread the fame of the winners, then the world will know that Bingzhou has hosted a major event."

"Then, how can there be no literature when there is martial arts? With just a little guidance of public opinion, it will be natural to hold a civil service examination."

"In that case, Bingzhou can gather talents who are both civil and military, and select the best of the best. Wenruo, what do you think? Can this be done?"

Upon hearing Zhang Xian's last words, Xun Yu's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

"It can be done! Absolutely! My lord, this plan is excellent! Excellent!"

If this project truly succeeds, it won't just be a matter of twenty-six imperial students coming to serve; it will attract talent from almost the entire country to Bingzhou.

The military campaign was the most legitimate reason for Bingzhou to recover its lost territory and drive out the barbarians.

Moreover, being called the best in the world will naturally attract people from all over the world who are eager to pursue fame and fortune.

But the real ingenuity lies in what comes next: starting with martial arts and then naturally introducing the literary examination—that's the most brilliant part.

Xun Yu was completely impressed by his lord's ingenious ideas, even though he had been impressed countless times before.

But each time, the way his lord won him over was different.

This time, they've gone even further, aiming to acquire all the talents in the world!
He bowed solemnly: "I will rack my brains to write a piece that will make heroes from all over the world flock to it!"

Zhang Xian waved his hand: "No one can surpass Wenruo's writing skills, and only Wenruo can accomplish this task."

"You flatter me, my lord."

The two then engaged in another round of mutual flattery.

A while later, Zhang Xian typed out the charter.

Within half a month, the local officials were to return to Jinyang to report on their duties.

The summons was issued in batches according to the distance.

Qiang Yinxi and Zhong, and Zhao Hu of Weize Pass were the first to issue the summons.

The invitation to the World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament was sent to the entire territory of the Han Dynasty on the same day that General Zhang Xian, Marquis of Jinxiang, had completely recovered Bingzhou and driven out the barbarians.

(End of this chapter)