Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 239 Yanmen
The seven-day feast in Jinyang City still lingers with the aroma of wine and the joyous sounds of celebration echoing through the streets and alleys.

The gaze of the ruler of Bingzhou, however, has been cast like a hawk toward the seemingly calm but actually turbulent border region of Yanmen in the north.

The inner courtyard of the mansion is filled with the fragrance of incense.

The early summer afternoon sun shines through the fine bamboo blinds, casting dappled shadows on the smooth floor.

The air was filled with a faint scent of herbs and frankincense, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Zou Wan leaned against the soft couch. Although her face was still a little pale, typical of postpartum women, her spirits had improved a lot, and her eyes were full of the gentle glow of a new mother.

She was covered with a thin brocade quilt, her gaze never leaving the swaddling clothes beside her.

Zhang Xian sat cross-legged on a futon beside the couch, his posture relaxed, the imposing presence of a former general gone, replaced by pure compassion in his eyes.

He carefully extended his finger and gently touched the slightly rosy but still wrinkled little face in the swaddling clothes with his fingertip.

The little one was sleeping soundly, his tiny nostrils flaring gently with his breathing, and his pink lips smacked unconsciously, as if he were savoring something delicious in his dream.

Zhang Xian's fingertips traced across the skin, feeling the faint yet incredibly resilient pulse of life, and he couldn't help but smile.

"Wan'er, look at him." His voice was very low.

"Has that little nose gotten a bit more prominent? It looks like yours."

Zou Wan smiled gently, her eyes like water: "Husband, you're talking nonsense. The baby is only a few days old, how can you tell who he looks like?"

Zhang Xian chuckled, offering no rebuttal, and continued to study his son with great interest.

He gently tapped the little guy's tightly clenched fist with his fingertip.

That tiny fist, like the finest jade carving, had five delicate fingers curled up.

Zhang Xian tried to hook the tiny finger with his rough index finger. The little guy seemed to sense the disturbance, his brows furrowed slightly, his little fists clenched tighter, and he made a dissatisfied humming sound in his throat.

"Hey, that's pretty powerful!" Zhang Xian laughed, as if he had discovered a new continent.

"With those clenched little fists, he's sure to grow up to be able to draw a strong bow and wield a great sword!"

He gently wiggled his fingers, teasing the tightly clenched little fist, his eyes full of amusement.

Zou Wan felt a surge of tenderness as she watched the silent interaction between the father and son.

She reached out and gently covered the back of her husband's hand as he played with their son, feeling the warmth of his palm through her fingertips.

"Husband, don't disturb him. Let him sleep a little longer; he's growing."

"Alright, alright, I'll listen to you, Madam." Zhang Xian readily complied, withdrawing his hand, but his gaze remained fixed on his son.

However, this tranquility did not last long.

Very light footsteps came from outside the warm pavilion, followed by Xiahou Lan's deliberately lowered voice reporting: "Brother Xian, Mr. Wenruo is waiting in the study, saying he has something important to report."

Zhang Xian paused slightly as he teased his son, the tenderness on his face fading away like a tide, instantly returning to his usual composure and sharpness.

He looked up at Zou Wan, his eyes filled with apology.

Zou Wan nodded understandingly and said softly, "The important matter is ahead, husband, please go quickly. Xiaoyun and I will stay here."

Zhang Xian took a deep look at his sleeping son before getting up, straightening his wrinkle-free casual clothes, and striding out of the warm pavilion.

The moment he stepped out of the inner courtyard, his aura was completely different. The gentle father who used to play with his young son had disappeared, replaced by the former general who held the power of life and death in Bingzhou.

The atmosphere in the study was solemn.

The ice in the bronze mirror emitted a slight chill. Xun Yu sat upright behind his desk, his brows slightly furrowed, a secret report spread out before him.

"My lord." Xun Yu stood up and bowed as Zhang Xian entered.

Zhang Xian walked straight to the head seat and sat down, his gaze sweeping across the table: "What's the matter that's so urgent?"

Xun Yu presented the secret report in front of him with both hands: "My lord, this is an urgent report from Qiang Yinxi Zhicai."

Zhang Xian took it and quickly unfolded it.

[Secret Agent No. 3: An Initial Investigation into Smuggling in Yanmen]

Target: Wang's Trading Company of Pingcheng, Yanmen County (manager Wang Tong).

Upon investigation:

On the surface, Wang's Trading Company deals in furs, salt, and iron, but in reality, the volume of goods handled in the past six months has been seriously inconsistent with the accounts, with huge discrepancies, raising suspicions of a large amount of hidden accounts.

Their caravans frequently traveled between Pingcheng and Mayi and Wangtao, their movements were secretive, and they often traveled at night or in bad weather to avoid checkpoints.

The secret agent penetrated deep into its core accounting department, risking his life to copy fragments of the hidden accounts, revealing several salt and iron expenditures in the past two months. The destination of these expenditures has been identified, and the agent then went to Yunzhong.

The investigation revealed that some of the funds were from several businesses in Taiyuan that had close ties with the Ding family, while others were gold of unknown origin.

Wang Tong was a cousin of the governor of Yanmen Commandery, and his business rose to prominence during the reign of Ding Yuan in Bingzhou.

Based on comprehensive analysis, it is concluded that the Wang family's trading company was actually a product of Ding Yuan's influence, using the strategic location of Yanmen Pass to smuggle prohibited strategic materials such as refined iron, medicinal herbs, and salt to the Yunzhong and Shuofang areas.

Their purpose may be to aid the enemy in disrupting our northern border, or to accumulate strength for treacherous schemes.

The chain of evidence points clearly, but crucial conclusive proof is missing. Should we close the net or continue the investigation?

“Yanmen…refined iron…medicinal herbs…wound medicine…Ding Yuan…” Zhang Xian slowly closed the secret report.

He raised his head, his gaze as deep and cold as a still pool.

"Our army is fighting and bleeding on the front lines, recovering our lost territories and driving out the barbarians, and yet he's taking advantage of this to profit from our war! His heart is despicable!"

The temperature in the study seemed to drop suddenly.

Xun Yu said in a deep voice, "My lord, the trade routes that Zhi Cai investigated and the delivery locations and types of goods reported by him are completely consistent with those seized by Generals Zilong and Wenyuan before."

The Wang family's business empire has intricate connections with Ding Yuan, and the evidence is conclusive.

Zhang Xian tapped his knuckles on the table, producing rhythmic muffled sounds, a cold smile curving his lips.

"As our forces gained momentum, Ding Yuan was trapped at Yanmen Pass and held military and political power over a prefecture. Naturally, he was unwilling to accept this situation."

This smuggling operation is probably just the tip of the iceberg. Its purpose is nothing more than two things: first, to support the remaining barbarians beyond the Great Wall, to use them as external aid, to seize the opportunity to cause trouble, to contain our army, and even to coordinate with the enemies in Shuofang and Shangjun who have not yet been pacified.

Secondly, they have amassed enormous wealth, raised private armies and loyal followers, and plotted treason, perhaps waiting for a change in the world to overthrow my Bingzhou foundation!

The soft, rhythmic tapping sounds echoed in the heavy air.

"Yanmen is the northern gateway to Bingzhou, controlling the throat of the border region. Its location is too crucial! It is right next to our bed and must be firmly in our hands!"

"Wen Ruo!"

Zhang Xian looked at Xun Yu.

Xun Yu had already spread out a wide sheet of plain white paper, and the ink was already ground thick.

"Yu, draft a document immediately! Issue a joint document to Yanmen County from the Bingzhou Prefecture and the General's Office! The wording should be both firm and tactful. First, praise the Yanmen County Governor for his 'hard work' in guarding the border. Then, state that the border is currently unstable and the remaining barbarians beyond the Great Wall seem to be making unusual moves. To ensure the safety of Yanmen, he is ordered to immediately submit all military documents, including the roster of Yanmen County soldiers, the inventory of grain and fodder, and the defense map of the passes, to Jinyang for verification!"
At the same time, he was ordered to cooperate with the officials that the General's Office was about to send to investigate the administration, taxes, and granaries in the prefecture.

This is a calculated move, designed to force them into disarray!

"it is good!"

"Order Zhao Yun to muster two thousand guerrilla troops and return to Jinyang, and order Gao Shun to gather the Anbei army and bring them to Yanmen. With this two-pronged approach, we will be unable to attack the governor of the prefecture, but we can reclaim the Yanmen regime, and even Ding Yuan cannot stop us!"

“Yes!” Xun Yu picked up his brush and wrote with great flourish.

The command was issued instantly, like a taut bowstring.

Zhang Xian stood alone by the window, gazing at the lush vegetation in the courtyard bathed in the setting sun.

The sharp, decisive aura that had filled the study had not completely dissipated, but when his gaze inadvertently swept towards the inner courtyard, the cold, sharp edge deep in his eyes involuntarily melted a little.

He turned around without disturbing Xun Yu, who was still writing furiously, and quietly walked back to the warm pavilion filled with the fragrance of frankincense and tranquility.

Inside the warm pavilion, the light had become soft.

Zou Wan remained leaning against the soft couch, softly humming an unknown, gentle tune.

Xiaoyun knelt by the bed, carefully wiping the little one's face and hands with a warm, damp cloth.

Zhang Xian walked in silently and gestured for Zou Wan and Xiao Yun to be quiet.

He walked to the edge of the couch and bent down.

The little one had woken up sometime earlier. He wasn't crying; he just stared at this unfamiliar world with wide, dark eyes, looking on with a curious and bewildered expression.

His gaze seemed unfocused, wandering aimlessly.

As Zhang Xian's figure loomed over him, he seemed to sense something. His little head tilted slightly, his little mouth unconsciously opened, revealing his bare gums, and he made a very slight "Ah... Pfft..." sound, with a glistening drool hanging from the corner of his mouth.

An indescribable warm current instantly dispelled all the murderous intent in Zhang Xian's heart.

He couldn't help but reach out and touch his son's tender face, which looked so soft it seemed like you could squeeze water out of it.

The little guy seemed to feel itchy, shook his head, and waved his little hand haphazardly. Suddenly, with a "smack," he landed on Zhang Xian's index finger, which he hadn't had time to retract!

Those tiny, warm hands, carrying the unique dependence of a newborn baby, instantly entwined Zhang Xian's heart of steel like the softest vines.

An unprecedented and strange emotion surged up and overwhelmed him.

He held his breath, not daring to move an inch, afraid of disturbing the tiny touch. He felt that the faint warmth from his fingertips stirred his heart more than a thousand troops.

"Husband?" Zou Wan couldn't help but chuckle as she looked at his frozen expression.

"Look how scared you are, he's grabbing you."

Zhang Xian then seemed to wake from a dream. Looking into his son's innocent and pure eyes and feeling the tiny grasp of his fingertips, his tense nerves, which had been strained by the Yanmen incident, completely relaxed, and a silly smile bloomed on his face.
-
Yanmen County.

Yin Guan.

An urgent official document from the General's Mansion, delivered over 600 li, broke the silence of the seemingly peaceful residence of the Prefect of Yanmen.

The official document appears to be mild in its wording, first praising Ding Yuan and his cousin, who served as prefects, for "working diligently day and night to safeguard the territory."

But immediately following this, the order to submit all core military documents and cooperate with the General's Office's "Merit Evaluation Commissioner" for verification felt like a cold shackle suddenly around Ding Yuan's neck.

The atmosphere in the study was oppressive and suffocating.

Although the governor of Yanmen Commandery was ostensibly Ding Yuan's cousin, Ding Yuan was actually the true power behind the throne.

He even built the governor's mansion in the Yin Palace.

On the heavy rosewood desk, the official document bearing the seals of both the Marquis of Jinxiang and the former General stood like a red-hot branding iron.

Ding Yuan's face was ashen, veins throbbing on his forehead, and his knuckles turned white as he gripped the edge of the official document.

Seated below him were his trusted advisors and several powerful military commanders, all with solemn expressions and silent as if trembling with fear.

A gaunt advisor with a goatee spoke cautiously: "My lord, please calm down... Zhang Xian is riding high on the momentum of recovering Wuyuan and Yunzhong, and has just had a son. His influence is at its peak... The General's office has the right to issue a warrant. If we resist forcefully, I'm afraid... I'm afraid we'll give them a handle to use against us!"

"Righteous and legitimate?" A sinister glint flashed in Ding Yuan's eyes.

"He's just playing a trick on Liu Bang! What strange activity beyond the Great Wall? I think someone can't hold back anymore and is about to make a move against Yanmen!"

He thought of Wang Tong's increasingly frequent and large-scale smuggling business, and the refined iron and medicinal herbs that eventually flowed to the border regions, and his heart tightened.

Could it be... that the news has leaked?

“My lord,” a burly military officer with a scar on his face said in a deep voice.

"Military power is the foundation of our position! If we hand over the roster and the defense map, Zhang Xian will have complete control over the strength and weakness of Yanmen! As for that damned performance evaluation commissioner... humph, he's nothing but a troublemaker! In my humble opinion, we absolutely cannot hand him over!"

"Not handing it in?" Ding Yuan paced irritably in his study.

"To refuse to hand over is to disobey orders! Zhang Xian commands a powerful army, riding the wave of his great victory, and with Xun Yu, Guo Jia, and their ilk plotting for him, he's just looking for an excuse to attack our Yanmen! Handing over... is to tie our own hands and leave ourselves to be slaughtered!"

He was caught in a dilemma, like a trapped beast.

“My lord,” another advisor said in a low voice, his eyes darting around.

"The only option now is to... stall! We can first reply to the General's Office, saying that military documents are numerous and take time to organize, and request an extension of ten days."

At the same time… tell Wang Tong to stop immediately! All traces must be erased! Unless we obtain irrefutable evidence, Zhang Xian can't do anything to us!

Ding Yuan paused, then said, "Right! Drag it! Clean up the traces!"

He suddenly looked at the scarred military commander.

"You immediately take my order, dispatch a team of absolutely reliable trusted men, have them change into civilian clothes, and tell Wang Tong that all transactions must cease immediately! Erasure the stockpiles, cart tracks, and all traces within the canyon! Not a single scrap of iron is allowed to remain! If anyone from the General's Mansion approaches… you know what to do!"

"Understood, sir!" Scarface Sima's eyes flashed with a fierce light. He clasped his hands in acceptance of the order, turned around, and strode away.

"besides."

Ding Yuan called out to him, lowering his voice.

"Send men to keep a close watch on the county border! If any suspicious large group of people approaches, report it immediately! If things don't go well... Hmph, Yanmen isn't made of clay!"

The advisors, seeing Ding Yuan's somewhat desperate expression, felt a chill run down their spines.

Your Excellency is... preparing to take a desperate gamble!
-
Jinyang.

The study in the former general's mansion was brightly lit.

After finishing his military affairs, Zhang Xian did not rest. His desk was piled with documents concerning agriculture, water conservancy, and the expansion of the artisan workshops, which required his review.

He picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote with steady strokes.

From the warm pavilion, one could faintly hear the soft whimpers of a baby and Zou Wan's gentle, soothing whispers.

That familiar voice was like the most effective calming incense, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up slightly.

After reviewing a proposal to open three more branch canals in Zhaoyuze, Zhang Xian put down his pen and rubbed his slightly swollen temples.

He got up, stretched his limbs, and strolled towards the warm pavilion.

Inside the warm pavilion, only a small ram's horn lamp was lit, casting a dim light.

Zou Wan held the swaddled baby, gently rocking him and humming a lullaby.

The little one seemed to have just eaten his fill, nestled contentedly in his mother's arms, his big, dark eyes half-open as he curiously observed the swaying lamplight.

"Still not asleep?" Zhang Xian walked over, his voice extremely soft.

"Hmm, I just fed him, he's full of energy." Zou Wan looked up, smiled gently at him, and tilted the swaddled baby slightly.

“Husband, look, he seems to be looking for light.”

Zhang Xian leaned closer and saw that his son's eyes were indeed following the halo of the ram's horn lamp, his little head was turning slightly with the movement of the light, and his little mouth was slightly open, making meaningless syllables like "oh...oh..."

"This kid really likes bright places." Zhang Xian couldn't help but reach out and gently touch his son's soft cheek.

The little guy's attention was immediately diverted. His bright black eyes turned to his father's finger, and he grinned, making an "ah-poof" sound and spitting out a tiny milk bubble.

Zhang Xian was amused, so he simply sat down on the edge of the couch and carefully took his son from Zou Wan's arms.

When the little guy was in his father's arms, he seemed to feel that his view was higher and wider, and he became even more excited. His little hands and feet began to move restlessly, and he babbled in "baby talk" that only he could understand.

"Okay, okay, I know you're happy."

Zhang Xian adjusted his holding position so that his son could stay more comfortably in his arms. He looked down at the lively little face, his eyes so tender they could melt your heart.

He held his son and paced slowly in the warm room, whispering some nonsensical things about how high the sky was, how big the grassland was, and how fragrant the wheat fields were... The little guy felt his father's soft words.

She gradually quieted down, her big eyes blinked, and her breathing became even and long.

Zhang Xian stopped and looked down at the sleeping baby in his arms.

Just then, Xiahou Lan's deliberately lowered but urgent voice came from outside the study: "Brother Xian! Urgent military report from Qiangyin, 600 li away!"

Zhang Xian tightened his grip on his son's arm slightly, then relaxed it again.

He carefully handed his sleeping son back to Zou Wan.

"Wan'er, you should rest first."

He spoke softly, the tenderness in his eyes gradually replaced by a sharp, unfathomable gaze.

"Yes, husband, be careful."

Zou Wan took the child, her eyes filled with understanding and a hint of barely perceptible worry.

Zhang Xian nodded, glanced at his wife and children, and strode out of the warm pavilion.

　I feel inexplicably guilty about taking a vacation, but I feel at peace writing late at night.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)