Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 256 Harvest
After a brief rest and cleanup, the grand awarding ceremony began amidst the attention of the world.

In the center of the main arena stood Dian Wei, Xu Chu, Gan Ning, Zhou Cang, Xu Heng, Ma Liang, Li Feng, Huang Si, Hu Luo, and Pei Yuanshao. Although each of them was wounded and their clothes were stained with blood, their eyes were sharper and brighter than before, like swords tempered in a raging fire.

They represent the undisputed top ten finalists selected at this conference!

On the high platform, Zhang Xian sat in the center, while Xun Yu stepped down and loudly announced the final rankings and rewards.

"The champion of the World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament—Dian Wei of Chenliu!"

As the sound faded, several burly guards worked together to carry a huge wooden frame up to the main arena.

The wooden frame was covered with thick, dark brocade.

When Xun Yu personally unveiled the brocade, the entire audience erupted in a collective gasp of surprise!

Under the sunlight, a set of full-body heavy armor, completely black and gleaming with a cold, sharp light, stood silently!
The armor plates are not ordinary scales or strips, but a unique, layered structure resembling the scales of a ferocious beast, with sharp, distinct edges! The breastplate is as thick as a mountain, the shoulders are shaped like a roaring tiger, and the arm and leg armor have smooth, powerful lines.

This is precisely the infantry armor that Zhang Xian almost completely overcame, specially tailored for Dian Wei.

What? You're asking what to do if the leader isn't Dian Wei?
Why don't you just order ten sets of armor custom-made? Whoever wins can use theirs, and the others who aren't the champions can be rewarded later. It's not a loss.

"This armor is named 'Evil Comet'!" Xun Yu's voice was filled with pride.

"Forged with the utmost effort by the craftsmen of Bingzhou, using refined steel that has been repeatedly forged to achieve its ultimate strength and toughness! The armor plates are seamless! It weighs thirty-three catties and three ounces!"

Dian Wei's enormous, bell-like eyes were fixed on the fierce armor that seemed to have been made for him, and his breathing became heavy.

He walked step by step onto the arena, extending his large, fan-like hand, and with an almost reverent awe, stroked the cold, hard armor plates.

The weight and power emanating from his fingertips made his blood boil! He turned abruptly, knelt down on one knee before Zhang Xian on the viewing platform, and said in a booming voice, "Dian Wei thanks the former general for the reward! If the former general requires anything, I am willing to go through fire and water for you, even unto death!"

"The champion, Dian Wei, is hereby appointed as the military commander of Bingzhou, and bestowed with one hundred gold pieces, one hundred bolts of brocade, one Ferghana horse, and a pair of thousand-times-forged halberds!"

"Would you be willing to stay on?!"

Xun Yu asked.

Dian Wei cupped his hands and said, "I am willing!"

Xun Yu nodded and smiled, then waved his hand.

Several guards from the general's residence stepped forward and draped a sash and bronze seal symbolizing Dian Wei's rank as a military officer. They then led him on a magnificent horse and with a pair of gleaming, clearly extraordinary halberds.

"Second place—Xu Chu of Qiao Commandery!"

"Xu Chu, who is second in rank, is appointed as the Military Commander of Bingzhou, and is given a hundred bolts of brocade, a set of finely forged armor, a fine horse from Bingzhou, and a thousand-times-forged Mo Dao (a type of long-handled sword)!"

"Would you be willing to stay on?!"

Xu Chu excitedly cupped his hands in greeting: "I wish!"

Several people went up on the stage, draped armor over Xu Chu, and led a horse and a long sword behind him.

"Gan Ning, the third-ranking official, was appointed as the military commander of Bingzhou, and was given a set of finely forged armor, a fine horse, and a thousand-times-forged goose-feather sword!"

"Would you like to stay in your post?!" Xun Yu asked as usual.

Gan Ning looked at the viewing platform, paused for a moment, then nodded and cupped his hands in greeting: "I wish!"

"Fourth seat—Zhou Da of Jizhou!"

"Fifth seat—Pei San of Jizhou!"

What Zhou Cang received was a heavy horse-slaying sword!

Pei Yuanshao received an iron spear! The shaft was jet black, heavy and tough to the touch, and the spearhead was long, narrow, and sharp!

"Zhou Cang, holding the fourth seat, is hereby appointed Military Garrison Commander of Bingzhou!"

"Pei Yuanshao, the fifth seat holder, is hereby appointed as the military commander of Bingzhou!"

"Would you be willing to stay on?!"

"willing!"

Then, Xu Heng, Ma Liang, Li Feng, Huang Si, and Hu Luo, who were seated in the sixth to tenth seats, also received soldiers tailored for them by Zhang Xian.

In addition, all the martial artists who made it into the final top 100 received a specially made "Top 100 Iron Badge", 20 strings of cash and five bolts of fine Bingzhou cotton cloth.

This honor and reward would be enough for them to return home in glory, or to gain a good starting point in the Bingzhou army.

The awarding ceremony was solemn and enthusiastic, and every custom-made weapon and every honor drew gasps of amazement and envy.

This is not only an acknowledgment of individual martial prowess, but also the most direct demonstration of Bingzhou's strength and its eagerness to recruit talent.

The night falls and the lanterns come on.

In the center of Jinyang City, the former general's mansion was brightly lit, and the faint sounds of string and wind instruments could be heard.

The solemnity and fervor of the training ground during the day gradually subsided, replaced by a solemn yet enthusiastic atmosphere.

A banquet specially prepared for the best participants of this martial arts tournament and the high-ranking officials of Bingzhou is about to begin here.

The main gate of the mansion was wide open, and two rows of heavily armored guards stood solemnly with halberds in hand, their iron armor gleaming in the firelight.

Carriages and horses kept arriving, and those who disembarked were all heroes who had made a name for themselves at the drill ground during the day, as well as important military and political figures from Bingzhou.

Dian Wei, Xu Chu, Gan Ning, and others had changed into the brand-new, powerful outfits issued by the conference, symbolizing their status as top 100 fighters. They wore brocade robes over their outfits to keep warm. Although the bandages on their bodies were hard to hide, they were in high spirits, their brows full of excitement at having met a wise leader.

Although the weapons they brought had been properly stored by designated personnel, the martial spirit they had displayed in Bingzhou for several months still lingered.

The banquet was held in the largest main hall of the General's Mansion.

The hall was already properly arranged, with a huge black banner bearing the character "Zhang" hanging behind the main seat, and below it was Zhang Xian's main desk.

On the left and right sides, long tables are arranged in a goose-wing shape and covered with dark brocade.

The table was not piled with ordinary delicacies, but a feast with a distinctive frontier flavor. The whole roasted lamb, golden and crispy, with its sizzling fat, emitted an enticing aroma.

A steaming pot of thick, white mutton soup simmers, garnished with vibrant green scallions, while large, sizzling beef ribs sit on the grill.

Furthermore, there are two exquisite wines carefully brewed by Bingzhou workshops: Jin Yang Lie and Han Tan Xiang, which are as clear as water yet as fiery as fire.

The aroma of food mingled with the scent of wine, stimulating everyone's taste buds.

Zhang Xian sat upright in the main seat, dressed in a black casual robe, his hair tied up with a jade hairpin. He had lost some of the murderous aura he displayed during the day, and gained more of a refined and composed demeanor.

His wife, Zou Wan, sat beside him; she was gentle and poised.

Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Han Ji, Chen Ji, Wang Lie, and other core civil and military officials of Bingzhou sat in the left and right front rows respectively.

Lu Bu, with a cloth band wrapped around his arm, sat to the left of Guo Jia. Although his face was still somewhat pale, his eyes were bright.

When Dian Wei, Xu Chu, Gan Ning, Zhou Cang, Pei Yuanshao, and the other ten strongest warriors entered the hall under the guidance of their attendants, all eyes were on them.

The hall fell silent instantly, with only the crackling of the charcoal fire and the bubbling of the broth remaining.

"Fellow warriors, please take your seats!" Zhang Xian said with a smile, raising his hand in greeting.

His voice was gentle, yet it carried a reassuring power.

The ten strongest warriors took their seats in order, in the reserved places. The seats were quite close to the front, right next to Lü Bu, which showed how much Zhang Xian valued them.

Faced with a hall full of high-ranking officials from Bingzhou and this grand occasion, even fierce warriors like Dian Wei and Xu Chu couldn't help but feel somewhat reserved.

Although Gan Ning tried to remain calm, his eyes couldn't help but wander around. Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao sat upright, not daring to breathe.

"Gentlemen!" Zhang Xian raised the wine cup filled with Jinyang liquor and spoke loudly.

"Today's banquet is not a celebration of victory, but a welcome to our guests! We celebrate the addition of ten more valiant warriors to the land of our great Han! We celebrate the addition of another pillar to the Bingzhou military government! This first bowl is a toast to all of you who have traveled through mountains and rivers to gather in Jinyang and jointly celebrate this grand martial arts event! A toast to all of you who have competed in the arena and displayed the brave and martial spirit of the men of China! Cheers!"

"A toast to our lord! May we drink to victory!"

Everyone in the hall, regardless of whether they were civil or military, stood up abruptly, picked up their wine bowls, and responded in unison.

The strong liquor went down my throat like a bolt of fire shooting straight through my chest and abdomen, instantly dispelling my restraint and igniting my passion.

Zhang Xian put down his wine bowl, his gaze sweeping over the top ten seats, his smile widening.

"This second bowl is to toast the sons and daughters of Bingzhou! If it weren't for the soldiers' bravery and the people's unity, would there be a Jinyang today? How could we be here feasting in peace? Without a secure rear, even the strongest individual warrior is just a rootless duckweed! Let's drink again!"

"A toast to the soldiers! A toast to the common people! Let's drink again!"

Everyone raised their bowls again.

After two bowls of wine, the atmosphere became completely lively.

The waiters served roasted lamb and beef ribs in a continuous stream, along with meat soup and rice to each person's table.

Zhang Xian took the first bite, indicating that everyone should not stand on ceremony.

For a moment, the hall was filled with the sounds of chewing, exclamations of praise, and the soft clinking of bowls and chopsticks. Zhang Xian ate a few bites, put down his chopsticks, and turned his gaze back to the top ten seats. His tone was warm: "Gentlemen, you have already received your honors and your positions have been determined during the day. However, I still have a few words in my heart that I must speak out."

The hall fell silent again.

"This martial arts tournament is set up under the name of 'Number One Under Heaven,' but in reality, it seeks neither the fame of one person nor the benefit of one state."

Zhang Xian's voice was steady and powerful: "What I seek is to gather the spirit of heroes from all over the world and build an invincible fortress in the northern frontier! What I seek is to proclaim to the world that when Bingzhou employs people, it does not matter their social status or past grudges; it only selects the talented and rewards the meritorious! What I seek is to make friends through martial arts and hone our soldiers through martial arts, so that our Han sons will know shame and then be brave, know weakness and then strive for strength!"

He paused, looking at each person: "You have all overcome numerous obstacles to reach the top ten, proving your exceptional courage and bravery. However, individual courage is but a drop in the ocean among thousands of troops. Only by integrating your skills into the ranks of a strong army, defending our Han territory, and protecting our millions of people, can you live up to your abilities and the title of 'hero'!"

"In the northern border of Bingzhou, the dust of the barbarians has not yet settled! Although Wuyuan and Yunzhong have been recovered, the Xianbei and Xiongnu remnants still harbor the desire to destroy us! Beyond the Great Wall, there are thousands of miles of fertile land, yet jackals and wolves lurk, their eyes fixed on us like eagles and wolves!"
This is not a problem for one province or one region, but a major threat to the very heart of our great Han Dynasty! Therefore, I ask you all this not in the name of our lord, but out of camaraderie.

"Are you willing to wield this divine weapon, don this sturdy armor, and follow me, Zhang Xian, to guard this formidable frontier pass, to protect my parents, wife, and children, to drive out the barbarians, and to restore our lost territories?"

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent, with only the crackling of the charcoal fire.

Zhang Xian's words, though lacking in flowery language, were filled with the most genuine patriotism and the most fervent masculine spirit.

After a brief silence, Dian Wei was the first to suddenly stand up!
His massive body was like an iron tower. He picked up the wine bowl in front of him, and his voice boomed like thunder: "Dian Wei is just a rough man, but I am grateful to my lord for not abandoning me, for bestowing upon me armor and appointing me to a post. The kindness is as heavy as a mountain! Wherever my lord directs me, even if it is a mountain of knives or a sea of ​​fire, I, Dian Wei, will not hesitate to die ten thousand times!"
"With this armor I wear for life, my only wish is to be the vanguard, for my lord, for Bingzhou, to slaughter all the barbarians!"

After saying that, he tilted his head back and drank the strong liquor in the bowl in one gulp, the liquor flowing down his bushy beard.

"Me too!"

Xu Chu stood up immediately, his honest face full of sincerity. He wasn't good at saying nice things, but he patted his chest vigorously.

"My lord treats me well, giving me a fine horse and armor! I, Xu Chu, am willing to give my life to my lord! When it comes to fighting the barbarians, I am strong and will be at the forefront!"

He picked up the wine bowl and gulped it down.

Gan Ning stood up, his usual arrogance replaced by a solemn sharpness. He picked up his wine bowl and said loudly.

"Gan Ning has spent half his life wandering, boasting of being invincible on the water. Today he realizes how vast the world is and how many heroes emerge from it! I admire your magnanimity, my lord! I am willing to lead my old troops as the vanguard of the Bingzhou navy, sweeping across the rivers and lakes, and deterring the villains! If the barbarian horses dare to cross the river in the future, I will make sure they never return!"

He tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, the movement graceful and swift.

Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao exchanged a glance and stood up at the same time.

Zhou Cang clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice steady and powerful, tinged with barely perceptible excitement: "Our original name is Zhou Cang (Pei Yuanshao), we are of Yellow Turban origin. We were fortunate enough to be given a second chance at life by our lord's assembly, who did not investigate our origins and even bestowed upon us precious swords and divine spears! We will never forget this kindness and virtue! We are willing to use our crippled bodies to serve our lord, to guard the border, to kill the enemy and serve our country! We will wipe away our shame and live with dignity! We will not flinch even in the face of mountains of knives and seas of fire!"

Both of them finished their drinks.

Xu Heng and Hu Luo also stood up without hesitation to express their willingness to do their utmost.

Xu Heng patted his chest and said, "My lord! I'm from Youzhou, and I've never gotten along with the Hu people since I was a child! It'll be great to fight those Hu dogs with you! I'll take the job as the garrison commander!"

Hu Luo brandished his fist: "My axe is for chopping off the heads of those Hu dogs!"

The words of the seven men (Dian, Xu, Gan, Zhou, Pei, Xu, and Hu) were powerful and resounding, filled with the heroic spirit of men of iron will and their sincere support for Zhang Xian.

The atmosphere in the hall was instantly ignited, and generals such as Lü Bu and Xiahou Lan cast approving and appreciative glances.

However, not everyone responded immediately.

Ma Liang, Li Feng, and Huang Si all showed obvious hesitation and struggle on their faces.

Ma Liang (Yanzhou, 7th seat) put down his wine bowl, stood up and bowed deeply to Zhang Xian, his face full of apology: "General, you have been so kind to bestow upon me divine weapons and official positions. I am deeply grateful! General, you have the world in your heart and are determined to wipe out the barbarians. I admire you very much! However... I still have an elderly mother at home who is old and frail."

As a son, I cannot bear to leave my mother's side. My return is solely to serve her and fulfill my filial duty. After her passing, if the General does not reject me, I will surely return to serve you without delay, offering my utmost loyalty! I earnestly hope the General will understand!

He spoke with heartfelt sincerity, and there were tears welling up in his eyes.

Li Feng (Liangzhou, Eight Seats) also stood up and clasped his hands, his tone carrying the straightforwardness of a Northwestern man: "General, Li Feng is a rough man, all I know is how to use a crossbow. I will remember your generous gift! But... back in my hometown of Liangzhou, there is a group of brothers who rely on me for their livelihood, and several properties... I really can't bear to leave them all behind."

"I need to go back and make arrangements. Don't worry, General, once I've settled everything, I'll definitely bring my brothers to join you! Count me in when we fight the barbarians!"

Huang Si (Nan'an, seat number nine) appeared more cautious. He rose to bow and carefully considered his words.

"General, you are a man of great talent and ambition. Bingzhou is full of wonders, and I admire you. However, I come from a small family in Nan'an, and there are still many things to deal with in my family. I need to go back and explain them clearly before I can follow you without any worries."

Furthermore… my knowledge is diverse, and I still need to observe and learn more about military matters. I humbly request that the General grant me some time. Once I have resolved this matter, I will certainly come to Jinyang to receive your instruction!

He spoke respectfully, but his attitude was clear: he did not wish to stay for the time being.

The three men's polite refusal caused a slight pause in the otherwise lively atmosphere.

Lu Bu frowned slightly, and Dian Wei and the others also looked at Zhang Xian.

Yuan Shu and Wu Kuang, seated in the corner, exchanged a barely perceptible glint of schadenfreude and a desire to win him over.

Zhang Xian's smile remained unchanged, instead becoming even more gentle.

He raised his hand and gestured for Ma Liang and the other two to sit down.

"Filial piety is the foundation of human relations! Ma Zhuangshi declined the offer to serve his parents, which is commendable and pitiful! There is clearly no reason to force him to stay."

He looked at Ma Liang with sincere eyes: "After you return home, please convey my regards to your mother. If there are any difficulties at home, you can take this order to the local prefect and tell him that you are a friend of mine, Zhang Xian. He will surely take care of you."

As he spoke, he took a small black iron token from his waist and gestured for his attendant to hand it to Ma Liang. The front of the token was engraved with the Black Tiger of Bingzhou, and the back had the character "Zhang".

Ma Liang accepted the token, finding it cold and heavy in his hand. He was deeply moved and bowed again, saying, "Thank you for your great kindness, General! Ma Liang... will be forever grateful!"

Zhang Xian then looked at Li Feng and smiled, "Brave Li, you are loyal and righteous, and you do not forget your old brothers. This is the way of a true man! Liangzhou is far away. After you return, please settle down well. I will wait for good news in Bingzhou! If you come in the future, you will surely have a place to use your talents in the Bingzhou military government!"

Li Feng grinned and nodded vigorously: "General, you're so generous! I, Li Feng, will remember that!"

Finally, Zhang Xian looked at Huang Si, his gaze profound: "Sir Huang, your thoughts are thorough and I understand. The affairs of the clan should be handled properly. As for the study of military formations…"

He paused, then looked at Xun Yu: "Wenruo, I remember the county school's 'Military Academy' is opening a new class next month?"

Xun Yu immediately understood and cupped his hands, saying, "Reporting to my lord, that's right. The Martial Arts Academy welcomes ambitious young people to teach military strategy, battle formations, and weaponry. If you, Huang Zhuangshi, are interested, you can come to audit classes or enroll at any time."

Zhang Xian nodded: "That's very good. Warrior Huang can go home and handle his affairs first. If he still has any doubts about military matters, he can come to Jinyang at any time to study at the military academy or to train in the army. The gates of Bingzhou will always be open to those who are determined to serve their country!"

Huang Si was surprised that Zhang Xian not only did not blame him, but also paved the way for his future and even provided him with learning opportunities. His worries and pride instantly dissipated, replaced by deep gratitude and a trace of guilt.

He solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "General, your magnanimity is as vast as the ocean! I, Huang Si, am ashamed! Once the affairs of my clan are settled, I will return as soon as possible to follow you, General!"

Zhang Xian raised his cup, addressing the three men and the entire hall: "Everyone has their own ambitions, and we cannot force them. I have convened this gathering not only to recruit talented individuals, but also to forge a bond with heroes from all over the world! Whether you stay today or return in the future, all those who cherish their country and aspire to expel the barbarians are my friends, and all are honored guests of Bingzhou! This cup of wine is a toast to your future! No matter where you are in the world, may the spirit of our Han people endure forever! Cheers!"

"General Jing! Cheers!" A thunderous response rang out again in the hall.

Ma Liang, Li Feng, and Huang Si drank it all in one gulp with great excitement, their hearts now free of any resentment, filled only with admiration for Zhang Xian and anticipation for the future.

Yuan Shu and Wu Kuang's faces darkened completely. Zhang Xian's move of retreating to advance and making goodwill was a hundred times better than forcibly keeping people!
After the decision on whether the top ten would stay or leave was made, the atmosphere at the banquet became even more harmonious and enthusiastic.

Zhang Xian stopped talking about serious matters and instead chatted and laughed with everyone, asking about the local customs of Dian Wei's hometown, showing concern for Xu Chu's arm injury, discussing naval warfare experiences with Gan Ning, and listening to Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanshao recount some old stories of Ji Province.

He was erudite, witty, and approachable, without any airs of superiority, and quickly became one of these rough-and-tumble heroes.

Xun Yu and Guo Jia also joined in at the right time, their witty remarks bringing laughter to the room.

Lu Bu also took the initiative to chat with the ten strongest warriors and exchange martial arts tips.

Although he didn't talk much, he humbled himself and occasionally exchanged a few words with Dian Wei and Xu Chu about the techniques of using strength.

The banquet was halfway through, and the atmosphere was in full swing.

Zhang Xian put down his wine cup and whispered a few instructions to Xiahou Lan beside him.

Xiahou Lan nodded and quietly withdrew. A short while later, he returned to the hall with several clerks, who were carrying a thick register and a wooden box.

Everyone's attention was drawn to it.

Zhang Xianlang declared, “There are far more than ten heroes in the world! This grand gathering has brought together over three thousand five hundred martial artists in Jinyang. Regardless of victory or defeat, they are all worthy men of our great Han Dynasty! All those who are registered, whether or not they advance, can present their participation tokens at the ‘Hall of Recruitment’ in the south of the city between Chenshi (7-9 AM) and Wushi (11 AM-1 PM) tomorrow to receive five zhu and five guan (5 strings of cash) and a bolt of finely woven cotton cloth from Bingzhou! This is a small token of our appreciation to thank you all for coming from afar and for upholding our martial spirit!”

Upon hearing this, the martial arts representatives who had been invited to the banquet but had not made it into the top 100 but had performed outstandingly were immediately excited! Five strings of cash is equivalent to five thousand coins, and a bolt of fine cotton cloth is also quite valuable. For many martial arts practitioners of humble origins, this is already a considerable fortune!

More importantly, this "participation award" reflects Bingzhou's respect and recognition for all participants!
"Thank you for your generous gift, General!"

"The general is benevolent and righteous!"

"Bingzhou is indeed grand!"

Expressions of gratitude rose and fell.

Zhang Xian raised his hand to suppress the sound and continued, "That's the first point. Secondly, all those who enter the second round of testing (more than 1,600 people) will, in addition to the above rewards, be awarded an extra 'Elite Warrior' iron badge and receive 10,000 coins! With this badge and the test record, they can be given priority in being recruited into the county soldiers, garrison soldiers, or local patrol inspectors in Bingzhou, and will enjoy the treatment of a regular soldier!"

The martial arts representatives who made it to the second round of trials were overjoyed! This meant that they not only gained practical benefits, but also a stable and promising future!

For many martial artists eager to change their fate, this is more important than money alone!

"Thirdly!" Zhang Xian raised his voice, his gaze sweeping across the entire room.

"Those who ultimately make the top 100, in addition to receiving medals and rewards, have had their names recorded in the roster of the Bingzhou Army's 'Elite Warriors Battalion'! The Elite Warriors Battalion is the vanguard of the Bingzhou Army, specializing in attacking fortified positions, conducting reconnaissance and surveillance, and enjoying excellent treatment and immediate rewards for merit! Anyone wishing to join the Elite Warriors Battalion can register at the Recruitment Hall tomorrow, and will be hired according to their abilities and given a real position! Their families will be given priority to relocate to Bingzhou and be provided with land to settle down!"

This is yet another major boon for the top 100!
The "Elite Battalion" is clearly the elite force and a fast track to promotion in the Bingzhou army! The family resettlement policy has also eliminated any worries about their future! Apart from Ma Liang and his two companions, all the top 100 martial artists in the hall had a burning light in their eyes.

(End of this chapter)