The imperial cause at the end of the Han Dynasty was not one of partial peace.

Seeing that the Yellow Turban army had completely collapsed, with many trampling each other and drowning, and the rest fleeing for their lives and no longer able to form an army, Liu Bei ordered the gong to be sounded to signal a retreat.

Military strategy dictates, "Do not block a retreating army, and do not press a desperate enemy."

Although the Han army was victorious, it had only managed to defeat 6,000 enemy soldiers with 800 men, and was exhausted. If they pursued too hastily, they risked being taken advantage of by the fierce and brave among the fleeing soldiers, or being ambushed by enemy forces elsewhere.

Therefore, he only ordered cavalry scouts to drive the enemy ten miles away to ensure that the enemy troops had also scattered and wandered into the countryside. Then he gathered his troops and stationed them in a high and dry place near the battlefield.

In this battle, dozens of bandit leaders, including Cheng Yuanzhi, were killed, more than 400 bandit soldiers were killed in battle, more than 200 lightly wounded or those who were unable to escape were captured, and dozens of mixed-color horses and hundreds of weapons were seized.

The Han army suffered very few casualties, with a dozen or so killed and dozens wounded, mostly with minor injuries. It was a great victory.

Liu Bei ordered his auxiliary soldiers and physicians to treat his own wounded and collect the remains of the fallen soldiers, temporarily wrapping them in white cloth for a proper burial later.

As for the Yellow Turban dead, they were ordered to be buried in pits on the spot to prevent the spread of plague.

The surrendered soldiers will be placed under separate custody and dealt with later.

Not long after, Zou Jing also gathered his troops and came to join them.

Seeing the battlefield situation, this veteran general from the northern frontier was also moved, and he looked at Liu Bei with newfound respect, holding his hand and praising him: "Xuande's use of troops is as swift as the wind, and his army moves like a god! He defeats the many with the few, crushing the withered and rotten. Even the famous generals of the past could not have done better."

Liu Bei humbly thanked him, saying, "It is all thanks to the bravery of my soldiers and the support of Colonel Zou from afar, which has calmed the hearts of the people."

Liu Bei and Zou Jing joined forces, and carrying their spoils and prisoners, they slowly returned south.

Several miles from Zhuojun City, one could see that the city was brightly lit and filled with the sounds of drums and music.

However, when Prefect Liu He heard the news of the great victory at the front, he was overjoyed and personally rode in a carriage, leading his officials and subordinates from the prefecture, carrying a large amount of cattle, wine, silk, money and grain, to go ten miles outside the city to welcome the army, ostensibly to "reward the royal army".

Seeing Liu Bei's army in good order, their morale even higher than before despite the bloody battle, their crimson robes fluttering, and their spears and halberds standing tall, Liu He's last trace of unease vanished, and he greeted them with a beaming smile.

"Xuande! My pillar of strength! The cornerstone of the nation!" Upon seeing Liu Bei, Liu He rushed forward, grabbed Liu Bei's arm, and spoke with heartfelt emotion.

"If it weren't for your loyalty, courage, wisdom, and insight into the enemy's treachery, and your decisive victory in battle, which defeated this formidable foe, Zhuojun would have been a den of traitors, and I would have been a prisoner! Your achievements in this battle are as glorious as the sun and moon. I will certainly provide a detailed account of the battle and submit a memorial to the court to request commendations for you and your troops!"

Under the torchlight, every wrinkle on Liu He's face radiated the relief of surviving a disaster and the ecstasy of achieving political success.

Liu Bei bowed calmly, his attitude as respectful as ever: "You flatter me, Your Excellency! This victory was achieved thanks to the Emperor's great fortune and our ancestors' protection, as well as Your Excellency's skillful command from the central command, and the invaluable assistance of Colonel Zou, and the valiant efforts of the entire army. I merely had the opportunity to contribute a small amount; how dare I claim credit?"

"If it weren't for Your Excellency's trust and reliance in entrusting you with the selection of elite troops, promoting you from humble origins, providing you with armor and horses, and supplying you with provisions, even with the strength to fight a tiger, we would have been unable to cook without rice. The greatest credit for this battle belongs to Your Excellency's strategic planning and wise judgment in appointing capable individuals!"

These words firmly returned the credit to Liu He and the "court's arrangements," while he himself only held the position of "assistant." This not only gave Liu He a great deal of face but also conformed to the principles of humility in officialdom.

Liu He was overjoyed to hear this, stroked his beard and laughed heartily, repeatedly saying, "Xuande is too modest, too modest!"

After the army set up camp outside the city, he took Liu Bei's hand and they entered the central command tent together.

A simple banquet had been set up in the tent. Although it was not as elaborate as the prefectural government's banquet, it was still complete with wine and meat. Liu He personally served wine to Liu Bei, and the prefectural magistrate, the chief clerk, and others accompanied him. Zou Jing was also present, and the atmosphere was lively.

After several rounds of drinks, Liu He put down his lacquered cup and said slowly, "Although Cheng Yuanzhi has been defeated, small groups of bandits have also taken advantage of the situation to rise up and attack and plunder villages in Fanyang, Gu'an, Beixincheng, and Qiuguo counties in the south of the prefecture."

"Although their scale is far smaller than Cheng Ni's, we cannot sit idly by and watch them grow stronger. I wonder if Xuande would be willing to share my burden and lead a small army south to inspect the counties and pacify the region?"

"I should petition the court to grant you absolute power, and the prefecture should be provided with all necessary provisions and equipment."

This is exactly what Liu Bei wanted!

He not only needs military achievements, but also needs to make friends with heroes from all directions.

Leading troops to "inspect and pacify" the counties south of the prefecture was a golden opportunity.

It can not only eliminate the remaining Yellow Turbans and gain more military merits and resources, but also, as the "royal army," interact with county officials and local strongmen, legitimately recruit talents and absorb followers, and expand its influence from a corner of Zhuo County to most of Zhuo Prefecture.

Liu Bei immediately bowed respectfully: "Suppressing the remaining rebels and pacifying the people is my duty. How could I refuse Your Excellency's order? I am willing to serve as Your Excellency's vanguard, to pacify the southern lands, and to repay your kindness!"

Liu He was overjoyed: "Excellent! Excellent! In that case, I will act expediently and temporarily appoint Xuande as the 'Supervisor of the Southern Bandits,' to oversee the suppression of bandits in the southern counties of Zhuojun and to lead the righteous troops under his command."

"The prefectural government will issue a document to all counties, ordering them to fully comply with the directives and cooperate to the best of their ability!"

Liu Bei bowed again: "I will certainly not fail in the great trust placed in me by Your Excellency!"

That night, Liu He held a banquet at the military camp outside the city, feasting his soldiers and distributing cattle and wine to everyone.

Cheers erupted in the camp, and people were even more devoted to Liu Bei.

During the banquet, Liu He drank a few more cups and, holding Liu Bei's hand, sighed, "Xuande, when I first met you, I only thought you were a chivalrous and generous man. But today, seeing you, I see that you are a master strategist, capable of slaying generals and capturing flags; you are truly a match for ten thousand men."

"Yet you do not claim credit for your achievements, but remain humble and self-disciplined, respectful to your superiors and kind to your subordinates. You truly embody the spirit of a national hero, using your own sharpness to guide yourself and demonstrating your integrity to others. Your magnanimity and benevolence are the hallmarks of a great man! How fortunate we, Zhuojun, are to have you!"

Liu Bei repeatedly expressed his gratitude, but his mind was clear as a mirror.

This praise was partly genuine and partly a way to curry favor with officials.

But in any case, after this battle, Liu Xuande's name will no longer be just that of a member of the imperial family in Zhuo County who "liked to associate with heroes," but a loyal and valiant general of the Han Dynasty who "defeated thousands of bandits and killed their commanders in battle"!

The next morning, as dawn broke and the mist lingered, drums and horns sounded and banners fluttered before the gate of the main camp north of Zhuojun City.

Liu Bei, dressed in a black robe with black trim newly bestowed by the prefectural government, wearing a military cap and a long sword at his waist, stood solemnly on a black-canopied carriage drawn by four horses.

The carriage had a crossbar at the front, with banners reading "Supervisor of Southern Bandits" and large red flags bearing the character "Liu" inserted on the left and right.

This was specially allocated by the prefectural government to demonstrate the prestige of his inspection tour of the southern part of the prefecture and his supervision of the suppression of bandits.

Behind him, eight hundred elite soldiers, tempered by the Battle of Taoshui, had already lined up. Despite yesterday's bloody battle, they had been richly rewarded and rested, and their morale was even higher.

Everyone was dressed in bright crimson robes, their spears and halberds gleaming. They stood solemnly like a forest in the morning light, exuding a chilling aura of having survived countless battles.

Tian Yu, fully armored and helmeted, stood to the right of the chariot, sword in hand, as the attendant. Jian Yong rode in the secondary chariot, in charge of documents and tallies. Qian Zhao had already set off earlier to oversee the transport of provisions.

"The auspicious time has arrived. Please, Supervisor, board the carriage and depart!" Li Fu, the Clerk of the Ministry of Revenue, representing the prefectural government, bowed and saw them off on the left side of the road.

Liu Bei returned the greeting to Li Fu and the officials from the prefecture who had come to see him off, then glanced at the standing soldiers and ordered in a deep voice, "Set off!"

"promise!"

With a wave of the command flag, several scouts on horseback charged out first.

Immediately, Liu Bei's carriage slowly started moving, and eight hundred cavalrymen divided into three groups, front and rear, escorting the carriage on both sides, marching in orderly steps along the south-facing official road.

The wheels rumbled, the armor plates clanged, the footsteps thundered, creating an extremely majestic sound.

Although the position of Supervisor of Southern Bandits was a minor official under the prefecture, Liu Bei was here on the orders of the prefect to "supervise and suppress bandits" and had made a great contribution. Therefore, the prefecture treated him with exceptional courtesy. In addition to his own official insignia, the prefecture assigned twelve halberd-wielding soldiers as the vanguard, as well as a drum cart and a gong cart for signaling.

This time, he was no longer going on a trip as a "righteous man" or "hero" to gather people for self-protection, but as an official official under the imperial court and prefecture, ordered to suppress the bandits, to tour the local area!

This change in identity is of great significance.

Liu Bei sat upright in the carriage, his hand on the hilt of his sword, his gaze calmly fixed on the depths of the southern mist.

From Zhuoxian southward, passing through Gu'an, Fanyang, Beixincheng, and Qiuguo, covering an area of ​​several hundred li, all fall under the responsibility of "supervising the south".

This journey is not only to eliminate the remaining influence of the rebels, but also to promote the power and virtue of the imperial court, to appease the refugees, to gather heroes, and to deeply embed the name of Liu Xuande and the image of this "loyal and virtuous general who quelled the rebels" into the hearts of the people of Zhuojun in the south.

The carriage had traveled only a dozen or so miles south, and had not yet left the territory of Zhuo County, when suddenly more than twenty riders emerged from the woods by the roadside ahead.

The rider at the head of the pack was a man in his thirties with a dark complexion, a wide mouth and a bushy beard. He wore variegated Hu clothing, carried a longbow on his back, and had a curved sword at his waist, clearly dressed as a Wuhuan person.

The knights behind them were also mostly shaved-headed, dressed in ochre robes, with quivers hanging from their saddles, and were skilled horsemen.

The Han army's advance scouts immediately took precautions and nocked their arrows.

The Wuhuan chieftain dismounted twenty paces away, planted his scimitar in its sheath on the ground, placed his hand on his chest, took a few steps, and loudly proclaimed in slightly broken Chinese:

"Nanlou, the young chieftain of the Wuhuan, has heard of Liu Bei of Zhuojun, whose righteous reputation spreads throughout the borderlands, and who is also generous in his wealth, making friends with heroes. Now, I lead thirty-two riders to join you, willing to serve as your vanguard and die for you! Please, Liu Bei, accept me as your retainer!"

The Wuhuan were descendants of the Donghu people. They were defeated by the Xiongnu in the early Han Dynasty and fled to the Xianbei Mountains, hence the name Wuhuan.

After Emperor Wu, some of them submitted to the Han, and a Protector of the Wuhuan was appointed to oversee them. They were scattered in the border counties of You and Bing, serving as guards for the Han, but their loyalty to the Han was inconsistent.

He was skilled in riding and archery, and was fierce and brave. He was often recruited by both the Han and Xiongnu as a mercenary cavalryman, and was known as the "Wuhuan Cavalry".

Liu Bei had many Wuhuan cavalrymen under his command throughout history, and now, with his fame and wealth even greater, he has attracted a Wuhuan tribe to join him! This is a cause for great joy!

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei gestured for the guide to pause, rose from his carriage, stood before the carriage, and said gently, "Chief of Nanlou, please rise. I have been ordered by the Emperor and the Prefect to suppress the rebellion and bring peace to the people, and I need the assistance of heroes from all directions."

"Your Excellency's willingness to come from afar to join us is a blessing for the nation and a good fortune for me. Please rise and join the army."

Nanlou was overjoyed. He bowed again and rose, leading his Wuhuan cavalry to mount their horses and stand behind the carriage as attendants. Their horsemanship was superb; they controlled their horses as if they were extensions of their own arms, and the riders and horses were as one, which made the Han cavalry secretly admire them.

After conquering Nanloubu, the carriage continued south.

Perhaps it was because news of the Taoshui victory had already spread, or perhaps it was because the banner of the "Southern Bandit Supervisor" on his inspection tour was attracting attention, but over the next two days, people came in droves to join his cause.

Young knights-errant from Zhuoxian and Fangcheng, who admired Liu Bei's reputation, came in groups of three or five, carrying bows and swords, to join him.

Some respectable young men, whose homes were looted and destroyed by the defeated Yellow Turban soldiers, joined the army in anger;

Furthermore, local powerful figures, having heard that Liu Bei was a descendant of the imperial clan, a brilliant strategist, and a kind and generous man, sent their retainers and able-bodied men with provisions and weapons to join him. This was both an investment and a way to build goodwill.

By the time the main army left the border of Zhuo County, Liu Bei's foot soldiers had increased to more than 800. Including the original and newly recruited cavalry, the number of soldiers capable of fighting was close to 1,200, and their morale was high, eager for battle.

So when Liu Bei stopped to rest at a post station along the way, he summoned Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Tian Yu, Jian Yong, Nan Lou and other generals to discuss matters.

Unfolding a simple map of the southern part of the prefecture, Liu Bei pointed to the location of Fanyang County: "According to reports, the remnants of the Yellow Turban rebels in Fanyang have joined forces with local traitors, gathering nearly a thousand men to besiege the county seat. Their strength is at its peak. I should personally lead the central army, with Guo Rang as the vanguard, and head straight for Fanyang to lift the siege and strike their main force."

He looked at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei: "However, the unrest in the south of the prefecture is not limited to Fanyang. In Gu'an, Beixincheng, Qiuguo and other counties, there are also hundreds of rioters causing trouble, attacking fortified villages or robbing towns."

"Although these people are a rabble, if we ignore them, they may grow too powerful and even collude with the bandits of Fanyang."

"Yun Chang, Yi De."

"I'm here!"

"I will give you two, three hundred infantry and three hundred cavalry each. Guan Yu will lead his troops westward to inspect and pacify Gu'an and Qiuguo cities; Zhang Fei will lead his troops to pacify Fangcheng and Beixincheng."

"Military intelligence from each county comes from the prefectural government and may not be accurate. You two should act according to the situation. If you encounter small groups of rebels, use both suppression and pacification methods."

"If you encounter a large group of bandits, strike them when the opportunity arises, or send a message to me. Do not engage in reckless fighting. You must display the might of our royal army to subdue the rebellious and stabilize the people's hearts."

"Understood!" Guan Yu and Zhang Fei solemnly clasped their fists.

Liu Bei then looked at Qian Zhao: "Zijing, you will take charge of the rear, oversee the transfer of grain, fodder, and equipment, receive support from the prefectures and governments, and contact Lord Zhang and Lord Su to raise funds for future needs. Make sure that there is no risk of food shortages at the front lines and that the wounded and injured can be treated in a timely manner."

"I will do my utmost to ensure that the lord has no worries at the front!" Qian Zhao bowed and accepted the order.

Finally, Liu Bei rose, surveyed his generals, and said with conviction, "This expedition is not for show of force, but to eliminate the wicked and protect the people. I urge you all to strictly abide by military discipline, commit the slightest offense, advance with courage, and retreat with order. All meritorious service will be recorded, and rewards will be distributed accordingly—I will not break my promise!"

"We are willing to follow our lord to punish the traitors and bring peace to the people!" The generals immediately clasped their hands and responded in unison.

The assignments were finalized, and the army split up at a fork in the road the following day.

Guan Yu led three hundred elite infantry and cavalry, accompanied by Jian Yong, towards the direction of Gu'an. Zhang Fei led an equal force, heading towards Beixincheng.

Both cavalry units carried banners bearing the names "Liu," "Han," and "Punishing the Traitors." Their horses moved swiftly and lightly, raising clouds of dust and displaying the might of the royal army.

Liu Bei, along with Tian Yu, led nearly five hundred infantrymen and the remaining hundred or so cavalrymen, raising high the banner that read "Supervisor of the Southern Bandits" and the large flag bearing the character "Liu," and marched along the official road straight towards the besieged Fanyang County seat. The chariots rumbled, the horses neighed, spears and halberds gleamed in the sun, and red flags fluttered like clouds.

Along the way, they saw dilapidated villages and barren fields. The people looked pale and sickly. When they saw the army passing by, most of them hid by the roadside, their eyes filled with suspicion.

Liu Bei ordered the soldiers with loud voices to announce along the way: "Lord Liu, the commander of the southern bandits, is here by order of the governor to suppress the bandits and bring peace to the people! Wherever the royal army goes, it will not commit the slightest offense! Those who have followed the bandits, please disperse immediately and return to farming; your past actions will be forgiven!"

"Anyone who can behead the bandit leader and present him will be rewarded! Anyone who was coerced into following the bandits but now wishes to defect will be arrested!"

There were also accompanying civil officials who posted proclamations to reassure the people, prepared in advance in the name of the prefecture, at important places such as post stations and village markets along the way.

Lu Bu spoke earnestly, explaining the advantages and disadvantages, proclaiming the court's virtuous influence, and promising to reduce taxes and levies and to appease refugees after the pacification.

After traveling only a few miles, scattered Yellow Turban soldiers emerged from their hiding places, abandoned their weapons, and surrendered.

Some local elders and village elders also mustered up their courage to come and pay their respects, tearfully recounting their suffering at the hands of the bandits and reporting on the bandits' activities.

Liu Bei comforted them gently and ordered the surrendered soldiers to be reorganized into a separate unit, guarded by experienced military officers.

The information about the thieves reported by the village elders was carefully questioned and recorded in writing.

He also took some of the army's surplus grain to provide some relief to the most needy. Although it was just a drop in the ocean, the name "Commander Liu, the Benevolent and Kind-hearted" had already quietly spread among the fearful people.

Thus, Liu Bei, in his capacity as "Supervisor of the Southern Bandits," carried out the actual work of "spreading his power and virtue, punishing the disobedient, and pacifying the people." Along the way, he recruited and accepted rebels, comforted the local areas, and took in scattered people, and his army gradually grew to more than eight hundred men.

Although the new recruits varied in combat strength, their popularity gradually grew.

Three days later, the outline of the rammed earth city wall of Fanyang County was already in sight.

The red flag of the Han dynasty still stands atop the city wall, but several miles outside the city, the chaotic traces of camps and the lingering smoke of war can be seen.

Tian Yu has already dispatched capable scouts to investigate, and the true situation under Fanyang City will soon become clear.