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

In Liu Bei's view, the feat of leading two thousand elite infantry and cavalry to bypass the Quliang Pass and enter the territory of Julu County was a close call that ultimately yielded no real danger and earned him great merit.

However, people at the time praised him for his outstanding courage and insight. After all, it was a major taboo in military strategy to encounter a fortified city and not attack it, but instead to bypass it from behind.

Once the enemy cuts off the route, there will be no way back.

Especially after entering Julu territory, there were Yellow Turban rebels everywhere, and these were all staunch believers in the Yellow Heaven.

In just two days, three Yellow Turban rebels launched a counterattack. Although Guan Yu's iron cavalry provided early warning, none of them could endanger the central army and they were repelled, with more than a hundred heads taken.

However, the Han army dared not pursue them too far, lest they be ambushed by the bandits.

This battle left Zhang Fei extremely frustrated.

The army took a short rest in a shady spot by the stream. The May sun was blazing, and the soldiers removed their armor to drink and wash their faces in the stream, while their warhorses were led downstream to drink as well.

Zhang Fei, however, couldn't stay still. With his leopard-like eyes wide open and wiping the sweat from his face, he strode over to find Liu Bei, who was studying a map under the shade of a tree by the stream.

"Big Brother!" Zhang Fei plopped down on a nearby bluestone, half of his arm bare, his beard still damp with water droplets from washing his face.

"I, Old Zhang, am so bored! We've been wandering around behind enemy lines for two days, surrounded by Yellow Turban rebels. We can't fight them off on a large scale, and we can't pursue them too far. Quliang is just to the west. Why don't you take us to meet Zhang Jiao, brother? Why are you just wandering around in this countryside?"

He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, gesturing with his large, fan-like hand on the map: "Even if Lu Zhonglang breaches Quliang and Zhang Jiao abandons the city, this Julu Commandery is so vast—with Guangping to the north, Guangnian to the west, Chizhang to the east, and Lieren to the south, a total of four counties are connected to it!"

"We have only two thousand men, and we can't split up to set up an ambush. How are we supposed to know where he's escaped to? What if we find nothing? Wouldn't we just be wasting our time and energy behind enemy lines?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei smiled faintly, pointed to a winding waterline on the map, and said, "It's alright, we'll know once we march along the Zhang River."

Zhang Fei looked in the direction he was pointing, his face showing confusion.

Liu Bei said, "We need to find a water source. Don't the defeated Yellow Turban soldiers need water? Especially now that it's May, the weather is like a furnace. After running for a hundred miles under the scorching sun, both men and horses are thirsty and exhausted. They have suffered a great defeat and are even more in need of water to quench their thirst. The Zhang River is the largest river in this area, and the defeated soldiers will surely follow it."

Zhang Fei's eyes lit up, and he immediately felt the situation was much clearer. But then he scratched his head and asked, "Brother is right! But the Zhang River flows through several counties and covers hundreds of miles from north to south. Which county should we set up an ambush in?"

Liu Bei pointed to a mark on the map: "Go to Quzhou."

He explained, "I have seen a detailed map in front of my mentor's desk. Quzhou is the closest city to Guangzong along the Zhang River."

"If Zhang Jiao abandons Quliang, he will surely flee to Guangzong. From Quliang to Guangzong, Quzhou is the only way through. His defeated troops will have fled here, more than a hundred miles away from Quliang. They will surely be exhausted and unprepared. Our army can wait in comfort and ambush along the river. We will surely be able to defeat the enemy army."

Zhang Fei nodded repeatedly, but then suddenly widened his eyes and asked, "Brother, how do you know Zhang Jiao will definitely go to Guangzong? What if he went somewhere else?"

Liu Bei thought to himself, "How would I know why he insisted on going through Guangzong?"

That's how it's written in history: Zhang Jiao retreated to Guangzong and then died there. I know the facts, but not the reasons behind them. That's why he so desperately needed a strategist.

But of course he couldn't say such things to Zhang Fei.

He then looked at Zhang Fei, smiled faintly, and said, "What, Third Brother doesn't believe me?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei immediately stood up and shook his head vigorously, saying, "I'm convinced! I'm convinced! Ever since the righteous army was raised—no, ever since my elder brother predicted the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he has been incredibly insightful. How could I, Zhang Fei, not believe him?"

"Every time my elder brother predicts something, it comes true! I'm going to make preparations now; we'll set up an ambush in Quzhou!"

Having said that, he strode confidently toward the army.

Zhang Fei was known in the army for his fierce fighting spirit, and even he had no doubts about it, so naturally no one else dared to question it.

Thus, more than two thousand elite infantry and cavalrymen braved the scorching sun and marched swiftly towards Quzhou.

Unable to withstand the scorching heat along the way, the Yellow Turbans searched for only a few days but could not find the Han army, so they did not continue the pursuit.

Their military discipline was lax, and they were confident that the Great Master of the City was holding the line ahead, so they assumed that this was just a cavalry scout heading to explore the territory of Julu.

After all, in the eyes of most Taiping Dao believers today, they are currently enjoying a great victory, and the situation is not just good, it is extremely good.

According to the leader, the Way of Peace would continue to win until the Han Dynasty was overthrown and the Yellow Emperor was established.

Therefore, many believers still thought that the front line had only suffered a minor defeat, and that the battle line was still in the Quliang area of ​​Weijun.

As a result, Liu Bei only had to fight four battles before he successfully reached Quzhou.

The Yellow Turbans here were unaware that an elite Han army of infantry and cavalry had already laid down their arms and camped out in an abandoned pavilion.

This abandoned pavilion is called "Zhangqu Pavilion," named after the place where the Zhang River bends and flows eastward.

During the Han Dynasty, there was a pavilion every ten li (approximately 5 kilometers). Each pavilion had its own buildings, providing lodging and changing horses for officials and postal messengers traveling to and from the area.

Zhangquting is located in the southern part of Quzhou County, right at the Zhangshui ferry crossing. It was originally a necessary place for merchants to travel south to Weijun and north to Guangzong. Merchants and travelers came and went in an endless stream. The pavilion was always guarded by a pavilion chief and several soldiers, who were in charge of the ferry and security.

However, the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, and all of this came to an abrupt end.

In February, Zhang Jiao raised his banner in Julu, and followers of the Taiping Dao rose up in response. Yellow Turban believers in the Quzhou area, armed with hoes and plows, attacked and destroyed villages and drove out the county magistrate.

Zhangqu Pavilion was the first to bear the brunt of the attack—the pavilion chief led three soldiers in resistance, but they were outnumbered and all perished in battle before the pavilion. The bandits looted the pavilion's provisions, horses, and horses, and then set fire to the pavilion's thatched roof.

Now, only six months later, all that remains here are ruins.

The rammed earth walls of the pavilion are still standing, charred black by smoke; the roof beams have long since collapsed, with half a piece of charred wood stuck diagonally in the pile of rubble.

The flagpole that was once used as a warning in front of the pavilion was broken at the base, and half of the flagpole leaned against the ruins. There were still a few strips of cloth that had faded to gray and white on it, and it was impossible to tell whether it was originally the red flag of the Han people or the yellow banner of the Taiping Dao.

The wooden boats at the ferry crossing have long since disappeared, leaving only a few rotten ropes still tied to wooden stakes on the shore, rising and falling gently with the Zhang River.

Liu Bei stopped his horse here and, together with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Cheng Pu, Qian Zhao, Tian Yu, Yan Rou, and others, discussed their plans while pointing to the surging Zhang River.

"We will set up an ambush here, while Yunchang and Zilong will lead the iron cavalry to patrol and scout out the enemy's movements."

"The Moth Rebels will surely attempt to cross the Zhang River to cut off the Han army's pursuit. We will attack them while they are halfway across, and we will surely defeat them. This battle will be a legendary achievement!"

Now he has many fierce generals under his command, all of whom are outstanding generals of the time, brave and skilled in battle.

Everyone was eager to fight. If everything was as the lord predicted, then this battle would truly be a glorious achievement, and capturing Zhang Jiao alive would not be impossible.

Zhao Yun had followed Liu Bei the shortest and had not yet decided to formally pledge allegiance, so he still had some doubts and asked, "Commander Liu, is it really true that the Moth bandits will pass through this place, as you predict?"

"If things don't go as planned, or if General Lu's campaign goes poorly, then we're going to gamble everything here, which would be like throwing ourselves into a dead end."

Liu Bei smiled calmly and said to Zhao Yun, "A true man should be decisive when necessary. The world is in turmoil today, which is the time for heroes to rise to the challenge. If we wait until everything is in order before making any moves, all will be lost."

"Therefore, the Book of Documents says, 'Only by being decisive and resolute can one avoid future difficulties.'"

He then put away the map, his gaze sweeping over the surging Zhang River, and exclaimed with heroic spirit: "In the past, Han Xin fought a battle with his back to the river, putting himself in a desperate situation to survive; Ban Chao and his thirty-six men quelled the rebellion at Shanshan, proving that one cannot catch tiger cubs without entering the tiger's den. Throughout history, who has achieved great things without making a decision in a single moment? Since we are determined to restore the Han Dynasty, how can we let concerns about complete safety cause us to miss this unprecedented opportunity?"

He was explaining the current battle situation, and also trying to enlighten Zhao Yun.

Historically, Liu Bei held an official position and had a long-standing friendship with Zhao Yun, but Zhao Yun never joined Liu Bei's command during the several times he led troops into battle.

It wasn't until Gongsun Zan's defeat and death, and the two met again after nine years, that they finally became ruler and subject.

This time, Liu Bei didn't want to waste another ten years.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yun's mind was also in turmoil, and he certainly understood the meaning behind Liu Bei's words.

Seeing Liu Bei's heroic spirit at this moment, as if he could command over 100,000 bandits, he was also impressed.

Especially since Liu Jun hadn't spoken frankly yet, and had been extremely protective of him, leaving him room to think things through, how could he not be grateful for his kindness?

Seeing that Zhao Yun was still pondering, Liu Bei did not press him. With a harmonious relationship between ruler and subject, Zhao Yun's loyalty was only a matter of time. He smiled and said, "Zilong, let's wait and see!"

Liu Bei's words still resonated. Two days later, before dawn, Zhang Fei woke Liu Bei from his sleep. Torches lit up the camp outside the tent, illuminating it like daytime. The soldiers shouted, horses neighed, and their armor clanged, clearly indicating that they were assembling.

Zhao Yun, standing beside Zhang Fei, was filled with excitement and admiration: "Commander Liu, you are indeed a prophet! Everything has come true!"

Liu Bei, still young and vigorous, was full of energy even after being hastily awakened. He leaped from the bed and asked, "Has the defeated Yellow Turban army arrived?"

Zhang Feibao's eyes widened, and he replied excitedly, "Brother, the scouts report that General Lu's army has advanced and is attacking with the speed of a storm. The Yellow Turbans could not hold their ground at Quliang and have already abandoned the city. The defeated troops have now passed Chizhang and are fleeing down the Zhang River, scattering across the mountains and fields."

The situation was even more favorable than Liu Bei had previously anticipated!

Since raising his army in Zhuojun, he had always fought with a smaller force against a larger one, confronting them head-on, personally braving arrows and stones, and treading on dangerous terrain. Although he was invincible, the battles were always exceptionally arduous.

Today, his luck has finally turned, and he can fight a satisfying and easy battle.

He decisively ordered, "Excellent! The time is ripe, and heaven and earth are conspiring! The enemy has been fleeing all night; they must be utterly exhausted, their men and horses weary, their formations broken. We, rested and ready, will seize this opportune moment to unleash our might and surely crush them!"

"Order the entire army to immediately sharpen their weapons, prepare their horses, eat their fill, and lightly armored troops. Load their crossbows, prepare two horses, and be ready to follow me into battle. A glorious victory for all time awaits us today!"

The order was given, and the camp erupted in even greater excitement. The clang of armor clashed, horses neighed, and men roared as the cavalrymen fed their horses their most precious rations, satiating them with beans, millet, and other grains. Soldiers filled their leather pouches with water from the Zhang River.

By the time of Chenshi (7-9 AM), the entire army was fully prepared and waiting in the shade.

At the beginning of the hour of Si (9-11 AM), the sun grew increasingly intense, and the scorching May sun began to bake the earth. On the official road on the east bank of the Zhang River, the defeated Yellow Turban soldiers finally appeared on the horizon.

First came a few scattered cavalrymen, then a large contingent of infantry.

Zhang Jiao's routed troops fled north in panic along the west bank of the Zhang River. Their banners were askew, their armor and weapons were in disarray, and they were no longer in formation.

The fleeing soldiers were all covered in dust and their lips were chapped. Some were struggling to move forward by leaning on their spear shafts, some were helping each other along, and some had simply collapsed by the roadside, panting heavily and unable to stand up again.

In the center of the routed army, the great banner was long gone. The yellow turban banner, riddled with holes, had been abandoned during the breakout because it was too conspicuous and was pursued by the Han army's Yueqi Colonel.

The routed soldiers were now crowding around an oxcart, which was inconspicuous among a large number of leather carts.

No one would have imagined that the great teacher who was so full of vigor and raised an uprising just months ago, shaking the world, was now lying in this crooked bun.

His face was sallow, his eyes were sunken, and a yellow turban was wrapped around his forehead. Although it was the height of summer, he was covered with several layers of thick felt and was still shivering.

This was clearly due to exhaustion from fighting all night, which weakened him and caused him to catch a cold.

Ironically, Zhang Jiao, who claimed to be able to cure all diseases with talismanic water, couldn't even cure his own minor ailment.

General Zhang Liang, standing protectively beside Zhang Jiao's chariot, saw his elder brother so weak that his eyes reddened, and he choked out, "Brother, Quzhou is just ahead. Why don't we enter Quzhou and garrison there first, so that you can recover before continuing our fight against the Han dynasty's henchmen!"

Zhang Jiao coughed violently, his pale, withered right hand gripping the carriage tightly. With his last ounce of strength, he roared, "No! We can't linger! We must get to Guangzong immediately to hold our ground!"

He coughed violently and didn't even have the strength to explain anymore.

Their previous series of defeats were due to their failure to retreat far enough and regroup in time.

Each time they retreated to a city, the city's defenses were not yet repaired, and the Han army arrived again.

Therefore, whenever they fought hastily, they could not establish a foothold.

Now that we have withdrawn from Quliang and lost Wei Commandery, we cannot repeat the same mistake in Julu. We must withdraw far enough, leaving at least three or four cities to delay the Han army. Only when they are in Guangzong City can they reorganize their morale and repair their military equipment.

Seeing his elder brother coughing incessantly, his voice like a cuckoo weeping blood, Zhang Liang felt even more distressed and couldn't help but shed tears, saying, "But elder brother's body is already extremely weak. If he continues this arduous journey, I'm afraid he won't be able to hold on!"

"Even if Heaven is unfortunate and I am not long for this world, the Way of Peace still has more than 100,000 followers, and you brothers. You must bring the followers to Guangzong, or I will not be able to die in peace!" Zhang Jiao gripped the oxcart tightly, his eyes sunken and almost bulging out.

Zhang Liang then wiped away his tears and walked away, leaning on the cart.

A man doesn't easily shed tears, only when he's deeply saddened.

While Zhang Liang and Zhang Jiao were exhausted and distressed, Zhang Fei also looked frustrated and bewildered.

He stopped his horse on the banks of the Zhang River, watching the Yellow Turban rebels surging across the mountains and plains. His leopard eyes widened like copper bells, and his mouth remained agape for a long time.

He had never seen so many people crammed together since he was born—the banks of the Zhang River were lined with fleeing soldiers like ants, stretching for more than ten miles, seemingly without end.

Only then did he understand why, ever since the Yellow Turban Rebellion began, the court had referred to them as "moth bandits"—the overwhelming crowds were truly like moths covering the fields, a shocking sight.

He turned to look at Liu Bei, who by now held his elder brother in utter awe for his uncanny foresight, regarding him as a god. He asked excitedly, "Brother, that scoundrel Zhang Jiao must be among this rout!"

"Brother, you must know where he is—" He brandished his eighteen-foot-long spear, his leopard-like eyes blazing with murderous intent, "Brother, just point him out, and I, Old Zhang, will surely bring you the immense merit of capturing this bandit leader!"

Liu Bei was also deeply moved by the scene.

Upon hearing Zhang Fei's words, I couldn't help but think to myself, "How would I know where Zhang Jiao is?"

Do you really think I know everything?

Even if Liu Bei knew what Zhang Jiao looked like, how could he possibly identify him when there were over 100,000 defeated soldiers rushing forward like a tide, separated by more than ten miles, without any banners or canopies?

"Big brother?" Zhang Fei urged again when he saw Liu Bei's silence, his eyes full of unconditional trust, as if capturing the bandit leader would be a piece of cake if Liu Bei just pointed his finger.

Liu Bei took a deep breath, made a swift decision, raised his long sword, and shouted, "No matter what, take the enemy's chariots and horses first!"

"Those who can ride horses and carriages, even if they are not Zhang Jiao, are at least valiant and elite soldiers in the army. At the very least, killing them will allow us to seize their supplies and bolster our military preparedness!"

"All troops, heed my command! Follow me into battle, break through the enemy lines, and capture or kill Zhang Jiao!"