We shall discuss this matter at a later time.

With a sly glint in his eye and a hint of mischief, he turned to Zhen Yu and asked, “The Zhen family has traded for generations, their fortune is considerable, and surely many learned scholars reside among your kin. Why not invite those with ambition from your clan to join us? First, they could join us in forging an unprecedented legacy—educating the northern tribes and restoring our lands; second, they could help us alleviate the crisis facing Xinghan. If their talents prove worthy, I shall reward them generously. What say you?”

“Very well… I shall write to my father at once, explaining the General’s intentions,” Zhen Yu replied without hesitation, and went off to pen a letter to Zhen Yi, who was far away in Zhongshan, Jizhou.

Watching Zhen Yu, who now regarded himself as a member of Xinghan, Wang Bo couldn’t help but sigh: scholars truly see things from every angle. Before long, we’ll need more officials at every level, and those versed in letters are all concentrated in the noble families, who have little affinity for Xinghan—how will we recruit them? It seems we’ll have to wait until Yunzhong is stable and cultivate our own.

For now, the situation was left to the Niu brothers. They selected literate men from among the Han slaves and, under Wang Bo’s carefully drafted regulations, sent them to Shanan, Yangshou, Jiling, and other places to restore county order, gather and comfort the old, weak, women, and children of the Xianbei. Only then did Wang Bo settle down to consider how best to handle the Xianbei who wished to submit.

The next day, the tardy Southern Xiongnu cavalry finally arrived outside Yunzhong City under the command of Chief Xubu Guduhou. Wang Bo left five thousand Red Tiger troops to garrison Yunzhong, and himself led the army to join the Xiongnu, heading grandly toward Xianyang.

Seeing Chief Xubu Guduhou parade his troops with smug benevolence, Wang Bo stopped the Xinghan generals from expressing their irritation, enduring the slight rather than causing trouble. Inwardly, he cursed: Old Chanyu Qiangqu is honest enough, but Guduhou is clearly not trustworthy—a rebel in waiting. He’d best not cross me, or he’ll regret it.

But swallowing his pride was necessary. To turn against the Xiongnu, who came as allies, would betray the greater cause and provoke hostility from all the northern tribes. Besides, Xinghan’s forces were thinly spread: after deploying troops east and west, only five thousand Red Tigers remained, and even the early-departed Blue Wolf army numbered barely ten thousand. If not for the reinforcements from Wujin, Wang Bo wouldn’t know how to handle tens of thousands of Xianbei prisoners—surely he couldn’t build another mound of severed heads? Thankfully, the surrendered Xianbei were docile, likely cowed by repeated defeats. Their evasive glances betrayed deep-seated fear whenever they met the eyes of Xinghan soldiers. Wang Bo had also assigned some well-behaved Xianbei—those who had worked in labor camps for months—to oversee the new captives, which helped ease their anxieties and ensured they followed Xinghan’s orders, whether working or relocating, with utmost obedience.

Before the Xinghan-Xiongnu alliance reached Xianyang County, Daihu Alangni led the battered remnants of the Xianbei to await them a few miles east of the city. As the Xinghan troops approached, a vast crowd knelt, begging to surrender—a spectacle both grand and humbling. The triumphant Xinghan soldiers held their heads high, and even the Southern Xiongnu, observing the scene, grew respectful and restrained their earlier arrogance.

Wang Bo had expected negotiations with the Xianbei to be fraught with resistance, perhaps even renewed conflict. Yet, seeing these once-proud tribes submit so meekly, he lost all interest in lecturing or disciplining them.

He adopted no airs, nor did he display the posture of a conqueror. Instead, he gently called Daihu Alangni and his chiefs to their feet and led them into Xinghan’s newly erected tent to discuss terms of surrender and future relations between Xianbei and Xinghan. Wang Bo deliberately included Xubu Guduhou, the Xianbei, Southern Xiongnu chiefs, and generals in these talks, allowing them to witness firsthand Xinghan’s policies toward the northern tribes—laying the groundwork for future integration.

Daihu Alangni, representing the Xianbei of Yunzhong and Shuofang Commanderies, presented their petition of surrender. Wang Bo then revealed Xinghan’s long-considered policy for settling the Xianbei, focusing on three key points.

First, Yunzhong has always been Han territory and must return to Xinghan’s governance. The Xianbei may migrate elsewhere, carrying some supplies; but to remain, they must submit unconditionally. Any rebellion after surrender would bring harsh punishment: one rebel would doom all able-bodied men in the tribe; small tribes would be exterminated, and medium or large tribes would see half their able-bodied men executed as a warning. Those who report plots in advance would be spared.

Second, all Xianbei in Yunzhong between ages fifteen and forty would be reorganized and dispersed: thirty percent stationed near county seats or assembly points, thirty percent kept at Xinghan military posts for auxiliary duties, and forty percent sent to Xinghan City under their chiefs. Except for the chiefs, these would serve in labor camps for at least three months, and those who performed well could join the army. Chiefs could bring a few family members and, if genuinely loyal and able, would be appointed to posts in Xinghan.

Third, as with Han citizens, Xianbei were forbidden to privately possess lethal weapons. Bows and arrows for herding must meet regulations; violations would be considered treason. For the next three years, Xinghan could conscript up to thirty percent of Xianbei able-bodied men as needed, and all tribal warhorses would be requisitioned, with compensation provided.

Finally, Wang Bo solemnly promised: Xinghan City would gradually improve the Xianbei’s living conditions within a year, treating them as equals with the Han. Their nomadic lifestyle would not be forcibly changed; those unwilling to farm could settle in designated pastures within Yunzhong.

After deliberation, Daihu Alangni and his companions objected only to compulsory conscription, but Wang Bo firmly replied, “In Xinghan City, all are soldiers; this is already generous.” The Xianbei chiefs, understanding the policy, nodded in acceptance.

With the surrender at Xianyang satisfactorily concluded, Wang Bo held a banquet in the tent, bringing out Xinghan wine to entertain Daihu Alangni, Xubu Guduhou, and others. He reassured the Xianbei, warmly welcoming those scattered or outside Yunzhong who wished to join.

In the heat of the feast, Wang Bo spoke candidly: the previous fierce battles were merely struggles for survival, harsh but necessary. If Xinghan, Xianbei, and Xiongnu could now coexist peacefully, such bloodshed would not recur. He urged all tribes to set aside enmity, seek common ground, and protect this haven amid chaos. His heartfelt words were met with enthusiastic agreement.

After several days in Xianyang, Wang Bo parted ways with the thoughtful Xubu Guduhou, leaving Niu Da and Niu Feihu with over ten thousand troops to garrison the city. Wang Bo returned to Yunzhong with a thousand Red Tiger cavalry and a large contingent of Xianbei youths.

Wang Bo dared travel with so few troops among the northern tribes, trusting in the protection of Xu Chu and the Wolf Howl Guard, and to test the loyalty of the Xianbei and Xiongnu. Daihu Alangni behaved impeccably throughout, and even Xubu Guduhou was markedly more respectful than before.

Upon returning to Yunzhong, Wang Bo, after careful consideration, appointed Chen Dao as Colonel Protecting the Xianbei, commanding Xinghan forces in Yunzhong and garrisoning the city alongside Liao Hua, Niu Feihu, and others to safeguard the grain stores.

After settling local affairs, Wang Bo led his men to the southernmost Shanan County, to meet with Qiangqu at Yuanhu Mountain as agreed.

A few days later, Wang Bo’s party, having passed through Shaling and Yangshou, arrived near Yuanhu Mountain—a grassy mound. The Southern Xiongnu Chanyu Qiangqu, accompanied by Yufu Luo and other tribal chiefs, welcomed them. Both parties ascended the modest but commanding summit, where, amid a friendly breeze and lively atmosphere, they pledged alliance, vowing to preserve the brotherhood between Xiongnu and Han for generations. Any who broke the oath would be despised by both men and gods.

Wang Bo agreed to the Xiongnu’s request for trade, opening markets in Shanan and Yangshou, with the Xiongnu assisting in setting up trading venues. Except for weapons and refined iron, all goods could be freely exchanged, and Xinghan City would levy taxes far lower than those in other Han commanderies. Special transactions would be negotiated by envoys from both sides.

Qiangqu pledged that Xiongnu and Xinghan would be as kin, allies in all things. Should war arise, a command from Wang Bo would bring no fewer than ten thousand elite Xiongnu cavalry, fully provisioned, with Xinghan providing only arms and medical support.

They established a wine trading post in Shanan County, dedicated to exchanging Xinghan wine for warhorses. Ordinary Xiongnu horses were the baseline for trade; superior Xiliang steeds were worth double; and if Western-region thoroughbreds could be found, senior officials would confer to determine their value.

Thus, through subjugating the Yunzhong Xianbei and extensive trade with the Xiongnu, Xinghan secured a steady supply of top-quality warhorses, laying a solid foundation for future campaigns across the north.

Qiangqu coveted Xinghan’s swords and heavy shields, prompting Yufu Luo to request a trade. Wang Bo smiled, paused the discussion, and glanced at the eager Xiongnu, then laughed with Qiangqu. Afterward, he said seriously, “At this juncture, it is not wise to barter such arms. However, should the Xiongnu possess the famed blood-sweating horses of the Western Regions, we might negotiate. What say you, Chanyu?”

“Hahaha! We can discuss that later!” Qiangqu, knowing the request would likely go unanswered, concealed his embarrassment with laughter. He then offered to send five thousand Xiongnu warriors with horses to join Xinghan, to help defend against northern raiders.

Wang Bo considered briefly, then agreed, unwilling to refuse such a show of support. He immediately ordered the five thousand to form an independent corps, with Xinghan officers appointed to command, oversee training, and supply equipment, naming it the Han-Xiongnu Battalion.

Qiangqu, his plans somewhat thwarted, could only chuckle and praise Wang Bo’s arrangements.

At this time, most Southern Xiongnu still held the Han court in awe, sometimes obeying its summons to assist in campaigns—though only against other nomadic tribes, never in Han internal wars. Han officials dared not involve foreigners in domestic conflicts, for fear of universal contempt.

After the alliance with Qiangqu, Wang Bo returned to Wujin County. He spent several busy days: deploying reserve troops to oversee Xianbei tribes; arranging for logistics troops to distribute amassed grain and supplies from Wujin to Xianyang, Yunzhong, Beiyu, and other strategic locations; comforting and aiding Xianbei women, children, and elderly. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Wang Bo’s resolve to establish schools and cultivate talent for Xinghan only grew stronger.

After a few days, Wang Bo, finally able to hand over affairs to the now-experienced Zhen Yu, led his men back to Xinghan City.

The victorious Xinghan army returned, bearing over two thousand wounded, carrying the ashes and relics of hundreds of fallen comrades, escorting tens of thousands of dejected Xianbei captives, and driving large herds of strong, well-fed warhorses. They marched once more along the familiar blue-stone road beyond Yunu Pass—yet their mood was changed: excitement and anxiety had given way to pride and vigor.

In the eighth month of the third year of Zhongping under Emperor Ling, the Xinghan army campaigned west against the Yunzhong Xianbei, returning triumphant after more than a month. They conquered over a dozen Xianbei tribes; the chieftain Budugen was mortally wounded, his brother Fuluohan fled north with a handful, and Daihu Alangni surrendered with the remnants and noncombatants. From then on, Yunzhong and Dingxiang Commanderies saw no more raids by northern horsemen.

Ding Yuan, the Inspector of Bingzhou, sent his subordinate Lü Bu to assist, who captured Yuanyang, Beiyu, and Wuquan, then handed them to Xinghan and returned to Bingzhou without meeting Wang Bo.

Wang Bo, excited to hear of Lü Bu, was puzzled and disappointed until Xu Chu’s grumbling enlightened him: after the Zhang Liao incident, Ding Yuan feared his adopted son Lü Bu might be tempted, so ordered a swift campaign and return. Curse it, Zhang Liao had not stayed but gone back to Bingzhou! Thinking of Zhang Liao, Wang Bo could only fume.

Lü Bu, still honest at this stage, took no spoils after conquering three counties, merely requested some medicinal wine for injuries, and even declined the banquet Yang Feng had prepared, hastening back to Yanmen.

Having grown up in a society rife with greed and grasping, Wang Bo felt uneasy upon returning to Xinghan City. He sent Niu Er, carrying ample Xinghan wine, to Bingzhou Inspectorate to thank Ding Yuan for his aid. Ancient etiquette and reciprocity were ingrained from childhood; Ding Yuan, invigorated by the great victory, reciprocated with fine weapons and armor from the imperial arsenal, enriching Xinghan’s armory.

Niu Er, a young man skilled in reading people, now served as Wang Bo’s envoy. When meeting Ding Yuan, he vividly recounted the recovery of Yunzhong, praising the valor of the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry. As Ding Yuan listened, enthralled, Niu Er presented Wang Bo’s letter.

The letter requested Ding Yuan to permit Xinghan to establish official recruitment posts in each county, to seek talent for administration, who, once vetted, would serve in Yunzhong. It also asked for increased population transfers to Xinghan City, to remedy Yunzhong’s vast lands and shortage of people and supplies.

In his joy, Ding Yuan agreed without hesitation, reasoning that Xinghan and Yunzhong were under Bingzhou’s jurisdiction and their stability would reflect well on him. As for sending people, that was easy—Bingzhou’s southern counties were plagued by bandits and refugees, and now someone was willing to take them in, sparing him the daily burden of appeasing the powerful households. With subsidies from Xinghan City, it was an easy favor.

Thus, the newest chapter of “My Great Transformation of the Three Kingdoms” was available for free reading at Zhuashuwu.