After the Yellow Turban soldiers subdued Guan Yu, they rushed forward and pinned him to the ground.
True to his reputation as a fierce warrior, even with one leg trapped beneath a fallen horse, Guan Yu struggled violently. It took more than a dozen men working together to finally restrain and bind him.
"General, are you alright?" Zhang Niujiao hurried forward, supporting Zhang Xin.
"I'm fine." Zhang Xin coughed, forcing down the blood rising in his throat as his eyes scanned the surroundings.
There were no Han troops nearby.
Did this Guan Yu really come alone?
Zhang Xin frowned inwardly. Something didn't add up. If this man was truly the Guan Yu he knew of, then where were Liu Bei and Zhang Fei? The three were said to be inseparable.
And yet… this man had just declared his name—Guan Yu, courtesy name Yunchang. Could there really be another with such unmatched bravery?
After confirming there was no immediate danger, Zhang Xin finally let out a breath. His legs gave way, and he slumped weakly against Zhang Niujiao.
His body had reached its limit.
"General!" Zhang Niujiao exclaimed in alarm.
Zhang Xin raised a trembling hand and pointed at Guan Yu. "Take him away and guard him closely. Remember—no beating, no insults. Treat him well. Give him good food and wine."
Zhang Niujiao froze. "General! This man tried to assassinate you! Why not execute him instead?"
"Yes! Kill him!" the surrounding soldiers shouted angrily.
"Silence!" Zhang Xin snapped. "If not for this man, we would all have died without burial today. To kill him now—would that not be repaying kindness with enmity?"
The soldiers fell quiet, though confusion still lingered in their eyes.
Zhang Xin knew exactly what he was doing.
Kill Guan Yu? Impossible.
Whether this was truly the famed Guan Yu or not, a warrior of this caliber was far too valuable to waste. Moreover, they had never met before—his hostility must stem from some misunderstanding.
If that misunderstanding could be resolved, this man might one day stand at his side.
Even if that failed… it would not be too late to decide his fate then.
"Zuo Bao is still engaged in battle," Zhang Xin continued weakly. "Take Nanlou's head and lead reinforcements to rescue him. Once he's safe, don't return here—go straight to Hunu and hold position. Wait until the Wuhuan fully withdraw before coming back to Yuyang."
He paused, struggling to breathe. "And remember… do not disturb the people…"
Before he could finish, his vision went dark, and he collapsed unconscious.
"Understood!" Zhang Niujiao replied solemnly.
Casting one last hostile glance at Guan Yu, he handed Zhang Xin over to Yang Yi, retrieved Nanlou's severed head, and led his troops away.
Yang Yi quickly fashioned a stretcher, and together they carried both Zhang Xin and Guan Yu back into the city.
__
As they entered Yuyang, crowds of civilians surged forward.
"General! Have the Wuhuan retreated?" people called out anxiously.
"They've retreated! The Wuhuan are gone!" Hu Cai shouted. "Everyone can return home and prepare for the New Year!"
Cheers erupted instantly.
But soon, someone noticed Zhang Xin lying unconscious on the stretcher.
"The Commander is injured!"
"What? Is it serious?"
Panic spread through the crowd.
Seeing this, Yang Yi raised his voice, "The commander needs treatment immediately! Please make way!"
A villager quickly stepped forward. "I know a doctor! Follow me!"
"Lead the way!"
The crowd parted, clearing a path.
Meanwhile, Guan Yu stood bound, watching everything unfold with growing shock.
These people… weren't afraid of the Yellow Turbans?
On the contrary—they respected them.
Before he could process it further, someone pointed at him.
"Who is that? A Wuhuan?"
"No, he looks Han!"
"Then why is he tied up?"
Hu Cai stepped forward and loudly explained everything.
Outrage exploded among the people.
"This man tried to assassinate the commander?!"
"How dare you! The commander protects us, and you try to kill him?!"
Stones began flying.
"Traitor!"
"Scoundrel!"
Guan Yu endured the blows in silence, his expression darkening.
Had he… made a mistake?
No.
He clenched his fists inwardly.
The Yellow Turbans were known for deceiving the masses—this must be some kind of trick.
Still… doubt had already taken root.
"Enough!" Hu Cai finally stepped in, blocking a man who raised a heavy stick. "The commander ordered that he is not to be killed!"
The man hesitated, then lowered his weapon with a snort. "Fine. I'll spare you—for the commander's sake."
__
Soon after, local officials arrived, including Deng Xing.
"Where is the commander?" he asked urgently.
"He's being treated," Hu Cai replied.
"And the Wuhuan?"
"They've retreated."
Deng Xing exhaled in relief. "Good… very good. I will prepare rewards for the troops."
Guan Yu watched coldly from the side, his eyes filled with disdain.
__
Two days later, Zhang Xin slowly regained consciousness.
Pain surged through his entire body.
"Brother, you're awake!"
A tearful face appeared before him—it was Zhang Ning.
"Ning'er…" Zhang Xin winced as he sat up. "How long was I out?"
"Two days and two nights…"
Her voice trembled. "Father is gone… Second Uncle is gone… I thought you would leave me too…"
Zhang Xin's heart tightened. He gently pulled her into an embrace.
"I'm fine… I'm still here…"
She broke down completely.
Just then, Wang Rou entered, her face lighting up with relief.
"My lord, you're awake!"
Zhang Xin smiled faintly. "I'm hungry. Bring me some food and water."
"Right away!"
"Wait," Zhang Xin called out.
"Yes, my lord?"
"If I've been asleep for two days… then today is the first day of the new year?"
"Yes," Wang Rou nodded. "It is the first day of the Lunar New Year."
Zhang Xin gave a small nod.
"I see… the second year of Zhongping…"
He leaned back, closing his eyes briefly.
This was now his fourth year in this world.