"Great!" Qin Longyang's lips curled into a smile. "Yuan Jian is indeed a man of loyalty and integrity, truly not abandoning me!"
Qin Longyang was pleased, but Qu Jing, Liu Bei, and the others were all in disbelief. Just what kind of extraordinary ability does this kid possess to have such an incredible way with people?
The leader Guan Hai was dead, and the remaining nearly ten thousand Yellow Turban soldiers were like a headless dragon, unsure whether to fight or not, standing dumbfounded and watching everything unfold.
"Brothers of the Yellow Turban Army, I know that some of you are just ordinary folks who were forced into a desperate situation. As people, who would abandon their families and take this desperate path unless they had no other choice?
Look around you. This is the chaos of the times—mountains of corpses, rivers of blood. Yet, it is always you who lose your lives because your lives are as insignificant as weeds compared to the noble officials and dignitaries in the capital.
When you gather to find a way out of your plight, all you receive in return is bloody suppression and slaughter.
In the end, you die, and peace returns to the Central Plains. But your descendants still live in misery, still exploited by the high officials and nobles far away in Luoyang. So, what meaning does your death have?"
Qin Longyang had a half-smiling expression, but looking at the poor people in front of him with yellow scarves on their heads, everyone was already in tears, crying bitterly.
"General! What we did today was out of sheer desperation!" A minor officer cried and knelt on the ground. "My entire family was forced to death by the tax collectors. If I hadn't resisted, I would have been dead long ago!"
Qin Longyang sighed, "Lay down your swords. Although I'm not a sage or virtuous person, I will at least ensure that under my rule, no one will starve. If you are willing, you can join me in creating a new world!"
"We are willing to follow the general! We will follow you, even to death!" The Yellow Turban prisoners declared, and even some of the officers and soldiers under Qu Jing and Liu Bei unexpectedly joined Qin Longyang.
"Elder brother, why do I feel that what this kid said makes sense?" Zhang Fei, somewhat confused, looked at Liu Bei with eyes like big light bulbs.
Liu Bei was infuriated. In his eyes, Qin Longyang's words were no different from those of Zhang Jiao, inciting rebellion against the Han.
At this moment, Liu Bei was determined to protect the Han dynasty, so naturally, he regarded Qin Longyang as no different from a traitor.
"Nonsense! This man is clearly distorting the truth and deceiving people. He has ulterior motives and might become another Zhang Jiao in the future!" Liu Bei snorted coldly.
Qin Longyang's speech deeply moved the captives, so it was inappropriate to treat them harshly as prisoners. He ordered Liao Hua to lead the nearly ten thousand men to Gong County, which was in need of manpower for reconstruction.
"Generals, Qin will keep his word. The Yellow Turban Army has retreated. If you don't mind, why not join me in Zhuo County for a night of drinking?" Qin Longyang assumed the role of host, clearly considering Zhuo County his own.
Qu Jing sneered, "No need. Qin General's methods have been an eye-opener for me today. Your silver tongue is indeed impressive. I should quickly return to Jicheng with the few men I have left to avoid any changes over time!"
The words "over time" were emphasized heavily, and Qu Jing's forced smile was uglier than crying. Qin Longyang found it amusing but still put on a regretful expression and agreed.
"General Liu Bei, you also contributed to the victory. Why not return to Jicheng with me? I'm sure my lord will reward you. If you wish, you can stay in Jicheng and have a place to settle."
Qu Jing invited Liu Bei, who quickly agreed. He had long wanted to go to Jicheng to meet Liu Yan but had not had the opportunity. Now, he was eager to seize this chance.
"General Guan, why not join us? What's the point of staying here?" Liu Bei approached Guan Yu, seemingly about to reenact the legendary story of the three brothers.
Unexpectedly, Guan Yu smiled without committing and clasped his fist, "Thank you, General Liu, for your consideration. However, I have decided to follow General Qin. We shall meet again if fate allows!"
Liu Bei was slightly stunned, and even Qin Longyang was quite surprised. Could his charisma be that strong? Had he broken the strongest bond in the Three Kingdoms?
"Well, everyone has their own ambitions. I, Liu Bei, cannot force anyone. We shall meet again!" Liu Bei felt a great sense of loss, clasped his fist at Guan Yu, and left with Qu Jing.
After they had left, Qin Longyang approached Guan Yu and asked, "Yunchang, is what you said true?"
Guan Yu nodded, dismounted, and kneeled before Qin Longyang on one knee. "The general has great ambition and a kind heart. I, Guan, am unworthy but willing to entrust my life to the general and will go through fire and water!"
Qin Longyang dismounted as well, his voice trembling. "With Yunchang's assistance, how can I fear not achieving great things? How can I worry about the chaos not ending?"
"Hahaha!" Qin Longyang laughed heartily, "Let's go! The brothers have worked hard. Let's enter the city and celebrate!"
"Yes!"
...
The fifty thousand Yellow Turban army was defeated in the small Zhuo County, and when Qu Jing returned with Liu Yan's twenty thousand defenders, only less than five thousand remained. Liu Yan was so angry that he nearly coughed up blood and died.
Qin Longyang not only gained two cities, Gong County and Zhuo County, but also expanded his army with the surrender of nearly ten thousand men, making him the biggest winner.
But the most surprising thing was yet to come. Huang Shao, tasked with taking over Gong County, found that the city's granaries were filled with gold, silver, money, and grain, piled up like mountains. But Huang Shao didn't dare take it for himself and sealed the granary doors, waiting for Qin Longyang to take over.
"So... so much..." Huang Shao was at a loss for words, only managing to use a vulgar expression to describe the abundance.
Looking at the mountains of grain and wealth, Qin Longyang almost fainted from excitement. There was enough to cover the entire army's expenses for years.
Not forgetting his roots, and considering that most of his soldiers were former Yellow Turbans, Qin Longyang decided to distribute money as military pay. This greatly boosted the morale of the troops. Everyone worked hard in the reconstruction of Gong County, and within a week, the county had been restored to its pre-war state.
In times of war, resources and manpower are crucial, especially in the chaotic late Eastern Han Dynasty. The population was a significant asset.
Gong County had been rebuilt, but the residents were slaughtered by Guan Hai, leaving the city lifeless. How could they solve this problem?
"Lord Qin, I have a plan." Sun Lang brought a scholar-like man from somewhere. The man claimed to have a way to increase Gong County's population.
"Please speak, sir." Qin Longyang respected talents, quickly got up, and listened intently.
"Youzhou has been ravaged by war, and many refugees have gathered in Jicheng and Beiping. However, neither Liu Yan nor Gongsun Zan is willing to accept them, causing many to turn to banditry.
If you, my lord, are willing to accept these refugees and also integrate the bandits from Youzhou, making an agreement with them, the people will have both a place to settle and food. I believe many will flock to Gong County and Zhuo County. You can also have these refugees reclaim wasteland, increasing grain production. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?"
Qin Longyang's eyes lit up and he repeatedly praised the idea. "Sir, what is your name?"
"Oh, I'm just an insignificant scholar. My name is Xi Zhicai. But Lord Qin's fame has long spread throughout Youzhou, and I came here because of it."
Xi Zhicai was not just an ordinary scholar; he was one of Cao Cao's early top strategists. It was said that if he had not died young, the Three Kingdoms might never have existed.
Qin Longyang respectfully bowed to Xi Zhicai, "If you are willing, I would like to appoint you as my strategist. I hope you will assist me in the future!"
Xi Zhicai smiled and nodded, "I am honored by your trust. I, Xi Zhicai, vow to do my utmost for you and help you achieve great things!"
Xi Zhicai's plan was a great success. When news spread that Gong County and Zhuo County were accepting refugees and providing food, refugees from not only Youzhou but also neighboring provinces flocked to the two cities.
In just a few days, Gong County's population exceeded ten thousand, and Zhuo County was filled to the brim. Qin Longyang had to have Liao Hua and Sun Lang lead the refugees in expanding the city, reclaiming land outside the city, and building two new towns for the refugees to accommodate the growing population.
Taking advantage of the situation, Qin Longyang selected strong men among the refugees as a reserve army. They farmed during peacetime and fought in wartime.
In this way, he secured a steady supply of soldiers. In just half a month, Youzhou had undergone a tremendous transformation because of this man.
However, while some were pleased, others were troubled. In the north of Jicheng, the previously quiet tribes of Xianbei and Wuhuan started to stir.
The Eastern Wuhuan tribe frequently crossed the border to raid nearby villages. At this time, Jicheng was struggling to defend itself and dared not send troops to retaliate. Moreover, Gongsun Zan in the east had long coveted Jicheng.
Liu Yan was in a predicament, caught between two threats. Yet, he still thought of eliminating the fledgling threat posed by Qin Longyang. At this point, Qu Jing had an "excellent idea."
"What? A celebration banquet?" Liu Yan asked in confusion.
Qu Jing nodded, "We can invite Qin Longyang to Jicheng under this pretense, along with Gongsun Zan, who has long wanted to meet Qin Longyang. Once he enters Jicheng, we can demonstrate our authority and kill him, thus deterring Gongsun Zan's ambitions!"
"But how do you know Qin Longyang will attend the banquet?" Liu Yan frowned.
Qu Jing smiled and patted his chest, "Rest assured, Lord, Qin Longyang will definitely come!"