Liu Jin sat on an open space, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and picked up his water bottle to gulp down water.
He let out a heavy breath, a refreshing look spreading across his face.
Tian Feng, who was standing nearby, saw this scene, and a slight smile appeared on his usually stern face, his voice slowly coming out!
"This battle has ended. Presumably, these Xianbei barbarians will not move south for a short period."
"We can also take this time to properly govern the area, develop the economy, and train our troops."
Liu Jin nodded with a smile upon hearing this, slowly stood up from the open ground, still feeling the excitement brought by the adrenaline.
He looked at the scene of the subsided war around him and slowly said!
"It will indeed be difficult for Ke Bineng to gather a large army again in a short time after this defeat."
"However, there are several powerful tribes in the grasslands, and it's not guaranteed that no one will continue to lead troops south to Bing Province, so we must be on guard."
"After the war ends, it seems we still need to expand our army and increase our own strength so that fighting won't be as strenuous as it is now."
Tian Feng nodded, agreeing that after this battle, expanding the army was necessary. With only over ten thousand men defending three commanderies, it was a bit stretched.
Just then, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Hao Zhao, Zhang Yang, Zhang He, Zhang Liao, Wu Xing, and others arrived one after another.
Excitement was on everyone's faces. They clasped their hands and bowed respectfully!
"Marquis."
Liu Jin nodded upon hearing this, glancing at the Generals.
He noticed a unfamiliar General following his second brother, Guan Yu. He looked young, but there was a valiant aura about him.
He asked with a smile!
"Presumably, this is the Zhang Liao, Wen Yuan, that Yun Chang mentioned, right?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Liao immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said loudly!
"Reporting to the Marquis, this humble General is indeed Zhang Liao."
Liu Jin carefully observed him, his eyes filled with satisfaction.
Zhang Liao's reputation in history was not low. In the Battle of White Wolf Mountain, he charged into battle, beheading Tadun, the leader of the Wuhuan, and his might shook the north.
In the Battle of Xiaoyao Ford, he led an assault with eight hundred elite cavalry, defeating Sun Quan's army of one hundred thousand, making his name known throughout the land and firmly establishing himself as a renowned General.
Zhang Liao's talent was more than sufficient to become a great General; if he was properly nurtured, it was not impossible for him to become a commander.
A smile appeared on his face. He patted Zhang Liao's shoulder and praised him!
"I have already heard Yun Chang speak of your merits. You performed very bravely, and I am very satisfied."
"You, Zhang Liao, have the potential to be a great General in the future."
At this point, he paused slightly, and his voice continued!
"The position of Tuncun is a bit low. I will promote you to the rank of Qu Junhou, with a salary of six hundred piculs."
Zhang Liao, standing nearby, instantly showed an excited expression upon hearing this.
He was not excited for the official position, but rather because of the words of praise, which made him feel very happy.
He immediately clasped his hands, bowed, and said loudly!
"Thank you, Marquis, for your promotion. This humble General will remember it in his heart."
Envy was evident in the eyes of the Generals standing around.
Zhang Liao, who was before them, was young, probably just a young man who had recently come of age. Not only did he become a Qu Junhou with a salary of six hundred piculs, but he also gained Liu Jin's appreciation, his future achievements would definitely not be low.
Liu Jin smiled and nodded, then looked at the people around him and asked!
"Have the results of this battle been tallied?"
Min Chun, who was in the crowd, quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said loudly!
"Reporting to the Marquis, the battle results have been briefly tallied."
"Our army killed over three thousand, captured nearly four thousand, and our army suffered several hundred casualties."
"The remaining Xianbei soldiers, taking advantage of the chaos, have escaped under the leadership of various Generals."
"Additionally, we captured over two thousand horses, five thousand piculs of grain, various gold, silver, and jewels, and even rescued over a thousand common people."
Liu Jin nodded upon hearing these results. For him, it was a great victory, and he was very satisfied in his heart.
After all, the Xianbei had mobilized nearly twenty thousand troops for this southward invasion. They had killed nearly ten thousand in total, captured several thousand, effectively crippling this army.
After pondering for a moment, he said!
"Distribute some money and food to the rescued common people and let them return to their hometowns."
"As for the captives, all officials from the rank of squad leader upwards are to be executed, to prevent their large numbers from inciting rebellion."
"After dealing with them, imprison them. Once the war is completely stable, these people will be completely demoted to slaves, to be used for reclaiming barren land and developing the three commanderies."
Min Chun and Tian Feng, who were standing beside him, nodded and recorded all these matters for later handling.
Liu Jin's gaze then turned to the Generals around him, a smile on his face, and his hearty voice came out!
"All of you performed very bravely in this battle. This Marquis has witnessed it. After the military merits are tallied, I will report to the imperial court to request rewards for all of you."
The smiles on the faces of the Generals standing around grew even brighter upon hearing this.
Fighting to the death, taking risks to kill the enemy, was naturally for military merit and advancement.
The Generals all clasped their hands and said loudly!
"Thank you, Marquis."
Liu Jin smiled and waved his hand, his voice continuing!
"Since the war has ended, all of you may lead your respective troops back to the barracks to rest. The entire army will be rewarded in three days."
The Generals all bowed in acceptance, then one after another, they withdrew.
After handling the matters, Liu Jin, accompanied by Tian Feng and Min Chun, and surrounded by his personal guards, headed towards Gaoliu City.
The common people in the city already knew that the Han Army had defeated the Xianbei army. Their worried expressions completely vanished, replaced by a lively and bustling scene.
They cheered for the might of the Han Army, and many even sang praises of Liu Jin.
Wei Zhong, the county magistrate of the place, had already brought his officials to welcome Liu Jin upon learning of his entry into the city, showing great respect.
Ahead, on the main road, a hundred or so cavalry appeared, orderly and majestic.
The leader had a handsome face, wore a suit of armor, had a sharp blade at his waist, and was riding a magnificent black horse, exuding the aura of a superior.
Just at this first glance, Wei Zhong already knew that the person before him was the renowned Liu Jin.
Although he was still young, the aura of killing intent he exuded made even him, a county magistrate with a thousand piculs salary, feel a chill.
He quickly trotted a few steps forward, a respectful look on his face, bowed, and said loudly!
"Wei Zhong, County Magistrate of Gaoliu County, greets the Prefect."
Liu Jin rode forward on his horse, looked at the middle-aged Wei Zhong, and said with a smile!
"County Magistrate Wei, there's no need to be so polite."
Upon hearing this, Wei Zhong slowly straightened his back, observing Liu Jin out of the corner of his eye, feeling increasingly respectful the more he looked.
He immediately spoke, fawningly saying!
"After this period of arduous battle, I presume the Prefect is feeling weary. I have already ordered people to tidy up the county yamen residence. The Prefect can immediately move in."
