Chapter Forty-Three: Bargaining

With Cai Yong acting as a "mentor" and intermediary, Xu Kang immediately noticed a marked improvement in Zhang Miao's attitude toward him—a change so pronounced it could not be overlooked. This shift was evident even in the way Zhang Miao addressed him. Where once it had been "County Magistrate Xu," now it was "dear younger brother" at every turn. Truly, these aristocrats were as pragmatic as ever.

From past experience, Xu Kang knew that with such practical people, sentiment and ideals were of little use; one had to be realistic and forthright. So, after three rounds of wine and feeling he had established enough rapport, Xu Kang decided it was time to cut to the chase.

"Brother Mengzhuo, you have shown me such sincerity, even gifting me supplies and provisions. If I, Xu Yide, do not repay you, I will become a laughingstock. Let me do this: the twenty thousand Yellow Turban prisoners captured this time—I offer them to you. You may report to the court that it was not I, but you, Brother Mengzhuo, who defeated Peng Tuo’s army of a hundred thousand!"

"What?" At these words, Zhang Miao’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Yide, why would you say such a thing? Do you take me for the sort who steals another’s achievements?"

Though his face wore an expression of wounded honor, the gleam of delight in his eyes could not be concealed.

Witnessing this, Xu Kang inwardly scoffed at Zhang Miao’s theatrics, but was obliged to wear a look of deep gratitude on his own face.

"Brother Mengzhuo, please don’t say that. I know your character well. But I cannot shoulder such a great achievement—‘The tallest tree in the forest is the first the wind destroys.’ I do not wish to provoke envy and resentment. I beg you to accept this on my behalf!"

With that, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply to Zhang Miao.

Zhang Miao was overjoyed, hurrying forward to help him up and patting him approvingly on the shoulder.

"What a wise saying—‘The tallest tree in the forest is the first the wind destroys.’ You truly are a worthy disciple of Master Cai. Since you insist, I shall reluctantly accept the credit. But I cannot treat you unfairly. If you have any requests, speak freely!"

Clearly, Zhang Miao was shrewd enough to understand the unspoken rules of reciprocity, which put Xu Kang at ease and brought a genuine smile to his face.

"Since you are so generous, brother, I will not stand on ceremony. As you know, I was ordered to support Changshe, but was beset by Yellow Turbans ahead and cut off from reinforcements behind. Therefore, I ask that you lend me three thousand cavalry. Once the Yellow Turbans are defeated, I will return them to you!"

"Haha, that is easily done!" Zhang Miao laughed heartily and agreed at once. "Three thousand cavalry are yours. If there is anything else you require, just say the word!"

"Ah? I can ask for more?"

At this, Xu Kang feigned a look of delighted surprise.

"Then I must also ask you, elder brother, to lend me one hundred thousand pounds of wrought iron to forge weapons. After the Yellow Turbans are defeated, I will return it all to you!"

---

Zhang Miao was momentarily speechless.

Was he serious? Did he actually have the nerve to ask? And for a hundred thousand pounds of iron at that—did he think iron was free?

Though he was rather displeased by Xu Kang’s audacious request, Zhang Miao could only put on a look of great difficulty.

"Ah, younger brother, you may not know: the price of iron is now twenty-five coins per pound. Money is not the issue—the main problem is that there simply isn’t a hundred thousand pounds of iron in Chenliu. Here’s what I can do: let’s not speak of loans. I have thirty thousand pounds left in my stores, and I will give it all to you as a gift. I’ll have it sent over shortly. How does that sound?"

Xu Kang could only fume inwardly.

Thirty thousand? You expect me to believe there isn’t a hundred thousand pounds of iron in Chenliu? What a lie! And this is the way he haggles?

Still, he had no choice but to swallow his frustration. After all, he had asked for a loan, and Zhang Miao had now offered a gift. By any measure, that was already generous. To press further would be to seem unreasonable.

So, against his true feelings, Xu Kang once again bowed and thanked Zhang Miao. "In that case, I am most grateful, Brother Mengzhuo!"

"As long as you are satisfied, younger brother!" Zhang Miao’s expression softened, pleased with Xu Kang’s tact in accepting his terms. Having learned his lesson, however, he did not offer to entertain any more requests.

Sensing this, Xu Kang knew it was time to take his leave.

"You have many affairs to attend to as governor, brother. I will not trouble you further. I take my leave!"

"Take care, younger brother!"

"Please, no need to see me out, elder brother!"

After the customary pleasantries, the two parted at the gates of the governor’s residence.

Once Xu Kang had left, Zhang Miao hurried to his chamber to draft a memorial to the court, detailing his supposed victory over Peng Tuo’s army of a hundred thousand, the seven thousand killed, and the capture of over twenty thousand prisoners. He dispatched a courier to Luoyang with all speed.

---

While Zhang Miao was busy claiming credit, Xu Kang wasted no time either. After leaving the governor’s residence, he returned to the temporary camp with Zhao Hong and Zhang Cheng, where he selected a few skilled blacksmiths from among the soldiers and handed them his own drawings.

He gave them clear instructions: "What I’ve drawn here is called a horseshoe. Once the governor’s men deliver the iron, I want you to forge these with all your effort—four make a set. Forge me three thousand sets first. Once that’s done, I’ll have more tasks for you!"

"Yes, sir!" the blacksmiths replied, and immediately set about gathering the necessary tools and materials.

Although they had no idea what use these "horseshoes" could serve, it did not stop them from carrying out the order.

Soon after, Zhang Miao’s men arrived with thirty thousand pounds of iron. The blacksmiths, with the help of a dozen soldiers, began hammering away at the anvil, forging horseshoes with steady rhythm.

The construction of a horseshoe was not complex, and the blacksmiths quickly mastered the technique, then taught it to others. With over a dozen men working together, by afternoon more than two hundred sets of finished horseshoes had been delivered to Xu Kang.

Seeing the completed horseshoes, Xu Kang was delighted. He immediately explained their purpose to the blacksmiths and demonstrated how they should be nailed to the horses’ hooves.

His theory of "shoeing" horses astonished everyone. Barely had he finished speaking when the blacksmiths and their apprentices hurried away with the new horseshoes to begin nailing them to the camp’s steeds.

As for Xu Kang, his part was merely to teach the technique—he left the execution to the blacksmiths, caring only for the results.

Once the blacksmiths had gone, he took out another sheet of Caihou paper and began to draw once more.

Compared to the horseshoes, what he drew this time was clearly more intricate. As he sketched, he muttered to himself:

"The barrel must be two feet long. To prevent bursting, seven iron hoops must be fixed around it. At the muzzle, two iron claws will serve as supports and increase stability. Keep the weight under forty pounds, so soldiers can carry it easily into battle..."