Chapter 139: The Two Axes of Hebei

The horizon was faintly brightening, with a subtle bluish glow hovering above it, like a wisp of smoke rising gently into the sky.

In the dim early morning, before the sunrise reached its peak, the early riser skylarks sang their melodious songs across the half-lit, half-shadowed clouds. Far, far away on the horizon, the last great morning star gazed steadily upon the city below, like a solitary, lonely eye.

The idyllic scene of Lunu City had almost become an illusion yesterday, rekindling memories of chaotic times for its people. They were reminded that this era was one filled with war, bloodshed, famine, and savagery, where human life was as cheap as grass.

Fortunately, Yulang still stood firm, the Zhang family remained intact, though Gao Ping, Lu Biao, and others had perished here.

It seemed that as long as that ethereal, almost otherworldly youth was present, no hardship could cause the people of Lunu to panic or surrender.

Last night, Zhang Yu had returned home, sharing brief moments with his parents and friends. He had made some simple arrangements for the Eighteen Riders and gently comforted the womenfolk in soft whispers, only leaving hurriedly when he caught Dong Bai’s disdainful gaze.

After experiencing yesterday’s turmoil, few could sleep soundly. Zhang Yu rose early and found that Hua Tuo, Shi A, and Han Long had already begun training Zhang Shiping, Guo Jia, and others in the Five Animal Exercises.

Thinking of his own frail constitution, Zhang Yu joined in and tried to follow along. Before long, he felt refreshed, light, and invigorated—it truly was miraculous.

“Young master,” Han Meng came from outside the courtyard, “Yuan Shao has sent for you to discuss matters.”

“Troublesome, troublesome. Even without official duties, it’s this much trouble. Imagine being an official!” Zhang Yu muttered as he walked, removing his outer garment. After a quick wash, he headed straight for the county magistrate’s office.

...

“Yulang, do you have any knowledge of the Black Mountain Yellow Turbans?”

“A little.”

“Please enlighten me.”

“I dare not disobey.”

Zhang Yu reached into his collar, tugging repeatedly until, to Yuan Shao’s surprise, he pulled out a feather fan. He then closed his eyes, deep in thought.

“Director, director, cue the Black Mountain dossier.”

Yuan Shao quietly observed the young man before him, his gaze as gentle as a clear, still pond.

Zhang Yu’s figure gradually merged with that of his beloved child—both shared many similarities. Perhaps that was why Yuan Shao felt an inexplicable fondness for him.

“The Black Mountain Army—”

“Another day... hmm, I must arrange for Xianfu to meet Yulang soon. You continue.”

“Ahem. The Black Mountain Army is a branch of the Yellow Turbans, mainly active in the mountain valleys of Changshan, Zhao Commandery, Zhongshan, Shangdang, and Henei. Their territory spans the Ji and Bing provinces and even extends movements into You Province. They command over a million military and civilian personnel, not an easy force to contend with.”

Yuan Shao scoffed, “Even the likes of Gongsun Zan once crushed tens of thousands of Yellow Turbans, capturing countless enemies. Besides, many of their numbers are old, young, women, and children. In my view, they are nothing but a disorganized rabble, all bluster and no substance. What do you think, Yulang?”

“The strongest bandits of our age belong to Black Mountain.”

“Really?”

With my poetry augmenting me, I possess an invincible aura!

“The Black Mountain Army originated as a peasant force responding to the Yellow Turban uprising, led by Zhang Niujiao and Chu Feiyan. Especially Zhang Yan, a fierce and swift warrior, both brave and cunning. After Niujiao’s death, Zhang Yan took his surname and led Black Mountain, rapidly expanding to a million strong.

The late emperor once considered launching a campaign against them but was forced to abandon the plan due to countless difficulties. Many counties in Hebei suffer from their havoc; their power is formidable, making them a worthy rival to Lord Benchu.”

Yuan Shao fell silent at this, then said, “I am aware of what you have said, Yulang. How to deal with them will be discussed once I return to Ye.”

In truth, Yuan Shao had never taken the Black Mountain Army seriously until March of the fourth year of Chuping (193 AD), when soldiers defending Wei Commandery suddenly betrayed him and swiftly captured Ye City, the commandery’s seat of power. These defectors were not acting out of desperation but had allied with Black Mountain forces.

Wei Commandery was Yuan Shao’s stronghold, where his wife and children resided. Yet at that time, he had just withdrawn from the front lines besieging Gongsun Zan and was still en route. This distant help could not ease the immediate crisis, and the situation was dire. Fortunately, a loyal man named Tao Sheng from the rebels risked his life to break through and safely escort Yuan Shao’s family to Xiqiu. Upon arrival, Yuan Shao immediately rewarded Tao Sheng with promotions and led his troops to swiftly quell the Wei Commandery rebellion.

After this battle, Yuan Shao resolved to completely eradicate Black Mountain forces, gradually eliminating those depending on the Taihang Mountains and opening a passage westward into Bing Province. When the time was right, he would appoint his nephew Gao Gan as Governor of Bing Province.

Gao Gan fulfilled his mission, taking control of Bing Province, which then officially came under Yuan Shao’s rule.

Finishing, Yuan Shao smiled and stood, “Today, we speak no more on other matters. Yulang, prepare yourself; I shall visit at noon and sample your barbecue skills again!”

“Hahaha, very well. I will do my utmost to serve you!” Zhang Yu stood to leave, but from the courtyard came shouts and curses, followed by the clashing of weapons.

Both men rushed outside to see Han Meng, who had accompanied Zhang Yu, engaged in combat with Gao Lan.

The two wielded massive axes, each swing seeming to cleave the heavens and the earth. With every heavy clash, Zhang Yu’s heart trembled as if struck.

Their duel was less about finesse and more about raw power. Neither employed flashy moves—they relied on sheer force, teeth clenched, determined to split, sever, and crush their opponent into the ground.

After dozens of exchanges, Yuan Shao and Zhang Yu forgot to intervene, watching as these two fierce warriors battled until Gao Lan forced Han Meng back over ten steps, pausing the fight.

“Why are you two fighting?” Yuan Shao asked.

“He says I don’t know how to wield an axe,” Han Meng replied bluntly, “and that I only bully him because I have more men. He’s no hero.”

Gao Lan’s face flushed red with embarrassment, while Yuan Shao and Zhang Yu both laughed heartily at his straightforwardness.

“This is Yulang’s protector?”

“Exactly.” Han Meng’s martial skill was undoubtedly among the top of the Eighteen Riders, now reaching an elite level of 84.

“Indeed, his axe technique is superb, hardly inferior to Gao Lan’s. These two can rightly be called the ‘Two Axes of Hebei.’”

Gao Lan hesitated to speak but was interrupted by Han Meng: “Meng does not deserve Lord Benchu’s praise. When it comes to wielding axes, there is one who surpasses me a thousandfold—”

“Oh? Who might that be?” Yuan Shao’s smile faded.

“Li Kui!” Zhang Yu quickly interjected, jokingly. That man’s death was most likely linked to Yuan Shao himself—why bring him up now?

“Li Kui?”

“This man is Han Meng’s fellow townsman, wielding a pair of wooden axes, nicknamed the Black Whirlwind. His fame once spread far and wide but he later turned outlaw and died in a bandit feud... Han Meng, you should thank Lord Benchu!”

“Meng thanks Lord Benchu!”

Yuan Shao waved his hand and said only to Zhang Yu, “As your fame grows, Yulang, only such formidable warriors will suffice to protect you. Go now; I await your feast.”