Afterwards, Yang Yan had members of the Emperor's Personal Guard Staff step forward and explain to the Qiang soldiers the various benefits and policies of submitting to the Han Dynasty.

Upon hearing that joining the Han army and killing enemies would earn one a noble title, not only the Qiang soldiers but even the Qiang general himself were tempted.

Although his status was much higher than that of the Qiang soldiers, he was still a slave under Ma Yi's command.

Therefore, obtaining a title and becoming a nobleman was indeed extremely attractive to him.

Yang Yan then said that they could have two days to consider it.

After weighing the options, the Qiang general immediately led his army back to their camp.

Seeing the Qiang soldiers retreat back to their camp, Yang Yan then led his three hundred men back towards the main camp.

Although the goal of recruiting the enemy was not achieved, being able to stop these 20,000 Qiang soldiers from causing trouble was still a pretty good result.

After returning to the camp, the Qiang general gathered his officers together to discuss the matter of surrender.

"Gentlemen, as you have all heard, according to General Yang, Gangcha City in the rear has been captured by the Han army."

Nowadays, let alone us, even the most powerful and wealthy are struggling to protect themselves!

"Gentlemen, tell me, shall we serve the powerful lord loyally, or surrender to the Han army and save ourselves?"

Upon hearing this, all the officers in the tent began to ponder with serious expressions.

They could tell that their general intended to surrender, and that he was only asking them questions to find a way out.

A young man stood up and said, "General, I think it would be better to surrender to the Han army."

We've shed blood and sweat for the powerful for so many years, we've done our duty. Now it's time for us to live for ourselves!

“Yes, General, just like the Han army said, we people risk our lives to serve the powerful and wealthy, but in the end we get nothing. It’s just not fair! There’s really no need for us to keep risking our lives for those guys!”

"That's right. Our soldiers have lost all will to fight. There's no point in us holding out any longer. We might as well find a good place for our brothers!"

The officers also expressed their opinions one after another, and their meaning was very clear: surrender.

"Very well, in that case, let's surrender to the Han army first thing tomorrow morning!"

Hearing the advice of his subordinates, the Qiang general no longer hesitated and decided to surrender to the Han army.

Soon, the news spread, and the Qiang soldiers in the village began to pack up excitedly. As they packed, many of them couldn't help but imagine the good days to come.

The 20,000 able-bodied men in the camp also volunteered to help dismantle the stockade walls and move supplies.

The entire camp was completely demolished early the next morning.

While sending someone to inform Yang Yan, the general also led all the soldiers and able-bodied men in the village toward the Han army camp.

After receiving news of the Qiang people's surrender, Yang Yan sent someone to inform the emperor while simultaneously preparing for the acceptance of the surrender.

At noon, the Qiang soldiers who had come to surrender arrived at the north gate of the Han army camp.

Seeing Yang Yan waiting in front of the camp gate, the Qiang soldier general also picked up his general's seal and weapon and followed closely to Yang Yan.

"General Yang, in the past, we were ignorant of the might of the Han Dynasty and offended them in many ways."

Now, I, along with all my soldiers, sincerely surrender to the Great Han Dynasty. I hope your army will forgive our past transgressions and accept us…”

Seeing the seal and weapon being held atop his head, Yang Yan stepped forward to accept them and loudly proclaimed, "On behalf of the Han army, I accept your surrender. I hope you will behave yourselves in the future and refrain from any further offenses!"

"Yes, General!"

The Qiang general agreed, then turned to the group of Qiang soldiers behind him: "Everyone, put down your weapons and whips, and await the Han army's instructions!"

"yes!!"

The Qiang soldiers agreed and then threw their weapons and whips onto the ground.

Then, all the Qiang soldiers stood aside, waiting for further instructions.

Subsequently, Yang Yan also dispatched several thousand soldiers who remained at the main camp, along with members of his personal guard and staff, to begin questioning and settling these Qiang soldiers.

After careful questioning, more than 10,000 Qiang soldiers expressed their willingness to join the Han army and fight for the Han Dynasty.

Subsequently, Yang Yan arranged for people to reissue weapons to these Qiang soldiers.

As for the remaining Qiang soldiers and able-bodied men, they were temporarily incorporated into the supply train to help those in the rear transport supplies.

It wasn't until dusk that day that Yang Yan's men caught up with Liu Hong's troops two hundred li west of the main camp.

"This Yang Yan is really quite good!"

Looking at the message Yang Yan sent, Liu Hong was full of praise.

Huangfu Song also stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I think we can hand over all those Qiang people who have surrendered to Yang Yan and let him lead those Qiang soldiers to gather the Qiang people scattered in various places!"

Firstly, Yang Yan was of Qiang origin and was close to those Qiang soldiers; secondly, he had already subdued those Qiang soldiers with his own bravery.

He is the most suitable person to lead those Qiang people!

"Haha, very good! Your thoughts coincide with mine!"

Upon hearing Huangfu Song's words, Liu Hong nodded in agreement.

Liu Hong's original plan was to mold Yang Yan into a representative figure of the Qiang people.

Firstly, it can reconcile the relationship between the Han and Qiang peoples; secondly, it can also let the Qiang people see the fairness and justice of the Han Dynasty.

Subsequently, Liu Hong summoned one of the accompanying officials and instructed him: "Issue my decree to promote Yang Yan to the rank of Protector-General of the Qiang, to command all the surrendered Qiang soldiers, and to be responsible for gathering all the Qiang people in the Qiang territory, assisting Grand Secretary Cao and others in settling the Qiang people in the territory of the Han Dynasty!"

"Here you go!"

The official agreed and then quickly retreated.

"Report!"

The attendant had just left when a guard outside the tent bowed and entered.

"Your Majesty, the messenger sent by General Zhao Yun has arrived and is waiting outside the tent!"

Liu Hong's expression shifted: "Quick, let him in!"

"Here you go!"

Soon, a travel-worn messenger, following behind a guard, entered the tent.

"This humble servant greets Your Majesty!"

"No need for formalities. Tell me, how is the situation on Zilong's side?"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The messenger agreed and then said, "Your Majesty, General Zhao and General Zhang are currently leading 10,000 troops each, stationed 150 li southeast of Gangcha and 200 li due east, respectively, and have completely blocked the retreat routes of the Qiang and Xiaoyuezhi tribes!"

"good!"

Liu Hong's face lit up with joy, and he immediately said, "You take a rest, and then hurry back to tell Zilong and Wenyuan to hold the line. My army will catch up soon!"

This time, I will achieve a complete victory in one battle and thoroughly eliminate the threat posed by the Qiang people!