Night fell, the feast ended, and the Exorcising the Dragon Army troops who had broken out to Guancheng remained somewhat restless. Everyone was clearly still exhausted, yet they could not sleep... The chiefs understood, of course. In fact, even they gathered in groups of three or five according to their home regions, affiliations, and friendships to exchange information and discuss the situation.
As for Zhang Xing, he briefly inspected the camp of the five Henan camps west of the city, then hurried back to the county office inside Guancheng... He had requested this himself. It was not that he had worn himself out these past days and wanted some distance from the masses; he genuinely had things to do.
Back at the county office, he spread out some paper. Rather than ink, he used the sharpened charcoal pencil he carried with him, writing down whatever occurred to him:
Maintain military readiness until Bai Hengqiu has completely departed. Until then, do not lower our guard; afterward, establish defenses swiftly;
Send envoys to every faction, but distinguish our attitudes clearly: win over Feng Wuyi, suppress Cui Tang and Wang Chenkuo, extend goodwill to Youzhou, guard against Xue Changxiong, and contact Northern Jin and the Northern Lands;
Keep the Eastern Capital under close surveillance;
Decisively occupy Ji Commandery; Wei Commandery and Henei Commandery can wait a little;
Li Ding's group will retain its territory in the Two Commanderies and its military organization. For now, do not interfere in its personnel or finances, but require it to implement the Exorcising the Dragon Gang's relevant decrees;
Reward the various northern reinforcements with weapons, gold, and silver. Following Li Ding's special precedent, discuss granting Hong Changya dragonhead status, Yuchi Qilang and Huang Ping the treatment of great chiefs, and Lu Dawei, Yuwen Wanchou, and Lan Zhang