Based on history, 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' novel, 'The Ravages of Time' manhua and a pinch of 'Dynasty Warriors' game.

And sadly, I own none of above.

In retrospect, it was one of the stupider things I've done in my... well, in both of my lives.

„Ha!" I urged the horse as I galloped to the running crowd.

"Reform the ranks! Reform the ranks!" I screamed as loud as I could while stopping my horse in front of them. The soldiers slowed, then stopped.

Good. It worked. But still, they were ready to start running any minute.

I jumped from my horse and hit, making it gallop away. And with it, my escape chance was gone.

In truth, now that I think about it, it was really stupid.

I turned and started walking to the soldiers who were routing just a moment ago – the pursuit was already visible.

"Soldiers of Han! Reform the line!"

My voice carried and, surprisingly, the men listened.

Maybe it was my erratic behaviour, maybe it were my rich clothes, maybe they were just tired running or maybe they just needed someone to rally behind... because I'm sure I have no charisma or voice to command that kind of discipline.

First, only a few turned and stud in line – but soon, the rest followed their example, reforming ranks. Still... they were shaky - broken after latest defeat... ready to break in contact with the coming horde.

This wouldn't do.

"Soldiers of Han!" I raised my voice. "The men that are coming are nothing more than beasts! They have forfeited the law. They rob, pillage, burn, rape and kill as if it was something normal – something worth boasting about! Given the chance, they will pillage your homes, defile your wives and daughters, torture and kill your sons and brothers! Soldiers of Han! You fight to defend your homes! To defend your families!"

I finished and looked around, at – the soldiers that looked defeated just a moment ago, now had a fire in them. There was anger. There was determination. Good. We had a chance.

As the rebels were about fifty meters from our line, I raised the sword and screamed as loud as I could.

"KILL!"

Hundred of voices answered my call with their own as we charged the enemy ranks.

The rebels actually stopped, surprised by our attack. The first man that I killed, didn't even raise a sword to protect himself.

Unfortunately, the shock of the Yellow Scarves didn't last long.

I should have escaped when I had a chance. Instead, I had to play the hero, and run and save the village that was in the way of yellow scarves... Sure, I rallied the soldiers, but I'm not one myself. I'm not strong enough to be one. I didn't last two minutes in battle, before being defeated and stunned.

Fortunately, I had more luck than brains... this time.

I sat trying not to wince as one of medics tended to my wounds. Few scratches, a lump on my head and pierced left arm... the last one, I will probably feel in years to come.

I bowed, holding my hands in front of me, in salute.

"Once again, I thank you for your timely rescue, general."

The older man smiled. General Huangfu Song, leader of the central vanguard, was one of these few men, that you couldn't help but respect. Generous and humble – a rare breed of genuinely good man.

"You still didn't tell me your name, youngling."

I dropped my salute, wincing at the pain in my arm.

"Sa-" I coughed to cover my slip. "Yuan Xi."

"Benchu's son?"

"Yes. The second."

"Hmm..." he hummed as he clasped his hands behind his back. "What you did, was very brave."

"I would say it was foolish." I said, making the general smile.

"Stupidity and courage - this two tend pair often." He looked at me sharply. "But I would say, that you were also lucky."

"You say so Lord Huangfu, only because I am still alive."

"True." He looked back at the battlefield. "You rallied the men to stand and fight, you motivated them enough to commence a surprise attack on the rebels." he turned back to look straight at me, with calculating eyes. "The soldiers you commanded have lost their commander in battle leaving me in need for a new Captain. You seem like a right choice."

I swallow and slowly stand up. I bring my hands in salute and bow my head.

"It would be an honour."

Two days ago, I, a man from the XXI century, woke in a body of a... young man who lived almost two millennia earlier, during the end of Han dynasty – Yuan Xi. I watched his life, his memories as if I watched a movie. I have inherited his skills and abilities... his knowledge.

But, I also know his history... or, is it my future?

The pros of my future are simple.

My father would become one of the most powerful warlords in the Han Empire.

I would marry one of most beautiful women in the Empire.

I would be appointed as a governor and become a minor warlord.

But these pros pale in face of cons.

My father would lose a series of battles against opposing warlord, so badly that he would die of regret.

My brothers would rip what will be left of my father's domain apart, in a power struggle.

My wife would be stolen from me and be married to another man, while I am still alive.

I would be killed and my head would be sent as a gift.

And all that would happen in less than two decades.

After processing everything, I decided to run... and somehow, I, now Yuan Xi, son of noble Yuan Shao styled Benchu of prestigious Yuan clan, ended up as a Captain under general Huangfu Song.