"Liu Xian?"
The name sounded vaguely familiar to Liu Hong. He lowered his head, thinking for a long moment before realization struck.
"Do you mean Xian, the sixth son of my great-grandfather?"
His great-grandfather was Liu Kai, Prince of Hejian—the sixth son of Emperor Zhang, Liu Da. From Emperor Huan onward, all emperors of the Eastern Han descended from that line.
By lineage, Liu Xian would indeed be Liu Hong's grand-uncle.
"Exactly," Liu Ai replied with a faint smile. "Liu Xian had a son named Liu Jiao, and Liu Jiao has a daughter—Liu Hua."
"The same name as Princess Yang'an?" Liu Hong asked curiously.
Princess Yang'an—also named Liu Hua—was Emperor Huan's eldest daughter, later married to Fu Wan.
"Yes, the same name," Liu Ai said. "But this Liu Hua… is Zhang Xin's wife."
Liu Hong was taken aback, then immediately angered.
"How could a Han noblewoman marry a rebel?"
"Your Majesty, please calm yourself," Liu Ai said, bowing.
He explained that Liu Hua had encountered bandits and was rescued by Zhang Xin. As a woman in such circumstances, she had little control over her fate.
Liu Hong's anger eased slightly.
Liu Ai continued, "In her letter, Liu Hua states that Zhang Xin was originally a law-abiding citizen. In the fifth year of Guanghe, his family was struck by an epidemic—his parents died, and he himself nearly perished. He was saved by Zhang Bao, and out of gratitude, he later joined him."
"He remained loyal at heart, but was forced into rebellion by circumstance."
"On the day he intended to return home with Liu Hua, Zhang Bao threatened suicide to force him to take command. Left with no choice, he assumed leadership of the Yellow Turbans."
The rest of the events were already detailed in Liu Yu's memorial.
"So that is the full story…" Liu Hong nodded slowly. "In that case, he can be considered both loyal and righteous."
"Indeed," Liu Ai said with a smile. "Otherwise, why would Liu Hua go to such lengths to send this letter?"
The message had passed through several hands—Liu Jiao, then the Marquis of Wen'an, and finally to Liu Ai himself—before reaching the emperor.
After Liu Ai withdrew, Liu Hong turned to Zhang Rang.
"What do you think? How should Zhang Xin be rewarded?"
Zhang Rang smiled faintly. "He is certainly a capable general."
"You mean…" Liu Hong's expression shifted.
"The General has been spending too much time with the scholars lately," Zhang Rang said softly.
Liu Hong frowned.
The balance of power in the Eastern Han rested between imperial relatives, scholar-officials, and eunuchs. Recently, He Jin had been cultivating ties with the scholars—something Liu Hong did not like.
After a moment's thought, he made his decision.
"This time, you will personally deliver the imperial decree."
Zhang Rang froze. "Your Majesty… Youzhou is over two thousand li away. This old servant's body—"
"Then travel slowly," Liu Hong said dismissively. "Zhang Xin has ties to me. It is only right that someone close delivers the decree."
He leaned forward slightly.
"When you reach Yuyang, do not reveal this relationship. Observe him carefully. See whether he is truly loyal—and whether he is worth using."
"…Yes," Zhang Rang replied bitterly.
Zhang Rang set out reluctantly, traveling at a crawling pace. Each day he went less than forty li before complaining of aches and ordering a halt.
The guards dared not object, though inwardly they groaned.
Nearly two months later, he finally arrived in Yuyang.
It was already June.
Zhang Xin had long received word and led the city's officials thirty li outside to welcome the imperial envoy. As the carriage approached, they all knelt in salute.
"You are Zhang Xin?" came a sharp, high-pitched voice.
"Yes," Zhang Xin replied, bowing deeply. "This humble commoner greets the envoy."
His current position, granted by Liu Yu, lacked formal imperial recognition—so he could only refer to himself as a commoner.
"Rise."
Zhang Xin stood, keeping his gaze lowered in respect while discreetly observing the man before him.
Fair-skinned, beardless—clearly a palace eunuch.
Zhang Rang studied him in return, surprise flickering in his eyes.
"How old are you?"
"I was born in the second year of Jianning. I am seventeen this year."
"So young?" Zhang Rang exclaimed. "Truly a prodigy."
"You overpraise me," Zhang Xin said modestly.
Humble, respectful, composed—Zhang Rang's impression improved immediately.
"Shall we enter the city?"
"Please."
At the prefectural residence, an altar had already been prepared.
Without delay, Zhang Rang stood tall and called out:
"Zhang Xin, receive the imperial decree!"
Everyone dropped to their knees.
Zhang Rang unrolled the first edict and read:
"Zhang Xin, Zhang Ning, Zhang Niujiao, Zuo Bao, Hu Cai, Li Le, Yang Yi, Guan Yu, and others are hereby pardoned of all crimes."
Zhang Xin accepted it with both hands.
"This humble subject receives the decree and gives thanks!"
A smile spread across his face.
From this moment on—the Yellow Turbans were no longer criminals.
Zhang Rang then read the second edict:
Zhang Xin was appointed both Protector of the Wuhuan and Prefect of Yuyang.
Zhang Niujiao and Zuo Bao were named Division Commanders.
Yang Yi, Hu Cai, and Li Le were appointed Assistant Commanders.
All were placed under Zhang Xin's authority.
"We accept the decree and give thanks!" the group echoed.
As they rose, attendants stepped forward to distribute official robes, seals, and insignia.
Holding the two edicts, Zhang Xin turned to Zhang Rang with a smile.
"You have traveled far and must be weary. I have prepared accommodations. Please rest—for tonight, I will host a banquet in your honor."
"Very well," Zhang Rang said, clearly exhausted, and allowed himself to be led away.
Zhang Xin let out a long breath.
His gaze fell upon the official regalia—the silver seal of a two-thousand-shi official, adorned with its blue ribbon.
After months of waiting, it had finally come.
His ambition—realized.
A spark of excitement lit his eyes.
"Summon all officials," he ordered.
"It is time to hold court."