"Sister Hua, do you think this outfit looks good on me?"
In the courtyard, Zhang Xin stood proudly in his newly tailored official robes, turning this way and that as he showed them off to Liu Hua.
Everyone present watched with amused smiles.
"You've asked that thirteen times already," Liu Hua teased, her eyes full of laughter. "When will you be satisfied?"
There were barely a hundred officials in the entire Han court who held a salary of two thousand shi. Back then, if Zhang Xin had followed her home, even with her family's influence, it might have taken him twenty years just to reach a position worth one thousand shi.
But now?
In just half a year, he had risen to the rank of a two-thousand-shi official.
How could she not be delighted?
"My lord was already handsome," Wang Rou said with a soft laugh, covering her mouth, "but in these official robes, he looks even more heroic."
Zhang Xin nodded in satisfaction. He stepped closer to Liu Hua and gently stroked her slightly rounded belly.
"Son, isn't your father handsome?"
"He's not even born yet—how could he hear you?" Liu Hua rolled her eyes.
Zhang Xin chuckled.
At that moment, Wang Meng entered and reported that all the officials had assembled.
"Go on, don't keep them waiting," Liu Hua urged, nudging him lightly.
Zhang Xin leaned down, kissed her, and followed Wang Meng to the main hall.
By the time he arrived, his expression had already turned composed and authoritative.
All the officials were present. Upon seeing him, they rose and bowed.
"Your servants pay their respects, Your Excellency."
"Rise. Take your seats."
Zhang Xin settled into the main position, with Wang Meng standing at his side. The officials returned to their places—department heads seated, while scribes and clerks stood behind them.
Placing the seal of the Prefect of Yuyang on the table, Zhang Xin spoke solemnly:
"I have received the Emperor's grace and now guard this vast territory. I shall repay this trust with my life."
"For a prefecture to prosper, it must promote agriculture, purify officialdom, and suppress banditry. Do you all agree?"
"Indeed," the officials responded in unison.
"Though the great chaos has subsided, banditry remains rampant," Zhang Xin continued. "Xianyu Yin."
Xianyu Yin stepped forward. "Your subordinate is here."
"I appoint you Inspector of the Northern Region. You are to tour the counties, apprehend criminals, and suppress bandits without fail."
Xianyu Yin's heart sank.
He had expected Zhang Xin to weaken their influence—but not so quickly. The seal had barely been in his hands an hour!
Still, with six thousand troops outside the city, what choice did they have?
"…Yes," he replied.
"If you perform well," Zhang Xin added generously, "I will recommend you for higher office."
Xianyu Yin was initially skeptical—but then a thought struck him.
Could this mean recommendation as a "Filial and Incorrupt" candidate?
With Yuyang's population nearing five hundred thousand, two such candidates could be recommended each year.
He glanced at Zhang Xin.
Zhang Xin met his gaze and smiled faintly.
"Your subordinate will not fail you!" Xianyu Yin said, suddenly energized.
Zhang Xin gestured for him to step back.
"Zhang Fang."
"Present."
"You are hereby promoted to Five Officials Clerk in recognition of your contribution."
"Thank you, Your Excellency!"
"Chen Song."
"Present."
"You are compassionate and devoted to the people. You are promoted to Inspector of the South."
"Thank you, my lord!"
Zhang Xin continued making appointments—promoting loyal minor officials, filling vacancies, and even assigning a member of the Xianyu clan to a new post to maintain balance.
Rewards were distributed. Salaries were raised.
All were pleased—except Xianyu Fu, who watched uneasily.
"Work diligently," Zhang Xin concluded. "Those who achieve merit will be rewarded. Court dismissed."
After the officials withdrew, Xianyu Fu stepped forward cautiously.
"My lord, you have filled all positions—but the Chief Clerk post remains vacant. Have you someone in mind?"
"That I do," Zhang Xin replied calmly.
"May I ask who?"
"Tian Kai."
Xianyu Fu relaxed inwardly.
At least it wasn't someone from the Zhang clan.
After taking his leave, he departed.
Zhang Xin returned to his desk, took out bamboo slips, and began writing.
Once finished, he stamped them with the seal of the Prefect of Yuyang.
"Send this recruitment order to Tian Kai of Wuzhong."
"Yes, sir."
Zhang Xin leaned back, thinking.
The candidates must not be too far away—his current position was not yet powerful enough to attract distant talents. That limited him to You, Ji, and Bing provinces.
They also couldn't be from overly prestigious families—such people would never serve a former rebel. A rejected summons would only damage his reputation.
"Talents of humble origin in these regions…"
He tapped the table thoughtfully.
Then suddenly—
"A Meng, bring me the seal of the Protector of the Wuhuan."
With seal in hand, he began issuing orders rapidly.
"Send this to Changshan Zhending—find Zhao Yun."
"To Mo County in Hejian—find Zhang He."
"To Jiwu in Chenliu—find Dian Wei."
"To Mayi in Yanmen—find Zhang Liao."
"To Bing Province—find Gao Shun. Search Mayi, Jiuyuan, or Jinyang. You have one year—find him."
Stamp after stamp fell.
After a moment, Zhang Xin picked up his brush again.
"Send one to the Zhen family of Wuji—to Zhen Yu."
He still owed them that much.
Finally, he leaned back, scratching his head.
"…Should I recruit Lu Bu as well?"