"Powerful! Powerful! Powerful!"
Amid waves of cheers, Zhang Xin returned to the prefect's residence.
At the gates, the county officials had already assembled. They bowed deeply as he approached.
"Congratulations to the Prefect on your triumphant return!"
"No need for such formalities," Zhang Xin replied.
Noticing the unfamiliar elderly man at the front, Zhang Xin immediately understood who it must be. He quickly dismounted and stepped forward to assist him.
"Could it be Lord Cai in person?"
Cai Yong smiled faintly. "This humble official, Cai Yong, greets Your Excellency."
Since both held appointments from the imperial court, they were effectively colleagues; there was no need for overly rigid formalities.
"Your words are too kind, Master Cai," Zhang Xin said, stepping back and bowing properly. "You have edited the classics and restored the stone inscriptions—scholars across the realm revere you as their teacher. Though I am but a rustic man, I have long admired your name. Meeting you today is my great honor."
"I am but an old man, unworthy of such praise," Cai Yong replied with a smile. "You, however, have defeated the Wuhuan, pacified the Xianbei, and brought peace to the frontier at such a young age. You are the true talent here."
"You flatter me, Master Cai," Zhang Xin said modestly, continuing the exchange of polite compliments.
Though tedious, such courtesies were necessary.
In this era, renowned scholars like Cai Yong could shape reputations—and futures—with a single remark. Even powerful figures were cautious around them.
After the greetings, Zhang Xin turned to the assembled officials and cupped his hands.
"Thank you all for your efforts during my absence."
"You are too kind, Your Excellency," they replied in unison.
Then came the matter of entering the residence—and another round of polite struggle.
Zhang Xin insisted Cai Yong go first, citing his seniority. Cai Yong refused, insisting Zhang Xin, as Prefect, take precedence.
Back and forth they went, arguing politely for what felt like the time it took an incense stick to burn.
Zhang Xin felt irritation rising—but showed none of it.
This was the way of the times.
Reputation mattered. And to maintain it, one had to perform.
In the end, Xianyu Fu stepped in. "Why not enter together?"
The two finally relented, walking side by side.
Cai Yong nodded inwardly. This young man is capable, yet humble despite his achievements. A rare talent indeed.
Meanwhile, Zhang Xin's eyes drifted to the side.
Has Cai Yan arrived yet…? Hm? Who is that?
He hadn't spotted Cai Yan—but instead noticed a young man in scholar's robes standing among the officials, looking at him with admiration.
"Who is this?" Zhang Xin asked.
Cai Yong followed his gaze and smiled. "This is my student—surname Gu, given name Yong, courtesy name Yuantan."
"He came all the way from Jiangdong. Upon hearing of your victory over the Xianbei, he greatly admired you and wished to meet you. So I brought him along. Please forgive the presumption."
After speaking, Cai Yong bowed slightly again.
Zhang Xin quickly returned the gesture. "No need for such courtesy. Since he is your student, Master Cai, let him come forward."
At the same time, Zhang Xin was inwardly delighted.
Gu Yong! The future Prime Minister of Eastern Wu!
He admires me? That's quite a gain…
Cai Yong beckoned. "Yuantan, come forward."
Gu Yong stepped ahead eagerly and bowed. "This student, Gu Yong, greets Your Excellency."
At first, Gu Yong had been dissatisfied with Cai Yong's appointment to this remote border commandery. But after witnessing Yuyang's prosperity and hearing of Zhang Xin's decisive victory, his impression had completely changed.
Grain prices stabilized, the people well-fed—and over thirteen thousand enemies slain in battle.
Such achievements were extraordinary.
Zhang Xin looked at him and nodded lightly. "As expected of Master Cai's student—quite remarkable."
He kept his tone measured—neither too warm nor too distant.
Too much enthusiasm toward an unknown scholar might invite gossip.
Politeness was enough.
"You are too generous," Cai Yong said. "Yuantan is still young and has much to learn."
Young is good, Zhang Xin thought to himself. Easier to win over…
After this brief exchange, Zhang Xin and Cai Yong entered the main hall.
Behind them, soldiers escorted Kui Tou and the other Xianbei captives away to the prison.
Gu Yong's eyes lit up upon seeing the captured Xianbei leaders. His admiration deepened.
He's only a few years older than me, yet capable of defeating such enemies…
Inside, Zhang Xin took the seat of honor, while the officials filed in and sat according to rank.
Gu Yong was about to withdraw when Zhang Xin spoke.
"Yuantan may remain and observe."
Gu Yong's face lit up. "Thank you, Your Excellency!"
A cushion was placed at the far end of the hall, and he took his seat.
Cai Yong then inquired about the details of the campaign.
Zhang Xin recounted everything plainly.
When he described the massacre of Xianbei settlements, some officials showed discomfort. But when he spoke of abducted Han civilians suffering under oppression, anger replaced their hesitation.
Then came the account of the rapid seven-day march to Tanhan Mountain.
Many turned pale upon hearing he had marched with just 2,500 men against an enemy force of 6,000.
Relief came when he described defeating the vanguard, Qianman's defection, and Kui Tou's capture.
But before they could settle, Zhang Xin continued—
Fuluohan had arrived with another force of nine thousand.
"Ah!" someone exclaimed. "With barely two thousand men, enemies outside and prisoners within—how could you possibly prevail?"
Zhang Xin smiled faintly.
He then described how he deceived the Xianbei leadership, eliminated key figures, and incited rebellion among their ranks.
When he finished, the hall fell silent.
Everyone was stunned.