Zhang Xin only snapped out of his thoughts when Wang Meng stepped out from the rear courtyard and called to him.
"It's already evening?"
He glanced at the dimming sky beyond the doorway, hastily put away his book, and made his way back.
The courtyard was lively—everyone had gathered. Liu Hua cradled their son, chatting cheerfully with Wang Jiao.
Good, they're getting along, Zhang Xin thought, relieved.As long as there was no conflict, that was enough.
At the sight of him, everyone stepped forward and bowed in unison.
"Congratulations on your triumphant return, my lord.""Congratulations, elder brother."
"No need for formalities."
Zhang Xin ruffled Zhang Ning's hair before reaching out with a smile to take his son. Liu Hua shot him a look.
"In this freezing weather, you're holding him in armor?"
Only then did Zhang Xin realize he was still clad in armor.
Aunt Wang quickly stepped forward with a smile. "My lord, the bathwater is ready."
After removing his armor and soaking in a hot bath, Zhang Xin changed into casual clothes and returned to the hall.
There's nothing better than being home.
Dinner was already laid out. Hungry, he picked up his chopsticks and began eating. Only then did Zhang Ning, Liu Hua, and Wang Jiao follow suit.
As they ate, Zhang Ning and Liu Hua eagerly asked about the campaign. The old saying against speaking during meals did not forbid conversation entirely—it simply meant one should not speak with a full mouth.
Zhang Xin answered each question in turn. The more perilous moments drew gasps, and when he described how he had unraveled Fu Luohan's army of nine thousand with a single stratagem, the women's eyes shone with admiration.
Seeing their expressions, Zhang Xin felt quietly satisfied.
After dinner, he spoke briefly with Zhang Ning before heading to Liu Hua's room. Sitting on the bed, he lifted his son and began playing with him.
The child, now nearly two months old, had lost his newborn wrinkles and grown undeniably adorable.
Liu Hua watched with a smile. "My lord, I've heard that Lord Bojie has gone to Yuyang to serve as Chief Clerk. Is it true?"
Bojie was the courtesy name of Cai Yong.
"It's true," Zhang Xin nodded.
"How could a great Confucian like Lord Cai be willing to serve here?" Liu Hua asked, her eyes bright. "Surely your achievements and loyalty have spread throughout the realm."
"Not even close." Zhang Xin rolled his eyes. "I bought him from the Son of Heaven for fifty million coins."
"You… bought him?" Liu Hua froze.
"The court needs funds for war, and I need a renowned scholar," Zhang Xin replied, recounting the transaction. "Though I didn't expect His Majesty to actually agree."
He chuckled. "In the end, I came out ahead."
Liu Hua stared for a moment before recovering. "Husband, you mustn't speak so casually."
"Yes, yes—Lord Cai, Lord Cai," Zhang Xin corrected himself.
"That's not what I meant," she said with a sigh. "You serve the Han now. You should show proper respect to His Majesty."
Zhang Xin muttered under his breath, When has he ever paid me?, but outwardly nodded solemnly. "You're right."
Times had changed. Old habits from his rebel days could no longer be indulged—especially with someone like Cai Yong nearby.
After a while, Zhang Xin called for Aunt Wang to take the child away, then climbed into bed with a grin.
"The Wang girl just arrived today. Aren't you going to keep her company?" Liu Hua asked.
"I'm staying with you," he replied, pulling her close.
Later, after Liu Hua fell asleep, Zhang Xin quietly slipped out and made his way to Wang Jiao's room.
Some things really were better in ancient times.
Zhang Xin did not rise until noon the next day.
Taking the Analects Cai Yong had given him, he set out with Wang Meng for the Chief Clerk's residence.
The prefectural compound was vast. Not only the prefect, but also the chief clerk and other officials resided within it. Only on their days off could they return home.
Zhang Xin's residence was the most luxurious, with its own spacious courtyard. Cai Yong's quarters, though more modest, still had a private yard. Lower officials, however, often had to share communal dormitories.
At the courtyard entrance, the attendants bowed.
"No need for formalities. Inform Lord Cai that I've arrived."
Soon, Cai Yong emerged with Gu Yong.
Zhang Xin immediately offered a proper salute. "I regret not greeting you properly upon your arrival."
Cai Yong returned the gesture. "Please, Prefect."
They entered the hall and, after the usual courtesies, sat facing one another, leaving the main seat vacant. Wang Meng and Gu Yong stood behind them.
Just as Cai Yong began to speak, he paused, glancing toward the door with a slight frown.
"Zhaoji, what are you doing lurking outside?"
Zhang Xin's attention snapped to the doorway. A small portion of a face peeked in—bright, expressive eyes catching the light.
When discovered, Cai Yan stepped in openly, composed and graceful.
So this is Cai Yan…
Though only thirteen or fourteen, she already possessed striking beauty, enhanced by a refined, scholarly air.
"Yan greets the Prefect and Father."
"This is my daughter," Cai Yong said. "Her name is Yan, courtesy Zhaoji."
"Greetings, Miss Cai."
After the introductions, Cai Yong asked sternly, "Why were you eavesdropping?"
Instead of answering, Cai Yan looked at Zhang Xin. "Is the Prefect here on official business?"
"No," Zhang Xin replied.
"Then may I listen?"
"Of course."
Cai Yong sighed but said nothing further.
Zhang Xin took out a bamboo slip. "Yesterday, you said the answer was in the text. I've read it repeatedly but found nothing. I've come to seek your guidance."
Cai Yong smiled faintly. "Then tell me—what is the meaning of the sixth passage?"
Zhang Xin frowned and thought deeply.
After a long silence, he suddenly exclaimed, "I understand!"
"And what is your understanding?" Cai Yong asked.
"Making money," Zhang Xin declared confidently.
Gu Yong nearly burst out laughing but held it in with difficulty. Cai Yan, however, couldn't help herself.
"Oh dear, Prefect, that's not—"
"Zhaoji!" Cai Yong rebuked.
She immediately fell silent.
Zhang Xin, undeterred, explained, "Confucius teaches that virtue comes before learning. The same applies to governance. A prefecture must first ensure prosperity—full granaries, reduced burdens, and public safety."
He smiled. "In other words, the people must have money. Only then can they afford education."
With low productivity, even basic schooling was a luxury. Families relied on every able hand to survive.
"If people cannot even fill their stomachs, how can they study?"
The hall fell silent.
Cai Yong nodded slowly. "Well said."
Zhang Xin's face lit up—only to darken again. "But how do we achieve this prosperity?"
"Wait here," Cai Yong said.
He returned shortly with another bamboo scroll.
On the way back, Zhang Xin was deep in thought.
Cai Yong… he doesn't seem to be assisting me so much as teaching me. Does he intend to take me as a student?
He shook his head.
Impossible.
Back in his quarters, he opened the new scroll and began reading.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Cai Yong watched him leave.
"This young man is quick-witted," he said with quiet admiration.
Gu Yong stepped forward. "Teacher… is that truly the correct interpretation?"
"The same mountain looks different from every angle," Cai Yong replied. "You will serve in government one day—remember what you heard today."
"I understand."
Cai Yong then turned to his daughter.
"Now, Zhaoji—explain yourself. Why were you eavesdropping?"