"I hope Your Excellency will grant my request."
Hou Cheng, Song Xian, Hao Meng, and the others all bowed in unison.
For a moment, Zhang Xin just stared—then nearly exploded inwardly.
Are you serious?
Liu Hong, do you have no shame at all?
You have Huangfu Song, Lu Zhi, and Zhu Jun—why aren't you using them?
Why are you trying to poach my Lü Bu?!
When Zhang Xin first met Lü Bu, he hadn't thought highly of him, influenced by the judgments of later generations.
But after spending time together, he came to see the man differently.
Lü Bu was straightforward—physically formidable, but simple at heart. He spoke bluntly, acted impulsively, and rarely thought too far ahead.
Yes, he had flaws—self-interest, vanity, a fondness for pleasure and recognition.
But who didn't?
Strip away the legends, and Lü Bu was just… human.
Zhang Xin had even planned to guide him properly after his return from Luoyang—so he wouldn't become the tragic, infamous figure history remembered.
And now?
He'd gone—and wouldn't be coming back.
Zhang Xin took the letter from Wei Xu and opened it.
Lü Bu's words were respectful—almost humble.
He spoke of gratitude, saying that without Zhang Xin's trust, he would still be a mere frontier militiaman in Bingzhou. Such kindness, he wrote, could never be repaid.
If my lord ever has need of me, I will answer—even at the cost of my life.
Then came the key point:
The emperor had ordered him to proceed to Chang'an. He could not disobey. Alone and unsupported there, he requested that Wei Xu and the others be allowed to join him.
Zhang Xin lowered the letter slowly.
Mixed emotions stirred in his chest.
"When do you plan to leave?" he asked.
"Immediately," Wei Xu replied.
"So soon? Stay a couple of days," Zhang Xin said, stepping forward to help them up. "Let me prepare a proper farewell banquet."
Wei Xu hesitated—but Zhang Xin cut him off.
"The war in Liangzhou won't be decided in a day or two. Don't refuse."
"…Understood."
The men bowed deeply, visibly moved.
At the farewell banquet, Zhang Xin was gracious and generous.
When the time came to part, he personally escorted them ten li outside the city.
His eyes were red with emotion.
Wei Xu and the others wept openly, bowing again and again as they departed, turning back every few steps.
Only after they disappeared into the distance did Zhang Xin straighten.
The tears vanished.
Then he noticed someone still standing there.
"Cao Xing?" Zhang Xin raised a brow. "Why are you still here?"
Cao Xing clasped his fists. "I have received Your Excellency's favor. I swore to repay it with my life. How could I abandon you for personal loyalty?"
Zhang Xin paused—then smiled.
This man… was different.
In the past, Cao Xing had remained loyal even amid rebellion and chaos. That kind of steadfastness was rare.
"Good."
Zhang Xin stepped forward and gripped his shoulder.
"Report to the personal guard tomorrow. You'll serve as deputy general."
Cao Xing's face lit up with joy. "Yes, my lord!"
With Wei Xu and the others gone, the ranks thinned—but new talent soon arrived.
Less than two days later, Xiahou Lan reached Yuyang.
Zhang Xin personally went out with Zhao Yun to receive him.
Unlike many scholars, Xiahou Lan showed no arrogance. Upon meeting Zhang Xin, he immediately knelt in full courtesy.
Zhang Xin was delighted.
After a brief conversation, he appointed Xiahou Lan as Military Supervisor, placing him in charge of drafting military law and discipline.
At last, the army would have structure—not just intuition.
That night, as usual, there was a banquet, introductions, and rewards.
With spring still distant, Zhang Xin found rare leisure.
By day, he trained in martial arts with Zhao Yun and others.
By night, he read.
At the end of the second month, the convoy from Luoyang returned—bringing with it an imperial edict.
Zhang Xin set up incense and received it solemnly.
The decree proclaimed:
He was appointed Military Governor of Youzhou, granted imperial authority—and ennobled as Marquis of Wuxiang, with a fief of two thousand households.
Zhang Xin wasn't surprised by the rank.
As a former rebel, becoming even a township marquis was already fortunate.
But the title—
That was different.
There was no "Wuxiang" in Youzhou before.
The court had renamed a township specifically for him.
It was a compromise.
The emperor had wanted to grant him a higher title—but opposition forced a middle path. So instead, he elevated the dignity of the title itself.
"Wu" was no ordinary word—it carried honor.
And two thousand households? That was the maximum.
Combined with his new authority, it was clear:
This was compensation.
Then came the appointments of others.
Zhang Niujiao became Agricultural Commandant.
Zuo Bao—Cavalry Commandant.
Yang Yi—Military Commander.
Guan Yu was promoted to independent command.
Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao became Acting Commanders.
Gao Shun was elevated to Commandant, continuing to oversee training.
And Dian Wei was named Tiger Might Commandant.
After the ceremony, Zhang Xin dismissed the envoy to rest.
Then he turned back to the returning convoy.
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"Where is my clerk?"