Zhang Ju's visit had an obvious purpose—to secure the title of "filial and incorruptible" for the younger members of his clan. Anyone could see through it at a glance.
As one of the prominent families of Yuyang, the Zhang clan could not simply be turned away. Zhang Xin therefore ordered his officials to invite Zhang Ju in.
Before long, Zhang Ju arrived.
Zhang Xin took the opportunity to observe this so-called "Wolong" more closely. As for Zhang Chun, the "Young Phoenix," whom he had yet to meet—there was a hint of regret there.
Zhang Ju appeared to be around forty years old, with long, narrow brows and a neatly trimmed goatee. He carried himself with the unmistakable arrogance of the aristocracy. Rather than bowing, he merely cupped his hands in a perfunctory greeting.
In his early years, he had served as the Prefect of Mount Tai. In terms of rank, he had once stood on equal footing with Zhang Xin. In his mind, even without his current office, he was still a former official of two-thousand-shi status. For Zhang Xin, a junior, to greet him first was already proper respect.
Though displeased, Zhang Xin returned the courtesy calmly. Better to follow proper etiquette than invite criticism.
After they sat down, Zhang Ju went straight to the point."My lord must already have candidates in mind for this year's recommendation of filial and incorruptible officials?"
"Xianyu Fu and Chen Song," Zhang Xin replied plainly.
Zhang Ju frowned."Xianyu Fu has long served as Chief Clerk. He is both virtuous and capable—his recommendation is appropriate."
"But Chen Song…" he continued, his tone turning critical, "he comes from humble origins and possesses only average ability. Before your arrival, he remained a minor agricultural clerk for decades. His talents are lacking."
"If you recommend him, I fear he will fail the imperial examination—and that would reflect poorly on you."
Zhang Xin simply smiled."There is no need for you to worry, Mr. Zhang. When I first arrived, most officials avoided their duties under the pretense of illness. Only Chen Song continued to work, concerned for the people despite his condition."
"A man of such character will not fail easily."
Everyone knew that "illness" had merely been an excuse. In official evaluation, morality outweighed all else. Even a mediocre man of virtue was preferred over a talented man without it.
Chen Song had remained at his post during unrest, ensuring the people's livelihoods were not disrupted. That alone was enough.
Zhang Ju's expression stiffened."Last year, when the prefecture faced famine, Zhang Fang of the Five Offices donated ten thousand shi of grain. Does that not count as virtue?"
"When the Xianbei invaded, he assisted in defending the city. In talent, merit, and contribution, he surpasses Chen Song. Should he not be recommended instead?"
"It was an exchange, not a donation," Zhang Xin corrected lightly. Then he added, "This year's recommendations have already been decided. I will consider Zhang Fang next year."
His meaning was clear—Zhang Fang would not be chosen this year, no matter what.
In truth, Zhang Xin had deeper concerns. In the original course of history, Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun would rebel the following year. The reason was almost absurd—a rumor about conjoined twins in Luoyang, interpreted as a heavenly sign of divided rule.
From that, they launched a rebellion, allied with the Wuhuan, and raised over a hundred thousand men—only to be crushed by a far smaller force. Later, internal betrayal ended it all in farcical fashion.
Even now, the situation was stable. Logically, they should have no reason to rebel.
But logic did not seem to apply to these men.
If Zhang Chun acted on impulse again, even a failed uprising could implicate Zhang Xin. Recommending someone tied to them would only bring trouble.
Zhang Ju pressed the matter a few more times, but seeing Zhang Xin unmoved, he rose and left.
They parted on poor terms.
Zhang Xin paid it no mind. Instead, he summoned Chen Song and informed him of his recommendation.
Chen Song was stunned at first—then burst into tears, overcome with emotion.
Once the news spread that this year's positions were filled, visitors stopped coming.
Amid his busy schedule, Zhang Xin found time to hold a "first birthday ceremony" for his son. The child had turned one, and the traditional selection ritual was conducted.
Afterward came the autumn harvest, tax collection, and preparations for schooling.
This year, Yuyang enjoyed another abundant harvest—and, notably, a year of tax exemption. The people responded with enthusiasm, eagerly sending their children to school.
When Zhang Xin visited, he found the classrooms packed. The sight filled him with satisfaction.
It was a promising beginning.
The scholars in each county had already been retrained under Cai Yong. Upon returning, they instructed local elders, and with the newly printed textbooks, teaching quickly became organized and effective.
After observing for a while, Zhang Xin quietly returned to the prefectural office.
The third year of Zhongping proved to be one of the most stable periods the Han Dynasty had seen in recent times. With Youzhou pacified and even the Xianbei restrained, external threats had diminished.
Internally, aside from a minor rebellion in Jiangxia—swiftly suppressed—there were no major disturbances.
For a brief moment, the empire seemed to flourish again.
Only Liangzhou remained unsettled.
Naturally, the emperor turned his attention westward.
It was time to reclaim Liangzhou.
Inside the palace, Emperor Liu Hong held a copy of the Thousand Character Classic, his expression thoughtful.
"It seems Cai Yong has taught Zhang Xin well," he remarked. "To produce such a work…"
Zhang Rang, kneeling beside him and massaging his shoulders, asked softly, "Does Your Majesty intend to appoint him?"
"It is time," Liu Hong nodded. "Cai Yong says he has nothing more to teach him, and after a year of observation, his loyalty is beyond doubt."
"To keep him in Yuyang any longer would be a waste."
Zhang Rang hesitated."He is, after all, a surrendered official. Guarding the frontier is one thing—but if summoned to Luoyang… would he dare come?"
Liu Hong smiled faintly.
"If I issue an edict—would he dare refuse?"