After the delegation departed, the affairs of the prefectural government gradually quieted.
Xianyu Fu and Chen Song both set off for Luoyang. To appease the Zhang clan, Zhang Xin promoted Zhang Fang to the position of County Chief Clerk, while the vacant post overseeing the "Five Offices" was assigned to Xianyu Yin.
At the same time, the newly appointed magistrate of Quanzhou arrived, and Gu Yong and Cao Xing returned to the prefectural seat.
After several months of reorganization, Taishi Ci had already gained initial control over the navy. There was little left for Gu Yong to contribute directly; with capable officers assisting, no major issues were expected.
Meanwhile, Guan Cheng and the families of the former pirates had settled comfortably in Yuyang, eliminating any risk of rebellion.
Within the Ministry of Works, Zhang Xin introduced an assembly-line system similar to that used in papermaking. As a result, the production efficiency of curved plows, weapons, and bows steadily increased. With taxes waived for the year, the common people had surplus funds and began producing curved plows on their own.
It was clear that Yuyang's grain output would rise significantly in the coming year.
The Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes remained obedient. At home, Wang Jiao was already four months pregnant, and Zhang Xin was about to welcome his second child.
Everything was progressing steadily.
One day, after returning from the military camp and removing his armor, Zhang Xin was approached in haste by Wang Rou.
"My lord, the Chief Clerk reports that an imperial envoy has arrived outside the city."
Since Wang Meng was nearing thirteen, Zhang Xin had already sent him to the military camp under Zhao Yun to train in martial arts. For the time being, Wang Rou had taken over relaying messages between the inner residence and the outside.
Zhang Xin frowned. "The convoy we sent out only left a few days ago. They should have just reached Ji Province by now. Why would the court send someone so soon?"
Puzzled, he quickly changed into formal attire and went out to receive the envoy.
After learning the purpose of the visit, he immediately sent for Cai Yong.
The imperial court had appointed Cai Yong as Grand Master of the Palace and ordered him to depart for the capital at once.
Though the position held little direct authority, it was highly prestigious—serving essentially as a personal advisor to the emperor, with influence enough to sway imperial decisions.
Cai Yong accepted the decree with composure.
"Congratulations, Teacher Cai," Zhang Xin said sincerely.
To him, it was already remarkable that a scholar of Cai Yong's stature had remained in Yuyang for an entire year.
Cai Yong smiled in response.
At that moment, the eunuch delivering the decree turned toward Zhang Xin.
"Marquis of Wuxiang, receive the imperial edict."
"And mine as well?" Zhang Xin was startled, but immediately bowed.
The eunuch read aloud:
"By imperial command, Zhang Xin, Protector of the Wuhuan, is to mobilize Wuhuan and Xianbei cavalry and lead an army to Chang'an, assisting in the recovery of Liangzhou."
"Chang'an?" Zhang Xin's heart sank.
Historically, the Liangzhou rebellion dragged on for years. The campaign ahead was fraught with uncertainty. If he left Yuyang for two or more years, everything he had built might stagnate—or collapse.
But this was an imperial edict, not a mere summons. Refusal would brand him a traitor, destroying his reputation instantly.
He had no choice.
"Your subject accepts the decree."
The eunuch nodded and handed him a sealed bamboo tube.
"Inside is the court's strategy. His Majesty says you may submit any objections."
Later that evening, after hosting the envoy, Zhang Xin returned to his study and broke the seal.
Inside was a silk map of Liangzhou, along with a letter outlining the campaign plan from Emperor Ling of Han.
The emperor praised Zhang Xin—and even credited him for sending Lü Bu.
Zhang Xin couldn't help but mutter, "Did I send him? Wasn't he taken?"
Suppressing his frustration, he continued reading.
The court had already recovered parts of Longxi, Hanyang, Anding, and Beidi. However, the northwestern regions remained in rebel hands.
The plan called for a two-pronged advance:
One force would depart from Linjing, advancing along the Jing River to attack the Qiang tribes. The other would march from Long County through Wangyuan and Jincheng to strike Han Sui.
The campaign would begin next April.
Cavalry would be crucial, and the emperor specifically asked how many Wuhuan and Xianbei horsemen Zhang Xin could provide.
Zhang Xin studied the map for a long time.
In his memory, such a campaign did occur—and ended in catastrophic defeat.
Yet looking at the plan, there were no obvious flaws. Supply lines were secured, routes passed through populated regions, and capable generals such as Dong Zhuo, Sun Jian, Tao Qian, and Fu Xie were involved.
After much thought, he reached only one conclusion:
The failure must have come from a high-level misjudgment.
"If that's the case… I must remain independent."
With that decision made, he wrote a memorial to the emperor.
The next day, after sending off his reply, Zhang Xin went to Cai Yong's residence.
Cai Yong was busy directing servants to pack his vast collection of books—over two thousand volumes brought to Yuyang alone.
"Ziqing, you've come," Cai Yong greeted him warmly.
Zhang Xin bowed deeply.
"Teacher Cai."
Cai Yong returned the courtesy, then asked with a smile, "The court is preparing for war in Liangzhou. Why come to me now instead of discussing strategy?"
Zhang Xin took a deep breath.
"I have a request."
"What is it?"
He bowed again, even more solemnly.
"I wish to become your disciple, Master Cai. I ask that you accept me."
Cai Yong raised an eyebrow, amused.
"You wish to study under me? Why?"
Zhang Xin replied earnestly:
"A teacher imparts knowledge, resolves doubts, and guides one's path. Your kindness is as deep as the sea, your virtue as high as the mountains. I am deeply grateful—and wish to repay that grace by becoming your disciple and serving you with filial devotion."