"Why is Fengxian also heading to Luoyang?" Zhang Xin asked, curious.
"I've earned some military merit during my time in Chang'an," Lü Bu replied with a grin. "The court has appointed me as a Cavalry Commandant."
It was a prestigious post—nominally under the Minister of the Household, with a salary of two thousand shi. Though it no longer held real power, it was often used as a stepping stone for rising generals or a gesture of imperial favor.
"Then congratulations, Fengxian," Zhang Xin said with a smile.
Lü Bu clasped his hands modestly. "Without your recommendation, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Zhang Xin glanced at him, slightly surprised.
So Lü Bu can be this grateful?
Thinking it over, it made sense. Under Dong Zhuo, Lü Bu had been elevated—but also humiliated, treated more like a servant than a son, even enduring verbal abuse and thrown weapons. No wonder he would later waver when approached to betray him.
"It's your own ability," Zhang Xin said, patting his shoulder. "I don't promote the incompetent."
Lü Bu broke into a broad smile.
After a moment, Zhang Xin asked casually, "Fengxian, have you suffered any grievances under Dong Zhongying?"
"Thank you for your concern, my lord," Lü Bu replied. "General Dong treats me well. I've had no complaints."
Zhang Xin nodded, though a hint of thoughtfulness lingered in his eyes. "That's good. Let's move."
—
The journey from Chang'an to Luoyang spanned more than six hundred li. Passing through Zheng County and Huayin, Zhang Xin carefully observed the terrain.
Near Huayin, the Yellow River bent eastward toward Luoyang—a vital strategic location. In the future, this would become Tongguan, a crucial defensive pass.
Zhang Xin knew well: whether to fight Dong Zhuo or escort the emperor, this road would one day be key.
Since they weren't rushing into battle, the army moved slowly. Zhang Xin used the opportunity to survey the land, even climbing nearby hills to memorize the terrain for future mapping.
Further east lay the narrow corridor of Sanmenxia, flanked by the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Taihang Mountains to the north—a natural gateway between Chang'an and Luoyang.
Passing Hongnong, Shanxian, Mianchi, and Xin'an, they eventually reached Hangu Pass—the western gate of Luoyang.
There, eunuchs sent by Liu Hong awaited them and escorted Zhang Xin to the capital.
—
Outside Luoyang, officials from the Court of Justice took custody of Han Sui's family.
Zhang Xin lifted his gaze.
Before him stood the capital of the Eastern Han.
Though built of rammed earth, the massive walls—stretching for miles, towering over ten meters high and more than twenty meters thick—were awe-inspiring.
He finally understood why emperors loved grand construction.
This… is power made visible.
Compared to this, Yuyang felt like a remote village.
Luoyang had twelve gates—four to the south, two to the north, and three each to the east and west. Zhang Xin entered through Pingcheng Gate, directly facing the Southern Palace where the emperor resided.
With over four hundred men, Zhang Xin couldn't bring everyone inside. Liu Hong had already arranged for officers of the Northern Army to accommodate them.
"My lord, I'll handle it," Zuo Bao volunteered.
As a former Yellow Turban, he had little interest in entering the capital.
Zhang Xin nodded, entrusting him with the majority of the troops and reminding him to avoid conflict.
Then, with Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Zhang Liao, Yang Yi, Cao Xing, and a small group of guards, he entered the city.
—
Inside, a grand avenue stretched ahead—wide enough for eight carriages abreast. Tall mansions lined both sides.
The Southern Palace loomed in the distance.
This district housed officials and nobles; ordinary citizens were nowhere to be seen. At this hour, most officials were at court, leaving the streets nearly empty.
The eunuch led them to a massive gate.
Servants dressed in household livery immediately stepped forward and knelt.
"We pay our respects to Marquis Xuanwei."
Zhang Xin blinked in confusion and looked at the eunuch.
The eunuch smiled. "My lord, this is the residence His Majesty has bestowed upon you."
"…This is a residence?"
Zhang Xin stared, stunned.
The wall alone stretched over two hundred meters. He had thought it was a park.
"Is my lord dissatisfied?" the eunuch asked carefully.
"No—no!" Zhang Xin waved quickly, pointing at himself and then the estate. "You're telling me I live here?"
The eunuch chuckled. "The residences of marquises are one hundred mu. It is all in accordance with proper rites."
"One hundred mu…"
Zhang Xin fell silent.
Even by Han standards, that was over 45,000 square meters—practically a small neighborhood.
I live here… alone?
No wonder people in ancient times fought to become officials.
Zhao Yun and the others were equally stunned.
The eunuch simply smiled at their reaction.
After a moment, Zhang Xin regained himself. "Everyone, rise."
The servants stood and began leading the horses inside. A steward remained to guide Zhang Xin.
Dismounting, Zhang Xin looked up at the towering gate—over five meters high—with a plaque reading:
"Residence of Marquis Xuanwei."
"This handwriting… could it be His Majesty's?" he murmured.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.
—
The steward led him through the estate.
A grand reception hall. Multiple courtyards. Over a dozen smaller residences. Servants' quarters. Expansive gardens.
It was less a house—and more a private compound.
Zhang Xin listened in silence, inwardly marveling at the sheer extravagance.
When the tour ended, the eunuch asked, "My lord, are you satisfied?"
Zhang Xin thought of his previous life—of a cramped, shabby room barely ten square meters.
Then he looked at the vast estate before him.
He was so moved he nearly laughed.
"I am more than satisfied."
He bowed deeply.
"Please convey to His Majesty—your subject, Zhang Xin, kowtows in gratitude for this great favor."
The eunuch returned the bow. "I will report at once."
With that, he turned and departed for the Southern Palace.