"Shifan is here?"
Zhang Xin's face lit up with genuine delight.
It had been nearly two years since he last saw Tian Kai—back in the second year of Zhongping, when he sent him to guard Pinggu. Now, at the end of the fourth year, time seemed to have slipped by in the blink of an eye.
"Teacher…" Zhang Xin turned to Cai Yong.
Cai Yong smiled gently. "Since you have a guest, Ziqing, go ahead. My legs still work—I can manage on my own."
Zhang Xin apologized briefly and hurried off.
In his rush, he even twisted his ankle slightly—one shoe slipping off somewhere along the way without him noticing.
Bursting into the main hall, he saw that familiar face and immediately grabbed Tian Kai's hands.
"Shifan! Shifan… I've missed you!"
Tian Kai smiled warmly. "I've missed you as well, my lord."
He stepped back, about to bow—
"No need for formalities!" Zhang Xin quickly pulled him up.
Tian Kai still inclined his head in a half-bow, but then suddenly paused, sniffing lightly.
"My lord… where are your shoes?"
Zhang Xin glanced down.
"…Huh? Where are my shoes? Someone—go find them!"
"No need."
A calm voice sounded.
Cai Yong walked in with a smile, followed by Zhao Yun—who was holding a shoe.
"Hearing that such a worthy man had arrived, Ziqing ran so fast he lost his footwear. If this spreads, it will surely become a tale for the ages."
Tian Kai's eyes reddened slightly.
"My lord…"
Zhang Xin scratched his head awkwardly. "My apologies, my apologies…"
"What impropriety is there in honoring talent?" Cai Yong said lightly.
Zhao Yun stepped forward and returned the shoe. After putting it back on, Zhang Xin composed himself.
"Teacher, this is Tian Kai of Wuzhong, courtesy name Shifan—my former clerk."
Then to Tian Kai: "Shifan, this is my teacher, Master Cai of Dongguan."
Tian Kai's eyes widened in shock. "Could it be… Cai Bojie, the one who revised the Xiping Stone Classics?"
Cai Yong nodded modestly. "Just a bit of reputation. Nothing worth mentioning."
Tian Kai immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply. "This student, Tian Kai, greets Master Bojie."
After all, every scholar in the realm owed Cai Yong a debt for the Stone Classics.
"No need for such ceremony," Cai Yong said, raising him up.
"Please, both of you, take your seats."
Zhang Xin gestured, then turned to Zhao Yun. "Zilong, gather everyone."
"Yes, my lord."
Once seated, Zhang Xin smiled. "I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly, Shifan. I've only just reached Luoyang."
"It was the General who informed me," Tian Kai replied, producing an invitation. "He was delighted to hear of your arrival and wishes to host a banquet in your honor."
"It has also been two years since I last saw you, my lord. I volunteered to deliver this invitation."
Dian Wei stepped forward, took the invitation, and handed it to Zhang Xin.
"He Jin's invitation…"
Zhang Xin's expression grew thoughtful as he read it.
A banquet at the General's residence—three days from now.
After a moment, he nodded. "Please inform the General that I will attend."
He understood He Jin's intentions well—but after receiving his earlier support, it would be improper not to go.
—
Soon, Lü Bu and the others arrived. Even Zuo Bao was summoned from outside the city.
Since Cai Yong and Lü Bu had never met before, Zhang Xin introduced them. Servants began pouring wine and serving dishes.
The atmosphere quickly turned lively.
The generals drank and boasted loudly, while Zhang Xin sat with Cai Yong and Tian Kai, exchanging updates and reminiscing.
Laughter and toasts filled the hall.
—
After the banquet, Zhang Xin personally escorted Tian Kai to the gate—a gesture of deep respect.
Cai Yong, however, stayed behind.
With no pressing matters at home, he saw no need to leave.
After arranging accommodations for him, Zhang Xin finally returned to his courtyard.
—
The next day at noon, a eunuch arrived with an imperial summons.
Alongside him came a court official tasked with teaching Zhang Xin palace etiquette.
After completing his lessons and changing into formal attire, Zhang Xin followed the eunuch into the palace.
"So this is the Southern Palace…"
He looked around, observing everything carefully.
Having seen the Forbidden City in his previous life, he wasn't overly awed—but the sheer scale and structure still left an impression.
The Southern Palace was divided into multiple zones: the inner palace, administrative halls, and restricted quarters. Offices like the Secretariat, Censorate, and Imperial Guards were all housed here.
Passing through various compounds, Zhang Xin reached Duan Gate.
Beyond it lay the grand court, flanked by important institutions like the Guanglu Temple. To one side stretched a long covered walkway connecting the Northern and Southern Palaces—two levels, with an upper sky-bridge spanning miles.
Zhang Xin followed the eunuch along this elevated passage into the inner palace.
Inside lay multiple sections: the Emperor's residence, the Empress Dowager's quarters, the harem, and the imperial gardens.
At the heart of it all stood Yuntai Hall—towering, majestic, visible from afar.
Behind it was Yutang Hall—where Liu Hong usually resided.
That was where Zhang Xin had been summoned.
—
At the palace entrance, the eunuch gestured for him to wait.
"Marquis Xuanwei Zhang Xin has arrived to pay his respects!"
The announcement was relayed inward, voice after voice.
Moments later, a reply came.
"Admit him."
The eunuch turned and whispered, "His Majesty is within. Please enter."
Zhang Xin took a deep breath—
—and stepped inside.