The hierarchy of Han generals placed the Grand General at the top, followed by the General of the Flying Cavalry, the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and the General of the Guards.
At present, the Grand General was He Jin.
The title of General of the Flying Cavalry carried special prestige due to Huo Qubing's legacy—after him, it was rarely granted to the living. Meanwhile, the position of General of Chariots and Cavalry was now held by He Miao, who had recently earned merit suppressing unrest in Xingyang.
In other words, aside from the He brothers—who were tied to the imperial clan—General of the Guards was among the highest attainable posts.
—
"Your Majesty," Zhang Xin said firmly, "I made a promise before my elders. How could I break it for the sake of my own advancement?"
To others, such an offer would be irresistible.
But Zhang Xin was unmoved.
He knew the future.
Liu Hong would die in just over a year. After that, Luoyang would descend into chaos—factional struggles, purges, bloodshed. Even He Jin would meet a violent end.
To remain in the capital was to step into a storm of scheming officials and lurking warlords like Dong Zhuo.
Better to stay away.
—
Liu Hong leaned back, his expression unreadable. He pulled out a memorial and tossed it before Zhang Xin.
"Read it."
Zhang Xin picked it up.
It was Gu Yong's report—detailing the rebellion of Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun.
"So they really did rebel…" Zhang Xin muttered under his breath. "Fortunately, precautions were taken. The people are safe."
"Finished?" Liu Hong asked.
"Yes."
Zhang Xin carefully returned the document. Zhao Zhong stepped forward to receive it.
Then Liu Hong's tone turned cold.
"Do you know your crime?"
"Your subject acknowledges his guilt."
Zhang Xin answered directly.
By now, he had calmed down.
If Liu Hong truly intended to kill him, there would be no need for this elaborate exchange. A single command would suffice.
So he chose to play along—and wait.
—
"Zhao Zhong," Liu Hong said, "how should he be punished?"
Zhao Zhong smiled faintly. "Neglect of duty warrants dismissal. And rebellion occurred within his jurisdiction—by law, he should be executed."
"Did you hear that?" Liu Hong looked at Zhang Xin. "I will give you one last chance."
"Accept my offer, and I will pardon your past. I will even grant you the title of Imperial Son-in-Law and appoint you General of the Guards."
"Refuse—and you will be punished according to the law."
Zhao Zhong added smoothly, "Marquis Xuanwei, His Majesty favors you greatly. Will you truly reject such grace for the sake of a traitor's daughter?"
"A man must have integrity," Zhang Xin replied, unwavering.
There was no middle ground.
To yield now would mean losing all trust—especially as a general. If he could be coerced once, how could he be trusted in war?
And without trust, there would be no command.
Without command, he would be nothing.
—
"Drag him out!" Liu Hong suddenly roared. "Execute him!"
Armored guards surged forward, seizing Zhang Xin and dragging him toward the door.
His heart pounded.
Is this real?
His mind raced.
Should he beg for mercy? Agree?
If he yielded now, everything he had built would collapse.
If he didn't—
Just as he was about to speak—
"Wait!"
Zhao Zhong's voice cut through the tension.
The guards halted.
"Your Majesty," Zhao Zhong said calmly, "Marquis Xuanwei holds a noble title. It can offset his crime. It would be inappropriate to execute him so hastily."
Liu Hong waved his hand.
Zhang Xin was dragged back and forced to kneel again, sweat dripping down his face.
"You heard everything?" Liu Hong asked.
"Yes…" Zhang Xin's voice trembled slightly.
This time—he had truly been afraid.
—
"I hereby strip you of your posts as Prefect of Yuyang and Protector of the Wuhuan," Liu Hong said flatly. "Your fief is reduced by three thousand households. Return home and await further orders."
As emperor, being refused twice was already his limit.
Zhang Xin's marquis title, however, could not be easily revoked—it was earned through real military achievement. To strip it outright would undermine imperial authority itself.
So instead, Liu Hong reduced his holdings.
"Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your mercy."
Zhang Xin just wanted to leave as quickly as possible.
—
"Wait."
Zhang Xin froze.
"Since you are no longer Prefect of Yuyang," Liu Hong continued, "who do you recommend to replace you?"
Zhang Xin was stunned.
You dismiss me—and then ask me to recommend my successor?
Then it clicked.
"I recommend my chief clerk, Gu Yong," Zhang Xin said. "He comes from a prominent Jiangdong family and is also a disciple of Cai Yong. He is capable of governing Yuyang."
Liu Hong nodded.
"Who should succeed as Protector of the Wuhuan?"
"Yan Rou," Zhang Xin replied without hesitation. "He understands the customs of the Wuhuan and Xianbei and is both brave and capable."
Liu Hong studied him closely.
"Why do you only recommend your own subordinates?"
Zhang Xin answered calmly, "I recommend those I know. I cannot vouch for men whose abilities I do not understand."
After a pause, Liu Hong waved his hand.
"You may leave."
—
Zhang Xin rose, stepping backward respectfully before turning to go.
"Wait."
He almost groaned inwardly.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Now that Gu Yong will take over Yuyang, it is no longer appropriate for your family to remain in the prefect's residence. I permit you to bring them to Luoyang."
"At least no one will accuse me of being heartless."
"Your subject thanks Your Majesty."
—
Leaving the hall, Zhang Xin finally exhaled.
A summer breeze brushed past him—yet his back felt cold.
He had just walked the line between life and death.
A eunuch approached. "Marquis Xuanwei, I will escort you out."
"Thank you… ah—one more thing…"
Zhang Xin shifted awkwardly.
"Where is the restroom?"
—
Back inside the hall, Zhao Zhong smiled faintly.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty," he said.
"You have gained a truly rare talent."