"What kind of talent is he?"
Liu Hong snorted. "I offered him a princess, yet he gave up his position for the daughter of a rebel. How can such an unwise man be called virtuous?"
Your Majesty, you might as well stop pretending…
The corners of his lips were practically turning upward.
Zhao Zhong thought this to himself, but said aloud, "That is precisely why he is virtuous and talented."
"Zhang Bao was merely a rebel—how great a favor could he have shown? And yet, even before Your Majesty, Zhang Xin refused to betray him, nor did he abandon his principles of loyalty, filial piety, and integrity."
"Even when faced with drawn blades, his first concern after reading the report was for the safety of the people. Such benevolence is rare."
"He possesses loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and trustworthiness. He is capable in both war and governance. If such a man is not virtuous, then who is?"
Hearing this, Liu Hong dropped the act and smiled.
"Tell me—after I dismissed him, will he resent me?"
"Your Majesty dismissed him to protect him," Zhao Zhong replied. "If he understands, he will be even more grateful—and loyal. If he cannot understand, then he is not worth trusting."
Liu Hong nodded slightly.
He had prepared two paths.
If Zhang Xin agreed to break the engagement, he would reveal the princess's identity and bind him to the court as imperial kin.
If he refused, then Zhang Ju's rebellion would serve as the excuse to dismiss him—both a warning and a shield against political attacks.
More importantly, Zhang Xin was only nineteen and had already reached the rank of two thousand shi and been made a marquis.
If not restrained now, what could be granted later?
When rewards run out, only death remains.
Dismissing him was, in a sense, preserving him.
Leaving the palace, Zhang Xin immediately relieved himself—finally able to relax.
Only now did he fully grasp the emperor's intent.
This had been a lesson.
First, intimidation.
Then temptation—offering a princess and high office.
Then threat—blades at his throat.
Finally, a subtle concession—letting him retain influence in Yuyang.
Compared to that, Zhang Xin's own methods with Qian Man had been crude—pure coercion, no balance.
I've learned something today…
He cursed inwardly.
Who said Liu Hong was just a tyrant?
Not a sage—but certainly not a fool.
Back at the marquis's residence, Zhao Yun and the others noticed his troubled expression and asked what had happened.
Zhang Xin recounted everything—his dismissal, the stripping of his authority.
"How could this be?" Zhang Liao said angrily. "You've risked your life and achieved great merit—yet this is your reward?"
"If only we had known earlier—this emperor is clearly—"
"Wen Yuan, enough!" Zhang Xin cut him off sharply.
He glanced around deliberately.
"The emperor is wise and benevolent. There must be reasons for his decision," he said loudly. "As subjects, we obey. We must not speak recklessly."
The servants in the residence were all imperial property—loose words could cost lives.
Zhang Liao fell silent, though clearly dissatisfied.
At that moment, eunuchs entered.
"The imperial edict has arrived!"
Zhang Xin quickly set up an incense table and knelt to receive it.
The decree announced promotions:
Zhao Yun appointed Left Assistant of the Imperial Guards Zhang Liao promoted for military merit Dian Wei granted the title Tiger-Benevolent Gentleman Yang Yi promoted to Commander of Cavalry
Zhang Xin's heart sank.
He's trying to take my people…
After the decree was read, the eunuch said, "Please accept."
Zhao Yun stepped forward and bowed.
"I was but a man of the fields. It was my lord who summoned me and gave me purpose. Now that he is in difficulty, I cannot abandon him. I wish to decline the appointment and remain by his side."
"Zilong…" Zhang Xin was deeply moved.
"I feel the same," Zhang Liao added.
"Me too," said Yang Yi.
Dian Wei scratched his head. "Same here."
The eunuch nodded. "I will report this to His Majesty."
When the report reached Liu Hong, he was in high spirits.
"He truly is a loyal minister—and those around him are loyal as well."
News of Zhang Xin's dismissal quickly spread through the court.
Some mocked him. Others defended him.
The more perceptive officials saw through the emperor's intentions and remained silent.
Cai Yong wanted to confront the emperor immediately—but Zhang Xin stopped him.
Only then did Zhang Xin realize: Cai Yong lacked political instinct. A man suited for scholarship, not court intrigue.
Soon, He Jin sent someone to console him and invited him to a banquet in two days.
That reassured Zhang Xin.
He Jin might not be brilliant—but with capable advisors around him, things were likely stable.
Two days later, Zhang Xin arrived at the General's residence with Dian Wei.
The hall was filled with distinguished guests. At the center sat a burly, bearded man—He Jin—laughing loudly with the assembled scholars.
Seeing Zhang Xin, He Jin rose and greeted him warmly.
"Ziqing, you've come! Let me introduce you."
He led Zhang Xin to a scholar in his thirties.
The man had a scar on his ear, a dull expression, and an unremarkable appearance.
"This is Xun You, a renowned scholar of Yingchuan and a Gentleman Attendant at the Palace Gate."