He Yong didn't answer immediately. He narrowed his eyes slightly, recalling Zhang Xin's behavior from beginning to end.
"General," he said slowly, "this man is not simple."
He Jin frowned. "Not simple? He looked like he was scared out of his wits."
"That's exactly the problem," He Yong replied. "If he were truly that foolish, how could he have risen from a Yellow Turban remnant to a marquis in just a few years? How could he stabilize Yuyang and defeat the Wuhuan and Xianbei?"
He paused, then added meaningfully:
"His fear… may have been deliberate."
He Jin was stunned. "You mean he was pretending?"
He Yong nodded. "Think about it. From the moment we began discussing the eunuchs, he avoided giving a direct opinion. When pressed, he exaggerated the matter into 'rebellion'—that wasn't ignorance, it was a way to distance himself."
"By acting frightened, he achieved three things:
He avoided taking a stance. He tested our intentions. And he gave himself a reason to withdraw without offending you."
He Jin's expression gradually turned serious.
"So he's unwilling to join us?"
"Not necessarily," He Yong shook his head. "He said he would obey orders, but asked for time. That means he hasn't refused—he's just watching."
At this moment, another voice calmly interjected—it was Xun You, who had remained quiet throughout.
"He's weighing risk," Xun You said.
Everyone turned to look at him.
Xun You continued in an even tone:
"Right now, the court is unstable. The emperor distrusts the General, and the eunuchs still hold power. If he openly sides with us, he becomes a target for both sides."
"He has just been dismissed from office. His foundation is not yet stable. Acting rashly would be unwise."
He Jin frowned. "So what should we do? Leave him alone?"
Xun You shook his head slightly.
"On the contrary—we should treat him well."
He raised his gaze.
"A man like Zhang Xin values reputation, loyalty, and righteousness. You must not force him. The more you pressure him, the more he will retreat."
"But if you show sincerity—"
"—he may come on his own."
He Yong nodded in agreement. "Exactly. This kind of person cannot be recruited with threats or quick gains. He cares about name, legacy, and moral standing."
He Jin let out a long breath, then suddenly laughed.
"Interesting… very interesting."
"A young man, yet already so cautious."
After a moment, his eyes sharpened.
"Fine. Since he wants time—"
"I'll give him time."
"But I want to see…"
"whether he's truly loyal to the Han—"
"or just another ambitious man hiding behind righteousness."
Meanwhile, outside the General's residence, Zhang Xin walked under the night sky, hands behind his back, completely sober.
His earlier "panic" had vanished without a trace.
"They're testing me… and trying to pull me in at the same time."
He glanced back faintly.
"Eunuchs… He Jin… the emperor…"
"Every side is a trap."
Dian Wei scratched his head beside him. "My lord, are we really going to help them kill those eunuchs?"
Zhang Xin chuckled softly.
"Help?"
He shook his head.
"No…"
"We're going to survive them."