The news spread through Luoyang like wildfire.
"Zhang Xin… is actually a disciple of Cai Yong?!"
At first, most people didn't believe it.
Cai Yong was no ordinary scholar—he was one of the most respected figures in the court, a master of classics, calligraphy, and ritual. His reputation among the literati was extremely high. For someone like him to accept a disciple… that disciple had to be either exceptionally talented or deeply trusted.
And Zhang Xin?
A former Yellow Turban.
A surrendered rebel.
Even though he had military merit and now held the title of Marquis of Xuanwei, in the eyes of many scholars, his background alone should have disqualified him from entering their circle.
So when the news broke, the reactions across Luoyang split almost instantly.
Among the Scholar-Officials
Some were shocked.
"Cai Bojie has lost his judgment!"
"How could he take a rebel as his disciple? Has he forgotten propriety?"
Others were more cautious.
"Cai Yong is not a reckless man… if he accepted Zhang Xin, there must be a reason."
A few sharp-minded individuals even began to reassess Zhang Xin entirely.
"If Cai Yong personally taught him… then his governance of Yuyang and his recent conduct… perhaps it wasn't accidental."
Among the Powerful Figures
People like He Jin narrowed their eyes.
"So that's the connection…"
It suddenly made sense why Zhang Xin had some degree of refinement despite his background, and why he could navigate court politics—awkwardly on the surface, but never truly making a fatal mistake.
He Jin even felt a bit more reassured.
"A man guided by Cai Yong… at least he understands the basics of loyalty and righteousness."
Within the Palace
When Emperor Ling of Han heard the news, he simply smiled.
"Cai Yong chose him… good."
To Liu Hong, this was almost a confirmation.
Zhang Xin was not just a military man—he was someone who could be shaped, someone who could bridge two worlds:
the frontier generals and the scholar-officials
And that made him far more valuable.
Zhang Xin's Side
Meanwhile, Zhang Xin himself remained unusually calm.
He stood in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, listening to Cai Yong enthusiastically introducing him to various officials.
"Ziqing is diligent and eager to learn…"
"He has both literary and martial talent…"
Zhang Xin smiled politely, bowing to each person.
But inside, his thoughts were very clear:
"This is bigger than just reputation."
Being recognized as Cai Yong's disciple meant:
The scholar class could no longer easily reject him His Yellow Turban background was partially 'washed clean' He now had a legitimate identity within the orthodox system
In other words—
He had just stepped into the real political arena of Luoyang.
Not far away, Xun You watched this scene quietly.
His gaze lingered on Zhang Xin for a moment longer than usual.
"A former rebel… accepted by Cai Yong… navigating between the emperor, eunuchs, and He Jin…"
Xun You's eyes narrowed slightly.
"This man… is becoming interesting."
And just like that, without raising a sword—
Zhang Xin's name truly entered the game of the capital.