When Zhang Xin returned to the courtyard, he was immediately greeted by a storm of complaints from Liu Hua and Wang Jiao.
Each of them held a "hostage" in her arms, leaving him completely defenseless. All he could do was smile awkwardly and coax them patiently.
"Son, come here—let Father hold you."
At last, he managed to take his son into his arms. Perhaps because they hadn't seen each other for so long, the little boy seemed shy and hesitant.
After comforting his wives, Zhang Xin turned his full attention to the child. It took some time, but eventually the boy recognized him. His face lit up with a bright smile.
"Call me Father."
"Awoo," the child mumbled.
"Father."
"Awoo."
"Say it properly—Father!"
"Why!"
Zhang Xin's face darkened. In mock annoyance, he set the boy down and waved him off to play.
Aunt Wang quickly stepped in to watch over him, afraid he might stumble and fall.
Liu Hua and Wang Jiao covered their mouths, laughing softly.
After playing with his son, Zhang Xin picked up his daughter.
She was soft, fragrant, and fair-skinned—like a delicate bundle of silk.
But this was their first meeting. The moment she saw his unfamiliar face, she burst into tears.
Panicking, Zhang Xin hurriedly handed her back to Wang Jiao.
Wang Jiao shot him an exasperated look, then gently soothed the baby until she quieted down.
Zhang Xin then called Han Shu over and introduced her.
Han Shu greeted the two women awkwardly, clearly a bit nervous.
Zhang Xin had already mentioned her in his letters, so neither Liu Hua nor Wang Jiao was surprised.
Liu Hua sighed lightly, "Every time you go out to fight, you come back with another woman."
Zhang Xin chuckled, pretending not to hear the deeper meaning.
Of course, Liu Hua was only teasing. She wasn't his legal wife and had no standing to object—even if she wanted to.
Zhang Xin could take more wives without needing anyone's permission.
Zhang Ning didn't come this time.
Worried that Liu Hong might take an interest in her, Zhang Xin had sent her to the new city, leaving her under Zhang Niujiao's protection. If questioned, he would simply say they were not yet formally married and couldn't live together.
Wang Rou stayed behind as well, as Zhang Ning's personal maid.
After chatting for a while in the inner courtyard and recounting stories from his recent campaign, Zhang Xin left for the main hall to drink with Gao Shun and the others.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
That night, he first went to Liu Hua's room. After she fell asleep, he quietly slipped into Wang Jiao's room.
Fairness above all.
The next morning, Zhang Xin emerged from Han Shu's room looking pale and exhausted.
Han Shu, having seen the children, had insisted she wanted one too. Faced with her pleading eyes, Zhang Xin—despite his "limited resources"—did his best to oblige.
Dressed in his official robes, Zhang Xin headed to the palace to "stand duty"… or rather, to pass time.
At Guanglu Temple, most officials wore blue or black sashes. Only Zhang Xin, with his purple sash, stood out as he wandered about.
He greeted Cai Yong here, chatted with Sun Jian there—idling through the day.
Cai Yong soon noticed his pale complexion.
"Ziqing, are you unwell?"
Zhang Xin flushed instantly, his pale face turning red.
"My wife arrived yesterday…"
Cai Yong immediately understood. He patted Zhang Xin's shoulder and said earnestly, "These matters require moderation… or you'll suffer for it in old age."
Zhang Xin looked at him.
Cai Yong coughed awkwardly and looked away.
Around noon, just as Zhang Xin picked up his chopsticks, a familiar figure entered.
Zhang Rang.
"Where is Marquis Xuanwei?"
"I am here."
Zhang Xin quickly set down his chopsticks, stepped forward, and bowed.
"What brings you here in person, Attendant?"
"Come with me," Zhang Rang said quietly, then turned and walked out.
Puzzled, Zhang Xin followed.
They stopped at a secluded place.
"There is an imperial decree," Zhang Rang said.
Zhang Xin frowned. What kind of decree needed to be delivered in secret?
Still, he knelt.
"Your subject obeys."
Zhang Rang spoke:
"Prince Xie has begun his studies. His Majesty wishes to select a companion for him. It is said that you have a son of suitable age. You are to bring your wife and child for inspection."
Zhang Xin's heart sank—but he accepted.
"When does His Majesty wish me to present them?"
"Now."
The moment Zhang Rang left, Zhang Xin's expression darkened.
Hostages.
Since ancient times, generals who held military power had to leave their families in the capital.
He had expected this.
He had even planned around it.
But sending his son into the palace as a companion? That was another matter entirely.
The boy could barely speak properly—how was he supposed to study?
If his son entered the palace, retrieving him later would be far more difficult.
As Zhang Xin walked toward the palace gate, his thoughts churned.
A female official was already waiting to instruct Liu Hua on palace etiquette.
Then it hit him.
Why did the emperor specifically ask for his wife to come as well?
Zhang Xin froze.
Liu Hua… was from Hebei.
Liu Hong… was from Hejian.
A chilling realization struck him.
Could Liu Hua be related to the emperor?
Everything suddenly made sense.
Why Zhang Rang had personally gone to Yuyang.
Why Cai Yong had been sent there to teach him.
Why the court had shown him such unusual attention.
Zhang Xin had once suspected a connection between Zhang Jiao and the emperor.
But now it seemed the truth lay elsewhere.
It was Liu Hua.
He inhaled sharply.
If Liu Hua really was connected to the imperial clan…
Then when Liu Hong once offered to marry him into the royal family—
Wasn't that just… offering him his own wife?