As soon as Zhang Xin finished speaking, Liu Hua's expression immediately darkened.
"Single-character names are considered more prestigious," she said with displeasure. "You're a marquis—how can you give your son such a lowly, two-character name?"
Liu Hong chuckled. "The courtesy name Polu is quite fitting, but it's not appropriate as a given name." He paused, then added, "How about this—I'll name the child myself."
"Since he was born while you were pacifying the Xianbei, let his given name be Ping, with the courtesy name Polu."
Zhang Xin lowered his head, hiding the glint in his eyes.
This… was exactly what he had been waiting for.
Ever since the reforms of Wang Mang, single-character names had come to signify status, while double-character names were considered inferior. Zhang Xin had deliberately suggested a two-character name just to create this opportunity.
If Liu Hong merely wanted a study companion, there would have been no need to summon Liu Hua as well.
But Zhang Xin had already sensed something the moment he saw Liu Xie.
This was no ordinary arrangement.
Liu Hong disliked his elder son, Liu Bian, for being weak and frivolous, yet could not easily depose him due to Empress He and He Jin's influence. Meanwhile, he repeatedly tested Zhang Xin—offering positions, probing his loyalty.
All signs pointed to one thing:
Liu Hong intended to entrust Liu Xie to him.
And now, by personally naming Zhang Xin's son, he was both showing favor and strengthening their bond.
Zhang Xin bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty, I thank you for bestowing a name upon my son."
Liu Hua also bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The name Ping—peace and stability—both commemorated Zhang Xin's military achievements and carried a blessing for the child's future.
She liked it very much.
Liu Hong then summoned Liu Xie.
"Xie'er, this is the Marquis of Xuanwei of our Great Han. Go and greet him."
Liu Xie stepped forward and bowed politely. "Xie greets Marquis Xuanwei."
Zhang Xin immediately knelt. "Your subject greets Your Highness."
"I have long heard of the Marquis's campaigns and his defense of the frontier," Liu Xie said as he helped Zhang Xin up. "You are a pillar of the state—there is no need for excessive ceremony."
Zhang Xin was inwardly stunned.
This kid… how old is he? And he already knows how to win hearts like this?
He raised his head, wearing a perfectly timed expression of flattered surprise.
Liu Hong watched with satisfaction.
Soon, Liu Hong ordered attendants to escort Liu Hua to the Empress Dowager's palace.
"You may come and go freely in the future," he said. "If you miss your son, you may visit at any time."
Liu Hua bowed and left with the child.
Liu Xie also withdrew.
Only Liu Hong, Zhang Xin, and Zhang Rang remained.
"What do you think of Prince Xie?" Liu Hong asked.
"Exceptionally intelligent," Zhang Xin replied honestly.
"Then tell me—are you willing to assist him?"
Zhang Xin feigned confusion. "Your Majesty, I do not understand."
Liu Hong leaned forward slightly.
"We are family. I will speak plainly—I intend to make Prince Xie the Crown Prince."
Zhang Xin hesitated. "Deposing the elder in favor of the younger… that path often leads to turmoil."
Instead of answering, Liu Hong asked, "In your opinion, what is the root cause of the Han Dynasty's decline?"
Zhang Xin glanced around. Zhang Rang reassured him.
After a moment, Zhang Xin spoke.
"The problem lies not with scholars… but with factionalism."
"Those who form cliques, exclude others, and fight among themselves—that is the true danger."
Liu Hong nodded.
"Then tell me—can Liu Bian control them? Can He Jin?"
Zhang Xin remained silent.
Liu Hong continued coldly, "If Liu Bian ascends the throne, he will become their puppet."
He looked directly at Zhang Xin.
"You are both loyal and family. With the court in chaos, I have few people I can truly trust."
Zhang Xin inwardly sighed.
Liu Xie won't be any freer… but that's not something I can say.
Aloud, he said carefully, "I am but one man, with little power…"
"You need not worry," Liu Hong interrupted. "I will grant you military authority. Build your strength outside. With me and the Ten Attendants supporting you at court, success will follow."
That was the key.
Military power.
Zhang Xin immediately bowed. "Your subject will obey."
As he prepared to leave, he paused.
"Your Majesty… may I inform the General of this matter?"
Liu Hong thought briefly, then nodded.
"Very well."
It was no secret he favored Liu Xie. Letting Zhang Xin speak would both test He Jin and deepen his trust.
After leaving the palace, Zhang Xin went straight to the General's residence.
There, he revealed Liu Hong's intention to depose Liu Bian and elevate Liu Xie—but carefully omitted his own promise of support.
He Jin was delighted.
"Ziqing is truly a loyal minister of the Han!"
Then he added with a smile:
"Come to court tomorrow. The Black Mountain bandit Chu Yan is making moves—I'll help you regain command of troops."
Zhang Xin lowered his head slightly.
Everything… was falling into place.