After Zhang Xin left, He Jin summoned He Yong.
"Boqiu, what do you think?"
He Yong pondered for a moment before replying, "In that case, Zhang Xin is indeed of some use. Since he is loyal to the General, it would be wise to cultivate him properly."
He Jin nodded with satisfaction, then reminded him, "You should address him as Marquis Xuanwei."
He Yong cupped his hands. "This humble official has been disrespectful."
After leaving He Jin's residence, He Yong slipped through a side entrance into the estate of Yuan Shao.
Upon hearing of his arrival, Yuan Shao immediately arranged a private chamber and had him brought in.
Once He Yong finished recounting Zhang Xin's "defection," he said excitedly, "With Zhang Xin feeding us information, eliminating the eunuchs will be all but assured! Benchu, should we send him a letter to win him over?"
"I already have," Yuan Shao replied.
"Truly farsighted," He Yong praised.
Yet Yuan Shao frowned, lost in thought.
Seeing this, He Yong asked, "With such a powerful ally gained, why does Benchu still seem troubled?"
Yuan Shao hesitated before speaking. "Do you think… Zhang Xin revealing this to He Jin might actually be on the emperor's orders? A test to gain our trust?"
He continued slowly, "The emperor's desire to depose the elder and establish the younger—everyone knows it. If Zhang Xin is the emperor's man, then bringing him into our fold would mean every move we make is watched by Zhang Rang and the others."
"Impossible!" He Yong said firmly.
"If Zhang Xin had truly pledged himself to the emperor, why would he openly mention being asked to assist? Would that not only raise suspicion?"
He added, "On the contrary, his openness proves his sincerity."
Yuan Shao lowered his head in thought.
The logic held. If Zhang Xin were truly a spy, the emperor would have kept such matters hidden—not exposed them so plainly.
"Then it is necessary to win him over," Yuan Shao finally said.
To eliminate the eunuchs, they needed a reliable army outside the capital. The bloody failures of Chen Fan and Dou Wu had already proven that.
Among the capable generals of the realm:
Huangfu Song—too loyal to the emperor.Zhu Jun—the same.Lu Zhi—old and uninterested in power.
That left only two viable figures:
Dong Zhuo… and Zhang Xin.
Dong Zhuo was cunning and difficult to control.
Zhang Xin, young and newly risen, seemed far easier to manipulate.
Having reached this conclusion, Yuan Shao nodded. "You are right. I was overthinking."
He then said, "Heishan bandit Zhang Yan is advancing toward the capital. He Jin will surely propose sending Zhang Xin to lead troops."
He looked at He Yong. "Contact the court officials. If He Jin recommends Zhang Xin, we oppose it."
"Let Zhang Xin first see where the true power lies—then I will personally win him over."
"Understood," He Yong agreed.
Before dawn the next day, Zhang Xin was shaken awake.
It was still the Yin hour—around four in the morning.
"I never thought officials in ancient times worked even earlier than modern ones…"
Half-asleep, he let the maids dress him in his formal robes.
Today was his first time attending court since becoming an advisor.
After lingering a moment longer than necessary in comfort, he finally stepped out into the cold morning air, which cleared his head instantly.
At the palace gates, he found Cai Yong and waited with him.
He Jin spotted Zhang Xin and gave him a faint smile.
Zhang Xin returned it.
At dawn, the gates opened, and officials filed in.
Inside the court, after removing their shoes, they took their places. Only then did Zhang Xin realize—
Where was he supposed to stand?
"Ziqing, over here," Cai Yong called, motioning him closer.
Soon, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong entered.
"His Majesty arrives!"
Liu Hong took his seat upon the throne.
After the formalities, he asked, "Does any minister have a report?"
Grand Commandant Cui Lie stepped forward. "Your Majesty, an urgent report from Changsha—Qu Xing has raised over ten thousand men, rebelled, and killed the governor."
The court erupted in alarm.
Another rebellion?
Zhang Xin's eyes sharpened.
This was his opportunity.
When Liu Hong asked for counsel, Zhang Xin stepped forward.
"Your subject has a recommendation."
"Proceed."
"The Imperial Advisor Sun Jian is battle-hardened and exceptionally brave. I recommend appointing him Prefect of Changsha to quell the rebellion."
Murmurs spread through the court.
Who was he—a mere advisor—to make such a proposal?
Yet no one spoke out. Changsha was distant, and few had suitable candidates.
He Jin immediately stepped forward. "I second this."
Cai Yong followed in support.
Liu Hong recalled Sun Jian well—especially from the disastrous Liangzhou campaign, where only Sun Jian's strategy had proven sound.
Seeing no opposition, he declared, "Issue an edict. Appoint Sun Jian as Prefect of Changsha and order him to suppress the rebellion."
Zhang Xin silently exhaled in relief.
The plan had worked.
After other matters were discussed, Liu Hong spoke again:
"The governor of Hanoi reports that the Heishan bandits are advancing toward the राजधानी. What do you all propose?"