The thunderous chant of twenty thousand soldiers echoed across the sky.
"Powerful! Powerful! Powerful!"
Having fully indulged in his role as supreme commander, Emperor Ling of Han returned to the palace and immediately summoned an impromptu court session.
Zhang Xin ordered Gao Shun to lead the troops back, then returned home to change out of his armor into formal court robes. By the time he arrived, the officials had already assembled.
He stepped into the hall and took his place—right in front of He Jin.
He Jin, deep in thought about how to drive Zhang Xin out of Luoyang, suddenly found his view blocked.
Zhang Xin's back.
His expression darkened instantly.
Soon, Liu Hong entered in full imperial attire. After formalities, he addressed the court:
"Rebellions plague the empire. The Yellow Turbans rise in multiple regions, the Southern Xiongnu remain unstable, and now Qing and Xu are in turmoil as well."
"What should be done?"
Before He Jin or Yuan Kui could respond, Liu Yan stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, the root of these rebellions lies in incompetent governors. They fail to suppress unrest and instead worsen it. I propose abolishing the current inspector system and establishing regional governors with full authority."
The court stirred.
This was not Liu Yan's first time suggesting such reform—but now, with multiple governors dead and unrest spreading, the idea carried weight.
The logic was simple:
Constant military campaigns drained the treasury War devastated the people, fueling more rebellion Local elites seized land, worsening inequality The cycle of rebellion would never end
Empowering strong regional governors could break this cycle—though at the risk of future separatism.
Liu Hong nodded slowly.
"Who, then, should serve as these governors?"
"Relatives of the imperial house, and trusted high officials," Liu Yan replied.
The emperor's gaze shifted.
"Zhang Xin."
Zhang Xin stepped forward.
"I appoint you General Who Guards the East, Governor of Qingzhou, and Commander of military affairs in Qing and Xu provinces."
"I will not fail Your Majesty!" Zhang Xin declared, bowing deeply—barely hiding his satisfaction.
The court erupted.
A twenty-year-old governor?
Unheard of.
But no one dared press too hard.
After all, this was the same Zhang Xin who had purged hundreds of officials. Oppose him—and risk being investigated next.
He Jin, however, was delighted.
Before he could celebrate, Liu Hong continued:
"Jian Shuo."
The eunuch stepped forward.
"With Zhang Xin departing, you will assume the role of Colonel of the Upper Army."
Jian Shuo beamed.
He Jin's expression froze.
Nothing had changed—only the name.
Next, Liu Hong turned back to Liu Yan.
"You proposed this reform. Will you take responsibility for Yizhou?"
"I will!" Liu Yan replied eagerly.
He, too, was granted a governorship.
Soon after:
Huang Wan (of the partisan faction) was appointed Governor of Yuzhou Liu Yu was reassigned within Youzhou Tao Qian became Governor of Xuzhou to assist in the campaign
Balance was restored—imperial relatives, faction members, and loyalists all held power.
This was Liu Hong's strategy:
Divide authority. Maintain control.
Before leaving, Zhang Xin made one more move.
He requested that Xun You accompany him as a military advisor, along with generals like Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao.
Liu Hong approved everything.
As Zhang Xin exited the palace, he looked up at the open sky.
At last—freedom from court intrigue.
"The sea is vast enough for fish to leap,The sky high enough for birds to fly."
Behind him, He Jin sneered.
Zhang Xin didn't even glance back.
Returning home, he summoned his generals.
A new battlefield awaited.