Hua Xin was stunned for a moment, then quickly rose and bowed deeply, his voice filled with emotion.
"This subject is willing to serve Your Excellency with utmost loyalty!"
In his early years, he had been recommended for his filial piety and integrity, even serving briefly in the imperial court before illness forced him to resign. After returning home, he had only managed a minor county post.
He had long believed it was merely temporary—that greater opportunities would come.
But now, past thirty, none ever had.
And yet today, a simple visit as a friend had turned into something unimaginable—
Zhang Xin had appointed him as his assistant.
It was like rising from a lowly clerk to the rank of a provincial deputy overnight.
Truly, a sudden leap to prominence.
"Good, good."
Zhang Xin stepped forward and helped him up with a smile.
"Qingzhou is in chaos. I've only just arrived, and the administration is nearly empty. Ziyu, do you know of any capable men you can recommend?"
Hua Xin thought for a moment and listed several names—mostly scholars from Hebei, since Henan had yet to be recovered.
Zhang Xin nodded in satisfaction.
"Ziyu, you've traveled far and spoken at length. You must be tired. Go and rest. We'll discuss matters again later."
"Thank you for your consideration, my lord."
Hua Xin bowed, but hesitated before leaving.
"My lord… Zilin and I were close friends. Now that the Taoqiu clan has been destroyed… may I request permission to collect his remains?"
He looked up cautiously.
He knew the request was excessive.
But to remain silent would weigh on his conscience.
As expected, Zhang Xin's expression darkened.
"Do you know that Tao Qiuhong committed treason?"
"I do… but…"
Hua Xin's face showed conflict. He sighed and bowed again.
"I have overstepped. I will take my leave."
"Wait."
Zhang Xin called him back.
After a pause, he let out a quiet sigh.
"Very well. Since it is your request, I will have his body collected and buried with the rites of a commoner. That will fulfill your duty as a friend."
Hua Xin froze—then his face lit with gratitude.
"Thank you, my lord!"
He hadn't expected this.
Zhang Xin… was truly benevolent.
After Hua Xin left, Zhang Xin watched his retreating figure and smiled faintly.
A dead man held no value.
A simple burial cost nothing.
Yet in doing so, he gained Hua Xin's loyalty—and the reputation of righteousness.
Why not?
Moreover, appointing Hua Xin had never been just about ability.
It was a signal.
To the scholars of Qingzhou.
The extermination of the five clans had a reason—they broke the rules first.
But beyond that?
Local scholars would still be valued. Promoted. Trusted.
After all, governance had always depended on men like them.
With the Han system requiring top officials to be outsiders, local elites still had to fill the ranks beneath.
Zhang Xin's message was simple:
I punish rebellion—but I reward talent.
And Hua Xin's arrival could not have been better timed.
With internal matters stabilized, Zhang Xin turned his attention outward.
The next morning, he left Zhang Ning's quarters looking refreshed and summoned Xu He.
"What did Sima Ju say?"
"He is willing to submit," Xu He replied, "but he still has doubts. He wants to know how Your Excellency will treat him."
Zhang Xin nodded.
Sima Ju was weak-willed. After hearing of Zhang Xin's victories, fear had already taken root.
Three thousand men defeating ten thousand—
Now Zhang Xin commanded even more.
Resistance seemed pointless.
And Xu He's letter had only deepened the impression:
Benevolence. Land redistribution. Stability.
For most Yellow Turbans, rebellion had never been about ambition—only survival.
If those needs could be met, surrender was the obvious choice.
But still—
They had tasted power.
They wouldn't give it up for nothing.
"Write back to him," Zhang Xin said after a moment.
"If he surrenders, I will recommend him to the court for a military post. His subordinates will also receive appropriate ranks."
Xu He nodded. "Understood."
Taking Qi without battle would split the remaining Yellow Turban forces in Qingzhou.
A strategic victory without bloodshed.
In the following days, reinforcements and supplies arrived.
Xiahou Lan.Taishi Ci's navy, bringing iron and winter clothing.Craftsmen, including Yan Jin.
Zhang Xin quickly organized everything:
Xiahou Lan → military discipline Yan Jin → weapons and armor production Winter clothing → distributed to officials and soldiers
Snow fell heavily across the land.
The New Year was approaching.
Even in war, there had to be warmth.
Soon, Sima Ju's reply arrived.
He would surrender.
Zhang Xin smiled.
"Go to Xi'an personally," he told Xu He. "Make sure everything is settled."
Xu He bowed and departed, returning just before New Year's Eve.
That night, the entire camp celebrated.
Wine. Meat. Laughter.
For once, there was peace.
Han soldiers and former Yellow Turbans alike shared in the same joy.
Six years had passed since the Zhongping era began.
A long, chaotic time.
But on the first day of the new year—
While officials came to pay their respects, Zhang Xin was nowhere to be found.
Instead, shocking news spread across Qingzhou:
Zhang Xin had already moved.
With 7,800 troops—though claiming ten thousand—he crossed the frozen Yellow River under cover of winter.
Three armies advanced together:
Zhang Niujiao leading the main force Gao Shun assisting Xu Huang supporting
They struck directly at Qiancheng.
And Zhang Xin himself—
Led cavalry straight toward Linji, the capital.
Qingzhou trembled.