The Prime Minister of Qi was stunned.
"…Money?"
He had expected talk of military strategy, governance, or pacification—
But not this.
Zhang Xin didn't bother dressing it up.
"Yes. Money."
He walked forward as he spoke, his tone calm but urgent.
"Spring plowing is about to begin. Tens of thousands of surrendered Yellow Turbans are waiting to be resettled."
"No land tools. No seeds. No oxen."
He glanced at the Prime Minister.
"Do you expect them to farm with their hands?"
The Prime Minister of Qi opened his mouth… then closed it.
He had no answer.
—
Zhang Xin continued:
"Xi'an's grain can sustain them for a while."
"Pingyuan's land can absorb some."
"But Qingzhou is vast—and still unstable."
He stopped and looked directly at him.
"If we don't settle them before spring…"
"They won't remain refugees."
"They will become bandits again."
—
That sentence made the Prime Minister's heart jump.
He understood now.
This wasn't just about money.
This was about whether the rebellion would truly end.
—
"But…" the Prime Minister hesitated, lowering his voice, "the treasury of Qi is… limited."
Zhang Xin smiled faintly.
"I know."
His gaze drifted toward the distant palace.
"That's why I'm here to see the King of Qi."
—
The Prime Minister's expression changed slightly.
The King of Qi—
A member of the imperial clan, a vassal king.
Not someone to be casually "asked" for money.
But Zhang Xin…
Clearly had no intention of asking politely.
—
Inside the palace, the atmosphere was tense.
The King of Qi had already heard everything.
Bochang fallen.
Xi'an surrendered.
Sima Ju capitulated.
Qingzhou—once in chaos—was now being forcefully stitched back together by one man.
And that man…
Was coming to see him.
—
When Zhang Xin entered, he did not perform the full ceremonial rites.
He gave a simple bow.
"Your Highness."
The King of Qi forced a smile.
"Governor Zhang has worked tirelessly. Qingzhou owes you greatly."
Polite words.
But cautious.
Very cautious.
—
Zhang Xin didn't waste time.
"I request funds."
Straightforward.
Blunt.
The King of Qi blinked.
"…How much?"
Zhang Xin raised a finger.
"Grain for one hundred thousand people for three months."
Another finger.
"Plus funds for seeds, tools, and draft animals."
Silence.
The court officials nearby nearly choked.
That wasn't a request.
That was emptying half the treasury.
—
The King of Qi's smile stiffened.
"Governor Zhang… this is a considerable amount. The royal treasury also has its limits…"
Zhang Xin nodded.
"I understand."
Then he added calmly:
"That is why I am not asking for a gift."
The King of Qi frowned slightly.
"Not a gift?"
Zhang Xin met his gaze.
"A loan."
—
Now that—
Was unexpected.
—
"I will issue an official document under the authority of the Qingzhou Governor's office."
"After the land survey is completed and taxation is restored—"
"I will repay it in full."
He paused.
"With interest."
—
The room fell silent.
Officials exchanged glances.
This…
Was unprecedented.
A governor borrowing from a vassal king?
And promising repayment?
—
The King of Qi studied Zhang Xin carefully.
"You are confident… you can recover Qingzhou?"
Zhang Xin didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
No arrogance.
No flourish.
Just certainty.
—
"And if you fail?" the King asked quietly.
Zhang Xin smiled slightly.
"Then Your Highness won't need to worry about repayment."
A dangerous answer.
But an honest one.
—
For a long moment, the King of Qi said nothing.
Then—
He laughed.
Not loudly.
But genuinely.
"Good."
He leaned back.
"Very good."
—
"Very well," he said. "I will provide the grain and funds."
The officials around him were shocked.
"Your Highness—!"
He raised a hand to silence them.
Then looked at Zhang Xin.
"But I have one condition."
—
Zhang Xin inclined his head.
"Please speak."
—
The King of Qi's eyes sharpened slightly.
"When Qingzhou is fully pacified…"
"You will ensure that the people of Qi are given priority in recovery."
"No excessive levies."
"No harsh reprisals."
—
Zhang Xin nodded without hesitation.
"Agreed."
—
The deal was struck.
—
As Zhang Xin left the palace, the Prime Minister of Qi was still in a daze.
He couldn't help but ask:
"Governor… were you truly certain the King would agree?"
Zhang Xin smiled faintly.
"Not certain."
"Just likely."
—
"Why?"
—
Zhang Xin looked back at the palace.
"Because he needs me."
"He just hasn't said it out loud."
—
Behind them, the gates of Linzi closed slowly.
Ahead—
Spring was coming.
And with it—
The real test of Qingzhou had just begun.