"...You want money?"
The Prime Minister of Qi froze, momentarily stunned by how blunt Zhang Xin sounded.
Realizing it might have been too direct, Zhang Xin adjusted his tone.
"Not taking—borrowing."
The State of Qi had been established during the reign of Emperor Liu Xiu and had lasted for over six generations.
Like the Liu clan of Le'an, the current King of Qi, Liu Cheng, was not a direct descendant of Liu Xiu, but of his elder brother, Liu Yan.
Over time, through reforms such as the weakening of vassal kings under Emperor Jing, the "Decree of Grace" under Emperor Wu, and Liu Xiu's strict control over princely households, the once-powerful princes of the Han dynasty had been reduced to little more than ornamental nobles.
They held no real authority, lived under constant supervision, and survived on fixed revenues.
In truth, they were like birds in gilded cages.
But—
A kingdom that had existed for over 150 years would surely have amassed considerable wealth.
And that was precisely what Zhang Xin needed.
Even though Sima Ju had brought in a large amount of resources after his surrender, it was still far from enough to handle the massive population of Yellow Turbans.
A million mouths to feed—
Even the smallest shortage, multiplied a million times, became a crisis.
So Zhang Xin turned his attention to the Qi royal treasury.
"My lord…" the Prime Minister hesitated. "Is it appropriate for a subject to borrow from a prince?"
"And besides, with Xi'an now under your control, its wealth should suffice. Why borrow more?"
After all, Sima Ju had already wiped out many of the great families, concentrating nearly half the wealth of Qi within Xi'an.
Wasn't that enough?
"Qingzhou has a million displaced people," Zhang Xin replied calmly.
"These Yellow Turbans are peasants who lost their land. If we are to resettle them, do you think Xi'an's wealth alone will suffice?"
"And if it doesn't—and they rise again—will you take responsibility?"
The Prime Minister quickly shook his head, then asked in shock:
"My lord… do you intend to pacify all the Yellow Turbans in Qingzhou?"
"If not?" Zhang Xin shot back. "They are all subjects of the Han. Should we slaughter them instead?"
The Prime Minister fell silent.
In truth, that thought had crossed his mind—but he would never dare say it aloud.
Under Zhang Xin's insistence, the Prime Minister finally agreed to arrange an audience with the King of Qi.
In the Eastern Han, princes held no real power and were closely monitored by court-appointed officials.
Even minor misconduct could be reported.
The governor, with supervisory authority, had every right to meet and observe a vassal king.
Zhang Xin changed out of his armor into formal robes and entered the Qi palace.
After waiting briefly in the main hall, an elderly man entered.
"This is the Tutor of Qi," the Prime Minister introduced.
The Tutor—nominally an instructor—was in fact an imperial watchdog.
If a prince stepped out of line, the Tutor could report directly to the emperor.
Soon after, a middle-aged man in royal attire entered, accompanied by eunuchs.
Zhang Xin immediately recognized him—
Liu Cheng, King of Qi.
"Your servant Zhang Xin, Governor of Qingzhou, greets Your Highness."
Zhang Xin bowed.
The others followed.
Liu Cheng was visibly delighted.
During the Yellow Turban chaos, he had lived in constant fear, terrified that rebels might storm the city at any moment.
Especially during Sima Ju's purge—
He had barely slept.
When he learned that Zhang Xin had pacified Qi, he had been overjoyed.
If not for court restrictions, he would have summoned him immediately.
"Governor Zhang has pacified Qi and saved both myself and the people," Liu Cheng said warmly. "There is no need for such formality—please rise."
He instinctively stepped forward to help Zhang Xin—
But upon catching the stern gaze of the Tutor, he froze and awkwardly withdrew his hand.
Zhang Xin noticed everything.
So this was Liu Cheng's reality—
A king in name, but constrained at every step.
Whether a prince lived comfortably or cautiously depended entirely on the temperament of his Tutor.
And judging by this one—
He was strict.
That, in Zhang Xin's eyes, made things much easier.
After everyone was seated, Liu Cheng smiled.
"Governor Zhang is so young, yet has achieved such feats—truly a hero among men."
He paused, then asked politely:
"What brings you to my palace today?"
"It is indeed an important matter," Zhang Xin replied.
Liu Cheng was slightly taken aback.
He had only meant it as courtesy.
What serious matter could a powerless prince possibly be involved in?
For a moment, he even felt uneasy.
Zhang Xin stood and spoke plainly:
"Over two hundred thousand Yellow Turbans in Qi have surrendered. The cost of resettling them is immense, and the state treasury cannot bear it."
"I have come, with great shame, to request a loan of grain and silver from Your Highness."
"That's all?"
Liu Cheng visibly relaxed.
"I thought it was something more serious!"
He laughed and patted his chest.
"No problem at all! Just say what you need—I will provide it!"
In front of the Tutor, Liu Cheng was especially generous.
After all, good deeds would be reported just as readily as misconduct.
If praised, he might even gain imperial favor—
Perhaps even an expanded fief.
To him, this was an excellent opportunity.
"Your Highness is truly magnanimous," Zhang Xin said with a smile.
Then, without hesitation, he added:
"I'm not sure how much is in your treasury—"
"So I'll take all of it."