The Zhizhong was responsible for supervising the prefectures and counties under the commandery and for recommending officials based on merit. His rank was equivalent to that of the Biejia, making him the third-highest authority in the state administration.
After the imperial court distributed its rewards, Yu Jin was reassigned as Commander of a Separate Division, conveniently filling a vacant post.
Qingzhou had long been a land rich in renowned scholars. Hua Xin once told Zhang Xin that aside from himself, Bing Yuan, and Guan Ning—collectively known as the "One Dragon"—there were also figures such as Sun Qian, Guo Yuan, Ren Gu, and Liu De.
Recruiting Sun Qian would not only bring in a capable talent but also help win over Qingzhou's scholarly class—killing two birds with one stone.
Originally, Zhang Xin had planned to recruit him after pacifying Beihai. Now that Sun Qian had come of his own accord, there was no reason to let such an opportunity slip away.
Sun Qian was stunned at first, then overjoyed. He bowed deeply."I am willing to serve you, my lord, with utmost loyalty!"
He had never imagined that among so many advisers, Zhang Xin would single him out.
Zhang Xin smiled, helped him up, and ordered a grand banquet to reward the troops.
At the feast, the generals were all present. Zhang Xin first comforted Guan Hai, then drew Sun Qian aside, skillfully displaying courtesy and respect befitting a patron of scholars.
Sun Qian, still inexperienced, was quickly plied with wine until he became thoroughly drunk. Seeing this, Zhang Xin had him escorted away to rest.
Once Sun Qian had left, Zhang Xin casually tossed aside his small cup, strode over to Guan Hai, and slung an arm around his shoulders."Old Guan, you've worked hard! Hahaha! Someone, bring a bigger bowl!"
The sound of heavy drinking soon filled the hall.
The next day, Zhang Xin appointed Gao Shun as commander-in-chief and Xu Huang as his deputy, assigning them five thousand troops to recapture Donglai. He himself returned to Linzi with Sun Qian, Guan Hai, and the others to oversee affairs.
When passing through Gaomi, Zhang Xin suddenly ordered the army to halt and sent men into the county to purchase gifts.
A great Confucian scholar, Zheng Xuan, lived here.
In his youth, Zheng Xuan had been valued by Du Mi and appointed as a local official. He later entered the Imperial Academy, studying under masters such as Wu Yuanxian, Zhang Gongzu, and Ma Rong. He became proficient in both the Old Text and New Text traditions of the Confucian classics, mastering both ancient and contemporary scholarship.
During the persecution of the partisans, he was implicated due to his association with Du Mi and was unable to serve in office. He thus devoted himself to scholarship at home, gathering many disciples and writing extensive commentaries on the classics.
His works, totaling over a million characters, synthesized ancient and modern learning and came to be known as "Zheng Studies." Among his disciples were Cui Yan, Sun Qian, Guo Yuan, Ren Gu, Xi Lu, Liu De, and others.
Zheng Xuan's reputation among scholars rivaled—even surpassed—that of Cai Yong.
Previously, Zhang Xin had been too busy pursuing Guan Hai to visit him. Now, returning victorious, it was only proper to pay respects. Gaining Zheng Xuan's approval would greatly benefit his governance of Qingzhou.
To show respect, Zhang Xin brought only Dian Wei and Sun Qian with him, leaving his guards behind.
Under Sun Qian's guidance, they arrived at a large yet simple courtyard. Hundreds of scholars sat attentively, listening to an elderly man lecturing at the front.
Zhang Xin immediately recognized him as Zheng Xuan.
Though nearly sixty, dressed in patched clothing, Zheng Xuan appeared vigorous, his voice clear and full of energy.
Sun Qian was about to announce their arrival, but Zhang Xin raised a hand."Do not disturb Master Zheng's lecture."
The three quietly entered and stood to one side.
Zheng Xuan noticed them, surprise flickering in his eyes, but seeing Zhang Xin's respectful nod, he understood and continued teaching.
After listening for a while, Zhang Xin felt deeply impressed.As expected of a great scholar—his teaching surpasses even my old master's, he thought.
About an hour later, Zheng Xuan concluded the lecture. The scholars rose, bowed, and departed, many casting curious glances at the visitors.
Sun Qian stepped forward to make introductions.
"So it is the Governor," Zheng Xuan said, folding his hands in greeting. "Forgive me for not receiving you properly."
Zhang Xin quickly stopped him and bowed instead."There is no governor here today—only a junior paying respects. How could an elder bow to a junior?"
Zheng Xuan smiled. "Bo Jie chose a fine disciple."
As an old friend of Cai Yong, he naturally recognized Zhang Xin's background.
After exchanging gifts and pleasantries, Zhang Xin stated that he had simply come to pay respects. But as he prepared to leave, he raised another matter:
"Would Master Zheng consider taking up an official post?"
Zheng Xuan declined, as expected.
Zhang Xin then revealed his true intention:"Qingzhou is nearly pacified, yet many positions remain unfilled. Master Zheng has countless disciples—are there any you would recommend?"
Zheng Xuan glanced at Sun Qian and smiled."Isn't Gongyou already serving you?"
Zhang Xin shook his head with a laugh."There is too much work for one man. Surely you wouldn't have Gongyou worked to death?"
After some thought, Zheng Xuan said,"Among my disciples suitable for office are Guo Yuan of Le'an, Ren Gu, Xi Lu of Shanyang, and Liu De of Beihai. I will write letters for you—you may recruit them yourself."
Zhang Xin grinned."Do you have any here at present?"
Zheng Xuan chuckled. Clearly, this young governor wasn't leaving empty-handed.
After pondering, he recalled a recent disciple."Cui Yan of Qinghe is also worthy of employment."
Zhang Xin was delighted."Many thanks, Master Zheng!"
Zheng Xuan summoned Cui Yan and introduced him.
Zhang Xin was immediately impressed—not only by his bearing and talent, but also by his striking appearance. Being from the same region, they quickly felt a sense of familiarity.
After a brief conversation, Zhang Xin appointed Cui Yan as his chief clerk on the spot. Cui Yan accepted.
Zheng Xuan then gave both Cui Yan and Sun Qian a few words of instruction, urging diligence and loyalty.
After leaving Zheng Xuan's residence, Zhang Xin was in high spirits, discussing governance with Cui Yan and Sun Qian along the way.
Upon reaching Ju County, he entered the city to meet the King of Beihai—
"I, Zhang Xin, Governor of Qingzhou… have come bearing funds!"