While Dong Zhuo was busy playing the groom in Luoyang, Zhang Xin was doing the same in Pingyuan.
After completing her postpartum recovery, Zhang Ning moved out of the governor's residence and returned to Zhang Niujiao's home, treating it as her maternal house in preparation for the wedding.
Over the past six months, with capable administrators like Guo Yuan and Ren Gu managing affairs—and with the labor of surrendered Yellow Turban troops—the reconstruction of Pingyuan was nearly complete. Government offices, military residences, and civilian housing had all been rebuilt, leaving only minor finishing work.
With everything ready, Zhang Xin asked Xun You to act as matchmaker.
The Six Rites
Following ancient custom, the marriage proceeded through the traditional rites:
1. Betrothal (Nacai)Xun You visited Zhang Niujiao's home bearing a wild goose as a token of sincerity. Zhang Niujiao accepted, signaling approval.
2. Asking the Name (Wenming)Zhang Ning's name and birth details were formally recorded—though in truth, Zhang Xin already knew everything.
3. Divination (Naji)Zhang Xin insisted on performing this step himself. After a theatrical calculation, he declared:
"Great fortune. Extremely auspicious!"
4. Betrothal Gifts (Nazheng)The gifts were modest: coins, silk, and several sheep—worth about 50,000 coins.
To others, this seemed embarrassingly frugal for a man of Zhang Xin's status.
A Clash of Ideals
Zhang Niujiao and others protested:
"General, with your status, how can you marry so simply?"
But Zhang Xin had a purpose—to curb extravagant wedding customs that burdened common people.
When the men refused to listen, Zhang Ning stepped forward and rebuked them sharply:
"Have you forgotten our roots? Forgotten my father's will?"
At the mention of Zhang Jiao, everyone fell silent.
Her stance was clear: a simple wedding was not humiliation—it was righteousness.
Guests Arrive
With the date set, guests from across the realm gathered.
Zheng Xuan arrived first.Zhang Xin personally welcomed him and even entrusted a young Zhuge Liang to him as a student—an offer Zheng Xuan accepted with delight. Cai Yong soon followed, sharing news of his newborn daughter at age 57—earning Zhang Xin's astonished admiration. Veterans like Yang Feng and others came from Heishan. From the Zhen family came Zhen Yan, bearing tragic news: his elder brother Zhen Yu had died during mourning. Guan Yu arrived with his family, including a young Guan Xing.
Officials and allies from various regions sent gifts and congratulations.
The Wedding Ceremony
On the appointed day, Zhang Xin dressed in ceremonial robes while Wang Rou supervised preparations.
By afternoon, led by music and banners, Zhang Xin rode to fetch his bride.
Outside Zhang Niujiao's home, crowds of former Yellow Turban followers lined the streets, cheering.
At dusk—the proper time for marriage—they returned to the governor's residence.
Inside the hall, with Cai Yong presiding:
The couple entered together Shared meat from the same vessel Drank nuptial wine Cut and bound their hair to symbolize unity
The ceremony concluded amid admiration:
A perfect match—hero and beauty.
Celebration
Zhang Ning retired to the inner chambers, while Zhang Xin remained to entertain guests.
From scholars to generals, from nobles to former rebels—he drank with all.
By nightfall, he had to be carried back.
The Next Morning
Following custom, Zhang Ning formally assumed her role as mistress of the household.
The other wives presented their children to her, acknowledging her authority.
Only Liu Hua remained separate, though her son still paid respects.
A Letter Arrives
Days later, as guests departed, a rider appeared.
He bowed and introduced himself:
"I am Cao Ren, cousin of Cao Cao.My brother asked me to deliver this letter."
He presented the letter to Zhang Xin.
The wedding celebrations had barely ended…
—and already, the tides of war were stirring once more.