An inspection tour by a provincial governor was much like a commandery governor inspecting his counties.
On the surface, it was meant to evaluate the performance of local officials. In reality, it was a display of authority—a reminder of who held power.
At this moment, Zhang Xin's decision to tour Qingzhou carried an even clearer message:
Stability must be maintained while I am away.
With war looming, this show of dominance was not optional—it was necessary.
Preparing for Departure
Officials such as Hua Xin fully supported the plan and immediately began preparations.
Before setting out, Zhang Xin summoned his generals and made arrangements.
Yang Yi had followed him for five years without once returning home.Zhang Xin granted him a full year's leave, along with several surviving Liangzhou veterans. Zhao Yun received three months' leave to visit his family. Taishi Ci also returned home for the New Year. As for Dian Wei… Zhang Xin refused to let him leave.Instead, he had Dian Wei's elderly mother brought to Pingyuan. Newly recruited officers like Yu Jin, Yue Jin, Zhu Ling, and Xu Huang were not granted leave at all.
"If everyone goes home, who will command the army?"
A Swift Inspection
Time was tight.
A recent letter from Cao Cao indicated that preparations for war would be complete by year's end.
Zhang Xin needed to return before then.
A slow carriage tour—like his earlier inspections—was no longer feasible.
So this time, he did things differently.
He brought no civil officials.
He took only a thousand cavalry and rode swiftly across Qingzhou, making a grand display of force.
The purpose was no longer inspection.
It was intimidation.
Chaos in Luoyang
Meanwhile, after attending Zhang Xin's wedding, Tian Kai returned to Luoyang.
What he saw stunned him.
The once orderly capital had descended into chaos.
Soldiers under Dong Zhuo rampaged through the streets, looting noble households and terrorizing civilians.
Tian Kai hurried to meet Dong Zhuo.
A Dangerous Conversation
Dong Zhuo vented angrily:
"These party members are despicable! I wish I could boil them alive!"
Tian Kai's heart trembled—but he reacted quickly:
"My lord, their flesh would be too sour. It might upset your teeth."
Dong Zhuo paused… then burst into laughter.
The crisis passed.
But Tian Kai understood something clearly:
Dong Zhuo would not last long.
Choosing a New Master
After leaving the palace, Tian Kai sought out Chen Lin.
Once a respected scholar, Chen Lin had served under various factions but found none worthy.
Tian Kai spoke plainly:
"Dong Zhuo is cruel and doomed. Have you considered your future?"
Chen Lin sighed.
"I have… but where is a worthy lord to be found?"
Tian Kai smiled.
"Do you know the Marquis of Xuanwei?"
Chen Lin hesitated—then realized.
Zhang Xin.
A former Yellow Turban who had proven both capable and respectful toward scholars.
After a brief discussion, Chen Lin made his decision.
"Let's go."
That very night, the two resigned and left Luoyang.
Dong Zhuo's Decline
When Dong Zhuo learned of their departure, he was furious.
His temper grew worse.
Executions became frequent—and increasingly brutal.
Even so, he still tried to win over the scholar-officials.
He distributed high offices to members of the partisan faction, hoping to secure their loyalty.
But it was already too late.
No one trusted him anymore.
The Spark of Rebellion
Soon, Cao Cao raised troops in Chenliu, calling on warlords across the realm to oppose Dong Zhuo.
At first…
no one responded.
It was an awkward moment.
Then Qiao Mao stepped in.
With a cunning plan, he forged a letter in the name of the Three Excellencies and sent it across the land.
The message read:
"We are trapped and powerless to save ourselves.We call upon all righteous men to rise and rescue the state!"
This single forged letter—
lit the fire of rebellion across the empire.