The next day.
Zhang Xin woke up early and, with Zhang Ning's assistance, put on his official robes as the Qing Province Governor.
"Father, Father."
Zhang Ning's son stood on the bed, continuously calling out to Zhang Xin.
Children often get noisy at nite, so to avoid disturbing Zhang Ning's sleep, the child was usually kept with Aunt Wang at nite and only brought back after waking up at dawn.
"You're quite brave, aren't you?"
Zhang Xin looked at his legitimate son, a smile appearing on his face.
Last year, when he went on an expedition, the little fellow had just learned to crawl.
In the blink of an eye, he could already stand and walk.
Zhang Xin had heard about the little fellow's performance on the city wall.
In such a dangerous place, he not only didn't cry or show fear but even seemed quite excited.
Zhang Xin and him hadn't seen each other for a long time, but in this short while, the Father and son had already become familiar.
Recalling the time he conquered Liang Province, he also hadn't seen Zhang Ping and Zhang An for a long time.
Those two children were clearly not as brave as this little fellow in front of him.
"Brother."
Zhang Ning said while dressing him, "Give the child a name; he's already three years old."
"Another naming session."
Zhang Xin's face fell upon hearing this.
The thing he was worst at was naming.
Originally, he had already thot of a name: Zhang Cheng.
Cheng meant inheritance and legacy.
As his legitimate son and Zhang Jiao's only remaining bloodline, Zhang Cheng was quite suitable.
However, Zhang Xin vaguely remembered that Zhang Zhao seemed to have a son also named Zhang Cheng.
In that case, the name Zhang Cheng could not be used.
"Brave, brave..."
Zhang Xin pondered for a long time, "Huan, how about it?"
The character 'Huan' means 'great,' and in the posthumous title system, it also carries the meaning of expanding territory and annexing states.
Zhang Xin hoped that little Zhang Huan, after inheriting his foundation in the future, would continue to expand territory for the Han people.
"Zhang Huan?"
Zhang Ning savored the name, then her face bloomed into a smile.
"The name Brother chose is naturally excellent."
Zhang Xin put his hands on his hips and looked at the daughter born to Wang Rou.
The little girl was just over a year old, crawling around on the bed.
"ARou, from now on, your daughter will be named Zhang Chan."
Since he was already here, he might as well settle the names of both children this time, saving him from having to think about it again later.
However, compared to Zhang Huan, the name Zhang Chan had no special meaning.
As long as it sounded good.
"Thank you, Lord, for bestowing the name."
Wang Rou was very happy.
"Come, boy, come with your Father."
After getting dressed, Zhang Xin carried Zhang Huan out of the inner quarters and into the main hall of the State Prefecture.
Zhang Huan showed no fear of leaving his mother; his eyes were full of curiosity as he constantly surveyed his surroundings.
Hua Xin and others were holding a meeting in the hall, discussing the triumphant return of the army today.
Seeing Zhang Xin enter with the child, everyone's expressions froze for a moment.
"Do you not recognize me?"
Zhang Xin laughed heartily and strode in.
"Governor?"
Everyone quickly stood up.
Zhang Xin walked to the main seat and sat down, placing Zhang Huan beside him.
"Your subjects bow to Governor."
All the State Prefecture officials knelt down in a flurry.
Normally, they didn't need to kneel before Zhang Xin; a simple bow would suffice.
However, Zhang Xin had returned from a distant expedition, having been away from them for a long time, and had achieved illustrious military merits.
Additionally, many of them harbored guilt in their hearts.
Both out of sentiment and reason, they had to kneel once to show respect.
Zhang Xin glanced at Zhang Huan, and seeing that he showed no emotion other than curiosity, he smiled slightly.
"All of you may rise."
"Thank you, Governor."
Everyone stood up.
"My esteemed officials."
Zhang Xin stood up, cupped his hands to everyone, and bowed slightly.
"While I was away on expedition, Qing Province was preserved thanks to your dedication, and for that, I thank all of you."
"This is our duty as your subjects."
Everyone quickly returned the bow.
Many people, seeing Zhang Xin's amiable expression, which seemed to indicate he wouldn't pursue the matter of the aristocratic families' rebellion, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Indeed.
The number of people involved in this incident, and the extent of those implicated, was estimated to be as many as over a hundred thousand.
Even Zhang Xin, known for his toughness, would probably have to weigh his options carefully.
In the end, this matter would likely be downplayed and resolved quietly.
After the courtesies were exchanged, Hua Xin, as the Biejia, was the first to speak.
"Didn't Governor say he would return at noon? How did you arrive so quickg to comfort the soldiers.
"Hmph..."
Seeing this, Xun You could only give up helplessly.
"Yuan Shao's sons, huh..."