As the large army returned one after another, Zhang Xin also began to get busy.
Treating the wounded, settling disabled soldiers, burying the bones of fallen soldiers, offering condolences, and giving rewards...
Zhang Xin was busy day and nite.
On the second day of his return, prominent clans from the surrounding counties of Pingyuan wrote letters to congratulate him on his victorious return.
The clans' intentions were clear: they wanted to sound him out.
Zhang Xin directly ignored them, taking Zhang Huan to constantly stroll around the military camp, allowing his son to make a strong impression on the soldiers.
A few days later, prominent clans from other commanderies and counties jointly submitted memorials to congratulate him, and some State Prefecture officials also kept probing his attitude during discussions.
Zhang Xin still ignored them.
Gradually, the efficiency of the officials slowed down.
"How come only this much has been tallied today? "
Zhang Xin put down the document and looked at Guo Yuan, who was in charge of the matter.
"Governor."
Guo Yuan hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Previously, various families were misled by Yuan Shao and made some mistakes, but Governor has not expressed his stance on this for a long time..."
"The officials are all uneasy because of this and have no heart to work."
Zhang Xin snorted coldly upon hearing this.
"Are they uniting to pressure me? "
"They dare not pressure you, it's just..."
Guo Yuan hurriedly said, "Governor, please give a clear answer on how you intend to deal with this matter. Leaving it hanging like this is not a solution..."
"Alright then."
Seeing that the time was ripe, Zhang Xin asked, "In your Guan Jian's opinion, how should I handle this matter? "
Hearing Zhang Xin relent, Guo Yuan breathed a sigh of relief.
"I believe this matter should not involve extensive implication, but neither should it be condoned."
Guo Yuan bowed and said, "Just punish the ringleaders and pardon the rest."
"Just punish the ringleaders and pardon the rest? "
Zhang Xin chuckled, "Is this your idea, or theirs? "
"This..."
Guo Yuan paused, then truthfully said, "All families are willing to hand over the ringleaders for Governor to deal with."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xin sneered inwardly.
Clearly, all the families understood that if no one died this time, the matter would not be resolved.
But how they would die, and who would die, was a different matter.
Handing over the true ringleaders would mean the ringleaders.
Handing over a scapegoat would also mean the ringleaders.
Those who could truly make decisions were the patriarchs and elders of each family.
Zhang Xin knew with his toes that they would not obediently hand over their patriarchs or similar figures.
He estimated that in the end, they would just send a group of collateral relatives for him to kill.
As long as these people were killed, they would have shown their loyalty, and Zhang Xin would save face.
In this way, the matter would be closed.
Zhang Xin would continue to rely on them to handle Qing Province affairs, and they would not suffer too great a loss.
Since ancient times, aristocratic families have always been like this.
However, Zhang Xin indeed still needed to borrow their power at the moment, so after a brief thought, he said to Guo Yuan, "Tomorrow, have them all come to the State Prefecture."
"Understood."
Guo Yuan bowed and withdrew.
The next day, the officials arrived at the main hall of the State Prefecture, and found more than a dozen boxes in the hall, feeling puzzled.
Guan Jian's navy had returned two days prior, and Yuan Shao's family as well as the letters exchanged between Qing Province's prominent clans and him were naturally sent along.
Zhang Xin sat in the main seat, and after everyone had arrived, he stood up.
"My Lords and officials."
Zhang Xin walked to the boxes, looked around, and smiled.
"When I captured Nangpi, I found some interesting things in Yuan Shao's mansion."
Zhang Xin tapped the boxes, "According to the servants in Yuan Shao's mansion, these contain the letters you exchanged with him while I was away."
The officials' faces changed drastically upon hearing this.
Some of the more timid ones instantly felt as if the bones had been drawn from their legs, and immediately trembled with fear.
"However..."
Zhang Xin drew out his words, "I actually think this matter is not your fault."
Hmm?
A turning point?
The officials pricked up their ears.
"If anyone is to blame, it's that old scoundrel Dong Zhuo."
Zhang Xin cursed, "That battle flag was clearly something I sent him by trickery, yet he sent people everyplace to say I was dead, shameless! "
The officials were momentarily unclear what Zhang Xin wanted to express, not daring to respond casually, and could only follow along and curse Dong Zhuo a few times.
After cursing, Zhang Xin continued, "When I first heard about this, I was extremely angry, wishing I could chop off the he corners of his eyes and came to find Zhang Xin.
"Lord, have you just let those gentry off? "
"Of course not."
Zhang Xin smiled slightly, "You go to Xu He and tell them to prepare to act."