Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao and Lu Wan had a long conversation, and then they parted with great reluctance. Along the way, Ma Chao pondered his master's purpose in taking the emperor away. He racked his brains for how to approach Dong Zhuo about returning to Xiliang, what words he should use to persuade him, and constantly recalled Lu Wan's mention of Cai Wenji's marriage. His mind was a tangled mess, a tangle of complicated thoughts swirling around in his mind. He rode his horse, his mind wandering, and before he knew it, he had arrived at Cai Yong's residence.

Ma Chao thought that since he was already here, he might as well go in and see Master Cai. After all, he had been through many battles since arriving in Luoyang and hadn't had time to visit Master Cai. Firstly, he wanted to ask Master Cai Yong why he chose to take the emperor away from the capital, secondly, his opinion and suggestions on how to persuade Dong Zhuo to let him return to Xiliang, and finally, he wanted to inquire about the specific circumstances of Wen Ji's marriage.

When Cai Yong heard that Ma Chao wanted to see him, he was filled with excitement and hurried out to personally welcome Ma Chao into his mansion. Ma Chao bowed to Cai Yong with great respect, and Cai Yong hurriedly helped Ma Chao up. Then the two of them started a deep conversation.

They first expressed their respective opinions on Lu Zhi's escort of the emperor. Ma Chao was somewhat confused about the reasons behind this, so Cai Yong patiently and meticulously explained to him the complexities of the situation in the capital. This included the fierce struggle between He Jin and the Ten Attendants after Ma Chao's return to Xiliang, how the Ten Attendants meticulously plotted to kill He Jin, how the aristocratic families supporting He Jin successfully eliminated the Ten Attendants, and how Dong Zhuo's Dong clan later cleverly exploited the chaos to seize and control important power. Perhaps it was precisely based on these complex considerations that Lu Zhi believed that the Dong clan had long been planning to establish another emperor, and that Lu Zhi was being marginalized in the court, without access to military power or much say. Perhaps it was precisely because of this consideration that he came up with the idea of ​​escorting the emperor out of the capital.

Only then did Ma Chao finally resolve the doubts in his heart and clearly understand the whole ins and outs of the whole matter.

Ma Chao again discussed the current situation in the court with Cai Yong, who sighed. The Han dynasty was already precarious, and the move by powerful ministers to establish a new emperor would only diminish the threat facing the Han dynasty. Ma Chao agreed. After all, he had studied under Lu Zhi, who had always taught him loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, a lesson he had taken to heart. However, the current situation was something he did not want to see.

Cai Yong couldn't help but ask Ma Chao, "Mengqi, you've achieved remarkable military success at such a young age, and you're a powerful figure in Western Liang. Is there any way to change the current situation?" Cai Yong knew this would be awkward for Ma Chao, but he spoke up anyway. Ma Chao responded, "Lord Cai, I've repeatedly advised Lord Dong, but he's determined. I simply can't bear to see this situation unfold. But what can I do about the situation you describe? Lord Dong saved my Ma family and promoted me when I was still a nobody. How can I go against him?" Cai Yong replied, "You're foolish. The great cause of the world is for the public good, while personal feelings are for the private good. How can I sacrifice the public good for the sake of personal gain?" Ma Chao remained silent. After a long pause, Ma Chao finally said, "I too cannot tolerate Lord Dong's current presumptuous and domineering behavior. Therefore, I plan to return to Western Liang to defend the border and wait for the situation to clear up." Ma Chao spoke with a heavy heart. Cai Yong said angrily: "A real man should take his country as his own responsibility. How can he run away when faced with trouble? I never thought that you, Ma Mengqi, at such a young age, would behave so cowardly. It is our generation's responsibility to sacrifice our lives for our country."

Ma Chao's face was filled with shame, yet this matter was truly fraught with difficulty. Putting aside the fact that Xiliang was Dong Zhuo's base and Ma Chao served under him, even with the Bingzhou army and the Xiliang army now added to the mix, how could Ma Chao possibly contend? Yet, Ma Chao deeply admired Lu Zhi, Cai Yong, and other scholars. He respected and admired their willingness to sacrifice their lives for their country despite knowing it was impossible.

Lu Zhi calmed down and continued, "Mengqi, the affairs of state are not something a young man like you, who hasn't even reached the age of twenty, should shoulder. I was a little too excited just now. I hope you can always maintain the spirit of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism in your heart. Our generation cannot change the current situation, and we will die for it in the end. But you are still young, so you must maintain this spirit no matter what. The future depends on you."

After the two discussed the court affairs for a while, Ma Chao couldn't help but ask about Cai Wenji's marriage.

Cai Yong's expression was slightly dissatisfied at this time, and he said with a hint of blame: "Mengqi, the country is in danger now, why are you only concerned about your children's personal affairs?" Ma Chao hesitated for a moment, not knowing how to respond.

Cai Yong sighed softly and continued, "Well, since you asked, I'll tell you. Wen Ji was already engaged to the Wei family, and the situation in Luoyang is turbulent right now. Although Wen Ji is still young and has been hastily married, I'm prepared to sacrifice my life for my country. If I can't give Wen Ji a stable home, how will she survive in the future? The Wei family is also a prominent family in Hedong, and I'm sure they will treat her well."

After hearing this, Ma Chao hurriedly said, "Have you ever asked Wen Ji what she thinks? She has never met that man before. What if she is treated badly?" Cai Yong said slowly, "The Wei family is a famous and prestigious family. How could they treat a weak woman badly? If the situation really happens as you said, then perhaps it is her fate. I only hope that when the news of my death reaches the Wei family in Hedong, the Wei family will be able to treat Wen Ji better because of my loyalty to the country." After hearing this, Ma Chao's heart was full of helplessness and melancholy, and he didn't know what to say for a while.

Ma Chao secretly made up his mind that when he returned to Xiliang, he would definitely visit Hedong and personally see Cai Wenji's situation. If she was doing well, that would be fine, but if Wenji was not doing well, he would definitely seek justice for her. After making up his mind, Ma Chao told Cai Yong his thoughts. Cai Yong said, "Since you are determined to leave the vortex of the capital, it is actually a good thing for you. Now, if there is any mishap in the capital, it will be shattered and there will be no recovery. If you are really ready to return to Xiliang, before you leave, come to me and help me take the books and other things I have sorted out to Wenji in Hedong. Because she was married off in a hurry before, and no dowry was prepared, these books I have spent my life sorting out can be considered as her dowry, so that she can have something to remember."

Ma Chao naturally agreed without hesitation. Afterwards, Ma Chao wanted to persuade Cai Yong not to act on impulse. He said sincerely: "Sir, don't act so impulsively. It is the right way to keep a useful body and wait for the right time and monarch. Why waste your life in vain? If you are willing, you can go with me when I leave. If you are willing to go to Xiliang, I will do my best to ensure that you escape from the capital and ensure your safety." After hearing this, Cai Yong's eyes were full of determination and resoluteness. He shook his head gently and said slowly: "Mengqi, I understand your intentions and I am very grateful to you, but I have my persistence and faith. "The situation is critical now, and the country is in crisis. How can I just care about my own safety and retreat and escape? I will do my best to fight and struggle for the Han Dynasty and the people of the world, even if it costs me my life. You are still young and have a long way to go. You have your mission and responsibilities. You should return to Xiliang and develop well there. Maybe you can make greater contributions to the country in the future. Don't let me delay your future, and don't let me put you in danger." Cai Yong resolutely refused to agree to Ma Chao's idea and was ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of the country.

Ma Chao stood there quietly, his eyes filled with complex emotions, gazing for a long time at Cai Yong's thin yet still upright figure. His gaze seemed to carry an endless tapestry of vicissitudes and fortitude, stirring in him an indescribable feeling of emotion. He knew full well that his words and strength alone would not be enough to dissuade Cai Yong from his unwavering resolve, and this realization filled him with not only deep respect but also a profound sense of regret. He deeply admired Cai Yong's loyalty and righteousness, and was both moved and helpless by his resolve to sacrifice everything for his convictions.

At this moment, Ma Chao's thoughts raced. Deep in his heart, he firmly resolved that no matter what difficulties and obstacles the future held, no matter how much effort and dedication it would require, he would do his utmost to ensure that Cai Wenji lived a happy and fulfilling life. He would fulfill his promise with concrete actions. He would never betray Cai Yong's unwavering loyalty, his unconditional trust in him, or the heavy trust Cai Yong had placed in him. He would ensure that Cai Yong could do what he believed was right with peace of mind. He would shoulder this responsibility and mission.