Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Desire ultimately triumphed over reason. Murong Xuepo pondered the matter and finally made a decision. He planned to lead his own army against the invading Han army of the Tuoba tribe, leaving Kebi Neng to deal with Ma Chao's forces. He had a plan: once Ma Chao had completely disrupted Kebi Neng's power, he would seize the opportunity to lead these tribes in declaring independence and establishing his own sphere of influence.

Having made up his mind, Murong Xuepo began to plan how to calm Kebineng's envoy, Zuoguli King Barutu. He summoned Barutu with a warm smile on his face, as if the previous tension had never happened.

"Brother Barutu, I have thought about this over and over again these past few days and have discussed it carefully with my confidants. I know that the situation on the grassland is critical now. We Xianbei should really work together." Murong Xuepo held Barutu's hand and said earnestly.

Barutu was delighted and said hurriedly, "The Xianbei are fortunate that the Right Wise King thinks so. I wonder when the Right Wise King plans to dispatch his troops?"

Murong Xuepo frowned slightly, a look of embarrassment on his face. Then he said, "Brother Barutu, you know this heavy snow has blocked the roads, making the march difficult. But don't worry, I'll march as soon as the snow stops. Then, I'll lead my troops alongside you to fight Ma Chao, and we'll make sure he never returns!"

Barutu looked at Murong Xuepo's confident expression and felt a little uneasy. However, seeing Murong Xuepo's statement, he could not say anything more. He could only say, "Then I will rely on the Right Wise King. I hope we can repel the Han army as soon as possible and restore peace to the grassland."

Murong Xuepo patted Barutu's shoulder and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Brother Barutu. I, Murong Xuepo, always keep my word."

After seeing Barutu off, Murong Xuepo's smile instantly vanished, replaced by a sinister look. He knew he was walking a tightrope, but for the sake of his ambition, he decided to take a gamble.

Many days passed, and according to the Han Chinese calendar, New Year's Eve was approaching. The grasslands were still covered in snow, and the cold was biting. Kebineng and Wulanda waited anxiously for news in the royal tent, their inner torment as severe as the cold, showing no sign of abating.

Finally, Barutu appeared outside the royal tent. His fur cloak still clung to the dust of snowflakes. Though his face bore the fatigue of the journey, a hint of excitement shone through his eyes. As soon as he entered the tent, Barutu bowed to Kebineng.

Ke Bineng couldn't wait to ask, "Barutu, what's the situation? What did Murong Xuepo say?"

Barutu smiled and said, "Great Khan, although this journey was full of twists and turns, we have fortunately fulfilled our mission. Murong Xuepo was also facing harassment from the Han army, and their Tuoba tribe suffered heavy losses. However, despite this, Murong Xuepo still understood the greater good and decided to send troops to join us in the fight against Ma Chao."

Barutu's face was filled with admiration as he continued, "I have to say, Murong Xuepo is truly courageous. In such a difficult situation, he's able to put aside his grudges with you and prioritize the greater good of the grasslands. This is truly remarkable. He also stated that the Xianbei tribes are all united, and now that we face a formidable enemy, we should put aside past grudges and join forces to defeat them."

Ke Bineng nodded slightly, a look of relief on his face, and said, "It seems that I underestimated him. At this critical moment, he was able to make such a decision. It's worth sending you on this journey."

Wulanda asked anxiously, "When will they send out their troops?"

Barutu said, "Murong Xuepo said that they would launch an attack as soon as the snow stopped. Now that the snow has stopped, I believe they are also making intensive preparations."

Ke Bineng looked out at the heavy snow outside the tent, which had stopped falling, and said with a firm gaze, "Okay, this is our chance. Wulanda, get ready and mobilize immediately."

Wulan Da responded and said, "Father, according to the spies, Ma Chao and his men are probably operating in the area of ​​the Yuwen tribe. This time we will attack them and destroy them here."

Ke Bineng pondered for a moment and warned, "Don't be careless. Ma Chao is cunning and treacherous, and the Xiliang cavalry is incredibly brave. When you dispatch your troops this time, you must not only fight them with all your might, but also conserve your strength." He paused, a calculating look in his eyes, and continued, "Since Murong Xuepo has joined us, let him consume more of Ma Chao's strength. At the same time, we can also take this opportunity to deplete Murong Xuepo's manpower. But remember, don't let small gains lead to big losses and ruin the overall situation against Ma Chao."

Ulanda understood and said, "Don't worry, father. I understand. I will not let you down." After that, he turned and walked out of the tent, quickly summoned the generals from various departments, and prepared to raise an army.

Ma Chao and his companions, on this vast grassland, had a confused perception of time and mistook the day when the snow stopped for New Year's Eve.

As night fell, the grasslands transformed into a bustling scene. Even after the snow had stopped, the temperature remained chilly, but this did not dampen the soldiers' spirits. Across the camp, blazing bonfires erupted, their dancing flames illuminating the soldiers' excited faces. Racks of cattle and sheep were roasted over the fires, their fat dripping onto the flames, sizzling and emitting an alluring aroma that filled the air above the camp.

After a few days of rest and relaxation after the intense battles, the soldiers seemed to have forgotten all their fatigue. They sat around the campfire, some holding jugs and drinking heartily; some talked and laughed loudly, sharing anecdotes; and still others danced to the cheerful rhythm.

Night fell heavily upon the grasslands. The boundless snowfield glowed orange and red in the bonfire's light, like a dreamy sea of ​​fire. In the center of the camp, the largest bonfire burned fiercely, sparks flying everywhere, seemingly competing with the cold stars in the sky. Clad in a black cape, Ma Chao strode towards the high platform beside the campfire, his cape rustling in the wind like a black battle flag.

Seeing this, the surrounding soldiers gathered around, and the once bustling camp suddenly quieted down. Eyes filled with respect and expectation focused on Ma Chao. Ma Chao reached out and firmly grasped the jar of kumis on the table, holding it high. The milky white kumis in the jar shimmered softly in the firelight, like flowing unpolished jade.

His eyes were like torches as he scanned every soldier present. He said in a voice like a bell: "Brothers! Counting the days, today should be New Year's Eve. Let's celebrate the New Year together! On this grassland far away from the homeland of the Han Dynasty, everyone has overcome numerous difficulties and obstacles along the way. Everyone is a hero in my heart, Ma Chao! Come, let's drink this bowl of wine!" After that, he raised his head and drank the kumis in the bowl. The wine flowed down his resolute chin and soaked his collar.

The soldiers erupted in a thunderous cheer, each raising their wine bowls and quaffing without hesitation. The rich aroma of kumis permeated the air, blending with the aroma of barbecue. Shouts of "Happy New Year!" and "Kill all the foreign enemies!" shook the snow to the ground, blending with the whistling wind to form a passionate war song.

Lu Su stood aside, holding a wine bowl and a gentle smile on his face, watching the high-spirited soldiers with a feeling of deep emotion. He knew that in the harsh conditions of war, moments like these were crucial for stabilizing the troops' morale. Zhang Xiu, on the other hand, seemed particularly excited. He waved his wine bowl in one hand, embraced the soldiers beside him with the other, and laughed loudly, "Haha, brothers, let me lead the way with a song of 'The Dust of the Great Han Expedition'."

Everyone cheered, the bonfire crackled, sparks flew, Zhang Xiu cleared his throat and began, a simple and heroic war song rang out in the camp, everyone responded:

Yellow Sand Man Hujia Chaos

The Han people leave their hometown

Riding a horse and holding a longbow

A long journey to the war

The moon at the border shines on the iron armor

The blood hasn't dried yet

Guard the mountains and rivers, defend the country

I am willing to die in my horse's hide

Reminiscing about my hometown, the warm smoke from cooking fires

The old man with white hair leans against the door and looks out

My wife and children miss me in my dreams

However, my ambitions remain unfulfilled

Breaking through the gap in the Helan Mountains

I will never return until I destroy the barbarians.

The might of the Han Dynasty

Eternal fame

The singing was passionate, initially filled with the lofty ambitions of war, but as the song progressed, the voices gradually sank. The line, "Thinking of my hometown, the warm smoke from the cooking stoves, my gray-haired parents leaning against the door, waiting. My wife and children miss me, even in my dreams," was like a sharp hook, gently pulling, evoking the homesickness dormant in everyone's hearts.

Tears welled up in the eyes of many soldiers as they recalled the warm smoke from their hometowns, the eager gazes of their elderly parents, and the familiar faces of their wives and children. On this distant grassland, in this foreign land shrouded in ice and snow, they had fought for the glory of the Han Dynasty, but now, the longing for home surged in their hearts like a tide, uncontrollable.

Ma Chao looked at his soldiers, a pang of sadness welling up in his heart. He knew the hardships of war, and even more so the torment of homesickness on his men. But he also understood that they shouldered a grave mission, and that only by forging ahead courageously could they return victorious and be reunited with their families. He took a deep breath and declared, "Brothers! Homesickness is common to all. But we bear a heavy responsibility. Only by defeating this foreign enemy can we return home in glory and be with our families forever! When we return victorious, we will surely be revered by the people and reunited with our families!"

After hearing Ma Chao's words, the soldiers raised their heads, their eyes alight with determination. They shouted in unison, "Destroy the foreign enemies! Return home in glory!" Their voices echoed across the grasslands for a long time, as if breaking through the cold night's constraints and reaching their distant homeland...

After three rounds of drinking, the atmosphere in the camp intensified. In the shadows of the camp, the Xianbei women huddled in a corner, their thin clothing barely shielding them from the bitter night chill, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. The light from the campfire barely reached them, illuminating their faces with fear and helplessness. They gazed eagerly at the food in the soldiers' hands, their eyes filled with longing. However, this longing was tinged with hatred. They stared intently at the soldiers, laughing and talking, biting their lips tightly, as if to deeply imprint this hatred in their hearts.

Ma Chao watched this bustling scene with a mixture of joy and worry. He was pleased that the soldiers, despite such difficult circumstances, maintained high morale; yet he was concerned that tomorrow would present an even more formidable challenge, with the counterattacks from the Xianbei tribes sure to be as fierce as a storm. But he firmly believed that as long as they had these brothers who had shared joys and sorrows, they would bravely forge ahead, no matter the difficulties and obstacles ahead. How could Ma Chao be unaware of the hateful glances from the Xianbei women? He quietly asked Lu Su, standing beside him, "Are you ready?" Lu Su replied, "Everything is ready. We'll set out tomorrow." Ma Chao nodded.