Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Cao Cao personally sent for Cao Ang and Ma Yunlu. Soon, the two entered the tent hand in hand. Cao Cao looked at Ma Yunlu, a hint of apology crossing his face. He said, "Yunlu, you came here with Ang'er. From the moment we first met, I've had you following me around, fighting fires everywhere. It's been like putting out fires, with no time to rest. The Xiliang cavalry you brought with you now number less than 5,000. I feel truly guilty about this."

Ma Yunlu looked calm and composed, smiling slightly. "Uncle Cao, you must be joking. Isn't that a bit too formal? Zixiu and I are on good terms. Your Cao family's affairs are naturally my affairs, and I will certainly assist you with all my might. It's a pity that my brother Ma Chao is not in Xiliang. Otherwise, with my brother's ability, how could Yuan Shao dare to act so arrogantly and domineeringly?"

Cao Cao nodded slightly and said, "Yuan Benchu ​​and I were merely fighting for territory. How can that be compared to the dedication of Liang Wang Ma Chao to his country and his people? We must not let our personal affairs arbitrarily criticize the Liang Wang's great talent and strategy. My lifelong wish, Cao Cao, is to expel the foreigners and enhance our country's prestige." Then Cao Ang looked at his father and said, "Father, you can speak freely. Yun Lu will never harbor any dissatisfaction."

Cao Cao looked at Cao Ang, sighed softly, and said, "You child. Hey, since that's the case, Zixiu and Yunlu, I'll be frank. I summoned you here because Yuan Shao isn't planning to expand again for the time being, which gives us some breathing space. Mr. Fengxiao has planned our next strategy: either occupy Xuzhou or attack Shouchun. Otherwise, it will be difficult to survive long-term with just this little foothold."

Cao Ang nodded in agreement and said, "Mr. Fengxiao's strategy is certainly excellent. Father, what do you need us to do?"

Cao Cao's expression grew serious. He spoke slowly, "Both Xuzhou and Shouchun border Jiangdong. If our army were to attack them, I'm afraid Jiangdong would intervene. It's common knowledge that Sun Quan and Zhou Yu of Jiangdong are at odds. I want you two to go to Jiangdong and contact Zhou Yu." Cao Cao looked at them eagerly and continued, "You must convince Zhou Yu to contain Sun Quan, forcing him to have no time to worry about our actions against Xuzhou or Shouchun. Zhou Yu is a man of great loyalty and righteousness, and he has a deep connection with Ma Chao. I believe that with your status, you will be able to have a good conversation with him if you bring up Ma Chao again. This concerns the future of our army, and you two have a heavy responsibility, so don't take it lightly."

Cao Ang and Ma Yunlu exchanged a glance, both eyes filled with determination. Cao Ang clasped his fists and said, "Don't worry, father. Yunlu and I will definitely fulfill our mission."

Ma Yunlu followed suit, saying, "Don't worry, Uncle Cao. Brother Zhou Yu and I are sworn brothers. I'll be there and will definitely convince Brother Zhou." Cao Cao looked at the two of them, nodded slightly, and said thoughtfully, "However, we'll be going deep into Jiangdong. Who would be the right person to escort you? Do you have any suitable candidates?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Yunlu hurriedly said, "Let Uncle Cao know that although General Wei Yan came with me from Xiliang, he is actually an old subordinate of Brother Sun Ce. He was just a guest in Chang'an that day."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao couldn't help but sigh with emotion, "Wei Yan's loyalty and righteousness are unmatched by ordinary men! Even as a guest soldier in Chang'an, he's fearless and unafraid of death. He's dedicated and dedicated to his duties as a guest soldier in our Cao camp. He's truly a true man! So, without further ado, let him lead the remaining Xiliang cavalry to escort you two to Jiangdong. After all, the people of Jiangdong may be wary of us, and whether they approve of us is still uncertain. However, the Xiliang cavalry are renowned, and they certainly won't rashly stop us. Furthermore, we have General Wei Yan, who is well-versed in Jiangdong and a former general there. He's the perfect escort."

Cao Ang nodded in agreement, "Father, this is a brilliant plan. With General Wei Yan and the Xiliang cavalry guarding us, Yun Lu and I will be more secure on our journey to Jiangdong."

Cao Cao looked at Cao Ang and Ma Yunlu and said earnestly, "You two must be extremely cautious on this journey. When negotiating with Zhou Yu, your words must be strategic, appealing both to reason and to emotion. If we can persuade Zhou Yu to contain Sun Quan, our attack on Xuzhou or Shouchun will be less hindered."

Ma Yunlu said firmly, "Don't worry, Uncle Cao. Zixiu and I will remember your teachings and go all out to complete our mission."

Cao Cao nodded slightly and said, "Then prepare to depart immediately. Be careful along the way. If you encounter an emergency, do not act recklessly and prioritize your own safety."

After receiving the order, Cao Ang and Ma Yunlu withdrew and prepared to go on their mission to Jiangdong. Cao Cao watched them leave, silently praying that the mission would go smoothly and that he would gain an opportunity to expand his power.

At that time, the Central Plains was in the grip of a chaotic war, with all factions preoccupied with their own affairs. In this chaotic world, "a man's shadow is a tree's name," and the prestige of the Western Liang Iron Cavalry spread far and wide. Wherever those five thousand Western Liang cavalrymen marched, no faction dared to provoke them. Cao Ang and Ma Yunlu, escorted by Wei Yan, led these five thousand Western Liang Iron Cavalry on a mighty march towards Jiangdong.

Han Dang and Zu Mao, two generals Sun Quan had left behind at the border, heard reports that five thousand cavalrymen were marching aggressively toward Jiangdong. They immediately became nervous and, not wanting to delay even a moment, hurriedly mustered their troops and rushed to investigate. When they approached, they were startled to see that the troops were dressed like the Western Liang cavalry.

Han Dang and Zu Mao were already aware of the long-standing friendship between Jiangdong and Xiliang. A closer look revealed the leader was Wei Yan, accompanied by Ma Chao's sister, Ma Yunlu. They immediately understood the purpose of the troops' arrival. Knowing the stakes involved, they naturally didn't hesitate and immediately gave the order to let them pass, allowing the troops to travel unimpeded through Jiangdong.

Cao Ang and his men successfully passed through the checkpoints of Jiangdong, heading straight for Wujun. Along the way, the people of Jiangdong, upon hearing of the Xiliang cavalry's passage, watched with eager interest. The orderly formations, the fierce riders, and the majestic horses all betrayed the Xiliang cavalry's formidable reputation. The people whispered to each other, filled with curiosity and awe at this mysterious force.

Cao Ang, Ma Yunlu, and Wei Yan, however, had no time to admire the scenery along the way. They knew the weight of their responsibility was immense, and with each step closer to Wujun, their sense of mission grew stronger. They believed that only by meeting Zhou Yu as soon as possible and convincing him to contain Sun Quan could they secure an advantageous position for Cao Cao's faction and secure a place in the turbulent conflict. Finally, after galloping all the way, they arrived at Wujun, and the gates of this important Jiangdong city slowly appeared before them.

Arriving in Wujun, Cao Ang, Ma Yunlu, and their entourage first encountered Ling Cao and other generals guarding the Wujun border. Ling Cao, upon meeting Wei Yan and learning his identity, allowed them unimpeded passage. Not far away, they encountered Taishi Ci. After inquiring about their purpose, Taishi Ci and Wei Yan returned to report to Zhou Yu.

At that moment, Zhou Yu was teaching a group of children the art of war in the main tent. Even Sun Shangxiang's desire to take the children out to play was denied, and she was forced to wait until the military lesson was over before she could take the children out. Sun Shangxiang was helpless, her lips pouting, and she could only wait in the other tent.

Suddenly, Taishi Ci and Wei Yan arrived at the main tent, demanding an audience. Zhou Yu paused the lesson. The children all turned their heads. Zhou Yu approached and asked, "Ziyi, what's going on? Has something happened up ahead?" Taishi Ci pointed backward, and Wei Yan turned, knelt on one knee, and respectfully said, "Greetings, Grand Commander."

Zhou Yu was delighted to see Wei Yan. He hurried forward, hurriedly helped him up, and said, "Wenchang, what brings you here so suddenly?" Wei Yan then replied, "Master Cao Ang is here on a diplomatic mission." Zhou Yu was puzzled. He wondered, Cao Cao was currently engaged in a chaotic war in the Central Plains, and Jiangdong was so far away, so why would he send an envoy? Suddenly remembering Sun's mother's instructions, he said, "As long as it doesn't harm the interests of Wu Commandery, let them negotiate with Sun Quan on their own about any issues with Jiangdong. I don't need to see them."

Wei Yan hurriedly said, "General, it's not just Master Cao Ang who's here this time, but also Ma Yunlu, the sister of the Prince of Liang." Zhou Yu's face lit up with joy. He had met and interacted with Ma Yunlu before, and the image of the little girl chasing after Sun Ce and himself, sweetly calling him "brother" instantly flashed through his mind. But then, a look of deep confusion crossed his face, and he asked, "Why is the sister of the Prince of Liang with Cao Ang?"

Wei Yan said, "Well, it's a long story. Master Cao Ang and Miss Yunlu were in love. Now, because the Cao family was attacked by Yuan Shao, Mr. Li Ru sent Miss Yunlu and me to lead 20,000 Xiliang cavalry to support them, so they got together. They spent every day together, and their feelings grew deeper."

Zhou Yu said, "In that case, we must meet." He turned and waved to the children behind him, saying loudly, "Ma Yue, come with me. Your aunt is here."

Ma Yue was huddled with a few children, watching the whispers outside the tent. When he heard the words "Aunt is here," his eyes lit up instantly, and he felt a surge of joy. During this time, after Sun Shao's aunt, Sun Shangxiang, arrived, she brought them new toys every day and took them out to play. Ma Yue had long been envious. Although Sun Shangxiang doted on them, there was still a layer of distance between them: her surname was Sun. Now that he heard his biological aunt had arrived, he felt a little embarrassed, mumbling "my aunt" under his breath, his face showing a bit of hesitancy.

Zhou Yu couldn't help but laugh at Ma Yue's expression. He stepped forward and picked him up. He then said to Sun Shangxiang, who had heard the commotion and walked out from the side tent, "Shangxiang, Cao Cao has sent his son Cao Ang, along with Ma Yunlu, the sister of the Prince of Liang. Go get Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, and we'll go together to welcome them. This will show our importance."

Sun Shangxiang raised her eyebrows in surprise when she heard this. Zhou Yu smiled and explained, "I'm meeting Cao Ang today not out of respect for Cao Cao, but because Sister Yunlu has arrived. As her elder brother, how could I not personally welcome her? However, there are differences between men and women. Asking Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao to go with you will make it more formal, and it will also be easier for you women to talk together."

Sun Shangxiang finally understood and nodded, saying, "Okay, I'll go call them right away." After that, she turned and walked towards the inner tent.

Zhou Yu, holding Ma Yue in his arms, smiled at the children inside the tent, saying, "Come on, let's go meet our guests from afar." The children, upon hearing they could go out, jumped for joy and surrounded Zhou Yu as he walked out. Sunlight streamed through the cracks in the tent, illuminating the children's faces, filled with curiosity and anticipation. A meeting between two factions was quietly beginning in the Wujun camp.