Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Regardless of the complex and volatile situation in Luoyang, and regardless of Dong Zhuo's gradual ascension to the position of Grand Tutor and his commanding influence at court, Ma Chao felt powerless to dissuade him, knowing full well that he could do nothing to change the established facts. Since Cai Yong's death, Ma Chao had lost all interest in Luoyang, desiring only to leave this chaotic and strife-ridden city as soon as possible. Dong Zhuo's governing philosophy clashed utterly with Ma Chao's long-held values ​​of loyalty and righteousness, as well as his earnest admonitions from Lu Zhi. Unable to accept the situation, Ma Chao resolutely offered his departure. Although Dong Zhuo harbored some resentment for Ma Chao's previous admonitions, including his actions on the day of Lu Zhi's death, he ultimately admired and loved Ma Chao, and was deeply saddened to see him go, thus flatly declining his request.

In the dimly lit tent, Dong Zhuo's face was gloomy, and he had anxiously sought out Li Ru to discuss the matter. Dong Zhuo frowned, his heart filled with regret and resentment. He gritted his teeth and said, "I originally wanted to marry my only granddaughter, Dong Bai, to Ma Chao. I even considered leaving this great enterprise we've created to Ma Chao and Dong Bai. But why is Ma Chao so unsupportive of my actions? I simply cannot understand!" His words were filled with deep resentment and confusion.

Li Ru looked at Dong Zhuo, his eyes revealing calmness and wisdom. He slowly responded: "My lord, Ma Chao is no ordinary man, he is a hero among men! My lord, think about it, wealth cannot destroy his ambition, and high position and generous salary cannot destroy his ambition. A person like him will definitely be someone you can entrust with important matters in the future. It is for this reason that he will not forget your kindness today. If you treat him sincerely, he will definitely get along well with Miss Dong Bai in the future, and will wholeheartedly protect Miss Dong Bai. My lord, you can't win him over like you treat those ordinary generals under your command." Li Ru thought to himself, my lord, my lord, how can a person like Ma Chao be easily moved by ordinary benefits? How can you accomplish great things if you are so impatient?

After hearing this, Dong Zhuo's eyes first flashed with thought, and then revealed a solemn look. He nodded slightly, as if he was seriously considering Li Ru's words, and secretly thought to himself that what Li Ru said might make sense. It seems that the way I treat Ma Chao really needs to change. I can't be so simple and crude anymore. After a while, Dong Zhuo said solemnly: "Well, in your opinion, what should I do to truly win his heart?" Li Ru pondered for a moment, then said seriously: "My lord, we must take a long-term view and exchange sincerity for sincerity. We must not rush things..."

Dong Zhuo's brows furrowed even more as he heard this. "Now he's determined to leave Luoyang. Isn't that betraying me? How can I tolerate this?"

Li Ru hurriedly bowed and said, "My lord, please calm down. My lord, please don't be impatient. It is precisely because Ma Chao is loyal, filial, and righteous that he is unwilling to go against your thoughts and actions that he is so entangled. In the future, you will definitely stand in opposition to his teacher Lu Zhi. Think about it, how will you let him cope? Moreover, my lord, your kindness to him is enough. If he returns to Xiliang, he can stabilize Xiliang, deal with the surrounding ethnic minorities, and establish a stable rear base for us. Moreover, Miss Dong Bai is also in Xiliang. In this way, he will definitely be more attentive. Wouldn't this be more beneficial to you?"

Dong Zhuo's face shifted between gloom and brightness upon hearing this, and he paced back and forth in the tent for a long time. After a long pause, his eyes flickered with complex glints as he slowly spoke, "Alas, Wenyou, what you say is not without reason. It's just that this Mengqi is really giving me a headache." Li Ru nodded and said softly, "My lord, Ma Chao is a rare talent. As long as we handle him properly, he will surely be of use to us. For now, we must find a way to appease him and make him stand wholeheartedly on our side." Dong Zhuo pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly and said, "Well, then, let's do as you say and make a long-term plan."

Li Ru was a perceptive person. He could tell from the change in Dong Zhuo's address for Ma Chao that Dong Zhuo still deeply loved him. Initially, Dong Zhuo had addressed him by his given name, "Ma Chao," but now he was calling him by his courtesy name, "Meng Qi." This subtle shift made Li Ru understand that Dong Zhuo truly valued Ma Chao, and that his anger was only fueled by Dong Zhuo's reluctance to let him leave. This was especially true when Ma Chao repeatedly suggested leaving, further fueling Dong Zhuo's rage.

After Li Ru understood Dong Zhuo's thoughts, he began his persuasion. His tone was calm yet profound, "My lord, Meng Qi is truly an extraordinary talent, and his heart is with you. However, given the current complex situation, it's natural for him to be momentarily troubled. My lord, please relax and don't let your anger get the better of you." Li Ru deftly emphasized Ma Chao's extraordinary talents and the reasons for his struggles, while also calming Dong Zhuo's emotions. Dong Zhuo's expression softened slightly, his anger slowly dissipating. He sighed deeply, "Alas, I was indeed too impatient. Thanks to you, I'm finally at peace." Li Ru bowed slightly, saying, "My lord, you're too kind. This is my duty." Thanks to Li Ru's skillful persuasion, Dong Zhuo's emotions gradually stabilized, and his attitude toward Ma Chao shifted slightly.

Dong Zhuo, now free of his previous anxieties, remained decisive and decisive. He acted swiftly, recommending Ma Teng as governor of Liang Province to demonstrate his favor and respect for the Ma family. He also gifted Ma Chao with numerous valuable gifts, including mountains of rare treasures and silks, demonstrating his extraordinary regard for Ma Chao.

Even when Ma Chao proposed to take Lu Zhi's family away, Dong Zhuo offered no resistance. Dong Zhuo knew full well that Lu Zhi's integrity and dedication to his country and people meant that even forcibly detaining his family would not change his unwavering faith in the greater good of his country. Holding Lu Zhi's family tightly would be pointless and would only increase Ma Chao's annoyance and resentment. Thus, Dong Zhuo generously allowed Ma Chao to take Lu Zhi's family, demonstrating both his leniency towards Lu Zhi and his special regard for Ma Chao. He even dispatched a specially equipped and imposing Flying Bear Army escort to ensure their safety.

However, Ma Chao firmly refused Dong Zhuo's reward. He did not take any of the gold, silver, or other valuables, nor did he lead the Flying Bear Army. He only brought Zhang Xiu and a few brothers he had previously met with the Flying Bear Army. With a firm determination, the group of seven or eight slowly left Luoyang, escorting Lu Zhi's family and Cai Yong's belongings.

Ma Chao, Dong Zhuo's undisputed favorite general, was considered by Dong Zhuo to be the key figure in his future affairs and his vast estate. From Dong Zhuo's close blood relatives like Li Ru and Niu Fu to seasoned generals from the Western Liang army, and even the recently joined Lü Bu, Ma Chao was a man of great esteem. Lü Bu, known for his pride and pride, expressed deep admiration for Ma Chao's martial arts and character, and so upon his departure, they all came to bid him farewell.

Ma Chao stood at the city gate, bidding farewell to everyone one by one. His gaze slowly swept over each face, a myriad of thoughts swirling within him. Facing relatives like Li Ru and Niu Fu, he knew their hopes and care for him, and a wave of longing and reluctance washed over him. Looking at the great generals of the Western Liang army, memories of their past battles together flooded back, bringing both comfort and a touch of melancholy. As for Lü Bu, Ma Chao saw genuine admiration in his eyes, and a sense of mutual respect welled up within him.

Dong Zhuo and the Xiliang army may have been seen by many outsiders as symbols of brutality, cruelty, and bloodlust, their actions often criticized and condemned by the world. Their actions likely infuriated countless people, leaving the people living in fear and insecurity.

Yet, deep down in Ma Chao's heart, they were more than just that. For Ma Chao, Dong Zhuo was the lord he had once served, a bond formed through their long association and shared battles. Despite Dong Zhuo's many evil deeds, Ma Chao witnessed Dong Zhuo's trust and respect for him, and the years they had endured together left a deep mark on his heart. And the Xiliang army, a group he had shed blood and sweat alongside, included familiar comrades and brothers-in-arms. They had fought alongside him on the battlefield, sharing a life-or-death bond and a common goal. During those bloody and tumultuous times, Ma Chao harbored a special affection for them. Perhaps this feeling was one of loyalty, gratitude, or perhaps a complex, inexplicable sentiment. Therefore, despite their brutality in the eyes of others, Ma Chao's heart was filled with a special feeling that others could hardly comprehend or understand.

Ma Chao's emotions were turbulent at this moment. Leaving Luoyang, he wondered when he would return, or what unpredictable events would unfold. He was deeply concerned about the whereabouts of his beloved teacher, Lu Zhi. Dong Zhuo's actions, which so clashed with his deeply held moral principles, weighed heavily on his mind. His memories of Luoyang flashed back, reflecting on moments of glory as well as struggles and contradictions. Now, he yearned to return to Xiliang as quickly as possible—his roots and place of hope. He longed to rebuild Xiliang, restoring its former vitality and prosperity. At the same time, he would subdue or defeat the surrounding tribes that coveted Xiliang, creating a stable environment for the people and freeing them from the torment of war.