Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao and the others gradually vanished from sight, leaving Cai Wenji alone in the Hedong Wei clan. Despite Ma Chao's repeated warnings before his departure, those who had already ingrained the belief that Cai Wenji had brought them great shame were unlikely to be dispelled by such warnings. The pressure Ma Chao exerted only served to exacerbate their shame and anger.

Once Ma Chao and the others had completely departed, they immediately revealed their ugly faces to Cai Wenji, showering her with vile words. While they didn't dare to bully her openly regarding food and living conditions, they mentally hurled gossip like poisonous arrows at her. "Hmph, look at her, that devilishly wicked look! I heard she's always been shameless, and now she's used some kind of seductive trick to seduce Ma Chao, which is why he's so fixated on her." "That's right! A woman like her is a disgrace to the family. No wonder she's been kept here." "She might even be involved with a lot of other men. What a shameless creature!" These words pierced Cai Wenji's heart like a knife, leaving her bleeding.

In this hostile atmosphere, Cai Wenji felt increasingly lonely and miserable, relying only on her faith in her father to sustain herself. As for Wei Zhongdao, he never truly cared for her from beginning to end. It was as if their relationship was only a marriage in name only, with no real emotional connection between them, like strangers. In this endless pain and loneliness, Cai Wenji's heart gradually became riddled with holes, as if it would shatter into countless pieces at any moment.

Cai Wenji had to bury the strong longing in her heart deep in her heart and face the difficult and hard life alone.

In her spare time, besides burning incense and praying before her father's spirit tablet, she also meticulously painted a scroll depicting Ma Chao galloping freely on his steed, and hung it in her study. Despite the dissatisfaction of the Wei family and the constant rumors, Cai Wenji remained calm, as she felt she and Ma Chao were no longer destined to be together, and it was difficult for her to fit in with the Wei family. For her, living a life of integrity and honesty was enough to satisfy her.

Ma Chao, filled with a deep reluctance to leave, led a group of men and horses, escorting his family, and slowly moved forward. As they gradually moved away from the land of Hedong, Ma Chao would look back from time to time, as if wanting to deeply engrave the memory of this land in his heart.

As they neared the borders of Hedong, no one anticipated the presence of the Baibo Army, led by Yang Feng. The Baibo Army, led by Yang Feng, were descended from remnants of the Yellow Turbans. Discontented with the government's shortcomings, they had taken up residence in the mountains and established themselves as kings. Having long held sway in the area, they had no idea of ​​Dong Zhuo's current power and influence. Seeing Ma Chao's group, escorted by only seven or eight men and accompanied by their families and carriages, greed seized them and they attempted to rob them.

Soon, the Baibo Army surged forward like a tide, poised to plunder. Seeing this, Ma Chao's eyes instantly sharpened. His face remained calm, yet his heart was already prepared for the situation. Without hesitation, he unfurled the banner of Dong Zhuo's army, hoping to intimidate the enemy.

"Who are you? Do you know that we are Dong Zhuo's army?" Ma Chao shouted loudly.

However, these people in the Baibo Army were ignorant and had no idea of ​​the powerful force that Dong Zhuo now represented.

"Hmph, we don't care about Dong Zhuo's army! Leave your property and women behind and I will spare your life!" someone in Baibo's army shouted.

They still insisted on attacking Ma Chao and others without any scruples or hesitation.

At this moment, Zhang Xiu and Dian Wei led their troops, employing a relentless, aggressive attack, charging like tigers at the Baibo army. Zhang Xiu wielded his spear, its tip flashing with a cold gleam, each strike delivering a devastating blow. Dian Wei, wielding twin halberds, tore through the enemy ranks like a whirlwind, crushing them in his wake. Ma Chao's interest was piqued by a young officer from the Baibo army. He was a burly figure with a dark complexion, wielding a massive axe, and possessed a commanding presence. He fought Zhang Xiu with unparalleled valor for fifty rounds, with no clear victor.

"Good boy, you're quite capable!" Zhang Xiu shouted, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

As the battle dragged on, Zhang Xiu's seven or eight followers gradually fell into danger, their lives in grave danger. Seeing this, Ma Chao, without hesitation, mounted his horse, spear in hand, and charged into the enemy formation like a whirlwind. His spear spun like a dragon, each swing unleashing a hail of blood. With Ma Chao's presence, these seven or eight men seemed to instantly become a mighty force, their momentum unstoppable. The two or three hundred Baibo soldiers were decimated by their charge, leaving them utterly defeated.

Ma Chao fought bravely, charging towards Yang Feng, the leader of the Baibo Army. Yang Feng, horrified, watched Ma Chao descend like a god of war. He tried to retreat, but it was too late. Ma Chao's spear tip twitched, a flash of cold light, and Yang Feng was slain beneath his horse.

The young general was furious when he saw his leader killed. He abandoned Zhang Xiu and turned to attack Ma Chao. But it was too late. Yang Feng was already dead.

"Ma Chao! I will kill you!" The young general roared and rushed forward madly, waving his axe.

Ma Chao was not moved at all and just looked at him coldly.

"Hmph, you overestimate your abilities!" said Ma Chao.

The young general swung his axe repeatedly, attempting to threaten Ma Chao, but Ma Chao easily dodged his blows. After a dozen or so rounds, the young general gradually lost his strength and was finally struck by Ma Chao's spear, falling to the ground. Ma Chao's followers immediately advanced, tied him up, and brought him to the front of the army.

"Hmph, you dare to rob me?" Ma Chao looked down at the bound Xu Huang, his eyes full of disdain.

Xu Huang gritted his teeth, still unconvinced despite being captured: "We are only trying to survive!"

Ma Chao sneered, "Survival is no excuse for your evil deeds! If it weren't for me today, you wouldn't know how many sins you would have committed!"

Zhang Xiu stepped forward, looked at Ma Chao, and said, "Mengqi, this boy is quite courageous."

Ma Chao nodded: "Indeed, but he followed the wrong person and went astray."

At this time, Dian Wei also came over. He was covered in blood, but he laughed heartily and said, "What a pleasure! These guys really overestimate their own abilities!"

Looking at the devastated ground and the dead and wounded White Wave soldiers, Ma Chao couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. He knew there would be more dangers and challenges along the way, but he was undaunted. He had to protect the people behind him and complete his mission.

"Let's keep going!" Ma Chao gave the order, and everyone set out on their journey again. The bound Xu Huang watched them depart, his mind shrouded in mystery.

On the way forward, Ma Chao's thoughts were still immersed in the battle just now.

"Mengqi, you were so impressive just now!" an attendant said with a smile.

Ma Chao smiled slightly: "If they don't provoke us, I don't want to cause any more trouble."

"The Baibo Army is so stupid that they don't even recognize Dong Zhuo's army." said another follower.

Ma Chao sighed, "We can't blame them entirely. After all, they've lived here for a long time and haven't had much information."

As the crowd continued to talk, they continued to move forward. Xu Huang, on horseback, listened to their conversation silently, and something seemed to be touching his heart.

After a while, Ma Chao stopped and turned to look at Xu Huang.

"What's your name?" Ma Chao asked.

Xu Huang hesitated for a moment, then replied, "My name is Xu Huang."

"Xu Huang, do you know how stupid your behavior today was?" Ma Chao said.

Xu Huang lowered his head and said softly, "I know, but we have no choice."

Ma Chao looked at him thoughtfully and said, "If you are willing to follow me and serve the court, I can spare your life."

Xu Huang raised his head, a hint of surprise and hesitation flashed in his eyes.

"Think about it carefully." After saying this, Ma Chao ignored him and continued to lead the team forward.

Xu Huang was in a state of mental struggle, thinking about Ma Chao's words and his own future. At this moment, he seemed to see a new path unfolding before him.

As the journey progressed, Ma Chao and his companions finally escaped this dangerous land and continued on their way to their destination. And Xu Huang's fate changed at this moment. In the days that followed, Xu Huang constantly pondered his choice, realizing that following Ma Chao might be a new beginning. Ma Chao, in turn, secretly observed Xu Huang, hoping this courageous young general would make the right decision.