Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

After enduring a crushing siege by the Baibo Army, Ma Chao fought alone, outnumbered, and successfully inflicted heavy casualties. Surprisingly, he neither killed the bandits nor demanded excessive punishment from them. Instead, he unexpectedly sent them home, sparing only his own family. Thus, the group set out on their journey, and along the way, the young general was treated as though he were not a prisoner. Besides forbidding him from leaving the ranks, they also provided him with food and drink as he pleased. No thought was even given to tying him up or imposing other restrictions on his movements. He was allowed to ride his horse and carry his axe, seemingly without any suspicion. As their journey progressed, they gradually left the Hedong region. During this time, Ma Chao's thoughts gradually shifted. He understood that everyone has their own destiny. Although he felt deeply for Cai Wenji, he understood that he must respect her choices. Thus, he gradually distanced himself from the intrigues of the imperial court, preparing to embark on a new life where Ma Chao could rule.

Lu Wan was naturally filled with anxiety and uneasiness. However, Ma Chao kept describing the beautiful scenery of Xiliang to her, showcasing all the wonderful things there, which gradually aroused some anticipation in her heart. Influenced by this atmosphere, the crowd regained their former lively atmosphere, no longer feeling heavy and depressed.

The young general continued to follow in this atmosphere. When it was time to eat, they treated him the same as they did, allowing him to eat as he pleased. He tried to escape several times at night, but every time he tried, he was caught by the ferocious Dian Wei and severely beaten. For the rest of the journey, Ma Chao, Zhang Xiu, and the others barely interacted with him. He could only silently observe their behavior along the way.

He had long been acquainted with Ma Chao's unparalleled martial prowess, and he had witnessed Dian Wei's tactics more than just one or two escapes. Even his rival, Zhang Xiu, was a skilled warrior, and the other five or six followers were equally skilled. Yet, the relationship between them was less like a typical superior-subordinate relationship and more like the relaxed, comfortable atmosphere of friendship. He had never understood Ma Chao. In his view, Ma Chao was clearly the leader of the group, yet he displayed no signs of the intimidation of a superior over his subordinates. Instead, he interacted with them like friends.

They simply continued on their journey, and whenever they encountered those in need, Ma Chao would unhesitatingly offer his assistance to those in need. Ma Chao and Lu Wan were like a divine couple. Though Mrs. Lu rarely appeared in public, her compassionate heart was evident in their occasional interactions. While Zhang Xiu and the other followers were undoubtedly Ma Chao's subordinates, Dian Wei was more like a loyal guard. However, Dian Wei showed Ma Chao respect, without displaying excessive flattery.

This strange pair continued their journey together for three or four days, with no one paying attention to Xu Huang's thoughts. Finally, one day, Xu Huang could no longer contain his confusion and decided to go talk to Ma Chao.

Xu Huang bowed respectfully to Ma Chao and said, "My name is Xu Huang, courtesy name Gongming, and I have long served General Yang Feng. My family was extremely poor and struggling, and at the outbreak of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, I joined General Yang Feng's army. After the Yellow Turbans were crushed, General Yang Feng's army was reorganized into the Baibo Army, and I have followed him ever since. Because my family was so destitute, and General Yang Feng had shown me so much kindness and care, I firmly resolved to serve him until death. However, you killed General Yang Feng. While I should have avenged him, fighting between two armies inevitably results in casualties. Furthermore, we intended to plunder you, but you killed us instead. There's nothing wrong with that. But I've always been puzzled. You neither killed me nor let me go, but instead carried me along. What was your motive?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao smiled faintly and said to Lu Wan and Zhang Xiu, "See, he's finally giving up." Zhang Xiu and Lu Wan smiled at each other and agreed, "Yes, this guy is quite interesting." Then, Ma Chao's expression became extremely serious, and he asked earnestly, "Why did you join the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the first place?" Xu Huang hesitated, then slowly said, "The core mission of our Yellow Turban Army is to overthrow this corrupt rule and establish a peaceful and prosperous era, so that the people can live a good life, free from oppression and hardship."

After hearing this, Ma Chao shook his head slightly and said, "But have you really done it? Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, look at what the world has become. Countless people have been displaced and tragically died in the endless war. Have they truly lived the happy life you claim? Look at the devastation and desolation everywhere. This is all caused by war! The people are struggling in this dire straits, and what have you, the so-called rebels, done?"

Xu Huang remained silent for a moment, a look of bewilderment on his face. Ma Chao continued, "For example, you followed Yang Feng and formed the Baibo Army, but what did you actually accomplish? It was just the same old plundering! Do we pose a threat to you? Do we harm the people? We've always done what's right, and yet you're engaging in such unscrupulous acts! Is this what you call pursuing a peaceful and prosperous era? Is this what you call serving the people?"

Xu Huang's face flushed red with shame, his head almost bowed to the ground. Ma Chao's image at this moment seemed to emit a dazzling light. He said righteously: "We have such martial arts skills, so should we engage in robbery? Isn't this a shame! We have martial arts skills, and we should serve the country and comfort the people. Now that the country is in such a turbulent situation, we should work together to protect the court and strive to ensure that the people can live and work in peace, instead of recklessly robbing and aiding the tyrant like you! This is completely contrary to our original intention!" After hearing this, Xu Huang was ashamed and wanted to find a hole to crawl into.

Ma Chao looked at Xu Huang and spoke slowly, "You appear young, yet you've been with the bandits for years. I'm afraid your perspective is distorted. Ever since my teacher's teachings, I've always believed that those of us with abilities should shoulder greater responsibilities. Since we possess such power, we should strive to end this chaotic world and bring hope to the people. I see you're not inherently violent, but whether unintentionally or for other reasons, you've allowed yourself to fade into obscurity. You've followed the Yellow Turbans in their rebellion for so many years. What have you truly accomplished? From your youth to your youth, besides fighting, traveling and fleeing with others, what have you done? What have you done for the people? Given so much injustice in this world, we should strive to change it, uphold loyalty and righteousness, and treat the people with kindness. Ask yourself: what is the purpose of your weapons? Is it to drink the blood of ordinary people?"

After hearing this, Xu Huang was so ashamed that he couldn't raise his head. He looked at the weapon in his hand, threw it on the ground, and prepared to retreat dejectedly.

Ma Chao continued, "There's nothing to be ashamed of if you don't understand these principles, because no one has ever explained them to you. I used to be someone who only knew how to speak with my spear, but since following my teacher and receiving his earnest guidance, I've come to understand that we should not only live for ourselves, but also for the common people of this world. How many of those truly in power truly consider the common people below? And it is precisely these common people who support them. This principle doesn't mean we must be loyal to whoever has the most power and attack whoever has the least power. It's about who truly works for the people and who can ensure their livelihoods. The people have suffered greatly. In every war, not only do the nobles die, but even more are displaced by the common people. I hope you can understand."

At this moment, Xu Huang's face was flushed red. He bowed deeply to the ground in shame, and said in a sincere and excited voice: "General, you have completely solved the many questions that have been bothering me for many years. Today I really understand many truths. I, Xu Huang, swear here that I am willing to hold the horse and stirrup for the general for the rest of my life, and serve the general without reservation, without any second thoughts!" After hearing this, Ma Chao's eyes flashed with a trace of relief and joy. He hurriedly stepped forward, helped Xu Huang up steadily with both hands, and then laughed heartily, saying heroically: "Haha, I am lucky to have Gongming, just like a fish in water. From today on, you and I will work hard together for the people of this world and create a better future together!" Xu Huang nodded heavily, his eyes full of determination and conviction. At this point, he was convinced by Ma Chao and followed Ma Chao wholeheartedly to pursue that hopeful future.