Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

After successfully subduing Xu Huang, Ma Chao led his troops on their way from Hedong County, first successfully passing Yangping Pass and then Sanguan Pass, ultimately entering the Guanzhong region. Given that Dong Zhuo's move to establish a new emperor had already been approved by the imperial court—after all, Emperor Liu Bian had only recently ascended the throne after Emperor Ling's death, and with the prior support of the Empress Dowager, Empress He, and the entire court—Dong Zhuo's move met with no resistance from the various regions, and no opposition had yet emerged. Consequently, the commanders at Yangping Pass and Sanguan Pass, already located on the route from Xiliang to Luoyang, were extremely friendly to Ma Chao, Dong Zhuo's most trusted general, given Dong Zhuo's formidable power. They even offered to send troops to protect Ma Chao and his men, but Ma Chao declined.

After Ma Chao and his men successfully entered the Guanzhong region and arrived in Chang'an, they decided to rest for a while. After all, the constant travel had been somewhat overwhelming for Madam Lu, Lu Wan, Lu Yu, and the others. Ma Chao and his men then arranged for Lu Zhi's family to rest at the posthouse, leaving Dian Wei and his entourage to provide security while Ma Chao and Zhang Xiu prepared to purchase more supplies on the streets of Chang'an.

A cacophony of voices echoed through the bustling streets. Ma Chao and Zhang Xiu were carefully selecting supplies when suddenly, a heated debate erupted from the tavern next door. The discussion was about developing military farms in the rear and planning for the military's expansion. These topics instantly piqued Ma Chao's interest. He paused, turned toward the tavern, and said to Zhang Xiu, "Let's go take a look."

The two of them walked quickly toward the tavern. As they got closer, Ma Chao took a closer look and was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was Xun Yu who was there. He saw Xun Yu arguing fiercely with someone surrounded by a crowd. Ma Chao's heart surged with excitement, and he couldn't help but shout, "Mr. Wen Ruo!"

Xun Yu turned around abruptly when he heard the familiar voice. He was startled at first, then a smile of surprise appeared on his face: "Meng Qi! I'm surprised to see you here!"

The two walked quickly together and hugged each other tightly. Ma Chao said excitedly, "I never thought I could meet you again in Chang'an. I'm so happy!"

Xun Yu's face was also filled with joy: "Yes, fate is truly wonderful!"

At this time, Xun Yu looked at Zao Zhi who was standing beside him and introduced him to Ma Chao: "Mengqi, this is Zao Zhi. He has quite a few insights into the strategy of military farming."

Ma Chao quickly bowed and said, "I've heard so much about you!"

Zao Zhi also returned the greeting and said, "Nice to meet you! It is my great honor to meet General Ma today."

Inside the tavern, several people took their seats. Ma Chao's face was filled with curiosity. He looked at Xun Yu sincerely and asked, "I wonder why Mr. Wenruo came to Chang'an?"

Xun Yu sighed softly, his eyes revealing a complex mix of emotions as he spoke slowly, "This story is truly a long one. Back then, General He Jin was brutally murdered by the eunuchs. Then, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Yuan Shu, and others led their troops into the imperial palace to exterminate the eunuchs. From that moment on, the prosperous capital of Luoyang began to undergo earth-shattering changes. Then, unexpectedly, Dong Zhuo arrived to rescue the emperor. Shortly thereafter, shocking news arrived: General Lu had forced the emperor to flee. When I first heard this news, I couldn't believe it. But the reality was that both the emperor and General Lu had vanished without a trace. As the situation in Luoyang grew increasingly chaotic, I firmly resolved to find the whereabouts of the emperor and General Lu. Thus, I embarked on this arduous journey, which, after many twists and turns, ultimately led me to Chang'an."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao anxiously inquired, "Mr. Wenruo, do you know the exact whereabouts of my master?" Xun Yu shook his head, a look of helplessness and confusion on his face. He replied, "I've occasionally heard snippets of information along the way, but I've never been able to pinpoint a specific destination. I've simply been searching blindly without a clue. I've been staying in Chang'an for the past few days, but I met Mr. Zao Zhi. I thought I'd stay here for a few more days before continuing my search." Xun Yu then turned to Ma Chao and asked, "Why did you come to Chang'an?"

Lost in reminiscence, Ma Chao spoke slowly, "After returning to Xiliang, I faced a chaotic situation there. After enduring hardships, I finally pacified it. Later, I received Dong Zhuo's favor and promotion. Dong Zhuo summoned me in Luoyang. Fearful of the evolving situation there, and even more so of my master's safety and whereabouts, I rushed here in a hurry. Unexpectedly, upon my arrival, my master and the emperor had vanished. I did my best to help Dong Zhuo stabilize his position in Luoyang, but I watched helplessly as he grew increasingly arrogant and disrespectful, ultimately attempting such a heinous act as to depose and enthronize the emperor. Then there was Master Cai's death by hurling himself into the Golden Palace. All of this left me disheartened, and I decided to return to Xiliang, taking my master's family with me."

When Xun Yu heard how Cai Yong had angrily denounced Dong Zhuo in the Golden Palace and ultimately died a heroic death, he was overcome with grief and indignation. He could not help but beat his chest and stamp his feet, angrily cursing with deep sorrow: "Lord Cai is so loyal! For the greater good, he dared to speak frankly to that traitor Dong and fight to the death. This act of loyalty is simply moving! And that Dong Zhuo is nothing but a wicked and ruthless traitor! He has committed perverse acts, wantonly disrupted the government, and has thrown the country into chaos, leaving the people living in dire straits! If this world is destroyed in his hands, he will surely be despised for all eternity! The one who caused chaos in the world must be the traitor Dong! He is the greatest disaster in the world, and everyone wants to get rid of him as soon as possible!"

After hearing this, Ma Chao showed an embarrassed and awkward expression on his face. After all, no matter how cruel and arrogant Dong Zhuo was in the eyes of outsiders, no matter how outsiders evaluated him, for Ma Chao, Dong Zhuo had indeed given him real favors as heavy as a mountain.

Xun Yu then looked at Ma Chao with a determined gaze and said, "Mengqi, since you have left Luoyang, why don't you join us in gathering heroes from all sides to defeat Dong Zhuo together, while also continuing to search for Master Lu?"

Ma Chao bit his lip, his expression becoming extremely complex. His furrowed brow seemed to hold an endless amount of entanglement and pain. His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, "Mr. Wenruo, loyalty and righteousness have always been so difficult to achieve! Master has always taught me to be loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and I, Ma Chao, have always held this view in my heart. But Master Dong has been so kind to our Ma family! First, he saved our entire family in a time of crisis, and then he showed me, Ma Chao, exceptional care and promotion in the army. It is simply difficult for me to renounce such a profound debt of gratitude and go against Master Dong! If I were to turn against Master Dong, I… I…" Ma Chao's voice began to tremble even more. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails practically dug into his palms, pouring out the extreme entanglement, pain, and struggle within him. The intense emotion made his face pale, and beads of sweat gradually seeped onto his forehead.

Upon hearing this, Xun Yu couldn't help but feel astonished by Ma Chao's predicament. Indeed, Dong Zhuo had been incredibly kind to Ma Chao, and Ma Chao was such an upright and loyal gentleman. He was mired in such deep embarrassment and pain, as if his heart were being torn apart by two irresistible forces, leaving him at a crossroads, unsure of what to do.

At that moment, the tavern fell into a deep silence, as if even the air had frozen. Ma Chao stared into the distance, his thoughts drifting back to the memories of his time with Dong Zhuo. Those battles together, Dong Zhuo's care and encouragement, all flooded back to him like a tide, exacerbating his inner pain. Meanwhile, his master's teachings and his belief in loyalty echoed in his mind like a warning bell, plunging him into a deep internal struggle.

Xun Yu looked at Ma Chao quietly. He understood Ma Chao's current state of mind. He knew how difficult it would be for Ma Chao to make the decision to break with Dong Zhuo so quickly. But he also understood that Dong Zhuo's actions had already caused great disaster to the people of the world.