Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The banquet concluded, both host and guests rejoicing. Ma Chao, along with Dian Wei, Zhang Xiu, and Xu Huang, escorted Xun Yu and Zao Zhi far outside the posthouse. Only after the two men repeatedly and firmly refused to continue accompanying them did they stop and watch them gradually disappear into the distance. Ma Chao stood there silently, gazing for a long, long time without turning back.

Zhang Xiu and Xu Huang asked, full of confusion, "General, you're a hero who roams the world. In Luoyang, everyone from the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers to the various generals is so polite to you. We've never seen you like this before. I wonder what these two have that you value them so highly?" Dian Wei chimed in, "That's right. Look at these two. They don't have much muscle on them. I don't think they could even hold a single punch of mine together."

Ma Chao said to Dian Wei with a hint of reprimand, "How dare you, Junming, speak of you two in such a way? You must show due respect to me when you meet you two in the future." He then addressed Xu Huang and Zhang Xiu, "You don't understand. We are merely armed with weapons. Ultimately, we are only there to fight. But these two are very different. You've heard of Mr. Zao Zhi's strategy of cultivating farmland, which demonstrates his exceptional talent. If we could enlist Mr. Zao Zhi's assistance, Xiliang would no longer have to worry about food and fodder. And Mr. Xun Yu is even better. He has been in charge of government affairs since he arrived in Luoyang. His policies are implemented smoothly, and he deeply understands the people's suffering. Even more remarkable is that Mr. Xun Yu is also knowledgeable in military affairs. With the help of these two, Xiliang's prosperity is imminent. If there is another war, I can march with confidence, without having to worry about Xiliang's affairs." The three men were somewhat confused, but seeing Ma Chao's respectful attitude, they all nodded in agreement. Ma Chao said with a hint of self-mockery, "Alas, I, Ma Chao, am too insignificant to win the hearts of the two gentlemen. What can I do?"

Dian Wei scratched his head and spoke first: "General, I think we should use a large sum of money to bribe those two gentlemen, maybe they will agree to go with us."

Xu Huang frowned and said, "I'm afraid offering a large bribe is inappropriate. In my opinion, it would be better to use force and tie them up and take them back to Xiliang."

Zhang Xiu also quickly said, "Yes, yes, General, using force is also an option."

Ma Chao's face darkened upon hearing this. He rebuked them, "Nonsense! These two gentlemen are both virtuous and capable. How can we treat them this way? Offering them large bribes is detrimental to their reputations, and using force is unacceptable. It will only make them loathe us even more."

Dian Wei muttered, "What can we do, General? You really want them to help you."

Xu Huang and Zhang Xiu also looked at Ma Chao in confusion.

Ma Chao sighed and said slowly, "Well, while we are still here for the next two days to rest, let's try our best to ask for help. If you two gentlemen really don't think highly of me, Ma Chao, we can't force you to do anything."

Xun Yu and Zao Zhi returned to their residence together. Zao Zhi was already deeply moved by Ma Chao's invitation. He had presented his proposal for military farming to the imperial court and other high-ranking officials, but to no avail. In these turbulent times, people often prioritized power and military command, but how many truly cared about the land and the people? Perhaps they were only concerned with the benefits they could bring themselves, but how many truly cared about whether the people had enough food and clothing?

Zao Zhi said to Xun Yu, "Wen Ruo, I actually think General Ma Chao is quite good, and his suggestion is not bad. A general who is so proud, yet has such brilliant military achievements at such a young age, and who also cares about the people, is truly a rare person."

Xun Yu responded, "Yes, I knew Meng Qi before in Luoyang. I could tell he was a rare talent. He was skilled in martial arts and diligent in his studies. He was a man of both civil and military talents. Furthermore, he was loyal to the emperor, patriotic, and concerned for the people. These were all rare qualities."

Zao Zhi continued, "In that case, why don't we agree to his request? We don't have much else to do right now, and this way we can do something for the people." Xun Yu said, "The emperor is in disgrace, and Master Lu is nowhere to be found. Although Ma Chao may be loyal and patriotic, he is still under Dong Zhuo's command. If we follow him, wouldn't we be aiding and abetting his tyranny?"

Zao Zhi didn't know how to decide for a moment.

Ma Chao rested in Chang'an for five or six days, meeting with Xun Yu and Zao Zhi three or four times. However, the two never explicitly agreed to Ma Chao's request. Ma Chao couldn't stay in Chang'an for much longer, so he could only sigh in frustration. Ma Chao's mood was deeply gloomy. Dian Wei and Zhang Xiu, seeing Ma Chao's displeasure, tried desperately to change the subject, finding various topics to distract him. Lu Wan, sensing Ma Chao's unhappiness, could only silently accompany him, unable to offer any other assistance. Only Xu Huang, observing Ma Chao's desperate desire for the two gentlemen's help but unable to fulfill it, pondered inwardly how he could fulfill this wish. After all, he had just joined the army and wondered how he could fulfill Ma Chao's wish.

The morning sun gently shone upon the earth, casting a faint golden glow upon everything. Ma Chao and his companions stood in neat rows, their expressions solemn as they closely guarded Lu Zhi's family, preparing to embark on their journey back to Xiliang.

Xun Yu and Zao Zhi arrived at the city gate early, their figures appearing somewhat thin in the morning light. Xun Yu, dressed in a simple, elegant robe, had a calm and gentle expression, his eyes revealing a subtle, complex mix of emotions. Zao Zhi stood nearby, his face etched with a touch of emotion and reluctance.

Ma Chao, riding atop his majestic warhorse, approached Xun Yu and Zao Zhi, clasping his fists and saying, "Gentlemen, thank you for coming to see me off. Ma Chao bids farewell." Xun Yu nodded slightly and said softly, "General Mengqi, take care on your journey." Zao Zhi followed suit, saying, "I hope the General has a safe journey. I look forward to seeing you soon."

After a brief greeting, Ma Chao glanced deeply at Xun Yu and Zao Zhi, then turned to look at the troops behind him and shouted, "Move out!" Following his command, the troops slowly began to move. The sound of horses' hooves clattered, wheels rolled, and a cloud of dust rose.

Ma Chao and his troops drifted further and further away, their figures gradually fading. Xun Yu and Zao Zhi stood quietly, basking in the morning light. Their gaze followed the group's departure, not withdrawing for a long time, until the group completely disappeared from sight.

Ma Chao journeyed on, a heartbroken regret filling him. His preoccupations obscured his attention, so much so that he barely noticed the missing member of his group. It was only during a break that Ma Chao realized Xu Huang was missing. He questioned Dian Wei and Zhang Xiu, who shone a flicker in his eyes, "I don't know. I saw him when we first set out. Could it be that this thief doesn't want to follow us and has slipped away to become a bandit again?" Dian Wei scratched his head and murmured, "Yes, yes. This fellow remains a thief." Although Ma Chao doubted Xu Huang's actions, the fact that he hadn't seen him and had left without saying goodbye filled Ma Chao with a wave of distress.

Numerous images and thoughts flashed through his mind. He recalled his high hopes for Xu Huang, believing he would steadfastly follow him, fighting alongside him on future campaigns and charging into battle. But now, his sudden disappearance left Ma Chao feeling deeply lost and bewildered, as if something precious had been plucked from his heart. He also couldn't help but think of Xun Yu and Zao Zhi. He had so sincerely wanted to invite them to join him in his great cause, exerting almost every ounce of his heart, yet ultimately, his wish was unfulfilled. The regret of not being able to fulfill his wish hung over him like a shadow, lingering. Xu Huang's sudden departure was like casting another dust cloud on his already gloomy mood, darkening it to its lowest point. A cacophony of emotions—regret, helplessness, sadness, and doubt—mixed within him, weighing like a heavy stone on his heart, leaving him feeling incredibly suffocated and uncomfortable. He sighed deeply, with an unspeakable pain in his eyes. He felt helpless about the current situation, confused about the future, and blamed himself for not being able to handle these things. He felt as if his heart was being pricked by countless fine needles. The feeling was really impossible to describe accurately in words. He could only struggle alone in this complicated state of mind, wondering what was going on and where he should go in the future.