Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Thus, Dong Bai joined the group on their journey. Along the way, Dong Bai and Lu Wan constantly resented each other, as Ma Chao and the group finally reached the Ma family's stronghold, Wuwei. Curiously, during the journey from Longxi County to Wuwei County, Dong Bai and Lu Wan were at loggerheads, their mutual hostility overflowing. However, Dong Bai and Madam Lu were as close as mother and son, their growing bond fostering a subtle resentment towards her mother. Madam Lu, more than anything, felt sorry for Dong Bai's loss of parental love at such a young age. She saw clearly that both women were deeply attached to Ma Chao, but the specific choice was Ma Chao's; if they continued to embroil each other, it would only cause him further headaches. She had privately advised Lu Wan that a man as accomplished as Ma Chao, loyal to his country and devoted to his country, should work for the well-being of the people, not be consumed by personal affairs.

Ma Chao and his entourage returned to Wuwei County, exhausted. As soon as he appeared at the city gate, the news spread quickly throughout the county. Upon learning of Ma Chao's return, Ma Teng's family had already been waiting at the mansion.

When Ma Chao arrived at the gate of the mansion, Ma Teng's family, dressed in plain clothes, were waiting to greet him. Ma Chao dismounted and immediately bowed before his parents.

Ma Teng was so excited that he quickly helped him up, his eyes filled with joy and love. He held Ma Chao's hand tightly, looking his son up and down, his face filled with a relieved smile. "Chao'er, you're finally back." Ma Teng's voice trembled slightly.

Ma Chao looked at his father, a hint of tenderness in his eyes. "Father, I'm back."

Ma Chao's mother was also so moved that she kept wiping away tears. Ma Chao did not want to upset his mother, so he changed the subject and introduced Lu Zhi's family to his parents.

Ma Chao briefly explained to his parents the reason for escorting Lu Zhi's family to Xiliang. When Ma Teng and his wife heard that they were Lu Zhi's wife and children, they immediately stepped forward to greet them, their expressions full of respect.

Mrs. Lu was somewhat flattered and said hurriedly, "Oh, I am grateful for the care of the general and his wife in this mansion. How dare I accept such a generous gift." As she spoke, she quickly shook hands with Ma Chao's mother and started to talk, and began to introduce her children.

"This is our little girl Wan'er. She has been a little eccentric and lively since she was a child." Mrs. Liu said with a smile. Lu Wan shyly stepped forward to pay her respects, and then hid behind her mother.

"Then this is our little boy Lu Yu." Madam Liu went on to introduce him. Lu Yu came forward and saluted politely. His movements were precise and there was nothing wrong with them. It was obvious that he had received a good education and nurturing since childhood.

Ma Teng quickly helped Lu Yu to his feet, looking at the two juniors with a hearty laugh. "Haha, these two children are so well-behaved and adorable. Lu Wan is smart and clever, and Lu Yu is calm and polite. They are truly rare! From now on, you can feel like you are at home in this mansion. There is no need to be restrained." Ma Chao's mother also smiled and nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes, they look very charming."

Ma Chao's mother smiled gently and cast her gaze towards Lu Wan. She carefully examined Lu Wan's delicate features: her crescent-shaped eyebrows, her bright and lively eyes, her straight nose, and her cherry-like mouth. The combination of these features was so playful and adorable.

Looking at Lu Wan's fair skin, lightly powdered and blushing, she looked even more charming and shy. Her hair fell softly on her shoulders, fluttering gently in the breeze, adding a unique charm.

The more Ma Chao's mother looked at her, the more moved she became. A feeling of satisfaction gradually spread within her. She nodded secretly, thinking that Lu Wan was truly a lovely little girl. Both her appearance and her temperament were so outstanding that it made anyone happy. A delighted smile unconsciously appeared on her face, and her admiration for Lu Wan grew even stronger.

After Ma Chao had finished introducing Lu Zhi's family, Dong Bai came forward to greet them with a casual and familiar manner. She smiled and said, "Uncle Ma, Aunt Ma, I'm here again!" After all, this was not her first time in Xiliang, nor was it her first time meeting everyone, so she seemed completely at ease.

Today, Dong Bai was dressed in the garb of a dashing young general. Her long, lustrous black hair was simply tied up, and her delicate face was as flawless as white jade. Beneath her arched eyebrows were a pair of bright, lively eyes, and beneath her straight nose were slightly upturned lips, giving her a playful and endearing look. She stepped forward swiftly and gave a standard military salute. Seeing Dong Bai like this, Ma Teng couldn't help but feel delighted. He laughed heartily and said, "Ah, Miss Dong, you're looking even more energetic!" Ma Chao's mother smiled and nodded in agreement, "Yes, Miss Dong, you look really handsome in this outfit." Dong Bai raised her head proudly, her eyes filled with joy.

Before Dong Zhuo left for Luoyang, he had Li Ru inform Ma Teng about Dong Bai and Ma Chao. As a result, Ma Teng had already begun treating Dong Bai like his own daughter-in-law. Looking at Dong Bai's quirky demeanor, charming features, and dashing demeanor, Ma Teng became increasingly pleased, and his wife nodded in agreement. Furthermore, Dong Zhuo's increasing power and position only intensified Ma Teng and his wife's affection for Dong Bai.

Madam Lu and Lu Wan watched all this unfold, and Lu Wan couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness. Madam Lu was acutely aware that her family's current power was far behind Dong Zhuo's. Seeing Ma Chao's parents' fondness and approval of Dong Bai, she understood that Lu Wan was at a disadvantage in this competition, and she felt lost and helpless. She knew her daughter's chances were slim in this reality, but she could do nothing to change it, so she could only sigh inwardly.

Lu Wan, on the other hand, was filled with loss and melancholy. She had previously harbored a special bond with Ma Chao, but Dong Bai's appearance left her feeling deeply threatened. She realized she couldn't compare to Dong Bai in every way: her exquisitely flawless features and playful demeanor, her valiant and confident demeanor, and her unique relationship with Ma Chao. Although confident in both her appearance and her relationship with Ma Chao, she watched Dong Bai's harmonious interactions with Ma Chao's family, a surge of inferiority and uncertainty about her future. She silently lamented why she couldn't shine like Dong Bai, why her fate had been like this. She was swirling with complex emotions, unable to express them, and could only swallow them silently. Dong Bai, seemingly oblivious to Lu Wan and her daughter's feelings, continued to display her lively and unique personality.

Xun Yu and Zao Zhi stood in the back, their gaze fixed on Ma Teng. Ma Teng was tall and straight, with a dignified appearance. His thick eyebrows and large eyes radiated a heroic and resolute air. His battlefield-honed majesty instilled a certain awe in him. Observing Ma Teng like this, Xun Yu couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "This man possesses extraordinary bearing, truly worthy of being the hero of Xiliang." Zao Zhi nodded slightly, acknowledging the imposing aura Ma Teng exuded.

Then, their eyes caught sight of the brief exchange between Dong Bai and Lu Wan. Dong Bai's lively and agile demeanor contrasted sharply with Lu Wan's gentle and reserved demeanor, a subtle rivalry seemingly brewing between the two. Xun Yu pondered this, understanding the complex emotions and relationships involved. Zao Zhi also speculated on the subtle interplay between the two women, potentially shaping the future. And how Ma Teng would react was a fascinating question.

Dian Wei, Xu Huang, and Zhang Xiu stood aside, watching the interaction between Dong Bai and Lu Wan. They didn't have the complex thoughts that the others had. Dian Wei's grin was simple, his eyes fixed on Dong Bai's every move, chuckling at every amusing moment, as if he were watching a hilarious farce. Xu Huang, on the other hand, smiled, watching with interest, occasionally shaking his head slightly, as if finding Dong Bai and Lu Wan's behavior somewhat amusing. Zhang Xiu, on the other hand, folded his arms across his chest, his lips curled slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes, his expression completely indifferent, a look of indifference, a look of indifference. The three of them watched with amusement, not concealing their enjoyment, seemingly completely immersed in this small excitement, enjoying the moment of relaxation and joy.