Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Upon Dong Zhuo's departure, he entrusted all military and political affairs of Western Liang to Ma Teng. While Ma Teng wasn't officially appointed Governor of Liang Province, he effectively became the sole authority in charge of Western Liang. Aside from Longxi County, Ma Teng didn't interfere much in Dong Zhuo's headquarters. After all, Dong Bai was still a guest at the Ma family's residence. With Dong Bai in charge, many matters didn't require his specific planning; he could simply leave them to his care.

Ma Teng then summoned all the civil and military officials of Xiliang for a meeting. Once they arrived, Ma Teng's first act was to solemnly announce that from now on, all major military affairs in Xiliang would be under the management of Ma Chao. Ma Chao had already established a formidable reputation during his time in Dong Zhuo's army. It's no exaggeration to say that his aura captivated the civil and military officials present, leading to no objection to this decision. Ma Teng then announced the positions of Xun Yu and Zao Zhi. He also emphasized the need to fully implement the military farming policy and reform the military system throughout Xiliang. While some of the civil officials expressed some dissatisfaction upon hearing these decisions, under Ma Chao's commanding gaze, they all obeyed.

In implementing the military farming policy, Ma Teng ordered the unified planning and division of suitable arable land, organizing both civilians and soldiers to participate in the cultivation. A rational crop rotation system was established to maintain soil fertility. Water conservancy facilities were built to ensure sufficient irrigation water, including ditches and ponds, to improve the drought and flood resistance of farmland. Farming tools and seeds were distributed to civilians participating in the military farming program, along with necessary technical guidance and training to help them improve planting efficiency and yields. Regarding military restructuring, Ma Teng clarified the responsibilities and training requirements of different branches of the military, strengthening physical fitness and combat skills training for soldiers. He optimized the military's organizational structure and established a more efficient command system. He increased investment in and updated military equipment to enhance the army's overall combat effectiveness. He also established a strict reward and punishment system to encourage soldiers to fight bravely and observe discipline. Through these specific and meticulous arrangements, Ma Teng hoped to further enhance Xiliang's strength and development.

After Ma Teng had properly arranged everything, his subordinates quickly sprang into action, gradually advancing various tasks according to their instructions. Throughout Xiliang, the implementation of the military farming policy was in full swing.

For a time, the entire Western Liang region was immersed in this positive and enthusiastic atmosphere. From towns and villages, from fields to military camps, everywhere one could see people busy working to implement the military farming system. Whether it was reclaiming new land, building water conservancy facilities, or organizing civilians and soldiers to work together, every step was carried out in an orderly manner.

Under Xun Yu's fair and strict governance, the overall landscape of Western Liang underwent a profound transformation. With exceptional talent and unwavering determination, he brought order to all affairs. Under his rule, Western Liang flourished and flourished. Order in all regions improved, the people lived and worked in peace, and social morality flourished. While other regions occasionally hesitated and faltered in implementing relevant policies, Xun Yu, with his resourcefulness and experience, easily resolved these minor issues. With Ma Chao's awe-inspiring authority and support, Xun Yu's governance of Western Liang was a breeze. It can be said that Xun Yu's governance of Western Liang was effortless and effortless.

In this way, within a short period of time, Xiliang emerged as a place of peace, harmony, and prosperity. Zao Zhi, who was in charge of the military farming program, was extremely dedicated and focused on its implementation. He meticulously planned and arranged the work, fully mobilizing the enthusiasm of both the people and the army. He performed exceptionally well in organizing and arranging the labor of the people, as well as coordinating and managing the military's participation in the farming program. This ensured harmonious coexistence and cooperation between the people and the army, ensuring seamless coordination of all aspects of the work. Thanks to his efforts, the land of Xiliang, meticulously nurtured by the two of them, seemed to have been reborn, transformed, and revitalized, revealing a new scene of vitality, hope, and energy.

During Ma Chao's absence, the generals of the various Western Liang factions remained remarkably calm, without the slightest sign of unusual activity or any murmurs of dissent. The eight surrendered Western Liang generals, including Ma Wan, Cheng Yin, Hou Xuan, and Yang Qiu, also behaved with remarkable composure, refusing to make any unusual movements. After all, while Ma Chao had temporarily departed, he had deliberately left Pang De in the army to fully support Ma Teng. Ma Chao's formidable prowess had already been fully demonstrated by the surrendered Western Liang generals, inspiring awe in them. Pang De's immense prowess was also well known, instilling a deep fear in them. Consequently, peace prevailed among all parties.

This time, Ma Teng unhesitatingly entrusted the heavy responsibility of military affairs to Ma Chao, a decision that filled the Xiliang troops and generals with joy and anticipation. Compared to Ma Teng's more measured and conservative style, Ma Chao possessed not only astonishing bravery but also exuded a youthful and vibrant energy. His exceptional martial arts and extraordinary courage captivated the generals, who firmly believed that under Ma Chao's confident and commanding leadership, the Xiliang army would be invincible and unstoppable. Ma Chao seemed like the shining star that would lead Xiliang to glory. His confidence and prestige deeply infected everyone, filling them with confidence and hope for the future.

Ma Chao, with a solemn yet resolute expression, gathered the generals. Standing tall and straight before them, his piercing gaze swept over each general before solemnly introducing Dian Wei, Xu Huang, Zhang Xiu, and others. Each of these generals was valiant and awe-inspiring, displaying extraordinary aura.

Ma Chao solemnly announced the promotion of Pang De to General of the Guarding Army. This decision was no accident; it stemmed from Pang De's long-standing prestige within the Western Liang army. His martial prowess, valor, and loyalty earned him the respect of his fellow soldiers. His reputation was so reputable that even the eight Western Liang generals, who had harbored some concerns, dared not make any moves under Pang De's influence.

Ma Chao sat upright in his tent, his majestic gaze sweeping slowly over the eight generals of Xiliang. In a steady and resolute voice, he declared, "Generals, from today onwards, your respective armies must obey orders and strictly follow the instructions. Anyone who dares to disobey military orders will be punished according to military law!" His words resonated like thunder, sending shockwaves through the eight generals.

Ma Chao then changed the subject, his tone softening slightly. "However, as long as you can serve Xiliang wholeheartedly, this general will certainly not treat you unfairly. Anyone who achieves military merit will be generously rewarded! This general has always been clear about rewards and punishments. As long as you remain loyal, we can all share in the future glory and wealth."

As soon as these words were spoken, the eight generals looked at each other in dismay, their hearts filled with fear at Ma Chao's authority, yet also with joy at the potential rewards and honors they would receive. They knelt on one knee and shouted in unison, "We will obey the general's orders and fight for Xiliang, even to the bitter end!" Ma Chao nodded slightly, observing the scene with a look of satisfaction. Ma Chao then appointed Liang Xing as General Weiyuan, Ma Wan as General Ningyuan, Yang Qiu as General Jingyuan, Hou Xuan as General Zhenxi, Cheng Yin as General Pingxi, Li Kan as General Anxi, Zhang Heng as General Zhengxi, and Cheng Yi as General Anyuan.

Ma Chao looked at Xu Huang, Zhang Xiu and Dian Wei and began to assign positions to the three generals.

He looked at Dian Wei, knowing that although Dian Wei did not know how to deploy troops, he was extremely brave and was only good at charging into battle. So Ma Chao decided to give Dian Wei the position of commander of the personal guards, so that he would be like his own personal bodyguard, guarding him at all times to ensure his safety.

Then, Ma Chao's eyes fell on Xu Huang. He knew that Xu Huang had the talent of a great general. After some thought, he appointed Xu Huang as the Captain of Breaking Formations, hoping that Xu Huang could play an important role on the battlefield with his outstanding military talents and lead his soldiers to fight bravely.

Then, Ma Chao looked at Zhang Xiu. Considering that Zhang Xiu had served in the Feixiong Army before and had excellent cavalry command ability, he decided to set up another cavalry unit similar to the Feixiong Army and appointed Zhang Xiu as the Flying Cavalry Captain, allowing him to give full play to his expertise and lead this elite cavalry unit to gallop across the battlefield.

All the generals, whether they were old generals of the Ma family or newly surrendered generals, were deeply moved and impressed by Ma Chao's majesty and generous rewards to them. Ma Chao then arranged for everyone to start meticulous training of the army while carrying out military settlements.