Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao walked, stopping and starting, taking his time, as he gradually approached the Western Qiang royal court, where he was gradually recognized. Tribes close to the royal court likely had close ties with Cheliji, having previously fought alongside him. Whether it was Ma Chao's assistance in the campaign against Tuguli or Cheliji's leading Western Qiang troops to Ma Chao's suppression of Han Sui's rebellion, both demonstrate Ma Chao's close relationship with Cheliji. Ma Chao was a dazzling figure on the battlefield, recognized by many tribal warriors, though he wasn't always familiar with them. Wherever Ma Chao was recognized, he was warmly welcomed, a fact that amazed him at his fame in Qiang territory. Unbeknownst to Ma Chao, Cheliji once said that meeting the Qiang King's Golden Sword was like meeting the King of Spears. With the Qiang King's Golden Sword adorning his waist, he could do virtually anything he pleased in Western Qiang. However, he hadn't previously displayed it. Upon entering Western Qiang, he was so distraught that he didn't pay much attention, passing by hurriedly, making it difficult for the marginalized Qiang tribe to touch the Qiang King's Golden Sword. The closer he is to the Qiang royal court, the closer his relationship with it will be, and it is inevitable that he will be recognized and entertained.

After entertaining Ma Chao, the enthusiastic Qiang warriors happily reported Ma Chao's arrival to the Spear King Cheliji and enthusiastically insisted on escorting him. Unable to refuse such a generous offer, Ma Chao and these warriors, with whom he had fought before, set out on their journey to meet Cheliji.

When Cheliji got the news that Ma Chao had arrived in Qiang territory, he became extremely excited. He hurriedly dropped the matters he was handling, and then anxiously led the Princess Zhuoyi, Prime Minister Yadan, and Marshal Yueji to rush to Ma Chao to support him.

Before long, Ma Chao and his escorts encountered the hastily arrived Cheliji and his companions. The moment their eyes met, excitement erupted like flames. Cheliji strode forward, grasping Ma Chao's hand with his sturdy hands. His eyes were filled with the joy and excitement of reunion, and he shouted in a resounding, resonant voice, "Haha, dear brother, I didn't expect you to actually come!" Ma Chao's face was also filled with joy, and he smiled back, "Brother, long time no see!" The surrounding warriors erupted in a roaring cheer that seemed to break through the clouds. Prime Minister Yadan smiled and bowed in greeting, while Marshal Yueji burst into laughter, hurling himself at Ma Chao and giving him a bear hug, his laughter like thunder. Princess Zhuoyi also smiled at Ma Chao, her eyes full of welcome. Ma Chao saluted respectfully. Seeing Zhuoyi, whose smile, despite her facial disfigurement, still shone brightly, he knew he was living a happy life.

Then, Cheliji put his arm around Ma Chao's shoulders, patted him firmly, and shouted, "Let's go back to the royal court. We must have a good drink today, and we won't stop until we're drunk!" With that, he waved his hand and led the others towards the royal court. Along the way, the warriors sang and laughed, releasing their joy. That enthusiasm and generosity seemed to melt everything. Everyone was immersed in the joy of this long-awaited reunion. Memories of their past battles kept flowing back to each other. The years they had shared became incomparably clear and precious in this moment. In this land full of passion, friendship burned like a bonfire, growing stronger and stronger.

As night fell, a grand banquet was carefully arranged to honor Ma Chao. In the distance, a blazing bonfire illuminated half the sky. Qiang men and women gathered around it, singing and dancing joyfully. Their energetic dance moves and resounding songs echoed in the night sky.

At the banquet, Qiang King Cheliji sat high in the main seat, his two consorts gracefully flanking him on either side. Meanwhile, his son, ensconced in Ma Chao's arms, gazed curiously upon him. Ma Chao, smiling and gently teasing the little creature, exuded the aura of a fatherly love. Marshal Yueji and Prime Minister Yadan also accompanied Ma Chao. They were all old acquaintances, and Ma Chao, now completely relaxed, joined in the drinking with the others. Everyone laughed and chatted, enjoying this joyful and heartwarming moment together.

Watching the affectionate expressions of Cheriji and the sisters Zhuoy and Zhuoya, Ma Chao's heart was filled with bitterness, and he was reminded of his own predicament. When Cheriji learned of Ma Chao's arrival, and saw that he had come alone, he knew something must have happened. However, since Ma Chao hadn't mentioned it, he hadn't bothered to ask. It wasn't until three rounds of wine had passed that Cheriji finally asked, "Dear brother, what's bothering you? Tell us." Ma Chao also took up his glass and emptied it, then asked bitterly, "How did you tell me?" Cheriji laughed heartily, "Brother, you are like the most dazzling eagle in the sky, the most agile steed on the grassland. In the past, I've seen you, always full of confidence and wisdom, but this time, I see you filled with worry, like an eagle with its wings folded, like a steed with its bridle on."

Ma Chao gathered his thoughts, then slowly unfolded the story of his time with Dong Bai and Lu Wan. He recounted how Prime Minister Dong had come to his aid and saved his family from peril, how he had promoted him in the military and provided him with countless favors. He then spoke of Lu Zhi, describing his earnest guidance and the deep, sincere bond he shared with Lu Wan. As he spoke, Ma Chao's eyes flickered with emotion and longing, as if all those memories had resurfaced before him, immersing him in them and making him unable to extricate himself.

Zhuo Ya said, "Ma Chao, you can follow your heart. If you like Lu Wan, no matter what she's going through or what her situation is, you can pursue her boldly." Ma Chao said, "I don't have any objections to her because of the misfortune in her family, nor do I want to curry favor with someone powerful because of Mr. Dong's power. But because of Mr. Dong's power, I..."

Zhuo Yi grasped the crux of the matter. "If it was simply because of Mr. Dong's power that was suppressing you, I don't think you would be so conflicted with your personality. Are you also interested in Dong Bai?"

Ma Chao felt as if something had hit home. After all, whether it was Dong Bai's infatuation with him or Dong Zhuo's support and care for him, these were facts that could not be ignored. How could he not have a good impression of such a bright and lovely girl like Dong Bai? Ma Chao stammered, unable to say anything.

Cheliji laughed heartily and said, "Brother, this isn't the invincible and ambitious Jin Ma Chao I knew. Since you like both of them, then take them all. With my brother's looks and talent, what's there to be entangled about?" Zhuo Yi said, "That's right, have you forgotten how you tried to persuade us back then? I was afraid of disturbing your brother, so I kept avoiding him, and it was you who persuaded us. Now it's your turn, and why are you backing off? Why are you so entangled and upset?"

Ma Chao said somewhat depressedly, "Brother, sister-in-law, you don't know that there are still differences between us Han people and Qiang people. For example, Qiang people worship heroes and don't care about anything else, not considering other family backgrounds or anything like that. As long as you believe in him and like him, you will pursue him. But Han people have too many rules. Dong Gong is now powerful in the court. If I want to marry Dong Bai, I must marry her. But Master and Lu Wan love me very much. Besides, with Master's reputation, if I want to marry Lu Wan, I must marry her as my wife. With their family backgrounds and reputations, my Ma family is considered to be marrying above my station. How dare I want to take one of them as a concubine?"

After hearing this, Zoya said, "You Han people have too many rules. As long as you like her, just be with her. There's no need for so many drag-out relationships. It's really a headache." Ma Chao couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Cheliji analyzed, "Brother, what you said only means one thing: you feel your status is too low, and you don't dare to say you want to marry both of them at the same time. Your status limits you, restricts you, and makes you afraid to say so. If that's the case, then why not improve our status? If status is the only reason you're so conflicted, then you're wrong. You shouldn't be worried about who to give up and who to marry, but about improving your own status. You feel you can't match their status now, and can't let both of them marry you. What if your status is higher? If you become king, they will all be princesses. How can the difference in family background no longer exist? Wouldn't that solve the problem?"

Ma Chao's understanding was instantly enlightened. He finally understood: perhaps it was his low status that led to his anxiety and apprehension. After all, it was common for a man to have three wives and four concubines. Perhaps he was simply worried about wronging them. If he were more powerful and prestigious, would they be proud to marry him? For the first time, Ma Chao felt a deep desire for power.