Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao finally untangled his feelings and, persuaded by the others, completely relaxed. He got drunk and joined the others in singing and dancing, performing a unique Qiang dance by the bonfire. The affectionate Qiang women, drawn to Ma Chao's handsome face, boldly declared their love for him. However, amid the crowd's laughter, Ma Chao still rejected the women's advances and returned to his accounting office to rest.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the cracks in the tent, softly illuminating Ma Chao's face. He slowly emerged from his hangover, his head still a little groggy, but consciousness gradually returning. He rubbed his temples, trying to clear his head. Recalling the night's revelry, a wave of emotion welled up in his heart.

He stood up and walked out of the tent. The fresh air hit him, refreshing him. Ma Chao took a deep breath and walked towards Cheliji. Upon seeing Cheliji, Ma Chao clasped his fists and saluted, saying sincerely, "Brother, thank you for your hospitality. I really enjoyed last night." Cheliji laughed and waved his hand, saying, "Brother Ma Chao, what are you talking about? It's our honor to have you here. Why should I thank you?"

Ma Chao smiled and nodded, then expressed his desire to return to Xiliang. Upon hearing this, Cheliji's expression changed immediately, and he quickly said, "Dear brother, how can you leave so soon? You just arrived, and we haven't even had a good time together yet. I can't let you go so easily." Ma Chao said with some embarrassment, "Chief, there are still many matters waiting for me to deal with in Xiliang. I really can't stay here for long." Cheliji was not willing to let Ma Chao go easily. He took Ma Chao's hand and said, "Brother Ma Chao, even if you have important matters to attend to, a few days won't bother you. Why don't you stay for a few more days and accompany us for drinking and hunting? Wouldn't that be wonderful?" Ma Chao hesitated for a moment, but ultimately, he couldn't resist Cheliji's enthusiastic request and agreed.

So, for the next few days, Ma Chao stayed, drinking and merrymaking with Cheliji and the other Qiang people. During the day, they galloped across the vast grasslands, chasing prey and enjoying nature's bounty. At night, they gathered around the campfire, drinking heartily and chatting and laughing. Ma Chao gradually absorbed this joyful atmosphere, forgetting all his worries.

During this period, Ma Chao was also busy. Leveraging his intelligence and extensive experience, he also helped Cherishchi and his colleagues sort out government affairs. He carefully understood the current situation and problems faced by the Qiang people, and then offered some reasonable suggestions and solutions. Cherishchi became increasingly impressed by Ma Chao's abilities and valued his opinions.

During this time, Ma Chao lost himself in contemplation about his future. He knew full well that the foreign tribes surrounding Xiliang were constantly eyeing him with covetous eyes. If he didn't teach them a lesson and instill fear in them, he wouldn't be able to truly gain a firm foothold. Only by striking hard and scaring these foreign tribes would he be able to lead his troops into battle without worry if the situation in the Central Plains changed in the future.

Ma Chao had already made up his mind. The most pressing priority for the Western Liang army was to eliminate King Mi Tang of the Eastern Qiang. Recalling the previous time Han Sui rebelled, King Mi Tang had also taken advantage of the situation to stir up trouble. Furthermore, Dong Zhuo's sudden departure from the capital had thrown the capital into disarray, completely disrupting the previous plan. Now in Western Qiang, Ma Chao sought out Che Liji to discuss his intention to attack King Mi Tang. Che Liji, upon hearing this, also believed the plan was feasible, and the two began to plan a campaign against King Mi Tang.

When planning the specific strategy to attack the Eastern Qiang, Ma Chao and Cheliji had an in-depth discussion.

Their first focus was on the strategy of provoking civil unrest among the Qiang. Ma Chao analyzed, "We need to carefully study the various Qiang tribes and identify those that are relatively independent and potentially amenable to our enlistment, such as the Ehe and Shaoge tribes, who might align themselves with us in battle. We can send envoys to secretly contact them, offering them benefits and promises, and swaying them to our side at a crucial moment." Cheliji nodded in agreement and said, "Indeed, if we can incite civil unrest among these tribes, it will be extremely beneficial to us."

They then discussed the troops at odds with Mi Tang. Ma Chao pondered for a moment and said, "For those troops at odds with Mi Tang, we must cleverly exploit their animosity and find a way to resonate with our actions, thereby winning them over to our side. This may require some tactics and strategies, but as long as they are used properly, we will definitely increase our chances of victory." Cheliji agreed, adding, "We can send eloquent individuals to persuade them, using both reason and emotion."

After completing these arrangements, Ma Chao said firmly, "Mi Tang's power is a tough nut to crack, but before we act, we must weaken his influence as much as possible. By using the methods we've used to create internal strife among the Qiang people and win over those we can win over, we can gradually isolate Mi Tang. Then, we'll concentrate our superior forces and deliver a fatal blow." With fighting spirit gleaming in his eyes, Cheliji responded, "That's right. We must carefully plan every move and trap Mi Tang."

They also discussed in detail how to skillfully employ various tactics in battle, such as luring the enemy deep into their territory and making a feint to the east while attacking in the west, in order to disrupt Mi Tang's deployment. Simultaneously, they also needed to maintain good intelligence, closely monitor Mi Tang's every move, and adjust their strategy accordingly. After prolonged deliberation and refinement, the strategic plan against the Eastern Qiang gradually became clear and complete. Ma Chao and Cheliji were both filled with confidence in the upcoming campaign and looked forward to successfully achieving their objectives.

After discussing all matters with Cheliji, Ma Chao had stayed for three or four days. That day, he finally formally bid farewell to Cheliji. Cheliji, knowing the heavy responsibility Ma Chao shouldered, no longer insisted on keeping him, and everyone came to see him off.

Ma Chao first came to Cheliji, whose eyes were filled with reluctance and helplessness. Ma Chao said solemnly, "Brother, I am leaving now." Cheliji held Ma Chao's hand tightly and said with emotion, "My dear brother, please be careful on your journey." Ma Chao nodded and replied, "Don't worry, brother."

Ma Chao then said goodbye to Zhuo Yi. As Cheliji's wife, Zhuo Yi was incredibly gentle and reluctant to leave. She gently took Ma Chao's hand, tears welling in her eyes as she softly said, "Brother, the journey is long and steep, and I don't know when we'll meet again. I truly hope everything goes well for you and that you're safe and sound." Ma Chao looked at Zhuo Yi and smiled, replying, "Don't be too sad, sister-in-law. We'll surely meet again someday."

Then he said goodbye to Zoya and teased the little one in her arms. With tears in her eyes, Zoya said softly, "Brother Ma Chao, you are leaving soon. You must take good care of yourself. If we meet again, this kid will probably run away." Ma Chao looked at the child tenderly, nodded, and said, "Don't worry, Sister Zoya. When the child is a little older, I will take him to Xiliang to play."

Afterwards, Ma Chao came before Marshal Yueji, who saluted solemnly and said with emotion, "General Ma Chao, your bravery and wisdom are admirable. The Western Qiang are fortunate to have a friend like you." Ma Chao quickly returned the greeting, saying, "Marshal, you are too kind. I will always remember our friendship with the Western Qiang."

Finally, Ma Chao bid farewell to Prime Minister Yadan. Prime Minister Yadan's eyes were filled with emotion and blessings: "General Ma Chao, the road ahead is long. I hope you have a safe journey. The door to Western Qiang is always open to you." Ma Chao clasped his fists and said, "Yadan, my good brother, you are good at government affairs. The people's well-being depends on you."

After bidding farewell to everyone, Ma Chao prepared to return home. However, Cheliji asked Ma Chao to wait, as he had arranged several carts of gifts, which he insisted Ma Chao take back. Ma Chao repeatedly declined, refusing to accept any, saying that he had come in such a hurry and had not prepared any gifts for everyone. Cheliji smiled and said, "My dear brother, you can share your strategic insights with the people of Xiqiang. This is the best gift you can give. Because of your care, Xiqiang's life has become much better. There is no need for us to be so polite to each other." Ma Chao thought this made sense and stopped being shy.

Ma Chao mounted his horse and looked back at the crowd, his eyes filled with longing. Cheliji, Zhuoyi, Zhuoya, and the others also stood there, reluctant to leave, their eyes following Ma Chao's figure. Ma Chao waved and called out, "Everyone, see you later!" Then he spurred his horse and gradually disappeared into the distance. The people of Xiqiang looked in the direction of Ma Chao's departure, their hearts filled with reluctance and blessings.