Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

After Ma Chao calmed the two women, he returned to bathe and change clothes before returning to see Ma Teng. Ma Teng looked at him sternly and asked, "Chao'er, between Dong Bai and Lu Wan, what will you decide?" Ma Chao's mindset had completely shifted. He straightened his back and said with a resolute gaze, "Father, I no longer wish to choose. I want them both!" Ma Teng's eyes widened upon hearing this and he berated him, "Are you being a bit fanciful?" Ma Chao, undeterred, replied, "Father, I'm forced to choose now because our Ma family isn't strong enough. Choosing either would seem like marrying above our station. But if our family were prominent enough, and they were proud to marry into our family, then this worry wouldn't exist." Hearing this, Ma Teng couldn't help but examine Ma Chao again. He was surprised to find that Ma Chao had indeed changed. A strong desire for power now shone in his eyes. He was no longer the brave and aggressive young man he once was. Ma Teng's mind was filled with a myriad of thoughts, and he didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

After a brief pause, Ma Chao solemnly told Ma Teng about the expedition against the Eastern Qiang he had discussed with Cheliji. He articulated his ideas and plans, his eyes gleaming with determination and confidence.

After hearing this, Ma Teng nodded slightly and said, "Chao'er, we should indeed attack the Dongqiang. When they surrounded Wuwei, they brought us great humiliation and losses. How can we be content without taking revenge?" A look of majesty emerged on Ma Teng's face, and his resentment towards the Dongqiang was beyond words.

Then, Ma Teng looked at Ma Chao with a deep gaze and said earnestly: "Chao'er, now the military affairs have been fully handed over to you for responsibility, but you must also act within your ability and must not act rashly. After all, matters of war are closely linked to the entire body, and are related to the lives of many soldiers and the rise and fall of our Ma family. Moreover, before taking any action, you still have to discuss with Xun Yu and other counselors, listen to their opinions and suggestions, and must not act alone. Their wisdom and strategy may provide more help and protection for this expedition." Ma Teng's eyes showed both trust in Ma Chao and deep expectations and worries.

Ma Chao listened carefully to every word his father said and nodded solemnly in response: "Don't worry, father. I will act prudently and live up to your trust. After discussing with Xun Yu and others, I will make proper arrangements. I will definitely integrate opinions from all parties and formulate the most appropriate strategic plan, so that this expedition to the Eastern Qiang will be a complete success, avenge my Ma family, and seek the welfare of the people." Ma Chao's eyes were full of determination.

The next day, Ma Teng solemnly summoned all civil and military officials to discuss the crucial matter of conquering the Eastern Qiang. Soon, the officials gathered in the hall, and the atmosphere became somewhat solemn. Xun Yu, Xu Huang, Zhang Xiu, Pang De, and others, all well aware of Ma Chao's escape, feigned ignorance, their expressions solemn and serious.

However, only Xu Huang, upon seeing Ma Chao, couldn't help but wink at him. Ma Chao's eyes suddenly darkened, and that sharp look made Xu Huang realize he had gotten carried away. Instantly, he felt a chill on the back of his neck, a chill running down his spine.

At this time, Ma Teng stood up and first recounted in detail the tragic incident last year when Han Sui rebelled and the Eastern Qiang took advantage of the chaos to plunder Western Liang and besieged Wuwei. As everyone listened, anger appeared on their faces. Ma Teng said indignantly: "My fellow civil and military officials, I believe you all still remember what happened last year. At that time, Han Sui rebelled, and the hateful Dong Qiang took advantage of the chaos to plunder our Xiliang land! They also besieged Wuwei, bringing us great disaster and losses." Then, Ma Teng vividly recounted the various absurd behaviors of the Dong Qiang King Mi Tang, who was arrogant and licentious. "And that Dong Qiang King Mi Tang is arrogant and licentious in his daily life, and his behavior is extremely absurd. He led the Dong Qiang to do such evil things, which is really intolerable! We have an irreconcilable hatred with the Dong Qiang. Today, we are here to discuss how to attack the Dong Qiang, avenge our Xiliang and our people, and make them pay the price for their evil deeds!" These words were like a fire, instantly igniting the anger in the hearts of the civil and military officials, and arousing their strong sense of common hatred of the enemy. Everyone's eyes flashed with indignation and determination, as if they couldn't wait to launch an action of revenge against the Dong Qiang.

Ma Teng glanced at Ma Chao, and Ma Chao immediately understood. Then, with a wave of his hand, Ma Chao signaled silence, silencing the murmurs. Then, with a solemn expression, Ma Chao began to explain the specific strategic plan for the campaign against the Eastern Qiang. He spoke clearly and methodically, "First, administrative and military preparations must be vigorously advanced across the country. Half of the troops from each prefecture must be withdrawn. The eight generals of Western Liang will remain in their current positions, but half of their forces will be transferred to my unified management. Simultaneously, the army stationed in Wuwei County must also undergo advanced training and make appropriate deployment arrangements. Secondly, I will trouble Lord Xun, and ask Mr. Wenruo to be responsible for procuring sufficient food and fodder for this expedition. Furthermore, we must dispatch eloquent envoys to the Ehe and Shaoge tribes to persuade them to surrender. Finally, Yang Qiu of Beidi Commandery will oversee the Western Qiang's transit through Beidi County. We must have them advance into the Xianrong Qiang territory from this direction."

After Ma Chao finished speaking, the eight generals of Xiliang immediately rushed to express their loyalty. Generals Hou Xuan, Cheng Yin and others shouted, "We don't want to guard Xiliang. We want to attack Dongjiang first." Several other people also echoed.

Ma Chao saw this and said, "Please be patient, everyone. Listen to me first and let me explain to you. First of all, it will take one to two months for each tribe to reorganize the army and raise food. During this period, we also have to conduct matters of surrender. We have to surrender the E and Shaoge tribes, and we have to communicate with the Western Qiang to let them send troops together. After two months of preparation, winter will come. If my Western Liang sends a large army to attack the Eastern Qiang, then the military strength of Western Liang will become weak. In winter, the tribes on the grassland are short of supplies. It is inevitable that those ignorant tribes will take risks to plunder Western Liang because of lack of supplies. It is already the limit for you to withdraw half of the troops. You must stay in each tribe to ensure the safety of the rear." After hearing this, the generals thought for a moment and then they all stopped talking.

Ma Chao then addressed Xun Yu, "Mr. Wenruo, are you having any trouble securing food and fodder?" Xun Yu bowed and replied, "Rest assured, General! We'll have it all within two months." Ma Chao nodded in agreement and continued, "Mr. Cheng Gongying, you will work with Yang Qiu to negotiate the matter of the Western Qiang passing through Beidi County." Cheng Gongying and Yang Qiu immediately stepped forward and said in unison, "Yes, sir." Ma Chao concluded, "One last thing: we need to send someone eloquent and persuasive to persuade the Ehe and Shaoge tribes to surrender. Is there anyone willing to volunteer?"

The generals looked at each other in bewilderment. Ma Chao said, "I see you all are capable men. Why are you all so eloquent on ordinary days, but why hasn't anyone stepped forward at this moment?" Meanwhile, Zhang Xiu and Xu Huang were whispering to each other. Xu Huang whispered to Zhang Xiu, "Just now I winked at the general, and he glared at me. It frightened the hairs on my back." Zhang Xiu said slyly, "Then who told you to stroke the general's beard when you have nothing better to do?" Xu Huang replied sheepishly, "Well, who knows? His authority is growing stronger by the day."

Ma Chao was asking for anyone willing to volunteer. Everyone in the hall looked at each other in silence, with only Xu Huang mumbling something to himself. All the generals' eyes turned to Xu Huang, who was momentarily stunned. He stood up and asked, "Hey, why are you all looking at me?" Ma Chao smiled and said, "Well, well, although Gongming has only just joined us, I'm very pleased that you dared to step up and take responsibility at this critical moment."

Xu Huang looked bewildered and asked, "What did I promise?" Ma Chao replied gravely, "Military affairs are no place for trifling! Since you've already stood up, it's your job to persuade the E'he and Shao'ge tribes to surrender." Upon hearing this, Xu Huang became anxious as an ant on a hot pan and said hastily, "General, you're using public power to take revenge on me personally. I was only…" Before he could finish his words, Ma Chao uttered a dignified "hmm." Xu Huang shuddered, as if frightened, and dejectedly agreed, "Alright."