Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao and his generals had no intention of drinking and having fun because of Pang De's reminder. They just created a lively and enthusiastic appearance on the surface. The whole army formation appeared to be tight inside and loose outside. In fact, this was to confuse the Qiang soldiers, making them think that Ma Chao had become too proud of himself, thus giving them the courage to come and rob the camp.

In the Qiang army tent, the Qiang King Midang looked at the complacent and somewhat drunk Midang, and felt a little dissatisfied with the leaders who flattered Midang. However, at the critical moment of employing people, he could not show this emotion, which made King Mitang look like he was worried.

Qiang soldiers sent as scouts reported that the Xiliang army was slaughtering cattle and sheep, appearing defenseless. Some of the Qiang leaders began to have ideas. One suggested to Mi Tang, "Your Majesty, look at the situation now. Ma Chao has only conquered two small tribes today, and he's already so complacent. Why not take advantage of this opportunity and launch a surprise attack on their camp at night? We might be able to inflict a heavy blow on them and achieve a resounding victory."

Mi Tang frowned and said hesitantly, "Ma Chao is incredibly brave. If we rush in to attack him, we'll hardly gain the upper hand. We can't take that risk." The leader then quickly flattered him, "Ah, Your Majesty, you are the wise ruler of our Qiang people. And there's Prince Mi Dang, who is also incredibly brave. With the two of you here, Ma Chao is nothing to be feared."

Upon hearing this, Prince Mi Dang perked up. His face was filled with excitement, his eyes sparkling, and he eagerly shouted, "Father, I think this is a great opportunity! We should attack Ma Chao at night. I want to show him the power of our Qiang warriors. I want to lead the troops and teach them a lesson!" He was about to take action. However, King Mi Tang stopped him with a serious look on his face, calmly analyzing the situation. "Son, think about this calmly. Since Ma Chao started his rebellion, he has been not only valiant and skilled in battle, but also extremely resourceful. How could he have revealed such a flaw so easily? Besides, although we have suffered some casualties today, the Western Liang army hasn't gained much either. Both of their generals have already been defeated by you. Think about it carefully. Under such circumstances, why would they celebrate so lavishly? I have a strong feeling that there might be some conspiracy here. We must be on guard."

Mi Tang ordered his generals to stop the feast and to control their own troops, strengthen night patrols, and firmly defend their base. They were not to attack the camp, nor to give Ma Chao the opportunity to do so. Thus, the entire night passed in a tense atmosphere, with both sides wary of the other's attack.

At dawn, Xu Huang and Zhang Xiu, shivering from the cold, returned to camp, muttering to themselves. Their first complaint was to Ma Chao: "General, look at your idea. Gong Ming and I have been freezing out here in the snow all night. We're practically frozen stiff." Xu Huang grumbled back: "Yes, yes! I didn't even have a chance to drink the wine last night before I've been freezing all night." Ma Chao smiled and said: "You two generals, thank you for your hard work. I underestimated Mi Tang. To have become the King of Qiang, he must have some skill and ability."

Ma Chao then ordered his men to cook and then ordered his two generals to eat something to replenish their energy. He thought to himself that since Mi Tang hadn't been tricked last night, he would have a fair fight with them today.

On the Qiang side, Mi Dang arrived early at the camp and muttered to Mi Tang, "Father, you didn't let me lead the troops to raid the camp last night, so they wasted the night. We were so well-prepared, but they didn't dare to come. I guess these brave generals are scared out of their wits." Then he asked Mi Tang for permission to march out as soon as possible. Since neither side could guess the other's commander's intentions, they decided to fight a fair battle this time.

Mi Dang was about to leave in a hurry, but Mi Tang stopped him again, saying, "My son, be careful. Ma Chao is an extremely brave man. If you can't defeat him, return to the main camp as soon as possible. I have a backup plan. In this icy and snowy weather, I don't think they can last long. You must not make any mistakes." Mi Dang was a little annoyed because Mi Tang called off the troops yesterday. Now seeing that Mi Tang was boosting others' morale and undermining his own prestige, he felt a little annoyed. He said to his father angrily, "Father, please sit in the tent and watch me capture Ma Chao." Then he angrily led his troops to the main camp to challenge Ma Chao. Mi Tang saw that Mi Dang was so impulsive, and quickly notified the other troops to follow him.

Mi Dang stormed up to the front of the army and began yelling obscene curses at the top of his lungs, "Ma Chao, you arrogant fellow! Come out and fight me! There are rumors about your bravery and strength, but I didn't see you yesterday. That proves the rumors are untrue. You're nothing but a useless figure, you look like a woman! Get the hell back to your hometown in Xiliang, or I'll beat you up and make you cry."

In Ma Chao's camp, Xu Huang and Zhang Xiu could no longer contain their rage as they listened to Mi Dang's dirty talk insulting Ma Chao. Zhang Xiu charged out with his horse and spear drawn. Ma Chao had shown great care for Zhang Xiu, not only looking after him in life but also giving him unintentional advice. Although Xu Huang and Zhang Xiu had just been complaining, that was also a sign of closeness. However, upon hearing Mi Dang's insulting words to Ma Chao, they instantly became furious.

Mi Dang saw a young general galloping towards him on horseback with spear in hand from afar, and shouted, "You are not Ma Chao of Xiliang. I will not kill unknown generals with my sword. Go away." In an instant, Zhang Xiu was humiliated and his chest was filled with anger. He shouted, "How dare you challenge the general? The general is not someone you can humiliate easily. Watch me take your life." Zhang Xiu spurred his horse to gallop, and the spear in his hand stabbed at Mi Dang like a poisonous snake. Mi Dang was not afraid at all, and he greeted him with the big knife in his hand.

The two men instantly engaged in a fierce battle, spears and swords clashing in a relentless clang. Zhang Xiu's spear thrusts were fierce, each one swifter than the last, attacking Mi Dang like a whirlwind. Mi Dang, a skilled warrior, responded calmly, parrying Zhang Xiu's blows with his broadsword left and right, neutralizing each one. After more than a dozen rounds, Zhang Xiu began to feel his strength wear thin, while Mi Dang's courage grew, his swordsmanship becoming increasingly ferocious. Zhang Xiu gritted his teeth and persevered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, but he refused to retreat, continuing his desperate struggle with Mi Dang. After more than twenty rounds, Zhang Xiu felt his arms tingle, and his spearmanship began to falter. Mi Dang seized an opening and launched a fierce strike with his sword. Zhang Xiu narrowly dodged, but was still caught by the wind from the sword, stumbling slightly. Knowing that any further battle would be fatal, Zhang Xiu feinted his spear and fled towards his main camp.

Mi Dang did not pursue him, but only humiliated him verbally, "How dare a nobody dare to challenge me? Ma Chao, is that all you can do? Seeing such a cowardly general under your command come to fight me, are you going to be a coward?"

Seeing Zhang Xiu's defeat, Xu Huang and Pang De hurried forward to rescue him. A closer inspection revealed Zhang Xiu's injuries, though fortunately, they were minor, with only minor skin bruises. Ma Chao, noticing this, shouted, "Return to the town and recuperate. Send the medical officer to bandage his wounds." He then methodically arranged for Zhang Xiu to return to the battlefield to recuperate.

Zhang Xiu looked up at Ma Chao, his eyes filled with mixed emotions. He saw that Ma Chao showed no concern for his defeat, nor did he show any sign of unease at Mi Dang's provocation. Instead, he was completely focused on his injuries. Zhang Xiu couldn't help but feel a surge of shame. He quickly dismounted from his horse, then knelt on one knee before Ma Chao. With a sincere and remorseful expression, he said, "Zhang Xiu's training is inadequate. I've truly embarrassed you, General." Ma Chao's expression softened, and he waved his hand. "Victory and defeat are commonplace in war. There's no need to dwell on it. Mi Dang is nothing more than a reckless, reckless man, relying solely on valor. You can rest easy. I'll personally lead the charge and will capture him in one fell swoop." With these words, Ma Chao's eyes shone with determination and confidence, as if he was fully prepared for the upcoming battle.