Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

In such a somewhat complex and subtle atmosphere, time passed quietly and the Spring Festival arrived unknowingly.

The arrival of the Spring Festival seemed to bring a unique atmosphere to this land. The streets and alleys of Xiliang began to be decorated with colorful lights, and a festive atmosphere permeated every corner. However, a subtle sense of worry and uncertainty about the future remained in people's hearts. Amidst this atmosphere, Ma Chao and the others, each with their own thoughts, quietly prepared for the New Year. Their busy schedule temporarily forgot some of their worries, but they also knew that the entanglements and troubles still existed, waiting for them to face and resolve.

It was not long after the Spring Festival at this time, only the fifth day of the first lunar month. Ma Chao had not yet had time to send reinforcements to Ma Teng. Unexpectedly, two messengers arrived one after another, bringing completely different news.

Let's begin with the messenger sent by Dong Zhuo. His arrival was accompanied by a wealth of generous gifts. In his solemn and unreserved letter, Dong Zhuo expressed his unwavering appreciation for the Ma family's unwavering loyalty to the court, their long-standing contributions to safeguarding the people and maintaining local stability. His words also revealed his extraordinary and earnest expectations for Ma Chao. Dong Zhuo also unabashedly expressed his deepest concerns. In the current confusing and complex situation, seeing Emperor Liu Bian being vigorously supported by Yuan Shao and others was undoubtedly a blatant act of hostility and opposition. In this pressing situation, Dong Zhuo desperately desired Ma Chao to act decisively and personally travel to Luoyang to become his right-hand man, helping him resolve his problems and serving him bravely.

Another messenger arrived from Emperor Liu Bian. This letter was personally penned by Lu Zhi. In it, Lu Zhi earnestly and pointedly questioned Ma Chao's loyalty to his father and his country, asking if he, now serving under Dong Zhuo, could maintain his unwavering loyalty to the emperor and his country. Lu Zhi then elaborated, explaining that Emperor Liu Bian was about to ascend the throne in Jizhou. He sincerely hoped that Ma Chao and his family would understand the greater good and be wise, courageously raising the banner of resistance against Dong Zhuo. With numerous provincial governors and provincial governors secretly communicating and reaching a consensus, Emperor Liu Bian's power had grown considerably. If Ma Chao could arrive, he would undoubtedly be able to dedicate himself to the emperor and serve him wholeheartedly.

Ma Chao faced this situation with a tornado of turmoil. On one side stood Prime Minister Dong, whose benevolence had been immense. It was Dong who had greatly promoted him within the army and had once saved the Ma family. Then there was Dong Bai, a woman of immense pride and exceptional intelligence, who willingly and silently dedicated herself to him, selflessly offering countless assistance. On the other side stood his mentor, who treated him like his own son and held him to high expectations. Not only did he teach him, he even willingly paved the way for him, a debt of gratitude that transcended a simple mentor-disciple relationship. Furthermore, Lu Zhi had long since shared his feelings, and he deeply loved Lu Wan. Now, caught between these two factions, a showdown was about to ensue. How could he choose? He was plunged into deep pain and turmoil, unsure of his course.

Ma Chao was extremely depressed, so he pulled his brother Cheliji over for a drink. He then poured out all his thoughts and struggles to Cheliji. Cheliji smiled and said, "My dear brother, you are undoubtedly a great hero in military matters, and I truly admire you. But why do I always feel that you are a little indecisive when it comes to these matters? Is it because of your personal feelings that you are bound by them? Or is there something else? If we put aside Lu Wan, there is only your master Lu Zhi, and on the other side are Dong Zhuo and Dong Bai. What would you choose? If we put aside Dong Bai, there are Lu Zhi and Lu Wan on one side, and there is only Dong Zhuo on the other side. What would you choose?"

Ma Chao said helplessly, "Even putting aside these two women I love, I still find it difficult to make a decision. If I follow General Dong to fight against Master, it would be disloyal to me, disloyal to the country, and unfilial to Master. However, if I stand on the same front with Master to fight against Prime Minister Dong, first of all, Prime Minister Dong saved my Ma family's life, and it would be unrighteous for me to rise up against him. Moreover, Dong Bai selflessly contributed food and supplies to my Xiliang army. If I betray them and fight them, it would be unkind. No matter which side I choose, it would be disloyal, unfilial, unkind, and unrighteous."

Cheliji pondered for a moment and said, "No matter what's going on now, it's an internal matter among the Han people, just like your master supporting Liu Bian and Dong Zhuo supporting Liu Xie. To put it bluntly, it's like two brothers fighting over family property. According to the prevailing practice on the grasslands, if two brothers in a tribe fight for family property, they can just rely on their own abilities. But right now, the Southern Xiongnu are wreaking havoc in Xiliang. It's like two brothers fighting over family property, and outsiders are trying to interfere. As a member of this family, you don't have to help the two brothers fight for the family property, but if an outsider tries to interfere, you must expel that person. There's a saying among your ancients that goes, 'Brothers fight within the walls, but they defend against foreign insults.'"

Ma Chao's eyes lit up after hearing this, feeling as if he had grasped a key point, but he still hadn't fully grasped it. Cheliji continued, "No matter how fiercely the two sides fight, no matter what the outcome, as someone close to both sides, you'll only feel guilty if you help anyone. But now you're not helping anyone, and instead are driving out the Southern Xiongnu and protecting the country and its people. This is the true righteousness in your heart. No matter which side wins, the world will still belong to the Liu family. Fighting for a name and a surname will only result in the casualties among the people. This may be your insistence on loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, but loyalty to the emperor and patriotism ultimately comes first, protecting the country and its people. What you insist on are all minor righteousness, while protecting the country and its people, and resisting foreign invasion, is the true righteousness."

Ma Chao suddenly understood. He stood up and bowed formally to Cheliji, thanking him, "Thank you for your guidance, brother. Ma Chao is deeply grateful." Cheliji quickly stood up and helped Ma Chao up, saying, "Alas, look at what you are doing. Brother, you are confused because of the situation, while I am just an outsider. Now, stop drinking and go back to figure out how to respond to your two Taishans."

Ma Chao blushed when he heard this. After all, he had been advised by Cheliji and his two wives because of the matter with the two girls before. Now he was teased by Cheliji because of this matter again. It was indeed quite embarrassing. However, he had no way to explain it, so he could only leave with an awkward smile.

Upon returning, Ma Chao made his plans, first writing a letter to his mentor, Lu Zhi. The letter began with sincere concern for his mentor's health, then assured him that his wife and other relatives were safe after being brought to Xiliang. His words fully expressed his deep longing for his mentor, and he pledged to personally escort his wife to meet him once the fighting subsided. Ma Chao then elaborated on the current situation in Xiliang, emphasizing the widespread incursions of the Southern Xiongnu, which had caused profound hardship for the people and unrest in the streets. He also stated his commitment to protecting the country and its people by striving to drive out the Southern Xiongnu and achieve stability. He then confessed to his mentor that his loyalty to the emperor and his patriotism remained unchanged, but that national interests were paramount. He also noted the deep gratitude owed to Prime Minister Dong and his family, and begged for his mentor's forgiveness for not being able to serve him. After writing the letter, Ma Chao asked the messenger to wait for a while because Mrs. Lu and others also had letters and clothes that needed the messenger to take back.

Ma Chao then wrote a letter to Prime Minister Dong, first expressing concern for Dong's health and advising him not to be too harsh. He said that since he had reached the pinnacle of power, it was enough to be at peace, and there was no need to fight so hard. He also thanked Dong for his continued support and tolerance for the Ma family. Ma Chao then explained the dire situation in Xiliang, now invaded by the Xiongnu, and stated his need to protect the territory and its people. He also assured Dong that no matter how the situation developed, Xiliang would always be Dong Zhuo's strongest support and would never waver.

Ma Chao handed the letter to a messenger, who then delivered a reply to Prime Minister Dong. After the messengers had departed, Ma Chao and Cheliji gathered their forces and, without further delay, decided to march to the front lines, replacing Ma Teng. Ma Teng would remain in command of the rear, while he would quell the Xiongnu rebellion.