Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

As the year drew to a close, a bitter cold wind howled across the land. After a year of arduous fighting, Ma Chao finally defeated the Xiongnu army led by Yu Fuluo in this icy and snowy landscape. The shouts of killing were deafening on the battlefield. Ma Chao led the charge, his spear like a dragon, crushing the Xiongnu soldiers wherever he went. Amidst the chaotic battle, Ma Chao's sharp gaze locked onto Yu Fuluo, the Xiongnu Chanyu. He galloped forward, his spear unleashed like a dragon, and before Yu Fuluo could react, he had knocked him off his horse.

However, Hunnu Chanyu Yufuluo's younger brother Huochexuan was extremely brave. He fought desperately in the chaos, gathered some of the remnants, and fought his way out, leading them to escape.

This long and brutal battle had left Ma Chao exhausted, both physically and mentally. His armor was tattered, his face stained with blood and dust, but his resolute eyes still betrayed the joy of victory. He desperately longed to return to Wuwei to recuperate, to see his long-lost family and the person he longed for so long. A year of campaigning had deepened his longing for his loved ones, and he longed only to return to a warm haven and enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility.

Although Ma Chao was engaged in a bloody battle against the Xiongnu in Xiliang, his thoughts were not entirely limited to this, and he was constantly concerned about the situation in the Central Plains. Upon learning that the allied forces were aggressively attacking Luoyang, he felt a mixture of emotions. On the one hand, he was happy that his master was making a difference in the struggle; on the other, he was deeply concerned about the plight of Prime Minister Dong.

He was well aware of Prime Minister Dong's actions, and knew that such perverse behavior would sooner or later lead to a desperate situation, a situation difficult to resolve. However, Prime Minister Dong had also done him a favor, and he harbored a certain respect and gratitude for him. His master also held a deep bond. He held deep feelings for both sides, leaving him caught in the middle, torn between the two.

Even now, Xiliang remains mired in the turmoil of war, its plight exceeding all expectations. Yet, wherever Ma Chao leads his army, the people spontaneously come to welcome and see him off. This is because, in the hearts of the Xiliang people, Ma Chao is their undisputed protector.

The unbridled and reckless Eastern Qiang tribes surrounding Xiliang were successfully pacified by Ma Chao the previous year. The Southern Xiongnu, who had long wreaked havoc within Xiliang, were also utterly routed by Ma Chao, with even the Xiongnu Chanyu, Yufuluo, tragically killed at his hands.

Ma Chao looked at the people of Xiliang who were overwhelmed and miserable due to life, the young men who showed longing, fascination and desire to join the army, and the pale-faced women and children. His heart was deeply touched. He felt that he had a heavy responsibility and a long way to go.

Although the Xiongnu invasion had been quelled, the task of post-war reconstruction remained. How could this war-torn land of Xiliang be quickly restored to life, and how could the people once again live and work in peace and contentment? These challenges weighed heavily on Ma Chao's mind, forcing him to refrain from slacking off for even a moment.

With this complex mix of emotions, Ma Chao led his troops slowly back to Wuwei City. The faces of the city's inhabitants were filled with the joy of a victor, their cheerful expressions as if they had personally experienced the bloodshed of battle. With Ma Chao by their side, they no longer feared foreign invasions and could live a stable and peaceful life.

The city was already buzzing with the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year, and the Spring Festival was just around the corner. Although the crowds who had come to greet him were extremely excited and cheering, Ma Chao still felt a lingering worry.

Ma Chao returned victorious, unwilling to spoil everyone's excitement, and carefully packed his belongings before returning to the palace. Clad in battle armor, Ma Chao entered the palace with a dashing presence, heading to greet his parents and a group of officials. The palace was already bustling with activity. Servants bustled about, serving tea and preparing a sumptuous feast. In the hall, officials chattered among themselves, praising Ma Chao's bravery and exploits with words of admiration and respect.

The moment Ma Chao stepped into the hall, everyone's eyes instantly focused on him, and cheers and praises rang out one after another. "Mighty Young General!" "This is a blessing for Xiliang!"

Ma Chao strode forward quickly, knelt on one knee, and saluted his parents: "Father, Mother, I have fulfilled my mission and returned triumphantly!" Ma Teng quickly stood up and helped Ma Chao up with both hands, his eyes filled with excitement and pride: "My son is so brave and has made great achievements for Xiliang. You are truly an honor for our family!" Ma's mother gently stroked Ma Chao's face, tears in her eyes: "My son, you have been on the battlefield for so long, and I have been worried about you every day. Now that I see you back safely, I am finally at peace."

Officials gathered around him. Cheng Gongying bowed and said, "Young General, you have defeated the enemy with such force this time. Your prestige has spread far and wide. The people of Xiliang are all grateful to you." Ma Chao humbly responded, "You are too kind, my lords. Defending our country is my duty. This victory is only possible thanks to the bravery of our soldiers."

Zao Zhi continued, "Young General, you are both wise and courageous. You will achieve great things in the future. We are willing to follow you and work for the well-being of Western Liang." Ma Chao humbly replied, "Western Liang owes its prosperity to you, our people, and our soldiers, who have the strength to defend our country. After this Xiongnu rebellion, you are still needed to restore Western Liang's vitality." Zao Zhi smiled and said, "That is my responsibility."

The other officials also came forward to compliment him. Ma Chao nodded in thanks and said, "I am grateful for your kindness, my Excellencies. I will definitely live up to your expectations."

Ma Chao looked at Xun Yu who was silent in the crowd, and knew what he was thinking. He sighed in his heart that such a talented person could not be won over after all. However, he also admired Xun Yu's noble character even more in his heart.

Meanwhile, Madam Lu sat dignifiedly to one side, while Lu Wan gazed at Ma Chao with her beautiful eyes, her affectionate gaze radiating from her. Her feelings, no longer restrained, were fully revealed on her delicate face. However, there was an inexplicable melancholy in Madam Lu's eyes, as if she had a thousand words to say but couldn't, which seemed out of place in this festive atmosphere.

Ma Chao, in front of everyone, didn't want to interact too much with Lu Wan. He just nodded slightly, looked at Lu Wan, and nodded gently. Lu Wan blushed in shame at the mere moment of their eye contact, her cheeks stained with the sunset glow.

Ma Chao adjusted his sleeves and stepped forward steadily. He greeted Madam Lu respectfully, saying humbly, "Master's wife, how are you?" Madam Lu suppressed her sorrow, forced a smile, and spoke encouragingly to Ma Chao, "I'm fine. Mengqi, your triumphant return is truly a cause for celebration. You must continue to work tirelessly for the peace of Xiliang and live up to the people's expectations."

Ma Chao glanced around, his eyes sweeping across faces, familiar and unfamiliar, but he couldn't spot the charming figure of Dong Bai. He wondered, "Why would Dong Bai be absent on such an important day?" A hint of doubt welled up in his heart. However, he didn't want to disrupt the lively and cheerful atmosphere with his questions, so he pursed his lips and swallowed the question that was about to come.

At the banquet, everyone clinked glasses, laughter and joy filled the air. Delicious dishes were served one after another, the aroma of wine filled the air, and both guests and hosts were delighted. Time slipped away in the joy. The banquet lasted a long time, and only when the moon reached its zenith did the crowd gradually disperse.

Because of his son Ma Chao's outstanding performance, Ma Teng was complimented by everyone at the banquet for a long time. He was very pleased and his joy was beyond words. He drank a lot without realizing it.

Ma Chao's situation wasn't much better. Generals like Zhang Xiu and Xu Huang were all cheering and making noises, toasting him one after another. After all, they had returned from a great victory, and it was almost the end of the year. His brothers had fought alongside him for so long, enduring countless hardships. Ma Chao, grateful for their sacrifices, couldn't bear to spoil the fun, so he accepted every toast, downing cup after cup until he gradually became groggy.

Ma Chao washed his face with the help of a maid, and the cool water helped him relax. At this moment, someone suddenly came to report that Dong Bai's female guards wanted to see him.

When the female guard entered, Ma Chao's face was filled with anxiety, and he couldn't wait to inquire about Dong Bai's whereabouts. The female guard bowed slightly and spoke slowly, "Ever since Prime Minister Dong went to war with the princes of Guandong, Miss Dong Bai has been worried about her grandfather's safety. Especially since she heard that Chang'an was under siege, this meant that Prime Minister Dong in Xiliang was blocked from returning to Xiliang, and if he wasn't careful, he would be attacked from both sides. Miss Dong Bai, worried about her grandfather Dong Zhuo's safety, led the troops in Dongxi and joined her uncle Dong Huang to rush to Chang'an to provide assistance."

After hearing the female soldier's words, Ma Chao's mind flashed back to the image of Dong Zhuo, the stubborn old man. He couldn't help but hold his head, feeling a surge of unease. He knew the battlefield was full of dangers and the ever-changing situation. He didn't know what kind of difficulties and obstacles Dong Bai would encounter on this journey.

The female soldier continued, "Miss Dong Bai understands your predicament, General Ma Chao, and has left a message for you, so you don't have to worry. She will return as soon as she has lifted the siege of Chang'an." Ma Chao's ears grew increasingly uneasy. How could he not worry about Dong Bai's safety? After all, the battlefield was a ruthless place, with unpredictable situations and the potential for any unexpected event.

Ma Chao frowned, thinking for a long time. He recalled every moment he had spent with Dong Bai, her gentle smile, her caring eyes. Now, she was in the midst of a dangerous battlefield. How could he rest assured? Ma Chao's heart felt as if it were being gripped by an invisible hand, and anxiety and worry continued to grow in his heart.