Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The next day, sunlight streamed through the window lattice into the study. Ma Teng, his expression solemn and heavy with worry, summoned Ma Chao to the solemn and quiet study. Father and son sat opposite each other, the solemn atmosphere seemingly frozen in time, as they prepared to discuss the next steps for Xiliang in the current turbulent situation.

Ma Teng's face was as heavy as lead. He was the first to speak to Ma Chao, his voice full of deep worry. "Now, given the complex situation, my son, please think carefully about what we should do. If we don't reinforce Prime Minister Dong, the current situation will become extremely dire, even unimaginable."

Ma Chao had been feeling deeply uneasy, and now his brow furrowed in a deep frown, like the undulations of a mountain river. His gaze was penetrating, and he spoke clearly and solemnly to his father, "Father, the current situation is extremely precarious for Prime Minister Dong. It's extremely disadvantageous. Originally, the Prime Minister was confronting the Guandong princes in Luoyang, and the two sides were evenly matched, with the outcome uncertain. However, Chang'an is now under siege, forcing Prime Minister Dong to fight on two fronts. This will inevitably strain his forces, making deployment difficult. Furthermore, if the siege of Chang'an persists, Prime Minister Dong will be unable to divert troops to fight for control of Luoyang. He will then be trapped between Chang'an and Luoyang, caught in a dilemma. A single misstep could lead to total defeat."

Upon hearing this, Ma Teng's face grew even more worried. He sighed deeply and said anxiously, "Prime Minister Dong has shown great kindness to our Ma family and has been incredibly caring and protective of my son. Furthermore, Miss Dong Bai is deeply in love with you, and your mother and I are quite fond of her gentle and charming nature. Under these circumstances, it's only natural that if Prime Minister Dong is in trouble, we must do our utmost to help him, no matter what. This is the only way to live up to his kindness and Miss Dong Bai's deep affection."

Ma Chao nodded slightly and continued, "Dong Bai has resolutely set out with her uncle Dong Huang to lift the siege of Chang'an. We still don't know how they're progressing, which is truly heartbreaking." Upon hearing this, Ma Teng exclaimed in astonishment, "No wonder this girl left without saying goodbye—she was so resolute and brave! Why didn't you tell me ahead of time? If I had known, I would have led the troops there instead of risking her life." Ma Chao explained, "She was simply concerned for her son and didn't want to put me in a difficult position." Ma Teng sighed, "Dong Bai is truly devoted to you, and her feelings are profound. So, Chao'er, how do you plan to handle this? Despite your master's many teachings, how can we sit back and watch, unrequited, in the face of such profound kindness and love?"

Ma Chao's eyes were firm, twinkling like cold stars. He said resolutely, "Father, I tossed and turned last night, thinking for a long time. I will never help Prime Minister Dong to become an enemy of Master or the Emperor. However, I will do everything I can to open up a passage through Chang'an and ensure Prime Minister Dong's safety. Even if it goes against my moral principles, I will definitely save Prime Minister Dong. And I will never disregard Dong Bai's safety."

Ma Teng nodded slightly, his eyes full of approval, and expressed his approval. "Chao'er, I know what you are thinking and I agree with your decision. Just follow your heart and do it. Your father and your mother will fully support you. Men of our Ma family should live openly, taking revenge and repaying kindness without being bound by too many worldly rules and regulations."

Ma Chao was deeply moved by his father's words, and his eyes welled up slightly. He said with a choked voice, "Father, you trust me so much. I will definitely live up to your expectations and give my all to live up to the Ma family's name."

Ma Teng stepped forward, patted Ma Chao's shoulder firmly, and said firmly: "My son will definitely achieve great things and bring honor to our Ma family."

After Ma Chao finished discussing with his father, he walked out of the study, took a deep breath, and made up his mind to order a two-day rest before marching to Chang'an.

Although it was only three or five days away from New Year's Eve, which should have been a time for families to reunite and welcome the New Year, Ma Chao's prestige was at its peak. When his order came out, the soldiers had no complaints and all actively prepared for the expedition.

Ma Chao, filled with mixed emotions, hurried to meet Lu Wan. Lu Wan had been waiting eagerly at the appointed place. When she saw Ma Chao's figure, her beautiful face instantly blossomed into a joyful smile, as bright as the warm spring sun.

She lifted her skirt and ran towards Ma Chao quickly, like a happy butterfly. When she reached Ma Chao, Lu Wan raised her head slightly, her eyes full of joy, and said in a soft and cheerful voice: "Brother Chao, you are finally here."

Ma Chao looked at Lu Wan's delighted expression, and the guilt and entanglement in his heart eased a little. He gently held Lu Wan's hand and said, "Sorry to have kept you waiting for a long time."

Lu Wan shook her head slightly, the smile on her face not fading: "As long as I can see Brother Chao, Wan'er is willing to wait for as long as it takes."

Ma Chao stood before Lu Wan, his expression filled with guilt and embarrassment. He looked at Lu Wan's gentle face, wanting to speak but hesitant.

Finally, Ma Chao spoke with difficulty, "Wan'er, I have to go to war again. This time, I am going to reinforce Dong Bai because of the situation and to repay Prime Minister Dong's kindness. But I feel guilty for doing this and for letting you suffer."

Lu Wan gently shook her head, her eyes filled with understanding and tolerance. She said softly, "Brother Chao, please don't say that. Wan'er knows that the general values ​​friendship and loyalty. Miss Dong Bai is in danger, and it is a noble act for Brother Chao to help. Although Wan'er is a woman, she also understands the importance of right and wrong. Brother Chao, please go ahead. Wan'er will wait for your triumphant return at home."

Ma Chao was deeply moved. He held Lu Wan's hand tightly and said, "Wan'er, I am lucky to have you, such a learned, polite, and considerate person. When I return, I will definitely compensate you double."

Lu Wan smiled slightly, tears glistening in her eyes, but she said firmly: "Brother Chao, go with peace of mind. Wan'er believes that General Wan'er will return safely."

In the early morning, just as the sky was turning pale, Ma Chao, clad in battle armor, stood at the gate of his mansion, looking dashing and heroic. He first solemnly bid farewell to his parents. Gazing at their worried and reluctant faces, Ma Chao knelt on his knees and spoke in a firm and powerful voice: "Father, Mother, I will definitely fulfill my mission. I hope you will not worry too much and take good care of yourself." Ma's parents, fighting back tears, nodded repeatedly.

At this time, his sister Ma Yunlu ran over, grabbed the corner of Ma Chao's clothes, with tears in her eyes, and said in a crying voice: "Brother, you must come back safely, I will be obedient and wait for you." Ma Chao squatted down, gently wiped away his sister's tears, and said softly: "Yunlu, be good, brother will be back soon. You must listen to your parents at home and take care of yourself." After that, he hugged his sister in his arms and patted her back to comfort her.

After comforting his younger siblings, Ma Chao mounted his horse and swung his spear. The soldiers behind him shouted in unison, their morale high. "We follow you, General, and we will be invincible!" The voice was like rolling thunder, piercing the sky. They were all in high spirits, their eyes blazing, their weapons gleaming coldly in the rising sun.

Zhang Xiu raised his spear high, waved it excitedly, and shouted loudly: "For Xiliang! For glory!" Xu Huang gripped the axe tightly and roared at the top of his lungs: "Break through the enemy formation and return in triumph!" For a moment, shouts and the sound of armor colliding were intertwined, stirring people's hearts.

At this time, Ma Chao's eyes were as sharp as torches and his expression was firm. He set out to fight again with high spirits. His tall figure was like an unshakable mountain.

Chang'an now fell completely under the control of Liu Fan. Liu Fan was a man of immense resourcefulness, always planning and executing meticulous strategies before embarking on a campaign. His brother, Liu Dan, was even more valiant and skilled in battle, charging into battle like a tiger among a flock of sheep, unstoppable. Furthermore, Yizhou was a land of mountainous terrain, and its soldiers, born and raised there, were not only hardy and tolerant, but also skilled at scaling treacherous peaks and steep mountains.

Although Chang'an City was known for its steepness and height, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack, it should have been impregnable. However, the general Dong Zhuo left behind was incompetent and mediocre. Faced with the fierce attack of Liu Fan's army, he had no plan to deal with it and only responded in panic. In the end, Liu Fan's clever strategy and powerful attack broke through.

Li Jue and Guo Si led the fierce Xiliang cavalry and rushed to Chang'an to provide assistance. They rushed all the way, full of hope to relieve the difficulties in Chang'an, unaware that Chang'an was already under the control of Liu Fan.

Liu Fan, a meticulous strategist, immediately dispatched his soldiers to disguise themselves as the Xiliang defenders upon seeing the approaching army of Li Jue and Guo Si. Unprepared, Li Jue and Guo Si charged directly into the city, erupting in shouts and cries of slaughter. They realized they had fallen into a trap, but it was too late. Liu Fan's carefully crafted trap threw their armies into complete disarray. After a brutal battle, Li Jue and Guo Si, decimated by the loss of their troops, fled the city in disarray.

Liu Fan had intended to consolidate his forces, pursue Li Jue and Guo Si, and then advance on Luoyang to expand his victory. However, Dong Bai and Dong Huang, leading troops from Longxi, had already arrived and quickly laid siege to Chang'an. Faced with this unexpected situation, Liu Fan and Liu Dan, weighing the pros and cons, decided to hold the city, and the two sides fell into a stalemate.