Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao led his troops on a relentless march from Xiliang to reinforce Dong Bai. Along the way, they endured hardships, sleeping in the open air and marching day and night. The clatter of horse hooves echoed across the vast landscape, and the dust they kicked up obscured the sky. The soldiers' faces, etched with steely lines by the frost, burned with unwavering determination, their eyes burning with unwavering faith.

After a long journey, they finally arrived near Chang'an on New Year's Eve. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the earth, tinting this ancient land. Ma Chao ordered his troops to camp in front of Dong Bai's camp.

The camp was bustling with activity as soldiers began setting up tents and preparing to pitch camp. Ma Chao, atop his majestic warhorse, gazed solemnly at the distant city of Chang'an. The ancient city stood there, its walls towering and imposing, like an impenetrable barrier.

Dong Bai, overwhelmed with excitement after receiving the soldiers' report, immediately galloped out of the camp. Dressed in military uniform, she looked dashing, her hair flowing in the wind. Her eyes gleamed with joy, filled with anticipation and hope. From afar, she spotted Ma Chao's figure, and an indescribable feeling welled up within her.

The two met in front of the camp, and the moment their eyes met, time seemed to stand still. Everything around them seemed to fade into insignificance, filled only by their presence. Ma Chao looked at Dong Bai, his heart filled with pity and guilt. He knew Dong Bai must have endured many hardships and dangers during this time, but she remained resilient throughout, a tenacity that filled him with both heartache and admiration.

Dong Bai sensed Ma Chao's fatigue and resilience. His armor was dusty, his face etched with the vicissitudes of his journey, but his resolute gaze remained unwavering. She understood the immense effort Ma Chao must have put in to rush to his aid. Her eyes welled up, but she fought to contain them, not wanting Ma Chao to see her vulnerability.

Ma Chao dismounted with swift and steady steps. He walked steadily toward Dong Bai, each step filled with unwavering determination. He reached out and gently stroked Dong Bai's face, a touch tender and affectionate. "Bai'er, I'm here. I'm sorry you were worried," he said, his voice low and hoarse, filled with concern.

Dong Bai shook her head, her eyes filled with tenderness and determination. She said, "As long as you're safe, I'll be relieved." Her voice trembled slightly, revealing her inner excitement.

The two embraced for a moment, as if to melt all the thoughts and concerns they had felt during this period into this brief embrace. Then, Ma Chao let go of Dong Bai, his eyes becoming serious as he eagerly inquired about the battle situation.

Dong Bai frowned, a look of worry on her face as she slowly spoke, "Brother Ma Chao, we've attacked the city several times in the past few days, but to no avail. The towers of Chang'an are tall, and the walls are incredibly strong. Every attack we make is ruthlessly repelled, leaving us at our wits' end. Furthermore, the Chang'an defenders are the experienced Yan Yan and the young, skilled Zhang Ren, both of whom are both wise and brave, making them truly difficult to deal with." As she spoke, her eyes welled up slightly, and her voice took on a hint of tears. "Besides, Grandfather is in a critical situation right now. I'm really worried about him..."

Ma Chao looked at Dong Bai's worried expression, his heart filled with pity. He reached out, gently patted Dong Bai's shoulder, and said soothingly, "Don't worry too much, Bai'er. Lord Dong Zhuo is a man of good fortune. And you did your best in the siege, so don't blame yourself too much." His words were firm and forceful, trying to bring some comfort to Dong Bai.

Dong Bai raised his head and looked at Ma Chao, his eyes full of trust and dependence.

Ma Chao's eyes became firm and resolute. He gripped the spear tightly and said loudly: "Tomorrow, I will attack the city! I must break this strong city and resolve the current dilemma." His voice echoed in the camp, full of fearless courage and determination.

Dong Bai looked at Ma Chao's confident and resolute expression, her heart slightly at ease, and she nodded gently. She knew that as long as Ma Chao was there, there was still hope.

At night, a bonfire burned brightly in the camp. Ma Chao and Dong Bai sat by it, discussing their strategy for tomorrow's siege. Ma Chao meticulously analyzed the defensive weaknesses of the city walls and considered possible routes of attack. Dong Bai listened intently, occasionally offering his own ideas.

"Bai'er, when we attack the city tomorrow, I will lead a team of elite soldiers to break through the city wall from the east side to attract the enemy's attention. You lead another team to attack from the west side. We will attack from both sides and will definitely disrupt the enemy's defense. But Yan Yan and Zhang Ren will definitely be on guard, so we need to be extremely careful." Ma Chao said, pointing to the simple map drawn on the ground.

Dong Bai nodded, "Okay, Brother Ma Chao, I will definitely act according to your plan."

The bonfire reflected on their faces and illuminated their determined eyes.

The next morning, just as the sun rose, Ma Chao and Dong Bai assembled their troops and prepared to attack the city. Ma Chao led the charge, riding his warhorse and holding his spear, as he charged towards Chang'an. The soldiers followed him, their morale high.

Seeing Ma Chao's army approaching, the defenders on the city walls, under the command of Yan Yan and Zhang Ren, drew their bows and fired arrows and hurled rocks in defense. Suddenly, a hail of arrows and rocks fell. As soon as Ma Chao's troops approached the city walls, they came under fierce attack. The rain of arrows was so dense, like a swarm of locusts, and many soldiers fell screaming. The rocks rolled down, hitting the ground and sending up a cloud of dust, making the charge even more difficult.

Ma Chao, however, remained undaunted. He brandished his spear, deflecting incoming arrows and roaring to encourage his soldiers. But in the chaos, a huge rock rolled down from the city wall, hurtling towards Ma Chao. In this critical moment, Ma Dai, recklessly, rushed forward, blocking the rock with his shield. The immense force of the impact left him spitting blood, and his arm was left numb from the blow.

Dong Bai's army also encountered stiff resistance on the western flank. Zhang Ren personally led the troops, securing a tight defense. The ladders had barely been erected when they were overturned by the enemy, sending soldiers climbing them crashing down, screaming in agony. Dong Bai, distraught, commanded his men to charge forward.

On the eastern wall, Ma Chao's troops charged hard, but were unable to break through the enemy's defenses. Xu Huang, distraught, rushed towards the city gate with axe in hand. He was struck in the shoulder by an enemy spear, his clothes stained with blood. But he gritted his teeth and continued to swing his axe, cutting down the enemy before him.

Ma Chao watched his soldiers fall with a wave of anxiety. He knew that if he couldn't breach the city wall quickly, the battle would be lost. He reorganized the attack and personally led his soldiers toward the city gate, only to run into a trap set by Yan Yan. A row of sharp deer antlers blocked their path, wounding many soldiers.

Just when Ma Chao felt despair, Dong Bai's army launched a desperate charge and finally made a breakthrough on the west side. They climbed onto the city wall and engaged in fierce close combat with the enemy.

Ma Chao seized this opportunity and led his soldiers in a final charge. They used thick tree trunks to hit the city gate, and the gate finally opened slowly under the huge impact.

Ma Chao led the charge into the city. His spear surged like a dragon emerging from the sea, crushing the enemy wherever it struck. Dong Bai's army also entered the city from the west and joined Ma Chao's forces.

However, Yan Yan and Zhang Ren did not give up their resistance. They organized the remaining troops and engaged in street fighting with Ma Chao and Dong Bai's army. Every street and every corner was filled with the sounds of fighting and shouting.

Although Xu Huang and Ma Dai were seriously injured, their bravery was undiminished. Xu Huang wielded his axe, hacking left and right, while Ma Dai, holding his spear, charged forward, striking fear into the enemy wherever he went.

In the fierce street fighting, Yan Yan and Zhang Ren led the remaining soldiers to fight desperately, trying to make a final struggle.

Ma Chao brandished his spear with unstoppable courage, his eyes piercing the crowd as he searched for Yan Yan and Zhang Ren. Dong Bai commanded his soldiers to gradually narrow the encirclement, leaving the enemy no chance of escape.

At that moment, Yan Yan was furiously hacking away at the surrounding soldiers, his face bloodstained, yet still imposing. Ma Dai spotted him and, despite his injuries, charged forward with his spear in hand. Yan Yan turned to meet him, and the two exchanged blows, neither yielding. Ma Dai, seizing the opportunity, feinted a shot, causing Yan Yan to lunge forward. Seizing the opportunity, the nearby soldiers swarmed forward, tripping Yan Yan to the ground with ropes and quickly tying him up.

Elsewhere, Zhang Ren fought and retreated, attempting to find a way out. Seeing this, Xu Huang shouted, "Zhang Ren, don't run!" Swinging his axe, he blocked his path. Zhang Ren gritted his teeth and lunged at him with his spear. Xu Huang dodged sideways and swung his axe at Zhang Ren's mount. The horse, startled, threw Zhang Ren to the ground. Xu Huang's soldiers immediately swarmed over and pinned Zhang Ren down.

At this point, Yan Yan and Zhang Ren were both captured alive, and this fierce battle finally came to an end.

After the city of Chang'an was captured, the soldiers cheered and celebrated this hard-earned victory.

Ma Chao and Dong Bai stood on the city wall, looking at the city below, their hearts filled with emotion. They knew that this victory was won with the blood and lives of countless soldiers, and the bravery and fearlessness of the generals were the key to this victory.

Ma Chao looked at the injured Xu Huang and Ma Dai with admiration and gratitude. He knew that without their heroic fighting, this siege would not have been victorious.