Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao, a discerning man, made a point of meeting with the detained civil and military officials. With earnest words and a worried expression, he discussed the precarious situation facing Dong Zhuo's army. He freely recounted the severity of Dong Zhuo's last arrow wound and the current chaotic situation within the army, which was leaderless.

He did this to gain the trust of these civil and military officials, to convince them that the Western Liang army was in trouble and that he, Ma Chao, could handle it all. This move was not unnecessary, as everyone knew that with Dong Zhuo's domineering personality, he would never surrender to the coalition forces.

When Liu Fan and his men had set up the ambush, the situation was extremely dangerous. Dong Zhuo's luxurious carriage was literally shot apart like a hedgehog by the hail of arrows. In the chaos, even some important court officials tragically perished in the hail of arrows.

Ma Chao knew very well that only by first convincing these captives of his sincerity in negotiating peace could he further convince the coalition of princes that they were indeed sincere, thus creating the possibility for peace talks and buying time for the Xiliang army to retreat.

After conferring with these civil and military officials, Ma Chao paused for thought before summoning Pan Feng and Wu Anguo, who had been captured at the Battle of Hulao Pass, and Zu Mao, who had been captured in Xingyang. Since their capture, these three generals had steadfastly refused to surrender. However, they had not been subjected to much abuse or humiliation. Zu Mao's actions were due to Ma Chao's kindness. Wu Anguo and Pan Feng, on the other hand, were held captive simply because Lü Bu admired them. After capturing them, Lü Bu not only spared them but even sent them back to Luoyang to receive a reward for their merits. Therefore, although these three were prisoners, the ongoing fighting and chaotic situation meant no one cared much about their fate. Ma Chao considered taking this opportunity to speak with them. If they were unwilling to surrender, Ma Chao intended to release them and return them to the coalition forces as a gesture of good faith.

When Ma Chao saw Pan Feng, Wu Anguo, and Zu Mao in the tent, he politely bowed and said, "Generals, it's been a long time since we last met. I hope you are well."

Pan Feng looked puzzled and was the first to speak: "General Ma, I wonder why you have come to see us?"

Ma Chao smiled faintly and said sincerely, "My three generals, I'm sure you're all aware of the current situation. You've been captured here and are supposed to be our enemy, but I've always respected you as loyal and brave men. I've sought you out today to have a frank conversation."

Wu Anguo said in a gruff voice, "Humph, just say what you want to say!"

Ma Chao remained unmoved. He continued, "To be honest, my Xiliang army is in dire straits. Lord Dong is injured, and morale is wavering. I intend to negotiate peace with the allied forces and offer you a chance to live. If the three generals are willing to submit to me, we will treat each other like brothers and work together for the greater good. However, if you are unwilling, I, Ma Chao, will not force you to stay and will allow you to return to the allied forces."

Zu Mao pondered for a moment and said, "General Ma, your words are surprising. However, the matter of surrender requires further consideration."

Ma Chao nodded and said, "General Zu's words are reasonable. I will not force anyone. General Pan Feng, General Wu Anguo, what do you two think?"

Pan Feng hesitated and said, "This... We are just ordinary generals in the coalition army. If we can receive such kindness from General Ma, we are of course grateful. But this surrender is indeed a serious matter. Let me think about it."

Wu Anguo shouted, "I, Wu Anguo, would rather die than surrender! You can kill me or chop me up, it's all up to you!"

Ma Chao said, "Don't worry, General Wu. I've already said I'll let you go, and I'll keep my word. But I still hope you'll reconsider. After all, war is ruthless, and life and death are unpredictable."

Ma Chao continued, "Generals, if you are unwilling to surrender, I will not force you. However, after you withdraw, please refrain from slaughter. After all, no matter how much fighting there is, the casualties are all our brave men. Ma Chao truly does not want this meaningless entanglement to continue. Foreigners are now lurking covetously on our borders, burning, killing, and looting, and the people living there are suffering. And our fighting here is purely internal friction, sapping the national strength of our Han. Putting aside my stance on this and Prime Minister Dong, let's just take the lives of these soldiers for example. Every soldier is a son to an elder, a husband to a wife, a father to a child. Every death leaves a family struggling and facing hardship."

Ma Chao's words were a refreshing relief to the three generals. Their conversations had always been dominated by tales of achievement and the glory of being a general or a noble, but no one had ever truly considered the perspective of the soldiers. Pan Feng and Wu Anguo, having bravely stood up in the face of such dire circumstances at the Battle of Hulao Pass, possessed a certain chivalry. Furthermore, both men came from humble backgrounds and naturally understood the hardships faced by ordinary soldiers and civilians. They were deeply moved. Wu Anguo then questioned, "General, your words are pleasant, but aren't you still serving Dong Zhuo, willingly serving as his lackey?"

Ma Chao, however, burst out laughing. "Perhaps the three generals don't understand me very well. If you consider me Dong Gong's lackey, you are truly underestimating me. Since my early years as a disciple of Master Lu Zhi, I have been taught to be loyal to the emperor, patriotic, and to protect the country and its people. Since I began fighting on the battlefield, I have, first, relieved the siege of Wuwei, protecting the people from bandits; second, annihilated the Dongqiang tribe, ensuring peace in the region; and third, defeated the Xiongnu in Xiliang, enhancing the prestige of the Han. Back then, in Luoyang, Dong Gong offered me the title of Marquis of Wei, offering me the title of henchman, but I refused. If you don't believe me, feel free to ask around in the army. Protecting the country and its people is what a real man should do. Slaughtering civilians for the sake of fame and fortune is a pointless military exercise that Ma Chao despises."

The two were deeply impressed by Ma Chao's sincerity after hearing his impassioned speech. Wu Anguo's face showed admiration, and he clasped his fists and said, "General Ma, you are so righteous. I, Wu Anguo, misunderstood you before. You care about the country and the people, and you are truly a hero!"

Pan Feng also said immediately, "General Ma's words make Pan Feng feel ashamed. I only thought you were a general under Dong Zhuo, but I never thought you had such ambitions."

Ma Chao smiled and said, "I am truly fortunate that you two generals understand my earnest wishes. What are your thoughts now?"

Wu Anguo and Pan Feng exchanged a glance, and then Wu Anguo said, "General Ma, we two are willing to surrender to you. From now on, we will follow you and do our part to protect the country and the people, and to maintain the peace of the Han Dynasty."

Pan Feng also nodded and said, "I am willing to obey the general's orders!"

Ma Chao was overjoyed and said, "It is a great honor for Ma Chao and the Han Dynasty to have the help of these two generals!"

Although Zu Mao was tempted, he became conflicted and embarrassed when he thought of Sun Jian's brotherly treatment of him. He looked at Ma Chao, his lips trembling slightly, and hesitated, unsure how to respond.

Zu Mao was silent for a long time, and finally he sighed and said, "General Ma, it's not that Zu Mao is ignorant of the current situation, but General Sun has been kind to me, and I really don't know how to make a decision."

Ma Chao said to Zu Mao, "General, you are the great general of Uncle Sun. Bofu and I are sworn brothers, and we will not make things difficult for you. Simply return to the coalition camp tomorrow with the other civil and military officials."

Upon hearing this, Zu Mao's eyes flashed with gratitude. He clasped his fists and said, "General Ma's generosity is something I will always remember. If we are lucky enough in the future, I will definitely repay you for your kindness today."

Ma Chao smiled and nodded, saying, "General Zu, you are very polite. I hope that when we meet on the battlefield in the future, we will not engage in excessive hostility."

Zu Mao responded solemnly: "Zu Mao understands."

After arranging everything, Ma Chao dragged his exhausted body back to the tent, hoping to rest. However, as he lay down, his mind involuntarily drifted back to his master, Lu Zhi, in the coalition camp. The thought of his inevitable meeting with his master tomorrow filled him with a wave of anxiety. And with Prime Minister Dong in such a critical situation, how could he bear to abandon him?

Ma Chao tossed and turned in bed, feeling torn and unable to sleep. His thoughts were a tangled mess, and he simply got up, put on his armor, and went to visit Pang De again.

Pang De was seriously injured while trying to save him, and upon returning, he immediately received medical treatment. Ma Chao had already visited him once, and now he returned to Pang De's camp. Pang De was in unbearable pain and had not yet fallen asleep.

Ma Chao said softly, "Lingming, are you all right?"

Pang De gritted his teeth and forced a smile: "General, why are you here again?"

Ma Chao sat down beside Pang De's bed and said with a worried look, "Ling Ming, I still have many concerns about tomorrow's retreat. The coalition forces are so powerful, and I'm afraid it will be extremely difficult for us to successfully cover the evacuation of the entire army. But no matter what, I will protect everyone."

Pang De endured the pain and said, "General, don't worry. We soldiers are willing to serve you. Even if it means risking our lives tomorrow, we will fight to open a bloody path for the army."

Ma Chao was moved and shook Pang De's hand. He said, "Lingming, I know your loyalty very well. But after this battle, I wonder how many of our brothers will be buried in a foreign land."

Pang De looked at Ma Chao with a determined gaze and said, "General, as a soldier, dying on the battlefield is our fate. As long as we can maintain peace in this area, why should we fear death?"

Ma Chao sighed deeply, "Alas, the people have suffered so much through these years of war. When will it end?"

Pang De was silent for a moment, then said, "General, perhaps when the world is at peace, there will be no more wars."

Ma Chao shook his head slightly: "Peace is not easy to come by. The future is uncertain."

Pang De said, "General, I am stupid and don't understand the general trend of the world. But I only know that I will follow you. Wherever you go, I will go."

Ma Chao's eyes welled up with tears. "Lingming, with your words, Ma Chao will definitely live up to the expectations of my brothers."

The two talked for a long time until Pang De fell asleep due to injury and fatigue. Ma Chao then quietly left the tent, looked at the night sky, and secretly vowed in his heart that he would lead everyone out of the predicament.