Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Dong Zhuo half-reclining on his bed, his voice trembling, said to Ma Chao, "Ma Chao, I am now at the end of my life, my energy is running out. I wish to pass this legacy on to Dong Bai. I hope you can shoulder this responsibility with her."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao's expression was solemn. He clasped his fists slightly, his eyes filled with worry. "Mr. Dong, I will definitely take good care of Miss Dong Bai. But this is such a huge foundation, and Dong Huang and other members of the Dong family are here. As an outsider, how dare I easily interfere?"

Dong Zhuo raised his voice with difficulty, his eyes filled with anxiety and anticipation. "How can you say I'm an outsider? Bai'er will marry you in the future, and it's only natural for you to take over this inheritance. I have very little time left, and this is my last wish. I sincerely hope you can grant it."

Ma Chao's face was troubled, his brow furrowed. After a moment's contemplation, he said, "Lord Dong, this matter is of grave importance and requires careful consideration. Furthermore, the current situation is turbulent, with various factions eyeing this foundation covetously. I'm afraid my abilities are limited and I'm unable to take on this heavy responsibility."

Dong Zhuo gripped Ma Chao's arm tightly, his eyes firm and resolute. "Mengqi, I believe in your ability to stabilize the situation in these troubled times. Only by entrusting my son Bai'er to you can I rest in peace."

Dong Zhuo turned to look at Niu Fu and Li Ru, his eyes filled with deep hope and instructions. "Niu Fu, Li Ru, you two have followed me for many years, loyal and devoted. Now that I am leaving, I hope you will fully assist Ma Chao, protect Dong Bai, and safeguard the foundation of Xiliang. Never harbor second thoughts, prioritize the greater good and work for the well-being of the people." Niu Fu and Li Ru burst into tears, unable to speak. They bowed before Ma Chao, calling out, "Lord." Ma Chao hurried forward to help them up, and generals like Xu Rong and Hua Xiong followed suit. Ma Chao looked around, gritted his teeth, and finally made up his mind.

Dong Zhuo looked at Dong Huang again, his eyes filled with a mixture of helplessness and worry, a look of frustration. "Dong Huang, I know you're unwilling to accept this, but my trust in you is for the long-term stability of the Dong family's foundation. You must not act on impulse and oppose Ma Chao. If you can let go of your obsession and stand with Ma Chao to protect Xiliang, I can rest in peace even in my grave. Otherwise, the Dong family will decline due to internal strife. You'll have to take care of yourself."

Dong Zhuo sighed deeply and gazed into the distance, as if catching a glimpse of Xiliang's future. He spoke with worry, "I know full well that in Xiliang, people's lives are difficult and wars are frequent. I only hope that in the future, there will be less conflict, and the people can live and work in peace. I have spent my life in turmoil, pursuing fame and fortune, but I have also committed many sins. Looking back now, I realize that my hands were stained with blood for the sake of power and status. This is not what I wanted. If there is an afterlife, I hope to rule the world with benevolence and virtue, and never again cause suffering to the people."

Ma Chao no longer hesitated, knelt on one knee, and said solemnly and firmly: "Don't worry, Lord Dong, Ma Chao will definitely live up to your trust. Even if it costs me my life, I will definitely protect Miss Dong Bai and protect Xiliang."

Dong Huang, standing nearby, couldn't help but look disgruntled. He wondered, "How could such a vast enterprise be so easily entrusted to someone from another family?" As Dong Zhuo's nephew, he should have taken over. Unable to contain himself, Dong Huang stepped forward and said anxiously, "Uncle, this matter is of grave importance and requires careful consideration. How can such a hasty decision be made?"

Dong Zhuo's eyes were wide open, and he glared at Dong Huang fiercely, scolding loudly: "I have made up my mind, and you don't have to say anything more. I believe in Ma Chao's ability far more than I trust you." Dong Huang was frightened by Dong Zhuo's harsh rebuke and trembled all over. His face turned pale, but his heart was still full of unwillingness, and his eyes revealed deep resentment without any concealment.

Dong Zhuo ignored Dong Huang and turned to look at Dong Bai and Ma Chao, his eyes filled with reluctance and concern. He spoke haltingly, "After I leave... there will undoubtedly be many difficulties and obstacles... Ma Chao... my Bai'er... from now on I leave her in your hands... I've spent my whole life... chasing fame and fortune... but now it seems... fame and fortune... are all like passing clouds... ultimately empty... If I could live again... I would like to live a simple life with my family... and enjoy the joys of family..." Dong Bai, already weeping bitterly, cried out heartbreakingly, "Grandfather, please don't abandon Bai'er."

Dong Zhuo forced himself to say the last sentence, and then his eyes gradually lost their luster, and his raised hand dropped down weakly.

"Grandfather!" Dong Bai's heart-wrenching cries echoed through the room for a long time. Everyone fell to the ground and wailed, their grief resonating with the earth. Some were truly saddened by Dong Zhuo's passing, while others were filled with fear for their future.

Dong Huang stood aside, feigning grief, yet secretly plotting how to deal with Ma Chao and seize the legacy left by Dong Zhuo. He gritted his teeth, furiously thinking that all this should have belonged to him, Dong Huang, and he must teach Ma Chao a lesson and make him give up.

Ma Chao slowly stood up, his face etched with grief yet unwavering determination. He knew that Dong Zhuo's entrustment carried a profound responsibility, and he also understood that Dong Huang would not easily relinquish his responsibility. But at this moment, he had no time to consider Dong Huang's feelings. His only concern was fulfilling Dong Zhuo's last wish and protecting Dong Bai and the countless people of Xiliang.

After Dong Zhuo's death, his army fell into chaos and confusion. Ma Chao summoned his generals to discuss the future. Inside the tent, the atmosphere was solemn, and everyone's expressions were serious.

Ma Chao stood before the map, his gaze determined as he spoke, "Men, now that Lord Dong Zhuo is gone, we must find a way out for this army and the people of Xiliang. In my opinion, Chang'an and other places are difficult to defend. We should abandon them and only protect Longxi and Xiliang."

Before he could finish his words, Dong Huang suddenly stood up and loudly retorted, "No! Chang'an is a prosperous place, how can we give it up so easily? And those other territories were won by us with blood, how can we give them up to others!"

Ma Chao frowned and patiently explained, "General Dong Huang, the situation is extremely unfavorable to us now. With Lord Dong Zhuo gone, all forces are eyeing us covetously. Chang'an may be a good place, but our forces are limited, and our food and fodder supply won't last long. If we force our way through, I'm afraid we'll be annihilated."

Dong Huang's eyes widened in anger, and he refused to back down. "Ma Chao, you are a coward! How can we be so cowardly as to retreat without a fight? I absolutely refuse to give up Chang'an and other territories. I will lead my men to hold on to the end!"

The generals began to whisper and discuss the matter. Some were inclined to Ma Chao's cautious strategy, while others were influenced by Dong Huang's determination.

Ma Chao took a deep breath and continued, "General Dong Huang, I'm not timid, but I'm weighing the pros and cons. We must consider the long-term, preserve our manpower, return to Xiliang, recuperate, and wait for the right opportunity."

Dong Huang snorted coldly, "Timing? Once you give up these territories, what timing will there be? We will become the target of public criticism and be bullied by other princes!"

Both sides insisted on their own opinions and refused to give in, and the atmosphere in the tent became increasingly tense.

Li Ru stepped forward to persuade them, "Generals, please stop arguing. This is all for the benefit of the army and the people. However, this matter is of great importance, so we need to think calmly."

Dong Huang glared at Li Ru: "Calm down? If you calm down any longer, it will be too late!"

Dong Bai firmly stood by Ma Chao and defended his decision, believing his strategic plan to be a wise one. However, Dong Huang was dismissive of her opinions and even openly disdained her, completely ignoring her words.

Dong Bai felt helpless and angry. She knew that her cousin Dong Huang had always coveted higher power and status, and Dong Zhuo's departure gave him an opportunity. Dong Huang was unwilling to give up Chang'an and other areas. He was eager to continue to expand his sphere of influence and become a local overlord.

Dong Bai tried to persuade Dong Huang, but Dong Huang was stubborn, believing that Dong Bai was just a young and ignorant woman who did not understand the complexities of politics and military affairs. He even mocked Dong Bai's naive ideas and believed that she was not capable of leading Dong Zhuo's old subordinates.

Dong Bai's efforts were met with no response, and she felt that her dignity and authority were greatly challenged. She realized that Dong Huang no longer respected her or obeyed her orders. In this situation, Dong Bai understood that if she continued to cooperate with Dong Huang, she would only put herself in a more passive situation.

Seeing Dong Huang's disrespect for Dong Bai, Ma Chao said in a heavy voice, "General Dong Huang, if you insist on doing this, then we must go our separate ways. If you insist on defending Chang'an and other places, I will not stop you, but I will return to Xiliang with those who are willing to follow me."

Dong Huang gritted his teeth and said, "Okay, Ma Chao, you go your way, and I'll go mine!"

Dong Huang shouted arrogantly, "Now that my uncle has passed away, the future of the Xiliang Army must be led by me, Dong Huang! Everyone, make your stance clear now. Are you on my side, or on Ma Chao and Dong Bai's side?"

The soldiers looked at each other, and no one dared to speak for a moment.

Xu Rong stepped forward and shouted, "Dong Huang, please don't be so arrogant! I, Xu Rong, only recognize Ma Chao and Miss Dong Bai!"

Dong Huang's eyes widened in anger as he glared at Xu Rong fiercely, "Xu Rong, how dare you disobey me? Don't forget, I'm Lord Dong Zhuo's nephew!"

Hua Xiong shouted, "Hmph! Even when Lord Dong Zhuo was alive, he was never as arrogant and unreasonable as you! We will definitely follow General Ma Chao and Miss Dong Bai!"

Dong Huang roared in frustration, "You are simply courting your own death!"

Li Ru remained calm and said slowly, "Dong Huang, you are forcing everyone like this. This is truly unpopular. I, Li Ru, am willing to serve General Ma Chao and Miss Dong Bai."

Dong Huang pointed his finger at Li Ru and said, "Li Ru, you are such a jerk! I have always respected you as my brother-in-law, yet you dare to go against me!"

Niu Fu took a step forward and said firmly, "Dong Huang, don't think we don't know what you're thinking. I, Niu Fu, firmly support General Ma Chao and Miss Dong Bai!"

Dong Huang's face was as gloomy as a dark cloud, and he said viciously, "Just wait, I will never let you off easily!"

Ma Chao stepped forward and said righteously, "Dong Huang, your perverse actions will surely not end well!"

Dong Bai shouted angrily, "Uncle, please stop immediately! Don't let the Xiliang army fall into civil strife!"

Dong Huang glared at everyone with a vicious look: "Let's wait and see!"

After saying this, Dong Huang threw his sleeves and left angrily.