Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Dong Zhuo's funeral arrangements were finally settled. Ma Chao carefully sent off the officials and Qiang leaders who had come to pay their respects. Ma Teng was about to return to Wuwei to take charge of the situation. Before leaving, Ma Teng and Ma Chao had a discussion.

Ma Teng said, "Now that Lord Dong is gone, you don't seem interested in seizing the remaining territory. What are your plans?" Ma Chao said to his father earnestly, "Father, the Emperor has returned to Chang'an, Lord Dong is a thing of the past, and for now, there are signs of hope for the world. Father, we must not entertain the idea of ​​maintaining our own military power. I intend to contact Master Lu Zhi and have Xiliang submit to the imperial court. In these chaotic times, if we maintain our own military power, we will become a target of public criticism. It would be better for us to submit to the imperial court and contribute to the stability of the world."

But Ma Teng said worriedly, "Even though Lord Dong is dead, much of the country is in chaos. Furthermore, Lord Dong's nephew, Dong Huang, is still stationed in Fufeng and other places. This area is a vacuum, and these territories are still between us and the imperial court. If the imperial court sends troops to encircle and suppress Dong Huang's forces, wouldn't that put us in a dilemma? If we send troops, we will inevitably suffer losses. If we don't, we may be blamed by the imperial court."

Ma Chao said, "Dong Huang is merely a minor issue. Even if we don't take action, the imperial court can still recapture him. What truly worries me is the coalition of princes. Their generals now hold power. Although Prime Minister Dong has fallen, there are many more to come. The princes are now at odds, each with their own ambitions, each vying for supremacy in this chaotic world. If we do not submit to the imperial court, Xiliang alone will be unable to withstand the pressure."

Ma Teng said, "My son, perhaps you shouldn't think too far ahead. Let's talk about what we should do now. If we are really asked to submit to the imperial court and go to war with Dong Huang's forces, I absolutely do not want to see that happen. Our Ma family has been operating in Xiliang for many years, and we must also consider the safety of our clansmen."

Ma Chao said, "Since that's the case, Father, why don't we hold our troops in place and wait and see what happens? On the one hand, we must keep an eye on the movements of Dong Huang and the surrounding forces. On the other hand, I plan to personally escort Master's wife, my fellow apprentices, and even Xun Lingjun to Chang'an. At the same time, I will discuss with Master how we can make our position clear. We can submit to the court, but they cannot disturb our Ma family's roots in Xiliang. We can also fight for the court, but our roots cannot be eradicated."

Ma Teng said, "My son, you have to think carefully. My Ma family is now deeply rooted in Xiliang. Even if we sincerely submit to the imperial court, the imperial court will definitely be very wary of us."

Ma Chao's eyes were determined as he responded, "Father, I understand the pros and cons. However, given the current situation, if we don't submit, our Ma family will become a target of public criticism. If we can reach an agreement with the court, it will not only protect our family's safety but also benefit the nation. Why not? I will proceed with caution and strive for favorable terms."

Ma Teng nodded slightly and said, "Well, you've grown up now. The glory of our Ma family depends on you. You must act with caution and don't act rashly. We need to postpone the trip to Chang'an. We need to stabilize the situation first. After all, Lord Dong's sudden death will surely make some of the surrounding tribes eager to make a move. Moreover, Xiliang is in ruins right now, and because of Lord Dong's defeat, the Xiliang army is a little short of manpower. We need to develop steadily for a while. Once the court and Dong Huang reach a conclusion, we can take action. It's not too late."

Ma Chao thought about it and decided that it was true. He should not be too radical in anything. Several of his generals were injured, and Longxi County could not be supported solely by Dong Bai. Ma Chao said to his father, "Father, please return to Wuwei to take charge of the overall situation. I will take care of Longxi County. Rest and recuperate first. I will come back when the opportunity is right."

Ma Chao stroked his beard and said, "I am relieved that my son thinks this way. I can also return to Wuwei with peace of mind."

Ma Teng patted Ma Chao on the shoulder, his eyes full of trust and expectation, then turned around and set out on the journey back to Wuwei with his entourage.

Ma Chao looked at his father's receding back and secretly vowed in his heart that he would protect Xiliang and let the Ma family stand firm in this chaotic world.

Ma Chao summoned all his civil and military officers and solemnly announced his idea of ​​resting and recuperating in the near future. As soon as this idea was put forward, it immediately received unanimous support from the civil and military officers present.

Ma Chao, with a serious expression and a resolute gaze, instructed Hua Xiong and Xu Rong, "Longxi County has now been incorporated into Western Liang. However, other areas like Fufeng and Anding are firmly held by Dong Huang's forces. Although Dong Huang and Dong Zhuo are both members of the Dong family, his relationship with us is currently extremely strained. Longxi County is isolated from Western Liang, and the situation is critical. Therefore, we must prioritize military affairs and strengthen defenses. We must not slack off in the slightest."

Ma Chao then turned to Xu Shu and Li Ru and said, "You two must do your utmost to appease the people, so that they can live and work in peace, and restore order to the people's livelihood in Longxi County as soon as possible."

Xu Shu bowed and said, "General, to appease the people, the first thing to do is to reduce taxes so that they can have enough food after working. This will motivate them. Secondly, we can send special people to guide farming and introduce new planting techniques to increase grain production."

Li Ru continued, "We also need to open markets to promote trade, so that people can sell their goods and increase their income. At the same time, we need to repair water conservancy facilities to ensure irrigation of farmland to prevent droughts from affecting harvests."

Ma Chao nodded slightly and said, "You two are right. We should also set up a clinic to provide free medical treatment to the sick and ensure their health. Furthermore, we should provide some relief and care for the widowed, widowed, and lonely."

Xu Shu responded, "General, you are kind and benevolent. If you do this, the people will surely be grateful and devote themselves to production."

Li Ru also said: "As long as everyone is united, within a few months, Longxi County will be able to regain its prosperity."

Ma Chao said with satisfaction, "Then I'll leave this matter to you two. Make sure you get it done."

Xu Shu and Li Ru responded in unison: "Don't worry, General. We will definitely fulfill our mission!"

Ma Chao also ordered Pang De, Xu Huang, Zhang Xiu and others to recruit and train soldiers.

After receiving the order, Pang De immediately posted notices throughout the city, recruiting virtuous and brave men. In a short time, many people responded to the call, including strong farm boys, ambitious knights, and retired soldiers who had experienced the flames of war.

Xu Huang was in charge of selecting new recruits. His discerning eye and rigorous selections focused on selecting only those with exceptional physical fitness and strong will. The selected recruits were filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to showcase their talents in the military.

Zhang Xiu personally supervised the training. On the parade grounds, under his guidance, the new recruits practiced marching formations, fighting, archery, and other skills. They sweated profusely, but never complained, striving for precision in every movement.

Under Ma Chao's careful governance, Longxi became a prosperous place.

In the fields, people toiled diligently, promoting new planting techniques. The crops in the fields flourished and flourished. The farmers' faces were filled with hopeful smiles, anticipating the joy of a good harvest.

The market was bustling with people, shouting and bargaining. The stalls were filled with a dazzling array of goods, and trade was brisk. The prosperity of commerce injected new vitality into this land.

Craftsmen were busy repairing water conservancy facilities. They worked hard, sweating profusely, and carefully built every ditch and dam to ensure sufficient water for irrigation of farmland.

In the clinic, doctors carefully diagnosed and treated patients, the injured and sick received timely treatment, their health was guaranteed, and people were full of confidence in their future lives.

In the barracks, the soldiers are well-trained, their slogans are deafening, they are in high spirits and are always ready to defend this peaceful land.

In the streets and alleys, children are laughing and playing, and the elderly are gathering together to talk about how wonderful life is today.

Ma Chao frequently visited various regions, engaging in cordial conversations with the people, understanding their needs and challenges, and providing timely assistance and solutions. His presence became a source of steadfast support for the people of Longxi, ensuring their confidence that under his leadership, life would improve. The entire Longxi County was imbued with this positive and thriving atmosphere, like a shining pearl amidst turbulent times.

Ever since Ma Chao took over Longxi, Dong Bai had completely abandoned all her duties, becoming a carefree, hands-off manager. Every day, like a docile kitten, she happily indulged herself in the comfort of Ma Chao's broad, warm embrace, a time Ma Chao reveled in, never tiring of.

Dong Bai often said with deep emotion, "If it weren't for you, Ma Chao, who stepped forward and turned the tide, I really can't imagine how I would have coped with all these difficulties and protected Longxi County, which my grandfather had left behind after so much hardship." Ma Chao tenderly comforted her, "Even if I, Ma Chao, hadn't appeared in your life, with your intelligence and perseverance, you would still be able to govern Longxi County in an orderly and well-organized manner on your own." Dong Bai chuckled coquettishly and said, "It's fate that has you here. Now that I have someone to rely on, I really should take this opportunity to be lazy."

However, Dong Bai's beautiful brow furrowed slightly, revealing her deep concern for Dong Huang's forces. "Dong Huang is currently leading his troops in a fierce battle with Liu Bei's. The situation is so complex and unpredictable. I really don't know what the final outcome will be." Ma Chao gently embraced her and comforted her in a firm yet gentle tone, "Don't worry too much about this. If Dong Huang can repent at this critical moment and turn back, even if he ultimately fails, I will certainly do everything I can to save his life."