Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Because they acted in a high-profile manner and paraded through the city, impatiently waving flags and shouting that they were giving gifts to General Shenwei Tian, ​​this extremely ostentatious behavior made the guards in various places in Xiliang feel uneasy and suspicious.

Since Dong Zhuo's passing, the situation across the Xiliang border has become turbulent and complex. Faced with the gleaming, razor-sharp blades and constant intrusions from the foreign tribes, it's no exaggeration to say that across this vast region, only Ma Chao, the renowned and revered general, can effectively intimidate the surrounding tribes and keep them in line.

First, among the Qiang people, Ma Chao unified the Eastern Qiang with unstoppable force. He then swore brotherhood with the Western Qiang leader, thereby establishing absolute authority within the Qiang people and giving them the final say. As for the Xiongnu, only the remnant of Zuo Xian Wang remained in the entire Southern Xiongnu. Even the once-mighty Xiongnu Great Chanyu, Yufuluo, fell to Ma Chao's sword. Other tribes, such as the Jie and Di, had just been dealt a brutal blow by Ma Chao this year with overwhelming force. Without a doubt, in this vast surrounding area, Ma Chao had become the undisputed and unrivaled leader.

Because of this, the generals and prefects stationed throughout Xiliang began to stir. They took action, some busily preparing lavish gifts, others meticulously selecting beauties to present to Ma Chao, all eager to join the ranks of those seeking to curry favor with Ma Chao, hoping to gain greater benefits and a stronger defense in this unpredictable and turbulent situation.

This situation was like a surging wave, triggering a series of violent chain reactions throughout the northwest region. Even the Jie and Di tribes, who had just been dealt a brutal blow this year, were trembling with fear. They hurriedly dispatched envoys bearing generous gifts to Ma Chao, attempting to ease tensions and secure a modicum of peace.

Even the Western Qiang King, Cheliji, though a sworn brother, dared not neglect Ma Chao's status and prestige. Not only did he come in person, but he also brought his queen and son with him, embarking on this awe-inspiring journey to meet Ma Chao, demonstrating his sincerity and respect.

This massive and far-reaching move even caught the attention of the now-burgeoning and ambitious Xianbei tribes on the grasslands. Upon hearing this news, the Xianbei Chanyu was filled with doubt and vigilance. He quickly summoned his allied general, Huochuquan, and solemnly inquired about all the details regarding Ma Chao.

Although Huochuquan harbored a deep-seated hatred for Ma Chao, his chest simmered with rage at the thought of the past. Yet, for the moment, he suppressed his resentment and faithfully and fully described Ma Chao's prowess and the prosperity and formidability of Western Liang. Even in his service to the Xianbei Chanyu, Huochuquan dreamed countless nights of the day when he would lead a mighty army, storm into Western Liang, and personally slay Ma Chao in revenge. However, the harsh reality of his situation made it clear to him that he was now alone and in dire straits. Having surrendered to the Xianbei Chanyu, he dared not even speak a word or lie. He knew that if he angered the Chanyu, he would be left without a place to hide. It was his frankness that forced the Xianbei Chanyu to pay attention to Ma Chao, the gatekeeper of this ancient and powerful country in the East. As a result, he was deeply wary of the mysterious and powerful Han Dynasty and did not dare to act rashly.

Ma Chao was completely oblivious to all this clamor and absurdity. In the city, he enjoyed a rare moment of peace and tranquility. Every day, after visiting his parents, he would either go hunting with his brothers in the mountains, savoring the joy of the chase and the harvest, or meet with Lu Wan, sharing their heartfelt and sweet moments.

However, Ma Chao was troubled by the fact that Xun Yu had repeatedly approached him since learning of his return. Xun Yu was adamant, insisting on going to Chang'an to serve the emperor. Ma Chao had tried earnestly to persuade Xun Yu to change his mind, but Xun Yu's sharp words rebuked Ma Chao, leaving him speechless and at a loss for words.

Peaceful days drifted by like the gentle gurgling of water, silently and leisurely. In this seemingly peaceful and tranquil time, however, shocking news suddenly reached the city, shattering the tranquility like a torrential downpour. It was said that the Xiongnu, taking advantage of the civil strife in Chang'an and Fufeng, had seized upon Hedong County with a thunderous force.

In Hedong County, the Xiongnu, like a pack of dehumanized wolves, unleashed a brutal rampage, burning, killing, and looting with impunity. Their horses trampled the land with reckless abandon, their weapons mercilessly harvesting the lives of innocent civilians. Blazing fires raged, houses collapsed, and property was looted. After their frenzied rampage, they triumphantly departed, carrying off their loot and captives, leaving behind only ruins and countless innocent souls.

The prominent families in the army, filled with grief and indignation at the invasion of their homes and the suffering of their compatriots, organized their sons and slaves to rise up in resistance. Knowing they were weaker than the enemy, they refused to retreat and, determined to fight to the death, fought the Xiongnu invaders. However, the disparity in strength ultimately led to the failure of the resistance, and nearly all of these prominent families were massacred.

The most tragic of all was the Hedong Wei family. Wei Ji, driven by a deep love for their homeland and an immense hatred for the invaders, offered the most fierce and resolute resistance, fearlessly charging to the forefront. Unfortunately, individual bravery was ultimately no match for the enemy's might. After the war, it was heartbreaking to discover that no one in the Wei family had survived, their once-glorious clan vanishing into the dust of history.

This tragic news was like a thunderclap that shook the earth, exploding in the ears of Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu. Upon hearing this, their eyes instantly turned red, their rage burned, and their chests were filled with endless resentment.

At this moment, Lu Wan, who had heard the news, came hurriedly with a panicked look on his face. He gasped and said to Ma Chao, "Brother Chao, now that the entire Wei family has been slaughtered, what about Sister Wen Ji?"

The thoughts of the three people were instantly drawn back to the time in Luoyang, when a group of friends gathered in Lu's Garden, and that quiet and sweet woman.

When Ma Chao heard this, his face turned pale as paper in an instant. His lips trembled, his hands clenched into fists unconsciously, and he said in a trembling voice: "Wen Ji is in the Wei family. Could it be... could it be that she also suffered at the hands of the Huns?" He widened his eyes, his eyes full of horror and disbelief, and the blue veins on his forehead bulged due to extreme tension.

Sun Ce's eyes widened, bloodshot. He stomped his feet, waved his hands vigorously, and shouted, "No, no! How could such a beautiful woman like Wen Ji! How could she suffer such a misfortune!" His face turned red with anger, and his breathing became rapid.

Zhou Yu frowned, his eyes filled with deep worry and heaviness. He slowly shook his head, sighed deeply and said, "If this is true, this hatred is irreconcilable! We must make those Hun villains pay a heavy price!" He paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, his expression solemn and resolute.

Endless grief and anger welled up in Ma Chao's eyes, his teeth chattered, and he roared, "No matter what, we must find out the truth. If anything really happened to Wen Ji, I will make the Huns pay for their crimes with blood! I will kill them all!" He waved his fists as if the hateful Huns were right in front of him.

Lu Wan stamped his feet anxiously, tears welling up in his eyes. He cried, "What should I do? Sister Wenji must not be in any harm! God bless her, God bless her!"

Ma Chao's eyes were wide open, veins on his forehead bulged, and he roared angrily: "I will ask my father for permission right now to assemble the troops. We must attack them!" He clenched his fists tightly, and his knuckles turned slightly white because he was squeezing too hard. His whole body exuded a cold murderous intent, as if he was about to rush to the battlefield to fight the Huns in the next second.

Ma Chao angrily approached his father and said, "Father, the Xiongnu are so brutal! I beg your permission to assemble our forces and conquer them immediately!"

Father Ma frowned and said earnestly, "Chao'er, it's freezing and snowy right now. It's not the best time to send troops. Although the Xiongnu are a threat, if we send troops now, our army will have trouble getting supplies, and the soldiers will suffer the bitter cold."

Ma Chao said anxiously, "Father, are we going to watch the Xiongnu wreak havoc and do nothing? I simply cannot endure this humiliation!"

At this time, Xun Yu also stepped forward and advised: "Young General, it is indeed inappropriate to send troops at this time. I hope that Young General will put the overall situation first and make long-term plans."

Ma Chao looked at Xun Yu and shouted, "Mr. Wenruo, how can we wait when our country and family are in such trouble?"

Ma Chao's father patted his shoulder and said, "Chao'er, I know you're eager for revenge, but you must not act rashly. It won't be too late to launch an attack next spring when you're ready."