Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

While Ma Chao was supposed to be responsible for planning and organizing the Xiliang military parade, it actually required little of his attention. Xu Shu and Zhou Yu were both enthusiastic military trainers, and crucially, quite capable in this area. Even Xu Rong, in distant Longxi County, received the news and hurriedly led his troops on a march. Originally, this march wasn't particularly urgent, but Ma Chao, intent on conquering the Xiongnu, had ordered all the commanders remaining in Longxi to assemble in Wuwei. Concerned for his beloved, Dong Bai also requested Xu Rong lead the Xiliang cavalry from Longxi County to support them. Now, before the campaign against the Western Xiongnu had even begun, they had already encountered this military parade. Ma Chao immediately ordered his troops to join forces for the new parade on the 3rd.

Here, Cheliji also came to find Ma Chao, strongly requesting to participate in the review. Ma Chao was quite surprised and said, "Brother, this is just a temporary event to deter those tribes with ulterior motives. You and I are brothers of the same mind, so there is no need to be so deliberate. Why bother to participate?" Cheliji's eyes were firm and his expression was sincere. He said quickly, "My dear brother, it is precisely because you and I are brothers of the same mind and have a deep friendship that we should take this opportunity to let everyone see the close relationship between Xiqiang and Xiliang City Lord's Mansion. We must let everyone know that Xiqiang will always be your most solid and most reliable ally. We will stand firmly by your side at all times and advance and retreat with you!" Ma Chao was moved when he heard this. He held Cheliji's arm tightly with both hands and said, "Brother, your kindness will be remembered in my heart!"

Cheliji pondered, "Ma Chao's power in Xiliang and the northwest region is growing by the day. It's no exaggeration to call him the uncrowned king. While he still has the imperial court and his father, Ma Teng, above him, the imperial court's control is limited to the area around Chang'an. As for the Xiliang army, due to their previous disputes with Dong Zhuo, they can't be said to harbor hatred for Xiliang and the emperor in Chang'an, but they certainly harbor a lot of resentment."

Ma Teng had publicly stated many times that all future offensive operations against Xiliang would be handled solely by Ma Chao. To put it bluntly, Ma Teng had become almost his logistics officer, with the decisions on how to fight and how to formulate strategies completely reliant on Ma Chao.

As his former brother, I've become increasingly aware of Ma Chao's growing authority these days. While I firmly believe he wouldn't easily harm the Western Qiang, given our brotherly bond, anything could happen in this chaotic and volatile world. The Western Qiang are, after all, a foreign tribe. If we don't firmly support Ma Chao, and he were to adopt the same tactics against them as he did against the Eastern Qiang, we would be powerless to resist, given the current strength of the Western Liang army.

Although we sincerely believe in Ma Chao's integrity and loyalty, at this critical moment concerning the survival of our entire clan, we must act with caution, closely follow Ma Chao's footsteps, and fully demonstrate our unwavering support to the outside world. This is not just for friendship, but also from a strategic perspective for the long-term development and survival of the Western Qiang. There is no room for negligence or hesitation.

Cheliji said to Ma Chao sincerely, "Brother, I have a request for you, and I hope you can agree to it. You see, my child is already three years old. The Western Qiang land where we live is still relatively backward, and the conditions in education and other aspects are lacking. After thinking about it, I want him to stay with you to learn and grow. With you, the famous and powerful general, personally teaching him, this child will surely be able to stand out and have a promising future." Ma Chao couldn't help showing a little surprise on his face when he heard it, and said, "Brother, My nephew is still so young, after all. In my opinion, it's better to wait a few more years." Che immediately asked anxiously, "Why, brother, are you too bothered?" Ma Chao quickly waved his hand and said, "Well, of course, I love my eldest nephew from the bottom of my heart. But a gentleman doesn't take away what others like. The child is only three years old now, and he needs his mother's care at this age. How can my two sisters-in-law feel at ease if he leaves her warm embrace now?" Che Liji quickly said, "As long as you don't mind the trouble, I'll take care of the sisters' work."

Although Cheliji didn't explicitly state it, the various Eastern Qiang tribes were now sending their leaders' sons to Western Liang, hoping they would serve Ma Chao and build their careers there. He sent his son first to reassure Ma Chao and demonstrate the unwavering alliance between his tribe and Western Liang. Second, given Ma Chao's current aura of authority and prestige, he knew his future was boundless. While his son was a young prince of Western Qiang, the status of a Qiang prince meant, at best, the son of a prefect of a relatively powerful county, or at most, a provincial governor. Given Ma Chao's current meteoric rise, he was poised for a meteoric rise and extraordinary achievements. Having his son join Ma Chao early on and lay a solid foundation would also bring countless benefits to Western Qiang. He had already conducted in-depth discussions with the two wives, and while they loved their son dearly and were reluctant to part with him, Cheliji had patiently and meticulously persuaded them. The sooner a relationship is established and close ties are forged, the greater the scope and prospects for future development. Xiliang and Xiqiang now live side by side, their military prowess so sharp and powerful that, as the saying goes, "One cannot allow others to sleep soundly on one's couch." Cheliji has matured and grown steadily over the years, no longer the impulsive and reckless teenager he once was. He deeply understands that establishing a close relationship and fostering a deep friendship with Xiliang early on will be beneficial to the long-term stability and prosperity of Xiqiang.

With a loving expression, Cheliji asked Zoya to bring their son, Jiaersi, to him. Zoya gently lifted the child and walked steadily towards him. Jiaersi's bright eyes were wide open, looking around curiously. The child was sturdy and strong, and the moment Ma Chao saw him, his eyes were filled with extreme fondness.

Ma Chao then quickly turned and ordered his attendants to inform Cai Wenji to bring Wei Guan over. Cai Wenji smiled and gently brought the child to her. Wei Guan looked frail in comparison, but his lively eyes still shone with intelligence.

Ma Chao was filled with joy. He would gently touch Jia Ersi's little face with his fingers, making the child giggle. Then he would tease Wei Guan with a small toy, and he couldn't help but laugh as Wei Guan waved his hands to grab the toy. At this moment, Ma Chao's heart was filled with warmth and tenderness. He thought that after years of fighting, if he had such a lovely child by his side, it would not only add to his joy, but he could also pass on his skills to them in the future and make them useful talents.

The innocence of the two children brought a warm feeling to Ma Chao's heart and made him determined to adopt them as his adopted sons.

Ma Chao's expression was solemn, and his eyes were sincere as he discussed with Cheliji and Cai Wenji, "These two children are both smart and lovable. I would like to adopt them as my adopted sons. What do you think?" Cheliji was surprised at first, then smiled with joy. He said generously, "It is a blessing for my children that the general has such an idea. How could I refuse?" Cai Wenji's face was also bright with joy. She bowed slightly and said, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, general. I am extremely happy to have my children under your protection."

After hearing the two's answers, Ma Chao felt very relieved and thought to himself that he must treat these two children as his own, teach them carefully, let them grow up healthily, and become people who can contribute to the welfare of the country and the people in the future.

Ma Chao discussed the matter with the two men again. He said to Cheliji, "Brother, 'Jiaersi' means eagle in Qiang language. I'd like to give this boy a Chinese name, following my surname, Ma. Like an eagle spreading its wings and soaring, let's call him Ma Xiang. How about that?" Cheliji was delighted. For the Qiang, a given name is merely a designation; surnames are not particularly important. He simply felt that changing his son's name to Ma Chao's would naturally bring him closer to Ma Chao. Since Ma Chao had adopted him as his adopted son, he was raising him as his own son.

Cai Wenji also said, "Brother Chao, how about having Wei Guan change his surname to Ma as well?" Ma Chao hesitated for a moment and said, "This boy carries the hope of revitalizing the family. I'm afraid it wouldn't be appropriate for me to change his surname."

Cai Wenji may not have understood what Ma Chao meant. She felt that Ma Chao might be a little bothered, so she became silent for a moment, and a look of loss appeared on her face.

Ma Chao, upon seeing Cai Wenji's expression, knew she had misunderstood his intentions. He quickly corrected himself, saying, "Very well, you may adopt this child as my successor. How could I not love him? Change his surname to Ma, and call him Ma Guan. When he grows up and is able to accomplish great things in these troubled times, becoming the pillar of the family and supporting the Wei clan, then we can change his surname back to Wei. This will not be a disservice to his ancestors' glorious achievements."

Cai Wenji suddenly realized that she had been overly sensitive. After all, she had no one to rely on now, and only Ma Chao was her support and sustenance. Her heart was completely tied to Ma Chao, and his every word deeply affected her joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Her emotions would fluctuate depending on his attitude, because in this turbulent world, Ma Chao was her only warmth and hope.

As for the Wei family, it was once a prominent family, but it has experienced many twists and turns in the torrent of troubled times. Now they hope that Ma Guan can restore the family's glory.