Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

At this moment, a waiter carefully brought in the white horse that Ma Chao had gifted to Sun Ce. The horse held its head high, its four hooves lifted lightly, its steps graceful and leisurely, and it exuded a noble and inviolable aura.

This warhorse, gifted by Ma Chao to Sun Ce, possessed a sturdy, tall, and upright physique. Its coat, as gleaming as snow, shimmered in the sunlight, as if enveloped in a mysterious aura. Its mane, thick and long, was as smooth and silky as silver satin, flowing like a waterfall in the breeze.

Its head is delicate and beautiful, with a broad forehead and eyes as bright as stars, deep and lively, revealing intelligence and alertness. Its ears are small and pointed, always moving alertly, listening to the subtle sounds around it.

Its neck is long and powerful, with graceful lines and tight muscles, showing great strength. Its broad back is flat and solid, providing the rider with a stable and comfortable riding experience.

Its four long, sturdy legs stood like solid pillars, its hooves round and firm, clacking with the ground with a thud, as if imbued with boundless explosive power. Its tail, long and bushy, resembled a white feather fan when raised high, awe-inspiring.

Overall, this warhorse is like a fine work of art, combining strength and beauty. It makes people yearn for it at first sight. It is indeed a peerless horse.

Sun Ce was delighted with the white horse Ma Chao had gifted him, and with its ornate carved saddle, Ma Chao couldn't let it go, overjoyed. He took the reins from the attendant, mounted his horse, and, spear in hand, he marched back and forth across the parade grounds, shouting and yelling. They were both young, dressed in brocade robes, riding the same white horse, wielding the same spear, and Sun Ce's appearance was equally impressive.

Sun Ce stood tall and straight, like a proud pine tree. His sword-like eyebrows slanted down into his temples, thick yet fierce, like two bolts of lightning streaking across the sky, radiating an innate heroism and majesty. His eyes, bright as stars, were deep and blazing, seemingly penetrating everything, burning with boundless fighting spirit and passion. His high nose bridge defined his features, highlighting his fortitude and courage. His lips curled slightly upward, perpetually adorned with a confident smile that conveyed both boldness and irresistible charm. His face was defined by sharp lines, like a piece of finely crafted jade, each detail perfectly balanced. His long, jet-black hair flowed in the wind, adding a touch of elegance and grace. He gave the impression of another Ma Chao, awe-inspiring and imposing, like a god of war descended to earth, both intimidating and captivating.

Sun Ce was overjoyed, his expression overflowing with joy, like a child finally given a favorite toy, unable to contain his excitement. He galloped across the parade grounds for a long time, his steed galloping, his spear brandishing, a heroic gesture. Then, at the banquet, he was smug, unable to contain his joy, and unknowingly drank too much wine. He stumbled, his steps dazed, and he was eventually driven back to camp, drunkenly supported by his four generals: Cheng Pu, Han Dang, Zu Mao, and Huang Gai.

Cheng Pu and Han Dang looked at Sun Ce in such a state and couldn't help but shake their heads and sigh.

At the banquet, Ma Chao gave a comprehensive and insightful summary of this grand, thrilling demonstration of soldiers and fierce competition between generals. With a piercing gaze, a serious expression, and a steady, forceful voice, he outlined the strengths and weaknesses of the demonstration. He also imposed clear constraints and requirements on Xiliang and the surrounding tribes.

"My dear leaders and envoys!" Ma Chao stood up suddenly, his eyes wide open, looked around, and said loudly, "I believe you have all seen the grand scene of the competition between the school soldiers and the generals today! The soldiers of Xiliang are at their peak and unstoppable!" After that, he clenched his right fist and waved it heavily, his face full of pride and confidence.

"But let me tell you clearly, our Han Dynasty has always been a country of etiquette and peace is the most valuable. We will never take the initiative to provoke or bully the neighboring tribes!" At this time, Ma Chao had a serious expression and a sharp gaze, as if he could see through the minds of everyone present.

"However, some tribes have repeatedly invaded my borders before, causing my people to have no peace. I, Ma Chao, have always been kind and have never punished them severely. But from now on, each tribe must strictly control their subordinates and clansmen. If anyone dares to easily violate my borders again, don't blame me, Ma Chao, for being ruthless!" When Ma Chao said this, his brows were furrowed, his expression was cold, and an aura of majesty emanated from him, which was chilling.

"I will personally lead an army of tigers and wolves to crush your tribes and let you know how powerful and invincible my Xiliang Iron Cavalry is!" He held his head high and chest out, with his hands on his hips, full of domineering power, as if he had already seen the scene of victory.

"I am not here today to intimidate you. I just hope that you all understand that peaceful coexistence is for the benefit of all. If we can live in peace, Xiliang will naturally have friendly exchanges with all tribes and benefit each other. But if anyone has ill intentions and dares to provoke me, don't blame me for being ruthless and will make you all turn into ashes!" Ma Chao glanced at everyone fiercely, and his firm eyes seemed to tell everyone that his warning was not empty words.

As soon as Ma Chao finished speaking, Cheliji stood up first, clasped his hands together, and said solemnly and respectfully, "Brother, since we have sworn brotherhood, then my Xiqiang and your Xiliang will share weal and woe. Brother, you are a man of great talent and strategy, both civil and military, and you can face many challenges with ease. My Xiqiang will fully support you. In the future, if you are asked to do anything, my Xiqiang will do its duty and fight alongside you. Even if it means going through fire and water, we will never retreat!"

The leaders of the various Eastern Qiang tribes also bowed their heads, expressing their sincere submission with fear and trepidation: "We will obey the orders of the Heavenly General. Wherever your troops point, we will be the first to arrive. We are truly ashamed of the many offenses we have committed before. From now on, we will behave ourselves, restrain our people, and never cause trouble again, in order to repay the Heavenly General's kindness."

The Di and Jie envoys also hurriedly echoed this sentiment, each with a look of fear on their faces and a humble tone: "We have repented of our past mistakes. Our previous mistakes were all due to our ignorance. From now on, we will strictly restrain our people and will not dare to offend them in the slightest. I hope that the general will be magnanimous and give us a chance to mend our ways."

Ma Chao nodded slightly, his eyes sweeping across the crowd with authority, and he said loudly, "Well! Today's feast and gathering is over. From now on, everyone should behave themselves. Now that the Spring Festival is approaching, everyone should go back and prepare for the festival. I hope you will remember what I said today and not cause any more trouble."

The leaders of each tribe responded in unison: "Thank you, General Tian, ​​we will take our leave." Then they dispersed one after another. They walked hurriedly with nervous expressions and went back to prepare.

The banquet slowly came to an end in an atmosphere of tension and awe, leaving only an empty venue, as if the solemn atmosphere from just now still lingered.

In the evening, the four generals gathered in Sun Ce's camp. Cheng Pu frowned and said worriedly, "The old lord's great revenge has not yet been achieved, but the lord is still so impulsive and has no composure, just like a child who knows nothing about the world." Han Dang also had a solemn expression and said slowly, "General Ma Chao is really good to Bofu, but such a comfortable life has made Bofu gradually forget his former ambitions. He is now somewhat lost in this short-lived happiness." Zu Mao looked serious and said in a firm tone, "As the close ministers left by the old lord to assist the young lord, we should persuade the lord and let him cheer up again." Huang Gai, however, was full of worry, and said worriedly, "The lord is young and energetic. If we rashly advise him now, I am afraid it will hurt his face and be counterproductive." The four generals were very worried about this. They racked their brains and thought about it over and over again, but in the end there was no way. They still couldn't figure out how to persuade Sun Ce.

Time slipped away like flowing water, and news of the grand and shocking scene in Xiliang spread like wildfire, spreading far and wide. The Xianbei tribes on the grasslands had risen to become a formidable force. Upon hearing this, the Xianbei Khan once again paid greater attention to Ma Chao, the gatekeeper of the northern Han Dynasty.

When this news reached Chang'an, the atmosphere in the court suddenly became tense. The civil and military officials who had previously been captured by Dong Zhuo's army now stood before the court once again. They had no favorable impression of Ma Chao. To conceal their shameful past as Dong Zhuo's followers, they actively disparaged Ma Chao, saying he was a ruthless and ambitious man who was tantamount to raising his own troops and becoming the next Dong Zhuo.

"Your Majesty, Ma Chao is so arrogant that he deserves death! If he is not curbed, he will become a great disaster." An official said indignantly.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Ma Chao is so arrogant in Xiliang, which clearly shows that he does not take the imperial court seriously." Another official echoed.

The court was abuzz with discussion, all of which were slanderous towards Ma Chao. However, some wise men remained silent. They knew Ma Chao's strength and character well, and understood that these officials were merely trying to justify their past mistakes.

At this moment, Lu Zhi stepped forward. His expression was solemn, and he bowed his hands. He said, "Your Majesty, do not trust these one-sided statements. Ma Chao defended Xiliang from foreign enemies, protecting the territory and the people. His contributions cannot be ignored. However, there is no conclusive evidence that he harbors rebellious intentions, so we must consider the matter carefully."