Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao stepped forward to comfort his father, saying, "Father, my Ma family has been nobles for generations. The Emperor has now ascended the throne in Chang'an. The Han Dynasty's majesty cannot be underestimated. Since ancient times, it has always been the case that subjects pay homage to their rulers, never the ruler to his subjects. Since the Emperor has appointed Wang Jie as his envoy, it is as if the Emperor himself has come. It is only natural for my father and I to pay our respects. Father, please do not let a momentary anger cause you to conflict with the court. The Han Dynasty is currently in turmoil, and we must prioritize the greater good."

Although Ma Teng still harbored a simmering anger, he knew he couldn't displease Ma Chao. He suppressed his frustration and accompanied Ma Chao to the envoy's residence. Along the way, Ma Teng's face was gloomy, his brow furrowed as he pondered the motives of the imperial envoy's visit. His eyes flickered with suspicion and worry, as if he were searching for a clue amidst this uncertain situation. Ma Chao, on the other hand, wore a stern expression, his hawk-like gaze piercing with a hint of vigilance. His posture was as straight as a pine tree, his steps steady and powerful, each one carrying a weight of immense force, radiating a powerful aura.

When they arrived at the envoy's residence, Wang Jie remained as arrogant and domineering as ever. He held his head high, his eyes filled with arrogance and self-importance, as if he held the entire world in his lap. This defiant demeanor immediately irritated the people of Xiliang, their eyes wide open with rage. If it weren't for the imperial envoy's status, they would have rushed forward to confront Wang Jie. However, they all understood that they shouldn't act rashly at this moment. Ma Teng suppressed his anger and slowly stepped forward, bowing and saying, "I wonder what brings you here, envoy?" Wang Jie raised his chin slightly and spoke in a tone of extreme arrogance, "Hmph, why don't you quickly welcome me into the city?" His tone was like an order to his guards. Ma Teng gritted his teeth, his anger flaring once again, but he managed to control his emotions. With a wave of his hand, the crowd surrounded Wang Jie and marched towards the city.

The group arrived at the gates of Wuwei City. The grand display attracted a large crowd of onlookers. The Ma family and the other Xiliang generals and ministers were accustomed to this and remained unperturbed. Wang Jie and Li Tong quietly surveyed the crowd.

At this moment, the people saw Ma Chao appear on horseback and immediately shouted excitedly, "Oh, it's the Heavenly General! It's the Heavenly General!" The shouts were like a chorus of voices, and they kept greeting Ma Chao. Ma Chao nodded slightly and waved to the crowd with a smile. Wang Jie watched this scene and couldn't help but marvel at Ma Chao's prestige.

In Xiliang, the people and soldiers lived in harmony, showing no fear. The people and their generals enjoyed a harmonious relationship, and their love for the Ma father and son was heartfelt. The Ma father and son fought bravely and bravely to protect Xiliang, and their achievements and commitment were deeply engraved in the hearts of the people. This genuine affection was by no means false.

The Ma family was now deeply entrenched in Xiliang. The soldiers at the city gates stood tall and handsome, each one a sight of extraordinary valor. Wang Jie pondered the difficulty of controlling such a powerful Ma family, given the imperial court's current strength. He knew full well that the Ma family's influence in Xiliang was immense, its power deeply entrenched and difficult to shake overnight.

After arriving at the City Lord's Mansion, they rested for a while. Wang Jie and Li Tong cleaned off the dust from their journey and then entered the hall. Everyone in the hall stood in a solemn atmosphere.

After entering the City Lord's Mansion, Wang Jie slightly subdued his usual arrogance. He stood in the center of the main hall, slowly looking around, his eyes revealing a complex expression, and it was unknown what he was thinking about. After a moment, he cleared his throat, and the sound was particularly abrupt in the silent main hall. Then, he slowly unfolded the imperial edict, his movements calm and steady, as if he was deliberately trying to whet everyone's appetite. The moment the imperial edict was unfolded, everyone's eyes involuntarily focused on the bright yellow brocade. Ma Teng, along with Ma Chao and a group of civil and military officials, knelt on one knee, respectfully waiting for Wang Jie to read the imperial edict. Wang Jie then slowly opened his mouth and read it aloud. "The Emperor of the Great Han Dynasty decrees: The Ma family of Xiliang has guarded Xiliang for generations. Our ancestors were Ma Yuan and Ma Fubo. Since the founding of the country, the Ma family has produced many generals. Until now, Ma Teng and Ma Chao, father and son, have protected the country and the people for many years, worked hard and made great contributions. Today, Ma Teng is specially appointed as Guanglu Dafu, and Ma Chao is appointed as Chijinwu to commend their merits. Now that Chang'an has just been settled, the world is in unrest. I hope that you, father and son, will come to the court to serve and resolve the crisis of the country. I hereby order." Wang Jie read every word very clearly, and his voice echoed in the main hall with an unquestionable majesty.

After reading the imperial edict, he narrowed his eyes slightly, rolled it up, and solemnly handed it to Ma Teng. Ma Teng took the imperial edict, and Wang Jie said again: "The Spring Festival is approaching. I hope you and your father can arrange everything as soon as possible and come to Chang'an to meet His Majesty before the Spring Festival." Ma Teng felt that this matter was of great importance and wanted to refuse, but Ma Chao brushed it off. Ma Chao shook his head slightly, signaling his father not to be impulsive for the time being. Ma Teng knew in his heart that this matter needed to be considered in the long run, but it was not easy to directly refute Wang Jie at this time. The atmosphere in the hall became a little subtle for a moment, and everyone was waiting for the response of Ma Teng and his son.

In the leaden atmosphere, even the air in the hall seemed to have grown stagnant. Clad in armor, his posture erect as a pine tree, Ma Chao spoke slowly, his expression solemn and resolute. "Angel, please allow me to inform you that my father is now advanced in years and has long ceased to care for military and political affairs. The traces of time have crept quietly onto his face, and his energy is diminished. The journey to Chang'an is long and winding, and I fear my father cannot endure the hardships of the journey. If you are to serve your country, Ma Chao alone is sufficient. I am willing to charge into the battle lines and sacrifice my life for Your Majesty and our country, and I will never retreat."

However, Wang Jie threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh, a laugh that echoed throughout the hall and seemed particularly abrupt. He declared loudly, "I see Lord Shoucheng walking with the gait of a dragon and a tiger, robust and agile. How could he be so old and unable to endure the tiring journey as you claim? Your Majesty has issued a decree, and you cannot so easily disobey it. It is better to obey His Majesty and go together. General, prepare to go early." Wang Jie's words carried unquestionable authority, but a subtle cunning glint flickered in his eyes.

As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the generals below suddenly darkened. They were worried, on the one hand, about Ma Teng's health, and on the other, they felt helpless about the imperial decree. Their expressions were tense, and they subtly grasped the hilts of their swords. The cool touch of the metal seemed to bring a sense of reassurance. This action frightened Lieutenant Li Tong terribly. They stared with wide eyes, terrified at the generals who seemed ready to draw their swords at any moment.

Ma Chao chuckled softly, a smile tinged with confidence and composure. He spoke calmly, "Alas, the angel has come all the way here, exhausted by the journey. We must at least host a banquet to welcome him. He will stay for a while and rest. Once my father and I are ready, we'll reply to the emperor and the angel." With that, he ignored Wang Jie and waved his hand, ordering the guards to quickly serve the banquet. His demeanor was decisive, as if everything was under control.

Wang Jie felt a slight embarrassment at being so slighted, and that embarrassment instantly turned to anger. But he couldn't get angry, so he said angrily, "You and your father should think it over carefully. I've come all the way here, and I'm truly exhausted. I won't be drinking at the banquet. Just have the waiter bring the food to my place." With that, he angrily led Li Tong back to his residence. His steps were heavy, each one tinged with dissatisfaction and resentment.

Ma Teng and Ma Chao, father and son, were unfazed and continued to arrange the banquet. Ma Teng sat at the main seat, his expression calm, as if nothing had happened. Ma Chao, on the other hand, directed the guards to set up the banquet, his eyes determined, without the slightest hesitation.

At the banquet, the food and drink continued, the aroma of fine wine filling the air. Singing and dancing were in full swing, musicians played melodious music, and dancers danced gracefully. Ma Chao remained calm and composed, drinking with his generals. He raised his glass and clinked it with each of the generals, his generous gesture slightly alleviating their worries.

Seeing this, the generals gradually calmed down. They began to relax and enjoy this rare feast. Everyone chatted with each other, reminiscing about past battles and sharing stories. The banquet gradually became lively, and laughter echoed in the hall.

Only when everyone had drunk to their heart's content, their faces flushed and their eyes revealed satisfaction, did Ma Teng and Ma Chao, father and son, watch the lively scene with satisfaction.

Ma Chao hurriedly ordered his guards to escort the already intoxicated civil and military officials away. He carefully supported Ma Teng as he slowly returned to the back room. Afterward, Ma Chao immediately notified his trusted generals to come and discuss matters. His eyes were clear, his demeanor calm, and he didn't even look drunk.