Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao carefully read the contents of the letter, which read: "Ma Chao personally wrote: Mengqi, it has been many years since we last met as master and disciple. I believe you have grown taller, right? Have you fallen behind in your studies? I have also heard that you have taken your master's wife and sister to Xiliang to look after them. I am deeply relieved and at ease. But Mengqi, you have experienced many wars now, and you are no longer the diligent and hardworking young man in my mansion. Now you have grown into a general, commanding an army. I know that you have a heavy responsibility, but I still have a few words to tell you. The Han Dynasty is in turmoil. As a Han minister, you should be loyal and righteous, and fight for the Han Dynasty and the welfare of the people. You must not lose your original intention because of temporary benefits. On the battlefield, you must be both wise and brave, and you must not act rashly. When dealing with subordinates, you should be kind and kind, and not treat them harshly.

Now that the Emperor has returned to the capital, Chang'an, I, your teacher, hope that you will come to Chang'an to serve him and contribute to the Han Dynasty. This is the right thing to do. But you must remember that your actions during the reign of Dong Zhuo deeply hurt my heart. You were young and impetuous then, and you didn't know the true meanings of loyalty, righteousness, small matters, and major principles. I have taught you for so long, yet you still can't make sense of it. You should reflect on your mistakes and avoid making the same mistake again. As a general, you should be responsible and decisive, not impulsive. I, your teacher, have high hopes for you. I hope you can reform yourself, become a true hero, and contribute to the revival of the Han Dynasty. Take care, your teacher, Lu Zhi."

Ma Chao finished reading the letter, his hands trembling slightly, tears streaming down his face. His heart was filled with gratitude and longing for his master, but at the same time, he felt panic and anxiety because of his master's scolding.

He slowly raised his head, looked at the people around him, and said in a hoarse voice, "Master's teachings are like thunder in my ears. I am extremely ashamed. I will deeply reflect on my past mistakes and will never make them again."

Xun Yu stepped forward, gently patted Ma Chao's shoulder, and said warmly, "Mengqi, Master Lu has shown great care. Now that you have acknowledged your mistakes, you should put Master Lu's teachings into practice, serve the Han Dynasty, and live up to his expectations."

Wang Jie, upon seeing this, also spoke up, "General Mengqi, Mr. Lu's letter demonstrates his love and expectations for you. You should take this opportunity to serve the emperor loyally in Chang'an and contribute to the revival of the Han Dynasty."

Li Tong was now somewhat more sober and said, "General, although I don't understand those great principles, I also think what you said makes sense. General, just listen to what you say and do your best."

Zhou Yu and Sun Ce, Ma Chao's sworn brothers, exchanged a glance before stepping forward. Sun Ce spoke first, "Brother, don't be too sad. In our opinion, your previous actions were not wrong. Mr. Lu's reprimand was out of his high expectations of you. Cheer up and don't let this depress you."

Zhou Yu nodded slightly and continued, "Brother, you are a man of great courage. A few setbacks shouldn't break you. Mr. Lu's teachings should be your motivation to move forward. The three of us brothers should work together to strive for the future of the Han Dynasty."

Ma Chao felt a surge of warmth in his heart as he looked at the concerned expressions of his two sworn brothers. He nodded vigorously and said, "Don't worry, my dear brothers. I will definitely stay strong. With you around, I have nothing to fear." The three of them clasped their hands tightly, their eyes filled with determination.

By this time, everyone had eaten and drunk their fill and bid their respects. Ma Chao, however, stared blankly at the letter, his heart pounding for a long time. His master had devoted himself to the Han Dynasty, abandoning all personal feelings, but how could he choose? How could he easily let go? Ma Chao pondered, wondering: Which was more important, the people or the Han dynasty? He sank into deep thought, and for a long time, he still couldn't come to an answer. But he knew that no matter what, he had to make a choice. For the faith in his heart, for those expectant eyes, he had to bravely move forward.

Ma Chao arrived at Master Lu's courtyard and stepped lightly inside. A warm feeling welled up in his heart as he took in the familiar sight. He whispered to Master Lu, Lu Wan, and Lu Yu, "Master, Sister, I will escort you to Chang'an soon to reunite with Master." Upon hearing this, the Lu mother and son lit up with joy, their faces overflowing with expression. Master Lu tightly grasped Ma Chao's hand, her eyes filled with excitement. She asked, "Mengqi, are you serious? When are you leaving?" Lu Wan and Lu Yu gathered around, tugging at Ma Chao, peppering him with questions. "Brother, are you going to Chang'an for the Spring Festival?" "Will there be any danger along the way?" Ma Chao patiently answered their questions, feeling deeply relieved by their eager eyes. "We'll be leaving soon," he said. "Don't worry, I'm here to protect you." Everyone was overcome with excitement. After a few moments of heated conversation, they hurried back to packing. Ma Chao's lips curled slightly as he watched the lively scene, his burden seemingly lifted. He stood quietly for a while, then turned around quietly and walked out.

As the sky gradually darkened, Ma Chao unconsciously strolled to Cai Wenji's courtyard. Thinking of his impending journey, and Cai Wenji's sojourn here, with the Lunar New Year approaching, she must be even more lonely. A wave of pity welled up in Ma Chao's heart, and he gently knocked on the door. When the door opened, Cai Wenji's delight at seeing Ma Chao approached was unbearable. She hastily added dishes and chopsticks, inviting Ma Chao to join her. Ma Chao watched the little child grow up under Cai Wenji's care, and Cai Wenji gradually regained a touch of her youthful spirit, less depressed than before. Though he felt sorry for her, he could only inform Cai Wenji that he would be traveling to Chang'an soon and might not be back for a while. Upon hearing this, Cai Wenji's eyes flashed with disappointment, but she quickly forced a smile and said, "General, take care of yourself as you go to Chang'an. I'll await your return." Ma Chao looked at Cai Wenji, his heart filled with guilt and worry. He nodded gently and said, "Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as possible. You should also take good care of yourself and the child." The two sat opposite each other, the atmosphere a bit solemn for a moment. But they both knew that for the sake of their respective responsibilities, they had to part temporarily.

Today marks the third day since the envoys arrived. On the parade grounds, the soldiers have already assembled, each one in high spirits, their eyes ablaze with anticipation for Ma Chao's selection. Whether newly allied or long-time followers, all deeply admire Ma Chao's character. Ma Chao treats his fellow soldiers with unwavering sincerity, earning their heartfelt support.

Everyone knew that Chang'an was deeply dissatisfied with and wary of Xiliang, and that Ma Chao's journey to Chang'an would undoubtedly be filled with difficulties. However, the generals were all willing to share Ma Chao's burdens, showing no fear at all.

Ma Chao, clad in a silver helmet and armor, draped in a magnificent brocade robe, rode the majestic steed, Jiguang Wang, accompanied by Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. His dashing presence resembled a god descending from heaven. As the clatter of horses' hooves approached, the generals on the parade ground erupted in excitement, their soldiers shouting heartily, "General! General! He commands the whole world with his unwavering devotion!"

Approaching the reviewing platform, Ma Chao decisively dismounted, his movements smooth and seamless. Behind him, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were equally agile and impressive. This single dismount earned him a wave of roaring applause from the soldiers present.

Ma Chao ascended the stage with the gait of a dragon and a tiger, imposing and imposing. The audience erupted in a roar of applause. Ma Chao gently raised his hand, wavered it, and declared, "Brothers, be quiet." With just this seemingly simple gesture, the crowd instantly fell into silence. The soldiers and generals gazed at Ma Chao expectantly, their fervent gazes filled with reverence and trust. Each general held their head high, chest puffed out, as if eager to display their prowess to the utmost, eager to earn Ma Chao's approval.

Ma Chao spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful: "I have summoned you today to tell you something important. Originally, I had no intention of going to war this winter, intending to prepare my troops for a campaign against the Southern Xiongnu next year, to avenge their invasion of the Han Dynasty. However, the other day, envoys from the Emperor arrived in Chang'an, wishing to summon my father and son to serve there." Upon hearing this, the soldiers below erupted in a clamor, their voices rising and falling. Each face betrayed a sense of sympathy for Ma Chao. After all, the land of Western Liang had been plagued by constant war, and Ma Chao had single-handedly pacified it. Now, just as peace had returned to Western Liang, the Emperor summoned Ma Chao and his son to Chang'an. What was the future of Western Liang then? The soldiers were at a loss, their faces filled with confusion and worry, as if they had lost their backbone.

The soldiers' faces were filled with excitement and anxiety. Someone shouted, "General, if our old lord goes with you to Chang'an, what will happen to Xiliang?" The words were like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, stirring up waves. The soldiers echoed, their voices thick with worry and unease. Their hearts were heavy as lead, their eyes fixed intently on Ma Chao on the podium, as if seeking an answer, a reassuring promise. These iron-blooded men, veterans of the battlefields of Xiliang, now felt like children lost, filled with confusion and fear for the future. They knew that Xiliang was their homeland, protected with blood and sweat, and Ma Chao was their anchor. Now, if this anchor were to be taken away, they didn't know how to face the uncertain fate.