Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The parade grounds were a scene of chaos, with whispers rising and falling. Xu Huang, his face brimming with indignation, spoke bluntly, "General, we swore to defend the borders for the Emperor, yet this Emperor, having just restored his throne, has become so suspicious of us. It seems to me that it would be better to protect you and overthrow this dark court. This would spare us the Emperor's wrath. The people have endured enough. If only all the people in the world could be like the people of Xiliang, wouldn't the world be peaceful long ago?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao's expression suddenly changed, and he glared at Xu Huang with displeasure. Xu Huang felt a chill on the back of his neck, and shuddered. Sun Ce was about to take advantage of the situation to dissuade his elder brother, Ma Chao, but Zhou Yu subtly intervened. Sun Ce looked at Zhou Yu, still unable to grasp the gravity of the situation.

At this point, the situation was spiraling out of control, as Xu Huang's words resonated with the soldiers. Ma Chao shouted, "Shut up!" Instantly, the parade ground fell into a state of complete silence. Ma Chao said gravely, "Xu Huang, step out! How dare you speak nonsense in front of the army, on the parade ground? These words may come from you, but they easily resonate with everyone. How can such words be tolerated in our land of Xiliang? What if someone with ulterior motives overhears them?" Knowing he was in the wrong, Xu Huang dared not utter a word, muttering only, "Fight them, I think it's unfair for them to treat the general this way." Ma Chao gave him a stern look, and Xu Huang stopped even mumbling and willingly accepted the punishment of twenty military sticks.

The soldiers watched General Xu Huang being beaten, and they were terrified and dared not speak again. Ma Chao spoke slowly, his tone serious: "My Ma family has been nobles for generations, and we have received the grace of the Han Dynasty. How could we do such a thing as a rebellion? Considering that you, Xu Huang, are a general in our army, I will demote you one level after beating you with twenty military sticks. Other soldiers should take this as a warning and never say such nonsense again." At this time, the anger on Ma Chao's face subsided a little, and he said seriously: "Brothers, Xiliang has been at war for years, and we soldiers guarding the border have suffered terribly. Ma Chao is deeply grateful to all brothers for defending our country and supporting my Ma family father and son. However, now that the Han Dynasty is full of warlord families, supporting each other, the people are suffering terribly, and foreign races are eyeing us covetously. Now is the time for us to believe in the Han Dynasty and serve it. This is what we loyal ministers and good generals should do."

Ma Chao's eyes flashed like lightning and his voice was like a bell. He spoke again: "I have already finished discussing with the angel. This time I will go to Chang'an in person. Xiliang is the foundation of everyone, and it is also the foundation of my Ma family's business. You must go all out and guard it with all your heart. Make sure Xiliang is not disturbed by war." Upon hearing this, all the generals responded in unison, and their voices shook the whole area.

Ma Chao then spoke passionately, "Xiliang is our headquarters. My father will personally command this place. This time, I will be traveling to Chang'an with only two or three generals. As for soldiers, ten thousand Xiliang cavalry will suffice. You must assist my father with all your might. We must ensure the stability of the Xiliang border and absolutely not allow the situation in the northwest to collapse." Upon hearing this, the generals, each eager to follow Ma Chao, only bringing two or three generals and over ten thousand cavalrymen, rushed forward. Ma Chao waved his hand in response to the surging enthusiasm, saying, "Be quiet, and let me make my plans."

A hush fell on the battlefield as Ma Chao began to make his deployments. He shouted, "Pang De, step forward!" General Pang De stepped forward, kneeling on one knee with a solemn expression. Ma Chao looked at Pang De with a sincere gaze and spoke slowly, "Ling Ming, since I left for Luoyang, you and I have often accompanied each other. Since then, you have accompanied me on campaigns throughout the country, achieving remarkable feats. Now, with my departure, the affairs of the Western Liang border will be handed over to you, Governor. This is especially true of the border between the Eastern Qiang and the Southern Xiongnu. Although we will not be attacking for the next year, we must not relax our efforts and must not give these foreign tribes any opportunity to exploit. You must also pay close attention to the Protectorate of the Qiang, where your brother is stationed. If any unreconcilable situation arises, mobilize your forces to suppress it immediately. While I'm away, you must ensure the stability of Western Liang." Pang De solemnly accepted the order and then retreated to his headquarters. As Ma Chao's trusted general, Pang De had been by his side since Ma Chao's departure from Western Liang. Some things need no further explanation. Although Pang De wanted to go with Ma Chao, he knew that the stability of Xiliang was the foundation for Ma Chao to gain a firm foothold in the court. Xiliang was the foundation of the country, and nothing could happen to it.

Ma Chao then spoke again, "Fa Zheng, listen!" Fa Zheng stepped out upon hearing the voice. Ma Chao looked at Fa Zheng and said, "Mr. Fa Zheng, although you have only been with me for a short time, I am well aware of your talents. Relatively speaking, you are very decisive in decisive battles, which is your strength. However, you also need to learn a lot about domestic affairs. If there is a war on your side, you must consult with Pang De. When there is no war, you will gradually take over the internal affairs of Xiliang. This time, Xun Lingjun will return to Chang'an with me to serve the emperor. There are many vacancies in domestic affairs, so you must pay close attention to this." Pang De also said, "Don't worry, General. I will consult with Xiao Zhi on any matters and will definitely prevent chaos in Xiliang."

Fa Zheng suppressed his excitement and bowed his head in agreement. His expression was calm, but within him, waves surged. He recalled how he and Zhang Ren had been defeated and captured in battle against Ma Chao. He had expected his lives to be in danger, only to be magnanimously released back to Chengdu by Ma Chao. However, in Chengdu, he was ostracized and, driven to desperation, sought refuge with Ma Chao. Ma Chao, unfazed by his limited talents or recent allegiance, now wanted to hand over the entire internal affairs of Xiliang to him. This trust and expectation struck him like a hammer, instilling in him a strong sense of "a gentleman will die for his friend." He knew that he was relatively superior in battlefield strategy, but he also understood that if Xun Lingjun left, Xiliang, despite having predecessors like Zao Ju and Cheng Gongying, lacked exceptional ability in decision-making and overall management of internal affairs. Fa Zheng secretly resolved to study hard and quickly take over Xiliang's military, political, and internal affairs, never letting Ma Chao worry about Xiliang's affairs in Chang'an. He wanted to repay Ma Chao's kindness with concrete actions, ensuring that Xiliang would be stable and prosperous under his management, and becoming Ma Chao's solid backing in the court.

Ma Chao said again, "Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, step out!" The two men stepped forward at the sound. Ma Chao looked at Zhang Liao and said slowly, "Wenyuan, you are also a skilled cavalryman. Your abilities are comparable to mine. Given time, you will surely be a capable commander. However, at this moment, you are still unfamiliar with all aspects of Xiliang's military affairs, and the complexities involved are difficult for you to unravel. You will be assigned to Pang De's command for now. I want you to lead a single army, commanding 20,000 Xiliang cavalry. If there are any unusual movements among the various tribes, you can coordinate with Pang De's army. And if necessary, we can launch a lightning strike and secure victory."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Liao's heart surged with gratitude. His eyes gleamed with emotion as he knelt on one knee, clasped his hands together, and said respectfully, "General, your kindness is so profound. I am deeply grateful. You value me so highly, and I will never forget your kindness. However, ever since I surrendered to you, I have longed to be by your side, fighting for you and giving you my all. Now that you wish to travel to Chang'an, the situation there is complex and volatile, with many unknowns. I know your journey will be filled with challenges and dangers. I am willing to accompany you, to face any adversity and help you resolve any problem. Even if the road ahead is filled with danger, I will never retreat. I sincerely beg you to grant me this."

Ma Chao frowned slightly, a hint of worry showing on his face. He explained, "Wenyuan, you might run into Wenhou Lü Bu on your journey to Chang'an. You and Gao Shun once served Lü Bu, so a meeting in Chang'an would be awkward. Staying in Xiliang, you can showcase your talents and contribute to its stability. Besides, Xiliang needs a brave general like you to defend it."

Zhang Liao shook his head firmly, his eyes filled with determination. He said, "General, since I have pledged my loyalty to you, there will be no embarrassment. The past is like a passing cloud, and I have long since let it go. Now I only care about serving you. No matter how difficult and dangerous the road ahead, I am willing to stand with you, through thick and thin, through life and death. Wherever you go, I will go. Please allow me to accompany you to Chang'an."

Zhang Liao spoke earnestly and sincerely, his eyes steadfastly betraying his loyalty and resolve. He persisted, kneeling on the ground and refusing to rise. Ma Chao, looking at Zhang Liao, was deeply moved. He knew Zhang Liao well, and understood that his persistence stemmed from his loyalty. With a sigh of resignation, he nodded in agreement, saying, "Alright, since Wenyuan is so determined, then please come with me to Chang'an. I am deeply gratified by your loyalty and bravery. I believe that with Wenyuan by my side, no matter what difficulties lie ahead, we can overcome them together."

Ma Chao turned to look at Gao Shun. Before he could say anything, Gao Shun, who was usually taciturn, knelt down and said in a deep voice, "General, the journey to Chang'an is extremely dangerous. I will follow you and serve you."

Ma Chao's expression shifted slightly. He looked at Gao Shun and said, "General Gao, since Wenyuan has decided to follow me, you should remain in Xiliang. I'm well aware of your talents. The Xianzhen Camp you trained has left a deep impression on me. Only you can fully unleash its potential and talents. Xiliang's current situation doesn't warrant a war, but if a foreign invasion were to occur, I would need you, a skilled general, to help me resolve any difficulties. While the journey to Chang'an will be challenging, it won't be too dangerous. I hope you can remain in Xiliang, protect this land, and stabilize my rear."

Gao Shun was not good at speaking, and just said woodenly: "General, don't worry. Gao Shun swears not to let you and the old general down. If any foreign race invades, Gao Shun will fight to the death to defend Xiliang." His firm tone and expression made people feel his loyalty to Ma Chao and his determination to protect Xiliang.