Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao nodded slightly and spoke again, "Generals Pan Feng and Wu Anguo." At this call, the two fierce generals stepped forward, their figures erect as tall as pine trees, their presence extraordinary. Ma Chao gazed at them, speaking slowly, "You both possess immense strength, particularly suited to fighting on foot. After I leave Xiliang, one of you will serve my father, while the other will serve under Pang De. With your abilities, whether it's sieges or fortifications, you'll be invincible. A general is the master of his troops, and a commander is their soul. You bear the heavy responsibility of protecting your commander. You must not slack off in the slightest. Do not let me down."

The two generals looked at each other, and then asked in unison: "General, don't you want us to accompany you?" Ma Chao raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a confident smile, and said in a deep voice: "With my martial arts, although I dare not claim to be invincible, but if I insist on leaving, I think I can go anywhere in the world. You two generals are responsible for protecting the safety of the commander-in-chief. You should do your best and don't let me down." When the two generals heard this, their expressions were solemn and they responded loudly. The sound echoed in the air like thunder.

After Ma Chao finished speaking, he slowly turned his gaze to several trusted generals and said, "Yuanzhi will be traveling with me this time. Zhang Ren and Ma Dai, you two will follow my orders and there will be other arrangements." Upon hearing this, Xu Shu bowed and replied, "Yes." The two young generals Zhang Ren and Ma Dai also immediately responded and came out, their postures as straight as swords.

Afterward, Ma Chao personally grasped Pang De and Fa Zheng's arms once again, his expression profoundly sincere. He spoke slowly, "You two, although my father has long guarded Xiliang, he is still not proficient in military tactics and battle formations. Whenever anything happens, I rely on you for advice and on-the-spot decisions. Xiliang's stability is in my hands." The two generals were deeply moved by his words and were about to bow, but Ma Chao's grip prevented them from doing so. Pang De, tears welling in his eyes, declared firmly, "General, as long as I live, Xiliang will be as stable as a rock." Ma Chao smiled gently, adding, "That's too much. Don't feel the pressure. Today, on the parade ground, it's not convenient to discuss this in detail. If anything important happens, we in Xiliang still have a towering tree to rely on." The two generals looked puzzled upon hearing this. Xu Shu smiled lightly and said, "General, are you talking about the one in Longxi?" Ma Chao smiled lightly and nodded, saying, "Mr. Li Ru, Dong Gong's former strategist, is still in Xiliang. If there is anything important that is difficult to decide, you can ask Mr. Li Ru. There is no need to worry too much about Longxi. General Xu Rong is enough to withstand thousands of troops. So, this is both a trust in you and a challenge to you. Don't alarm Mr. Li Ru unless it is absolutely necessary, because if Mr. Li Ru shows up, I am afraid Chang'an will be dissatisfied." After hearing this, the two generals regained their confidence.

After Ma Chao had arranged all the matters concerning the defense of Xiliang, he looked solemn, his eyes sweeping across the room like lightning, and spoke again in a steady and powerful voice: "Zhang Ren, Ma Dai, you two listen to my orders. Using the 3,000 unstoppable Flying Bear Army that I originally used to dominate Xiliang as a foundation, we need to expand it to 10,000 cavalrymen and divide it into two divisions. One is the Loyal and Brave Battalion, and the other is the Loyal and Righteous Battalion. Zhang Liao will be the commander of the Loyal and Brave Battalion, and you, Zhang Ren, will be the deputy commander. You must assist us." "General Zhang Liao, transform the Loyal and Brave Battalion into an invincible elite force. I will personally command the Loyal and Righteous Battalion, and Ma Dai will serve as your deputy commander. You will fight alongside me to protect the country and its people. Xu Shu and Xu Yuanzhi will serve as our advisors. You will carefully plan and ensure all preparations are thorough. Make haste and prepare. We must be fully equipped and depart in two days. Without delay." Zhang Liao, Zhang Ren, and Ma Dai solemnly bowed their heads, then marched out with determined steps to receive the order.

At this time, Ma Chao turned his head slightly, his eyes fell on Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, and said, "Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, you two, please turn from behind to the front." Upon hearing the voice, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu immediately stepped forward respectfully, bowed and said, "I am here." Ma Chao nodded slightly, and then said, "Sun Ce, the 4,000 soldiers and horses you brought this time have gone through many battles and have been reborn. They are of great use. Now I will allocate another 1,000 from the Xiliang Iron Cavalry to you, so that you will have 5,000 troops. Be sure to prepare sufficient soldiers, food, weapons, armor, etc. The four generals Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and Zu Mao will still be at your disposal. You will go to Chang'an with me this time. After arriving in Chang'an, we will make further plans." Sun Ce and Zhou Yu looked at each other and bowed.

Ma Chao turned and faced the numerous soldiers on the parade grounds, his eyes filled with lofty ambition. He declared with deep emotion, "A true man, born into this world, must wield his three-foot sword and accomplish unparalleled feats. Defending our homeland, protecting our borders and our people—this is the sacred duty that men of our generation cannot shirk. My fellow soldiers, whether you remain behind to defend Xiliang or accompany me to Chang'an, you are all serving our country. Simply remember: maintain loyalty and protect our borders and our people. These eight words should become an unwavering conviction in our hearts." The soldiers' blood boiled at this, and they shouted in unison, "Remain loyal and protect our borders!" The sound was as deafening as thunder, echoing through the heavens and earth for a long time. Ma Chao raised his hand slightly, signaling silence, and continued, "According to the above arrangements, I will depart for Chang'an in two days. The heavy responsibility of Xiliang now rests with you. I hope you will work together to protect this land and live up to my trust."

Time flew by like a fleeting horse, and two days passed in the blink of an eye. Ma Chao spent these two days in the company of his family and his confidante. As for the affairs of the military camp, Ma Chao didn't oversee them, believing that his generals were all capable commanders, and that the various matters of a mere 10,000 men on the march were insignificant. He believed that such trivial matters didn't require his excessive concern.

On the day of the expedition, the sky was filled with a flurry of snowflakes. The generals, with fifteen thousand soldiers, waited quietly outside Wuwei City. Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and the others, along with Ma Chao, bid farewell to their families at the city gates. Ma Chao's mother, tears welling in her eyes, said, "My son, it's snowing heavily. Is this the time to march? Why not rest a few days and wait until the snow stops before leaving?" Ma Teng frowned and said, "Nonsense! How can we easily change the date of the army's departure? Besides, the angels are watching from afar, coldly. Is this the time for sentimental love?" Ma Chao's mother added, "Chao'er, we're together so little all year long. What's the harm in adding a few days? You sound so simple." Ma Yunlu, Ma Tie, and Ma Xiu also had tears in their eyes, their faces filled with reluctance to leave. Cai Wenji, wearing a small horse crown, stood nearby, her eyes filled with longing. However, her current status prevented her from speaking much. She could only watch silently, her heart filled with worry and reluctance.

At this moment, Ma's mother's gaze slowly fell on Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, the reluctance in her eyes growing stronger. With a slightly trembling step, she slowly stepped forward and gently took Sun Ce and Zhou Yu's hands. Ma's mother's eyes were filled with love, and her voice trembled slightly as she spoke: "Bofu, Gongjin, for over six months in Xiliang, I have taken care of your food, clothing, and daily needs. In my heart, I have long considered you my own children. Now that you are leaving, my heart is truly broken." Tears glistened in Ma's mother's eyes, and those glittering tears seemed to express her inner reluctance and concern.

"You must be careful along the way. The battlefield is extremely dangerous, so you must protect yourself. No matter when and where you are, remember that there is a home here that cares about you." Ma's mother's words were full of affection, and every word was like a warm spring breeze, blowing on the hearts of Sun Ce and Zhou Yu.

Upon hearing this, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu felt an indescribable warmth well up in their hearts. Their eyes were filled with emotion as they slowly knelt and bowed respectfully. Sun Ce's voice choked slightly as he spoke, "Mother, we will never forget your care. Although we are deeply reluctant to leave, military orders compel us to depart. We will fight bravely and live up to your expectations." Zhou Yu added, "Rest assured, mother. We will do our utmost to defend our homeland. We will visit you again when we return victorious." Their voices were filled with determination and reluctance, each word a vow uttered from the depths of their hearts.

Standing up, they looked back at Ma's mother, their eyes filled with longing. However, they knew they had a heavy responsibility and could not stay here for long. The falling snow seemed to add a touch of sadness to the scene of parting.

Ma Chao's mother said goodbye to Madam Lu, Lu Wan, and Lu Yu and his mother, reluctantly bidding them farewell.

Ma's mother's gaze slowly fell on Madam Lu, Lu Wan and Lu Yu, her eyes full of love and reluctance. She took some heavy steps and slowly approached the three of them, mother and son. Ma's mother gently took Madam Lu's hand, her hands trembling slightly, as if carrying endless concerns. Ma's mother said gently: "Madam Lu, after we say goodbye today, I don't know when we will see each other again. In this troubled world, the road ahead is long, full of unknowns and dangers. But you must be strong and brave, take good care of yourself and the children. No matter what difficulties you encounter, you must believe that everything will be fine." Madam Lu's eyes instantly turned red, tears welling up in her eyes. She held Ma's mother's hand tightly, and said with a slightly choked voice: "Madam, your care for the three of us, mother and son, will always be remembered in our hearts. Don't worry, I will do my best to take good care of myself and the children, and I will also pray for the generals, and wish them a safe return."