Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Mother Ma turned her gaze to Lu Wan, the gentle and charming woman. She gently stroked Lu Wan's hair, which was as smooth as silk, as if expressing the girl's tenderness. Mother Ma spoke softly, "Wan'er, you are a sensible and well-behaved child. In these turbulent times, you must learn to protect yourself. Listen to your mother and don't worry us." Tears welled in Lu Wan's eyes. She nodded slightly and said softly, "Madam, I will be obedient. You should also take care of yourself and wait until we meet again."

Then, Ma's mother looked at Lu Yu. The young boy's eyes were filled with determination and courage. Ma's mother squatted down, looking Lu Yu at eye level, and gently patted his shoulder. Though still tender, that shoulder seemed to hold endless strength. Ma's mother said, "Yu'er, you're a little man now. You must take good care of mother and sister, and face all difficulties bravely. Remember, no matter where or when, you must have courage and responsibility." Lu Yu straightened his chest and said solemnly, "Madam, I will. I will definitely protect mother and sister and live up to your expectations."

Mother Ma stood up and gazed at the three of them once more, a flood of emotion filling her heart. This moment of parting was always so painful. But she knew they all had their own missions and responsibilities. Mother Ma took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "My children, I hope you are all well. No matter where you are, remember that you have a family here who cares for you." Madam Lu, Lu Wan, and Lu Yu nodded, their eyes filled with longing. The snowflakes continued to fall, as if adding a touch of sadness to the scene of parting.

Ma Chao's mother beckoned to Dian Wei, who was standing by the carriage of Lu and her son, and said gently, "Big man, come here." Dian Wei stepped forward in a muffled voice and bowed respectfully, "What can I do for you, Madam?" Ma Chao's mother looked at the tall and imposing man before her and said slowly, "Big man, you have been accompanying them all this time, protecting them and their son. With Chao'er protecting them, they will be safe on this journey. But once we arrive in Chang'an, it will not be convenient for you to be with them all the time as before. The safety of these three people depends on you."

Dian Wei patted his head and said with a firm look, "Madam, don't worry. I will protect the young lady and Madam Lu." Ever since being recruited by Ma Chao, Dian Wei had been with the Lu family, dedicated to their safety. He recalled how, after the Luoyang incident, he had protected the Lu family and their son, overcoming hardships and dangers all the way to Xiliang. During those long days, he had developed a deep bond with them. Rather than being Ma Chao's subordinate, it would be more accurate to call him a Lu family guard. However, Ma's mother didn't let this bother her in the slightest. She treated all the officers like her own sons and nephews, and she didn't hold a single thought against Dian Wei's innocent yet honest character. Even though Dian Wei considered himself a Lu family guard, Ma's mother still treated him with the care and love she would give her own son or nephew. Dian Wei felt a surge of warmth as he listened to Ma's mother's words. He knew they meant what she said, and they took them to heart. He secretly vowed that no matter when and where, he must protect the three of Lu's mother and son and live up to Ma's mother's trust and love.

Ma Teng first approached the angel's carriage, exchanging a few words of farewell with Wang Jie and Li Tong. Then, he approached Xun Yu, bowed, and said sincerely, "Lord, Xiliang has been able to maintain its vitality despite the wars over the past two years, and its people have thrived. This is all thanks to you. As we part today, I am filled with emotion."

Xun Yu was slightly moved, with a complex emotion in his eyes. His thoughts were churning, and he recalled the days in Xiliang. Although this place had been ravaged by war and the lives of the people were full of suffering, they were so simple, kind, and tenacious. He was pleased to see that the people were gradually finding hope due to the efforts he had made here. However, he regarded himself as a Han minister, and this separation also meant that he would embark on the journey of running for the Han Dynasty again. He didn't know how far the road ahead would be, and he couldn't help but feel a lot of emotions in his heart. He slowly said: "Lord Shoucheng, the people of Xiliang are tenacious and unyielding, and I am also pleased that I can do my little bit for them. Although this place has been ravaged by war, the simplicity of the people is moving. After this farewell, I don't know when we will see each other again. I only hope that Xiliang can always be stable and the people can enjoy peace forever."

Ma Teng nodded and said, "Your Excellency is absolutely right. You consider yourself a Han official, wholeheartedly serving the people of the world. We deeply admire you. Although we are reluctant to part with you this time, I believe that no matter where you are, you will always strive for the welfare of the people."

Xun Yu sighed softly and said, "General, you are too kind. I only wish to do my best to support the Han Dynasty and restore peace to the world."

Everyone stood at the city gate, their hearts filled with emotion. They didn't know when they would meet again after this separation. But they all understood that for the sake of their country and their people, they must bravely embark on this journey.

Ma Teng returned to the group, his eyes filled with reluctance and concern. He pulled Ma Chao and Ma Dai in his arms, his gaze fixed on them, as if he wanted to engrave their appearances deeply in his mind. The three of them stood facing each other, and for a moment, the atmosphere was solemn yet filled with warmth. Ma Teng gently patted the two men's shoulders, his voice, though a little low, carried a firm strength: "There's still wind and snow today, so we can't delay too long. Let's go."

Ma Chao looked at his father, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that the road ahead was difficult and dangerous, but for the sake of his family and country, he had to move forward bravely. Ma Chao bowed down to his parents, and the generals behind him bowed respectfully like nephews and nieces. Their movements were in perfect harmony, full of respect and reluctance. In the snowy weather, their figures looked particularly solemn. After kowtowed three times, Ma Chao slowly stood up, his eyes revealing a glimmer of determination. He jumped on his horse, pulled the reins hard, and shouted, "Let's go!" With his order, everyone mounted their horses and the team slowly moved forward. Snowflakes fluttered down, as if to see them off. The determined figure gradually disappeared in the distance, leaving behind only a vast expanse of snow and endless worries.

The snow fluttered down like goose feathers, blanketing the sky and earth in a blanket of white. The journey was difficult. Everyone was cavalry, but considering the Emperor's carriage and the carriage of Lu's mother and son, they had to slow down, and they also had to consider their safety. The hardships of the journey were beyond description. Every step forward seemed to require immense effort, and the horses' hooves sank deep into the snow, making a dull sound.

Less than twenty miles had passed when the snowstorm intensified, the howling wind mingling with snowflakes making it nearly impossible to open one's eyes. Just then, a scout arrived with the news that someone was waiting ahead. Ma Chao's heart trembled, and he immediately rode to the front of the group, gazing far ahead. In the distance, against the lonely, pale sky and earth, a man and a horse stood silently in the snow. Their figure seemed so small in the raging wind and snow, yet they held an indescribable resolve. Ma Chao stared in that direction, filled with confusion, wondering who the newcomer was and why they were waiting in the snow.

Seeing the large group of horses approaching, those in the distance immediately jumped on their horses and galloped towards them. As they drew closer, Ma Chao gradually saw who was coming, but he had no idea it was Xu Huang. Xu Huang rode at lightning speed, reaching the front of the group in a flash. He then dismounted with ease and knelt before Ma Chao without hesitation.

Ma Chao frowned and said in a deep voice: "How dare you leave the military camp in such a heavy snowstorm?" Xu Huang looked up at Ma Chao and said firmly: "General, the journey to Chang'an is difficult and dangerous. How can I, Xu Huang, not accompany you?" Ma Chao was furious and shouted: "Xu Huang, you fellow, how many times have you disobeyed military orders?" Xu Huang did not care and laughed, "No, General, if you hit me with another twenty military sticks, I will definitely take Chang'an. "Go with the general." Ma Chao was truly troubled by Xu Huang's unruly behavior. Resignedly, he rubbed his forehead, waved his whip, and said, "Go to the troops." Then he ordered his personal guards, "Bring some strong liquor and let him drink a few sips to prevent him from freezing." Xu Huang's face immediately beamed. He stood up with a chuckle and looked proudly at Zhang Liao, Ma Dai, and others in the camp. He looked like a victorious general, and walked towards the troops with a heroic and high-spirited look.

Ma Dai said to Xu Huang, "You idiot! I've been telling you that we haven't even shown up since our army marched. For the past two days, you've been thinking that given your strength, the general will give you twenty military sticks. Since you haven't shown up these past two days, we were worried that the general might have been too harsh in enforcing military law, and that you might have been injured." Xu Huang, looking smug, declared, "The general didn't mention me when he went to Chang'an, but how could I not go? If I didn't, the beating wouldn't have been in vain." A sly smile crossed Xu Huang's face, as if he was proud of his own cleverness. Ma Dai shook his head helplessly, feeling both angry and amused at Xu Huang's expression. The surrounding soldiers couldn't help but smile knowingly at Xu Huang's words. Xu Huang was usually a brash yet loyal man, and his actions, though somewhat imprudent, spoke volumes about his sincere devotion to the general. In this snowy weather, everyone's mood became more relaxed and warmer because of Xu Huang's appearance.