Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Seeing Wang Jie's stubbornness, Zhou Yu realized that further persuasion was futile, so he stopped and turned to report to Ma Chao. Ma Chao, upon hearing Zhou Yu's words and seeing Wang Jie's persistent, unyielding attitude, felt rather troubled. However, he did not want to discourage Dong Gong's former followers in Xiliang. After all, they had been wholeheartedly committed to his allegiance, so appeasement was the primary concern. Without further hesitation, Ma Chao declared to the crowd, "Since that's the case, let's march into the city."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's expressions varied. However, Li Ru revealed a barely perceptible smile, which seemed to contain a deep meaning, as if he had already anticipated Ma Chao's decision.

Ma Chao glanced at the crowd and spoke again, "Although the emperor's envoys are arrogant and rude, we must not lose our manners." Then, turning to Dong Bai, Ma Chao said gently, "Bai'er, I'll trouble you to make arrangements. Send cold-weather supplies to the three thousand soldiers from Chang'an outside the camp. Have your men quickly prepare a sufficient number of thick cotton-padded coats, robes, boots, and warm cloaks. Select those of high quality and fine workmanship to ensure they can truly withstand the severe cold. Furthermore, the meals must be prepared to be delicious. Instruct the kitchen to prepare more food: hot meats, hot noodles, and hot soups. You can add more varieties to give the soldiers more choices. Make sure the food is still hot when it is delivered. Don't let these soldiers suffer in vain. They are all Han people, and we must not let them feel disappointed."

Upon hearing this, Dong Bai gently lowered his arm from Lu Wan's. A playful expression crossed his face, yet his tone remained solemn as he declared, "As you command, my Lord General." Dong Bai's expression elicited laughter from everyone present, instantly warming the previously tense atmosphere. Having cast aside their worries, everyone's faces lit up with relaxed smiles as they eagerly welcomed Ma Chao and his generals into the city. Along the way, everyone laughed and chatted, as if the previous unpleasantness had never occurred. On the streets of Longxi County, the common people stopped to watch, filled with curiosity and respect for this promising young general and his officers.

Not to mention the fact that Longxi County quickly provided clothing and food to the 3,000 soldiers, even bringing in fine wine. When these supplies were delivered to the soldiers, the hearts of the 3,000 Chang'an soldiers were filled with joy. Initially, watching everyone enter the city, the Chang'an soldiers themselves were filled with joy. After all, days of sleeping in the open air and arduous journeys through the snow had left them exhausted. Now, seeing warm shelter and delicious food, they breathed a sigh of relief, eagerly anticipating a good meal and a good rest.

However, they suddenly received news that they were stationed outside the city and were not allowed to enter. This news was like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the flames of hope that had just ignited in the hearts of the soldiers. The three thousand soldiers had already been filled with many complaints and dissatisfactions, and it was only because Captain Li Tong, relying on his personal prestige, barely maintained that there was no rebellion. When the army sets out, the danger is not to be feared, nor is the hardship; what is to be feared is the different treatment. The soldiers led by Ma Chao also felt the same hardships, but they received the care and love of family. However, because of the attitude of Wang Jie, the emperor's envoy, they saw the opportunity to relax and relax was missed, but Wang Jie insisted on having his own way. How could the soldiers not feel disappointed?

As they ate delicious meat and changed into warm clothing, the soldiers' dissatisfaction with the emperor's envoys grew stronger, while their gratitude towards Ma Chao formed a sharp contrast. This contrast continued to ferment in the soldiers' hearts, and also laid the groundwork for future developments.

Ma Chao led his generals, accompanied by their counterparts from Longxi Commandery, and the banquet was in full swing. The hall was ablaze with lights, and laughter and chatter filled the air. The soldiers, exhausted and wary, cast aside their guard and drank heartily, creating a lively atmosphere.

Xu Huang and Hua Xiong, two old acquaintances, began boasting about their prowess in front of the crowd. When the mood struck, they even joined the banquet hall in a wrestling match to liven up the atmosphere. Hua Xiong was tall and strong, embodying the fierce and heroic spirit of the Guanxi people. He stood there, as majestic as a towering mountain. At first, Xu Huang was a little frustrated; Hua Xiong's might was truly awe-inspiring. His strong frame and imposing aura seemed to overwhelm everything. But Xu Huang was not the crude and ferocious general he appeared to be; he was actually quite flexible. Seeing that brute force was no match for Hua Xiong, Xu Huang resorted to clever tactics and finally managed to wrestle Hua Xiong to the ground. When Hua Xiong got up, he wasn't angry, but instead laughed heartily, displaying his heroic spirit.

Dong Bai called the two men over and personally poured two glasses of wine. A brilliant smile filled her face, as charming as a spring flower. Xu Huang and Hua Xiong were flattered to see Dong Bai personally pouring wine for them. They quickly accepted the glasses with both hands, expressing their gratitude. The atmosphere was bustling with activity, and everyone was immersed in the joyful atmosphere.

Ma Chao, however, forced a smile. He sat at the head of the table, his face smiling, but it felt strained. His eyes wandered, his mind seemingly preoccupied with endless worries. He occasionally frowned, sighed softly, his preoccupied expression seeming out of place amidst the lively atmosphere. His mind was completely elsewhere at the banquet, and despite the constant laughter and joy around him, he couldn't fully enjoy himself. His heart seemed shrouded in a fog, filled with confusion and worry.

Everyone else was immersed in joy, oblivious to Ma Chao's unusual behavior. They thoroughly enjoyed this rare moment of relaxation, drinking, chatting, and laughing, completely oblivious to Ma Chao's inner thoughts. Li Ru, on the other hand, quietly observed the lively scene, gently fiddling with his wine glass. His gaze remained fixed on Ma Chao, keenly aware of his forced smile and the weight of his worries. A glimmer of insightful wisdom shone in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly as he chuckled silently. He seemed to see through everything, yet he was in no rush to point it out. He simply quietly observed the situation unfolding, waiting for the right moment.

The banquet continued into the evening, finally drawing to a close amidst the excitement of the crowd. With the exception of Xu Rong and Zhang Ren, who held important positions as guard commanders, they remained sober after only two drinks. Even the normally composed Zhou Yu, Xu Shu, and Zhang Liao, who had always been steady, suddenly relaxed after days of travel and unknowingly drank a few more cups. Not to mention the naturally bold and valiant generals like Xu Huang, Sun Ce, Niu Fu, and Hua Xiong, each of them had their faces flushed with alcohol, loudly boasting of their respective glorious deeds.

Seeing that everyone had almost finished drinking, Ma Chao arranged for them to go back and rest. After arranging everything, Ma Chao and Dong Bai went to the inner room to continue their conversation. However, Ma Chao was worried, and even Dong Bai could see it. Dong Bai frowned slightly, his eyes full of concern, and asked softly: "Brother Chao, why are you so worried today? Is there something bothering you?" Ma Chao sighed softly and shook his head slightly, but he didn't know where to start. There was a hint of worry in his eyes, and that heavy expression made Dong Bai even more worried. A faint atmosphere of depression filled the inner room, forming a sharp contrast with the lively and cheerful atmosphere at the banquet just now.

Dong Bai leaned gently against Ma Chao's shoulder, her voice soft and gentle, like a spring breeze brushing against his ear. "I don't know what's troubling you, Brother Chao, but I really don't want you to rush to Chang'an. Chang'an is not safe right now, and the Emperor holds great resentment towards us in Xiliang. Going there would surely be fraught with danger."

Ma Chao gently stroked the back of Dong Bai's hand, his eyes filled with bitterness. How could he not know that this trip to Chang'an was fraught with danger? But he had no choice. He could only gently comfort Dong Bai, saying, "Don't worry, Bai'er, I know everything. Master has summoned me personally, and my master's orders are hard to disobey. How can I not obey?" Dong Bai still felt worried after hearing Ma Chao's words, but she also knew that Ma Chao was a man who valued friendship and loyalty. Since it was his master who summoned her, he would certainly not refuse. She sighed slightly and snuggled up to Ma Chao, as if trying to draw some strength and comfort from him. In the inner room, the two of them snuggled quietly, the atmosphere warm but with a hint of sadness.

Dong Bai looked at Ma Chao's still furrowed brows, his heart filled with pity. He said softly, "Brother Chao, what exactly is confusing you? I may not understand what you're saying, but only by speaking it out can it be resolved. Although I don't understand, you can talk to your uncle about your doubts. When we were in Xiliang, Grandpa always consulted with your uncle. Your uncle is arguably the wisest man in Xiliang. You're so talented, but you're not here to help solve your problems, instead you're here to worry about it all by yourself."

Ma Chao, having also drunk a little, stroked his forehead and said in frustration, "Oh, how could I have forgotten Mr. Wenyou? Bai'er, you truly are my good wife." He then embraced Dong Bai tightly and hurried off to visit Li Ru at his residence. Seeing Ma Chao's anxious expression, Dong Bai couldn't help but chuckle, her smile as beautiful as a blooming spring flower. Ma Chao, on the other hand, hurried towards Li Ru's residence, full of anticipation, hoping to gain answers to his puzzlement from this wise and resourceful man.