Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The two were deeply engaged in conversation, and before they knew it, the inky night had deepened, and time slipped quietly into the night. After returning from Lu Wan's stay, Dong Bai immediately inquired about General Ma Chao's proper care. The attendants respectfully reported that after leaving Miss Dong Bai's place, General Ma Chao had gone directly to Mr. Li Ru's residence and had not returned since.

Upon hearing this, Dong Bai's face lit up with anxiety. She whispered, "General Ma Chao has been away from Mr. Li Ru for so long, and he still hasn't recovered. I'm really worried." So she quickly sent a soldier to remind Ma Chao that it was time to rest. After all, he must have been exhausted from the long days of traveling. The guards, receiving the order, quickly returned to Li Ru's residence and earnestly explained Miss Dong Bai's concern.

Li Ru was slightly startled, and then said: "Oh, General, we have been talking for so long without realizing it. You'd better go back early, and don't let the young lady worry." Ma Chao looked firm and said: "Sir, you are indeed a great talent. How can I leave now when I am fascinated by what you say?" Li Ru frowned slightly and said: "In this case, Li Ru doesn't want to be the bad guy. It would be bad if Miss Dong Bai complained." Ma Chao hurriedly said: "How could that be? It's all thanks to you for clearing up my doubts. I have already gained a lot in my heart. I still need you to continue to explain. I can be said to have gained a lot." Li Ru showed an embarrassment on his face, and said slowly: "Since that's the case, how should I explain to Miss Dong Bai?" Ma Chao turned to the soldier and said: "You go back and report to the young lady, and tell her that I want to have a long talk with you today and talk all night long." Then he ordered the soldier: "By the way, go and prepare some wine and food." The soldier took the order and left.

Li Ru looked at Ma Chao and couldn't help but smile bitterly. He said, "General, if you act like this, Miss Dong Bai will definitely blame me tomorrow." Ma Chao waved his hands repeatedly and said, "No, no, sir, please continue."

Li Ru reached out and gently stirred the oil lamp, making the faint light slightly brighter. He continued, "The world has been in constant turmoil. I have clearly explained the court's problems and key issues to you, General. I believe you will also have some insights. As for your doubts and confusions, I will share them with you. You see, even Emperor Xiaowu, with his great talent and strategy, issued an edict of self-criticism in his later years. The Qin Dynasty was so magnificent, yet it perished in the second generation. This is enough to prove that no one is perfect. Your ambitions are too lofty. You must remember that everything should be done step by step. General, there is someone you can compare your ambitions to."

Ma Chao asked doubtfully, "Sir, could you please clarify?" Li Ru replied, "The person who bears some resemblance to you is indeed Zhang Jue, the protagonist of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. He may have operated in different spheres, but his ambitions are the same as yours. You want the people to have enough food and clothing, and for the government to be clean and honest, and Zhang Jue also once advocated such slogans. If Zhang Jue coveted wealth and glory, fine clothes and delicious food, they would have been easily obtained. Before his rebellion, even important officials and eunuchs in the palace were his followers. Wouldn't it be easy for him to obtain material possessions?"

Ma Chao frowned slightly, his face filled with confusion. He folded his arms across his chest, leaned forward slightly, and said, "If that's the case, then Zhang Jue isn't an unforgivable criminal who bullies and abuses the people?" A hint of bitterness crossed Li Ru's face. He shook his head gently, lowered his eyes slightly, and said slowly, "It's the same old saying: the victors are the kings and the losers are the bandits. How can anyone with ambition just pursue fame and fortune? Everyone has their own pursuits and ambitions. Although Zhang Jue stirred up the world with the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he perhaps also had his own persistence and ideals. It's just that in these chaotic times, his methods may have been too radical, and ultimately ended up like this."

Li Ru's expression was solemn, his eyes fixed on Ma Chao. He spoke in a serious tone, "This is also what I wanted to advise the General about. Like Wang Mang, Lord Dong, Emperor Xiaowen, and your teacher Lu Zhi, which one was not a man of extraordinary talent? Which one was not far superior to ordinary people in terms of intelligence and strategy? Yet, they spent their entire lives without finding a way to change this. Therefore, the General's confusion and bewilderment are unnecessary. The General is still young, why bother with such concerns? If you set goals that are too ambitious and keep dwelling on them, you will only plunge yourself into endless distress. The General should learn from their examples and proceed step by step. Perhaps only then can you find a way out in these troubled times."

Ma Chao frowned slightly and said, "That being said, we must do something to keep watching the people suffer and the warlords fighting each other."

Li Ru said, "Take, for example, General. Your character, your loyalty, your filial piety, and your concern for the people are all good. However, after Lord Dong's passing, we were willing to submit to you instead of following General Dong Huang in his struggle against the court. This was also out of trust and consideration for you. After all, you value loyalty and righteousness, and you have great ambitions. We also want to find a way out for Xiliang."

But General, let me be frank. Throughout history, there have been countless individuals with lofty ambitions, a heart for the people, and exceptional talent. Yet, why has no one been able to find a reliable solution to this problem? The fact that it remains so today speaks volumes about the thorniness of this matter. Therefore, General, avoid contradictions and proceed with practicality. Today, as a general, you should defend your region; as a soldier, you should fight for your country; and as a court official, you should meet the king with open eyes and serve the public with self-sacrifice. There's no need to dwell on this.

Ma Chao fell into deep thought after hearing this, his brow furrowed slightly, revealing his inner struggle. He paused for a moment, then said, "Your words are not without truth, but the suffering of the people of this world is truly unbearable. Although I know this is difficult, I still have a deep desire in my heart to bring peace to the people."

Li Ru sighed and said, "General, your heart is admirable. But you should also understand that haste makes waste. The current situation is complicated. If you insist on this matter, you may get into trouble. It is better to do the things at hand first, and wait until the time is right before pursuing greater goals."

Ma Chao remained silent, pondering Li Ru's words. After a long moment, he slowly raised his head and said, "I will ponder your words, sir. But I will not forget my conviction. One day, I will do even more for the people."

Li Ru hesitated to speak, knowing full well that Ma Chao was a man of unwavering resolve, and once he had made up his mind, he would not easily change it. Just then, the messenger arrived with wine and food. Li Ru poured Ma Chao a glass of wine, and after the two drank together, Li Ru, seemingly resolute, offered a word of advice: "General, I have something to say that I cannot help but speak. It may displease you, but I must say it anyway."

"General, it would be unwise to head for Chang'an now. You should firmly guard the gates of Xiliang to resist invasion from foreign enemies. The Central Plains is now awash with numerous princes, each with its own agenda. Although the emperor has returned to the capital and issued decrees to the empire, how many people truly obey those orders? Furthermore, the ills of the imperial court have existed for a long time. Let them fight. As the saying goes, a serious illness requires a strong remedy. Let them fight until chaos reigns, and then we can clean up the mess. General, use Xiliang as your base, and when the time is right, join the war in the Central Plains. By then, vying for dominance in the Central Plains and even the world will not be impossible."

Ma Chao frowned slightly, his expression solemn, lost in deep thought. He understood that what Li Ru said was not without reason, but he still had many concerns. He spoke slowly, "I have considered what you said, sir. However, as a minister, I must prioritize the people above all else. Moreover, I cannot bear to see the people suffer. If I can help bring peace to the world, I am willing to give it a try."

Li Ru sighed softly and shook his head slightly, his expression filled with worry. He said, "General, your heart is admirable. But you should understand that the current situation is extremely complex. Any rash action could lead to serious difficulties. You should wait and see how the situation develops, and then make a decision when the time is right."

Li Ru filled another glass of wine for the two of them. After they drank, Li Ru wiped his mouth gently and said slowly with a serious expression: "General, please think carefully about the attitude of the court now. The vigilance against you is extremely widespread, and there is caution and suspicion everywhere. And we old subordinates are still worried. This is enough to show that the emperor is not that magnanimous and tolerant. Even if the general is wholeheartedly for the public, without any selfish thoughts, and is willing to devote himself to the country until his death, what can he do? "General, don't you know how many heroes and great men throughout history have met tragic ends because their achievements overshadowed their rulers? If you insist on going to Chang'an now, it would be extremely dangerous and you might encounter an unexpected disaster. It would be better to stay in Xiliang for the time being, recuperate, and on the one hand firmly guard the gateway to Xiliang and resist foreign invasion; on the other hand, you can observe the changes in the situation in the Central Plains. When the time is right, you can make plans. This is the best policy. General, do not let a momentary impulse ruin your own future and the hopes of the people of this world."