Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao clutched the empty wine glass tightly, his knuckles whitening with force. After a moment, he gently released them. He spoke slowly, "Sir, your words are quite true. I have taken them to heart, and I understand what you have said. But to ensure that the people of the world no longer suffer, I must go to Chang'an. If I can truly save the people, even if it's only for a short while, I will do my part. The situation is improving, and I cannot bear to see it torn apart because of me alone."

Li Ru sighed deeply, his tone filled with worry. "General, don't you consider those who have high hopes for you and those close to you? In terms of achievements, who can compare to Han Xin, the King of Sanqi? Han Xin's strategy was supreme, unprecedented, and his achievements were truly extraordinary. Yet, in the end, he was beheaded and his entire family was exterminated. General, learn from Han Xin's mistakes and avoid repeating them."

Li Ru sighed again, his expression growing graver as he continued, "General, think about Han Xin, the King of Sanqi. Back then, Xiang Yu pushed Liu Bang into a desperate situation, practically at the end of his rope, but Han Xin forged a reversal of fortune. He led a vast army, undefeated in battle and unstoppable in attack. With his exceptional military prowess, he vanquished numerous powerful enemies for Liu Bang, ultimately ensuring his empire's success. Liu Bang, renowned for his generosity and leniency, could not tolerate Han Xin, a man so overpowering that he threatened his own success. And what about the current emperor? Can he possibly possess the same leniency as Emperor Taizu Gao? The court is wary of you, and if you insist on heading to Chang'an, you risk unforeseen consequences. If you were to misstep, what would become of those who placed their hopes in you? And how would those close to you react? You must not abandon your cares on impulse."

Ma Chao took the wine pot and slowly poured the third cup of wine for the two of them. Ma Chao toasted Li Ru with a respectful look. After the two of them drank together, Ma Chao said: "Sir, you compare me to Han Xin, the King of Three Qi. You really think too highly of Ma Chao. Ma Chao is just a warrior. What I have done is just to be loyal to the emperor and serve the country. What I have planned is just for the peace of the people. The teacher was still advising Ma Chao not to be too ambitious, but to focus on the current affairs first. And now the emperor has issued an edict. If Ma Chao does not obey the edict and goes to Chang'an, the emperor will lose face and the country will be in vain. Ma Chao's attitude was about to exacerbate the conflict. He wouldn't dare challenge Han Xin, the King of Three Qi, but he was willing to fight for the people of the world with his own strength. Ma Chao, on his journey to Chang'an, would remain loyal to the state. If any rebels emerged, he would personally lead the charge to deter the other princes, even at the cost of his own life. If, by some fortunate stroke of fate, peace were to return to the world, even if Ma Chao alone could bring peace to the land, what would Ma Chao even think of sacrificing his own body?

Seeing that Ma Chao was determined and no longer able to be persuaded, Li Ru stopped trying. However, out of concern for Ma Chao, he continued to carefully analyze with Ma Chao the various disadvantages of going to Chang'an. Li Ru's expression was serious, and he slowly said, "General, since you have made up your mind, I will analyze with you the many hidden dangers of this trip to Chang'an. When you go to Chang'an, you must be wary of the open and secret attacks in the court. Those court officials have their own thoughts and will do anything to achieve their own interests. You have just arrived in Chang'an and are weak and alone, making you an easy target for their attacks. Furthermore, you must be extremely careful about the attitude of the emperor. Although the emperor has issued an edict for you to go to Chang'an, his true intentions are difficult to predict. Perhaps the emperor is wary of you, or perhaps the emperor wants to use your power to balance the forces of all parties. In either case, you must not take it lightly. In Chang'an, your every move may be monitored, and if you are not careful, you will fall into an irretrievable situation."

Before they knew it, the two men had been drinking more and more. Li Ru had tried every possible means to dissuade Ma Chao, but he could not break his resolve. Though he knew Ma Chao's journey would be difficult, he could not help but admire his perseverance. Seeing this, the two men stopped discussing the journey to Chang'an and instead discussed everything from military command to strategic planning, from governing the country to ensuring the well-being of the people. Only when the eastern sky began to turn white and the roosters crowed crisply did Ma Chao slowly rise and take his leave. Aside from Ma Chao's reluctance to heed Li Ru's advice and his insistence on traveling to Chang'an, the two men had enjoyed a pleasant evening. Li Ru escorted Ma Chao out of the mansion, sighing as he watched him retreat. It seemed he needed to make some preparations to ensure Ma Chao's life was not in danger in Chang'an. After all, in these turbulent times, a man like Ma Chao, with his heart for the country and his deep sense of loyalty and loyalty, was a rare commodity. Li Ru silently made up his mind that no matter what, he would give Ma Chao a chance of survival in this treacherous situation.

Ma Chao hadn't returned home all night, and Dong Bai was worried. She wondered if her uncle, Li Ru, had finally resolved Ma Chao's doubts. As soon as Ma Chao entered the mansion, Dong Bai hurried forward, her face filled with concern. "Ma Chao, how was your conversation with your uncle? Did you resolve your confusion?" Although slightly tipsy, Ma Chao's eyes were remarkably firm, no longer the lost expression he had at the banquet the previous night. Ma Chao raised his head slightly and said solemnly, "Mr. Wenyou is well-versed in history and current affairs, possessing the wisdom to govern the nation. He has helped me resolve many of my doubts." Dong Bai stopped asking questions, knowing full well that whatever Ma Chao decided, she would unconditionally support him. Dong Bai quickly ordered the guards to take Ma Chao to his quarters. After showering and changing his clothes, he fell into a deep sleep, as if to let go of the night's exhaustion and thoughts.

For two or three days after his conversation with Li Ru, Ma Chao ceased discussing state affairs. Each day, he spent time resting and preparing with his men, intending to depart for Chang'an after two or three days of rest. After his conversation with Li Ru, Ma Chao had clearly grasped the state's ills and, resigned to his counsel, resolved to prioritize the present. His mind now cleared, no longer blindly pursuing ethereal ideals, he focused solely on doing his best, leaving the rest to fate, and fully fulfilling the tasks at hand. Yet, his heart remained heavy, his resolve unwavering, his conviction to work for the well-being of the people burning like a raging fire within him.

He led his men in diligent drills and equipment inspections, making thorough preparations for the upcoming expedition. He personally oversaw every detail, ensuring everything was flawless. He knew the future was uncertain, but he remained undaunted, for he held fast to his faith, his duty, and his concern for the people of the world.

During these days, Ma Chao often spent time alone in deep thought, reflecting on his conversation with Li Ru and pondering the path forward. He understood that he shouldered a weighty mission and could not afford to slack off or retreat. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, he would bravely face them, forging ahead for his ideals and the well-being of the people of the world.

Li Ru, however, had been busy these past few days. He summoned Sun Ce and Zhou Yu and meticulously planned their revenge plan. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were now homeless, without a place to rest or stand. After careful consideration, Li Ru suggested that they turn their attention to areas south of the Yangtze River and Yangzhou. After all, these areas were relatively prosperous, and although there had been occasional fighting since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, they were generally safe. Li Ru patiently explained to Sun Ce that they must first establish their own territory, gradually encroaching on the surrounding areas. Only after they had grown stronger could they pursue revenge against Liu Biao. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, after some reflection, agreed with Li Ru's advice. Sun Ce said gratefully, "Sir, you have helped me so much. I have no way to repay you. May I ask what you would like to receive in return?" Li Ru looked at Sun Ce and Zhou Yu and solemnly told them, "Once you gain a foothold, you will be General Ma Chao's support in the court. In these turbulent times, the various forces are intertwined and complex. Only by supporting each other can we find a glimmer of hope in this difficult situation. General Ma Chao cares about the world and is committed to the well-being of the people. If you can rise to prominence, you will surely be a powerful aid to the general."

Li Ru summoned Xu Shu, who had accompanied Ma Chao on this trip, and had a detailed conversation with him. With a serious expression, Li Ru said, "Zhang Xiu has taken refuge with his uncle Zhang Ji, and the two have settled in Nanyang. If there's an emergency, General Ma Chao can head south, past Nanyang, and across the Yangtze River to find Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. This provides a double safeguard." Xu Shu nodded slightly, listening to Li Ru's instructions with a serious expression.

Li Ru also instructed Xu Rong to lead the elite Xiliang cavalry and remain ready to rescue Chang'an at any moment. Ma Chao was aware of all of Li Ru's actions, but he remained silent, silently thinking, "Master, you have devoted so much effort to my planning. I will not let you down." On this journey to Chang'an, no matter how difficult or treacherous the road ahead, I will resolutely press on. For the people of the world, for the faith within my heart, I will never retreat. Even if the road ahead is filled with danger, I, Ma Chao, will forge a path forward and live up to everyone's expectations. Xu Shu, deeply impressed by Li Ru's foresight, secretly resolved that if given the opportunity, he would fully support Ma Chao in achieving great things.