Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

In Longxi, the troops had already rested for three days. The emperor's envoy, Wang Jie, was anxious and kept urging the troops to depart, his eagerness making it seem as if he didn't want to linger even a moment longer. Seeing this, Xun Yu repeatedly and earnestly admonished Wang Jie not to act so forcefully. Xun Yu earnestly warned that, far from worrying about whether Ma Chao's sincere loyalty and courage would be worn out by Wang Jie's pressure, even Wang Jie's 3,000 envoy guards were already showing a subtle hostility towards him. Captain Li Tong even kept a respectful distance from Wang Jie, his intention to distance himself clearly evident.

However, Wang Jie had his own considerations and plans. No matter how others raved about Ma Chao's unparalleled loyalty and bravery, he firmly believed that seeing was believing. Recalling the time he entered Wuwei City, he witnessed the people's deep respect and overwhelming support for Ma Chao, seemingly completely swayed by his will. The fierceness and bravery displayed by the Western Liang soldiers also left a deep impression on him. Now, Ma Chao was entangled with the remnants of Dong Zhuo. In Wang Jie's view, while Ma Chao's rebellion was not a 100% certainty, he was at least now a powerful warlord.

The Emperor's envoy, Wang Jie, urged them urgently, angering the generals of Longxi County and Dong Bai. They considered Wang Jie's actions impetuous and inconsiderate. However, Ma Chao remained exceptionally magnanimous, unfazed. Knowing the generals' agitation, he offered soothing words. With his composure and wisdom, he quickly dispelled their discontent. Ma Chao and Wang Jie then agreed on a departure time. Even then, Ma Chao's eyes were filled with reluctance to leave.

In the crowd, Li Ru stopped trying to dissuade Ma Chao from heading to Chang'an. He simply gazed silently at the young general, his gaze laden with complex, inscrutable meaning. Then, Li Ru's gaze shifted to Xu Shu, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu. When their eyes met Li Ru's, they nodded softly. Li Ru nodded, too, imperceptibly. The tacit understanding between them was palpable without words. Indeed, parting is the most difficult thing to part with. Dong Bai hugged Ma Chao tightly, weeping bitterly, her grief stirring pity. Ma Chao could only whisper soothing words, his gentle words caressing her like a spring breeze. Under the reluctance of the crowd, Ma Chao led his troops slowly forward, reuniting with the imperial envoys' ceremonial guard, ready to embark on the long journey to Chang'an.

Ma Chao remained impassive, seemingly unfazed. He stepped forward steadily, bowing and greeting Wang Jie, Xun Yu, and Li Tong in turn, his demeanor exuding a calm and composed demeanor. He then turned to the Emperor's envoy, Wang Jie, and said respectfully, "Angel, if you have no further business, let us depart immediately. The journey remains difficult and treacherous, and I hope you will spare the trouble to accompany us."

Wang Jie's discontent intensified after hearing Ma Chao's words, and he couldn't help but taunt him, "It doesn't matter if it's hard work or not, it's nothing compared to the general's elation. He's fighting a fierce battle with Dong Zhuo's former subordinates, and he's surrounded by beautiful women. He's living a truly blissful life." Xun Yu, seeing Wang Jie's sharp words, secretly felt bad and quickly tugged gently at Wang Jie's sleeve, trying to caution him. However, Wang Jie remained unfazed, showing no sign of slowing down.

Ma Chao remained calm in the face of Wang Jie's taunts, his expression remaining amiable. He spoke calmly, "Excuse me, envoy. Longxi is also part of Western Liang. Regardless of whether they were once subordinates of Lord Dong, they have now surrendered to the imperial court. It was they who helped to quell the rebellion of the Jie and Di peoples this winter. We must work together to ensure the well-being of the court and the people."

Xun Yu hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, that's indeed the truth." His interjection stopped Wang Jie from further mocking him. After all, Xun Yu was devoted to the Han. Ever since Wang Jie arrived, he had resolutely distanced himself from the Xiliang generals and moved directly into the Angel's Guard, living with Wang Jie as a sign of his loyalty. Wang Jie knew Xun Yu's talent well, so he wouldn't easily slap him down.

Wang Jie's lips were tightly closed, his face was gloomy, and he stood there silently. Seeing Wang Jie like this, Ma Chao no longer paid attention to him, but turned his head and said to the captain Li Tong with a warm face: "General Li, I wonder if the ceremonial guards are ready?" Li Tong's face was full of excitement, and he immediately responded: "General, don't worry, the ceremonial guards have been prepared. I will lead the troops and follow closely when you give the order." Ma Chao continued to ask with a concerned look: "I have invited you to the city many times in the past few days, but you all didn't go to Longxi. I wonder if the food and accommodation are arranged properly? General "General, have you been well these past two days?" Li Tong offered unstinting praise, saying, "The hospitality provided by Longxi Commandery was truly lavish! We had fine wine and meat, and even sent you clothing and quilts. This was all due to the general's kindness, and I'm deeply grateful. We brothers are also sincerely grateful for your kindness." Ma Chao laughed heartily and said, "That's not kindness at all; it's all service to the country." Li Tong said solemnly, "How dare I disobey the general's order." Then, Ma Chao kicked his horse's ribs and rode forward, his generals following closely behind. The mighty army continued its march. The clouds of dust raised by the horses' hooves seemed to herald the unknown journey that was about to begin.

Three days ago, the heavy snow had ceased. The troops patiently waited for another three days, until the snow on the road had almost completely broken through. In this harsh winter, the ground was frozen solid, yet surprisingly, this made the troops' progress somewhat easier. Along the way, the atmosphere was quite pleasant, with everyone chatting and laughing, and the pace was quite good. In just a few days, the troops were almost reaching Tianshui County.

Ma Chao paused again to discuss his next move with Wang Jie, Xun Yu, Li Tong, and others. Wang Jie, who was responsible for overseeing the emperor's ceremonial guards and carriages, was walking at the rear. Seeing the army halt, Ma Chao approached them and asked unhappily, "General Ma, why have you stopped again? Where are we approaching?" Ma Chao replied, "We are almost entering Tianshui County. Because Dong Huang's forces are still engaged with Your Majesty, I stopped to inquire whether we could bypass Tianshui County and head straight for Chang'an."

Captain Li Tong said, "Ah, that's exactly right. If our troops were to use Tianshui to return to Chang'an, I'm afraid Dong Huang wouldn't agree. If we were to engage in another battle, we'd be delayed." Ma Chao said, "Captain Li, you're truly well versed in the art of marching. That's the correct answer." Li Tong, a little embarrassed, said, "Alas, General, you're too kind. How dare I claim to be proficient in military tactics in front of you?"

Wang Jie frowned and asked, "General Ma, what exactly is your intention? Does this mean Tianshui County is no longer Han territory? We, the emperor's envoys, cannot give way to them and take a detour just because Dong Zhuo's remnants are rebelling here. This will not only delay them, but also tarnish their reputation. Haven't you considered this?"

Ma Chao bowed, his expression solemn and resigned. "Lord Angel, are you truly unaware of my connections with the old Xiliang forces? If we insist on passing through Tianshui County, I'm afraid we'll provoke war. Not only will there be many casualties, but it will also significantly impact our journey to Chang'an."

Wang Jie, however, raised his chin and shouted with pride, "Don't we have soldiers and generals? The general has over 15,000 soldiers under his command, plus the 3,000 ceremonial guards I brought with me. Are we going to cowardly bypass even the tiny Tianshui County? This Tianshui County is Han territory. As envoys of the Son of Heaven, representing his majesty, how can we easily avoid it? Is the general afraid?"

Xu Huang, who was accompanying him, was instantly enraged. His eyes widened, blazing with rage. With a clang, Xu Huang drew his sword from his waist with lightning speed. The sharp sound of the blade's release echoed in the air like a battle horn. He raised his sword high, its blade gleaming coldly in the sunlight, chilling everyone. Xu Huang roared, "You bastard Wang Jie! I, Xu Huang, have tolerated you for so long! All this time, you've been ordering the general around with such arrogance that it's disgusting. What kind of man is the general? He has commanded his troops across the land, and none of the eighteen princes dared to challenge him. You, a mere pedantic Confucian scholar, have the right to challenge the general again and again? Do you really think I, Xu Huang, wouldn't dare kill you? If you don't restrain yourself, don't blame me for my ruthless sword!" Xu Huang's roar reverberated like thunder in the ears of the crowd, plunging the scene into complete chaos.