Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

After the banquet, Liu Bei continued to ponder the emperor's concerns about Ma Chao, a wave of worry rising within him. Although he didn't know Ma Chao well, he had complete faith in his master. He believed that a disciple personally trained by his master wouldn't be one who disregarded his country, his ruler, or his father. However, recalling Ma Chao's defense of Dong Zhuo during the campaign against Dong Zhuo, and Gongsun Zan's subsequent transformation after assuming power, he hesitated to conclude that Ma Chao was truly loyal and patriotic. As these thoughts swirled, a wave of worry welled up within him, like a fog that blurred his view of the road ahead.

After Liu Xie saw the three brothers Liu, Guan, and Zhang, and Zhao Yun retreat, he asked Liu Bian in confusion, "Brother, what do you mean by your remarks today? The envoys haven't come back yet, and we don't know how Ma Chao will react. Master Lu said so confidently that Ma Chao is absolutely loyal, so why are you behaving like this today?" Liu Bian chuckled and said, "I did it on purpose today. I deliberately talked about the best martial artists in the world in front of them. How could I not know Ma Chao and Lu Bu? The martial arts of these two people are at the pinnacle. The three brothers could barely fight Lu Bu that day, but Ma Chao was able to tie with Lu Bu. First, to curb their arrogance and let them know... There's always a higher mountain to climb, so they can only serve me loyally. Secondly, this is also a preemptive measure. If General Lu's letter doesn't work, I can still count on them to attack Ma Chao. If General Lu's letter works, and Ma Chao comes, given his bravery, I'll need several people to restrain him for peace of mind. Otherwise, if Ma Chao harbors rebellious intentions, who can stop him? "Liu Xie nodded slightly, a sudden realization dawning, and said, "Brother, this is a very thoughtful plan." Liu Bian sighed slightly, his eyes a complex mixture of worry and determination. He said, "The situation is volatile now, and I have to be cautious. For the sake of my country, and for the people of the world, I must proceed with every step with care."

Liu Bian continued to say to Liu Xie: "There is a deeper meaning behind my move. I wonder if I can share it with you?" Liu Xie was shocked. He never expected that there was a deeper meaning. He asked more respectfully: "Please help me solve this puzzle." Liu Bian said: "In today's world, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu brothers showed their ambitions after their victory in the battle against Dong Zhuo, and the other princes all have their own little thoughts. What do we rely on? We rely on Gongsun Zan and the brothers Liu, Guan, and Zhang. Now they are our reliance, while Ma Chao is undecided. If Ma Chao also pledges allegiance to me, then if we think about it carefully, Liu Bei, Gongsun Zan, and Ma Chao are all from the same sect. "One sect, all of them are the most accomplished disciples of Master Lu. If there were no resentment among them, even if they defeated all the other princes, it would be difficult to stop them from rising to power together. Who would rule the world, me or Master Lu and his followers? Even if they have no intention of rebelling, they all cherish the camaraderie of their fellow disciples. If peace reigns and the horses are freed, how can we take back the power they hold? They all cherish their camaraderie, like an iron bucket, and it's impossible to pour water into it. How can we deal with this? Only by breaking their unity from the outset and concentrating ultimate power in my hands can we ensure that they all work for my conquest of the world."

Liu Xie was amazed upon hearing this; he had never imagined his brother could see so deeply. Liu Bian's thoughts constantly resonated with Liu Xie, making him afraid to even flaunt his scheming. After a moment's reflection, Liu Xie said, "Brother, you are far-sighted and thoughtful. I appreciate your advice. But if they sense your intentions, will they become dissatisfied?" Liu Bian shook his head slightly and said, "I will naturally strike a balance, ensuring they feel a sense of fear without feeling discouraged. As long as they remain loyal to me, I will treat them well. But if they show second thoughts, I will not show any mercy." Liu Xie nodded in agreement, his admiration for his brother's strategy growing even deeper.

Time flew by like a fleeting white horse. In the blink of an eye, the Spring Festival was approaching, and everywhere was filled with a festive atmosphere. After days of continuous travel, Ma Chao and his companions had endured countless hardships and dangers along the long journey, and were finally approaching Chang'an. Xun Yu, the angel Wang Jie, and the others were beaming with unconcealed joy, their excitement as radiant as flowers blooming in spring. Li Tong finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had been carefully serving everyone for days, and now, as he neared his destination, he thought, finally, he was free from this grueling world, and his heart was filled with relief and anticipation.

At this critical moment, Ma Chao suddenly ordered everyone to set up camp and stop moving forward, causing the team to come to a complete standstill. Wang Jie was deeply troubled. Ma Chao had behaved normally throughout the journey, and everything seemed to be going according to plan. But how could something unexpected happen near Chang'an? He was extremely anxious and hurriedly ordered Li Tong to send someone to inquire about Ma Chao's intentions. The guards sent by Li Tong were very respectful to Ma Chao and carefully explained their purpose. Ma Chao's expression was indifferent, and he simply asked them to rest for a while and set off again in half a day. The guards, though puzzled, did not dare to say anything and turned back to report to Wang Jie. However, Li Tong ignored Wang Jie's thoughts and decisively ordered the troops to stay where they were.

Sun Ce and Zhou Yu both looked at Ma Chao with puzzled expressions. Ma Dai stepped forward and asked, "Brother, Chang'an is just around the corner, why don't you leave?" Sun Ce also asked anxiously, "Brother, have you changed your mind?" Ma Chao smiled slightly and said, "No, no." Then he said to Sun Ce, "Bofu, before the imperial edict was delivered, I said that I would go with you to avenge my uncle, but the emperor's edict disrupted our plans and messed up our arrangements. Although you have never mentioned this matter since then, how can you feel at ease when your father's deep hatred has not been avenged? You are anxious every time you think about it, and I know this too. But "This is the Emperor's order, and I cannot disobey. I originally wanted to go with you, but if I disobey the Emperor's order, war will break out in Xiliang in an instant, and the world will be plunged into turmoil again. So I have no choice but to accept the order. But Bofu, I believe you are well aware of the military arrangements this time. I specifically asked you to take all the 5,000 soldiers you recruited and the generals who came with you, intending to say goodbye to you here. Although I will not go with you to avenge your blood feud, I will send Bozhan (Ma Dai's courtesy name) with you. Let Bozhan avenge this blood feud on my behalf, so that you will feel relieved."

After hearing this, Sun Ce was deeply moved and said, "Brother, we are going to Chang'an, and the future is uncertain. You are still thinking about our brothers' affairs. Let's put my affairs aside for now and accompany you through the difficulties first." Ma Chao said solemnly, "Nonsense, what Bofu said is ridiculous. We can say that we don't need to avenge our uncle for the time being, but there is no news from my aunt and my brothers and sisters. How can we delay? Besides, if a man does not avenge this, how can he stand out in front of heroes in the future?" Sun Ce was very emotional and even choked up: "Brother, but you only brought 10,000 cavalry, the only civil official is Mr. Yuanzhi, and the only military generals are Wenyuan and General Zhang Ren. You also let Bozhan go with me. How can you guarantee your safety?" Sun Ce said anxiously. Ma Chao was unconcerned. He said, "Who said I lead 10,000 soldiers? Of these 10,000, I will also have Bo Zhan lead 5,000 to follow you. Otherwise, how can we avenge our father's death and establish our foundation without soldiers and generals?"

As soon as these words left his mouth, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were both stunned, as if struck by thunder. Zhou Yu's eyes widened in disbelief, and he spoke urgently, "Brother, when you came to Chang'an this time, we fully expected you to lead 15,000 cavalry with us, perhaps giving us a chance to survive. But if you only leave us with 5,000 men, the road ahead will be long and full of dangers. How will we face such an unpredictable future?"

Sun Ce was equally shocked, his face filled with worry. He frowned and said anxiously, "Yes, brother, this arrangement is far too dangerous. If we only leave 5,000 men, the unknown future is truly unsettling."

Everyone was extremely anxious, their faces shrouded in gloom. Ma Dai was even more distraught, his eyes red. With agitated emotion, he grabbed Ma Chao and shouted, "Brother, if it's really as dangerous as you say, why don't we return to Xiliang? Whether the Central Plains are in chaos or not, what does it have to do with our Ma family? We can hold our own in Xiliang, and our word is still ours. No one dares to underestimate us. Why risk coming to Chang'an?"

Yet, in the face of everyone's anxiety and worry, Ma Chao remained calm and composed, like a towering mountain, unmoved. He raised his chin slightly, waved his hand calmly, and said, "Everyone, please be quiet for a moment and listen to me. What I just said was only the worst-case scenario, which is almost impossible. Now, let's think positively. Chang'an has just been stabilized. If we, Xiliang, sincerely submit, the emperor will undoubtedly gain a helping hand. Why would the emperor take such an extreme course? Besides, we have our master to mediate, and he will never let the emperor do such a foolish thing. Judging from the emperor's methods, he would never be so foolish. Rest assured, everyone." Ma Chao's words were steady and powerful, like a reassurance to the crowd, gradually calming the restless crowd. But the worry between his brows still persisted.