Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The next morning, Ma Teng prepared a 30-man team for Ma Chao. The team members were fully equipped with armor, bows and horses, and looked very impressive. However, Ma Chao refused. He told his father that he wanted to go alone, not only to seek weapons and materials, but also to hone himself and seek breakthroughs, and to travel around and gain experience. Ma Teng could not persuade Ma Chao, so he provided Ma Chao with enough money and a good horse. Ma Chao set off alone. Mrs. Ma and his younger sister Ma Yunlu were reluctant to leave with tears in their eyes, and Ma Chao's brothers were envious.

At this moment, a clear and vast voice was heard, like an article, which said, "The great way runs through the heavens. Make your heart big and follow the way. The source is clear and the flow is clean. It embodies the mechanism of all things. The way runs through the heaven and the earth to participate in the transformation. The merit runs through the heaven and the earth to unify the virtues. The way is impermanent, and the heaven and the earth will eventually be the moral framework. The merit is immeasurable, cultivate yourself and enter the world to save the Buddha. The universal light shines on the world and there are few disputes. The road is difficult, but the clear voice remains." Along with the voice, a Taoist slowly walked in front of everyone. The Taoist had one eye and one foot, a lock on his head, and his hair was messy. His Taoist robe was too big, and he carried a sword on his back and held a whisk in his hand. The whisk was uneven and looked a little sloppy, but when you look closely, there is an indescribable charm. It feels like the great way is implied in every step and movement.

：“ General, I am here to pay my respects to you. I am Zuo Ci, also known as Yuan Fang, and also known as Mr. Wu Jiao.” Ma Teng was a little surprised after hearing this. Zuo Ci was a world-famous magician. It was said that he possessed magical skills and was like a land immortal. He said in surprise: “So it is Master Zuo Ci. I didn’t come to greet you from afar. Please forgive me for not welcoming you. I wonder what you have to teach me?” Zuo Ci looked at Ma Chao and said with a smile: “I am not here to visit you for any other reason. I am here for the general. In recent years, I have observed the stars and found the Ziwei star dim. This year, I have seen the Tanlang star moving vigorously, shining brightly, and illuminating the Ziwei star. "The lack of light indicates the decline of the Han Dynasty. I fear that the world will undergo a major change. The Seven Killings Star flickers and shines, illuminating the various constellations that flicker with it. In the future, the Seven Killings will break the Greedy Wolf, which should provide some relief. However, all the stars are already flickering, indicating that a great chaos is coming. A few days ago, the Pojun Star in the west shone brightly, surrounded by purple air, which seemed to permeate the four directions. In the midst of the chaos, a glimmer of hope suddenly appeared. I followed the stars and traveled thousands of miles in a few days to track them here. The closer I get to Xiliang, the stronger the purple air becomes. Last night, I traveled to Fufeng County, where the purple air was so thick that it obscured the starlight. I think the Pojun Star should be here. My non-stop travel day and night really allowed me to witness this scene. Just now, the young general said goodbye to everyone, his back to the sunlight, and the purple air came from the east and filled behind him. It was like a celestial being descending to earth. I dared not look directly at it. The young general will achieve extraordinary things in his future life."

Ma Teng hurried forward and said, "Master, you are too kind. My son is just a young boy. How could he be so extraordinary?" Zuo Ci smiled and waved his hands, saying, "General Ma, no, no. I am a cultivator and know a lot about physiognomy. I just saw that the young general has a handsome face with sharp edges. He must be a man who is unruly, brave but not wise. The young general should be the one who is destined to be the Pojun star in the sky. The Pojun star is happy when it sees war and is invincible. However, due to his reckless and impulsive character, he brings chaos to the world and easily brings trouble to his family, harming his father, mother, brothers, and children. He is one of the stars of destiny. He is competitive all his life and is invincible in battle, but he is of no benefit to those around him. Those around him may die suddenly or in an accident, and he himself will not have a good end." Upon hearing this, Ma Teng frowned and said unhappily, "Master, your words are quite unreasonable. Although my son Chao is strong-willed, he is warm and sincere and has a chivalrous heart..." Zuo Ci interrupted Ma Teng's words: "General, don't be anxious. You are so eager to protect your son. Please listen to what I have to say. The young general's face was originally like this, but I just looked carefully. The young general's eyes are clear. I have said so many harsh words to him, but the young general did not get angry, not even a little displeased. This is enough to prove that the young general has a calm mind and is tolerant. The young general is surrounded by purple energy, and it even reflects a faint purple light flowing around you and your family. In addition, the astrology shows that the broken army star in the sky is surrounded by purple energy. From this, I deduced that the young general has not only the broken army fate, but also the purple wei face. It is indeed a most noble fate. His future achievements are limitless. It is very likely that he will be the one to bring peace to the world in the future. The general originally had the face of a sudden death. If you look at the general's face, he died in his prime because of the purple light. He will be able to turn misfortune into good fortune and will be a high-ranking official in the future, enjoying wealth and glory."

Ma Teng's anger turned into joy, and he bowed and said: "I am just a mortal with mortal eyes. I don't know the immortal's intention and interrupted him rashly. It's rude. Please go to the living room to talk." Ma Teng welcomed Zuo Ci into the mansion. Ma Chao and others accompanied him to the study to talk. Ma Tie whispered to Ma Chao: "Brother, I think this old Taoist is talking nonsense. Is he trying to scare us?" Ma Chao slapped Ma Tie on the head: "How can you talk nonsense, second brother? I think what the immortal said is reasonable and well-founded. How can you guess and blaspheme it at will." Ma Tie was a little dissatisfied, and followed him into the living room with a fan.

In the living room, Zuo Ci and Ma Teng sat as host and guest, Ma Chao sat at the bottom, and the rest of the brothers, including Ma Tie, stood behind the eldest brother.

Zuo Ci looked directly at Ma Chao and said, "May I ask what your ambitions are, Young General?" Ma Chao replied, "I wish to protect the country and the people with my own strength." Zuo Ci continued, "How can we protect the country and the people in these troubled times?" Ma Chao replied, "I will seek out renowned ministers and generals. These generals will train armies, traverse the land to suppress rebellion, and station troops on the borders to defend against foreign aggression. Reputable ministers will serve in the imperial court, assisting the emperor, while they will serve in the local areas, protecting the people."

Zuo Ci asked, "What does a ruler do?" "Appoint talented individuals, clearly distinguish between rewards and punishments, work hard to improve people's livelihoods, develop the economy, strengthen the military, and promote virtuous individuals." Ma Chao replied, "More importantly, you must prioritize the country, dare to innovate, and face up to your own mistakes."

Zuo Ci smiled and asked, "In these troubled times, human life is worthless. The court is weak, and the people are suffering. The generals and military officers are arrogant and self-righteous. Which is more important, the emperor or the common people?" Ma Chao pondered for a moment and said, "The emperor is respected, and the people are prioritized. During the Zhou Dynasty, the emperor was weak, and the princes fought each other. The population dwindled. When the Qin Emperor unified the country, he did not put the people first. He forced labor and waged war. The people rose up to resist the tyranny. Later, the Han emperor took power and allowed the people to rest and recuperate. Only then did the population gradually increase. There were only a few kings, princes, generals, and ministers, and those who took up arms were all young and strong common people. This clearly shows that the people are the foundation of a country's stability."