Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The atmosphere suddenly became particularly solemn. Everyone fell silent, as if enveloped in a shroud of stillness. Ma Chao looked at everyone and began to counsel them, "Dividing our forces actually has several advantages. First, Bofu can quickly break the deadlock with these troops. Second, by not bringing too many troops to Chang'an, I have no intention of threatening Chang'an, and this also proves my sincerity in surrendering and serving the emperor. Third, leaving more troops behind in Xiliang will prevent further foreign invasions. If we think about it carefully, if the situation truly becomes critical, it will save the brave men of Xiliang from losing their lives in Chang'an. Everyone, please do not hesitate any longer; I have been thinking about this for a long time."

After hearing Ma Chao's words, everyone felt a slight relief, their tense demeanor relaxing slightly. Sun Ce, now overcome with emotion, knelt before Ma Chao and said, "Brother, you've devoted yourself to me with such passion that I have no way of repaying you. Brother, any time you need me, just send a letter, or someone with your token. Even though the mountains are high and the roads are long, I will lead my troops to serve you." Ma Chao quickly stepped forward, helped Sun Ce to his feet, and said, "Bofu, what unbelievable nonsense are you talking about? I cannot accompany you this time. Bozhan is still young, and you will need your careful care during the battle." Sun Ce said, "I will ensure that Bozhan suffers no harm." Truthfully, Ma Chao's generosity impressed not only those present with close friendships, but also Sun Ce's four former generals, who were deeply impressed and filled with admiration.

Zhou Yu slowly stepped forward, firmly grasping Sun Ce's hand. His expression was solemn as he spoke, "Brother, you know Chang'an is a treacherous place, fraught with unknown risks and uncertainties, yet you insist on going there. Is this Emperor truly worthy of our dedicated service?" Ma Chao lifted the corner of his mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile. "Gongjin, not to mention dying for the Emperor, simply for the sake of national stability and to spare the people the suffering of war, I must go to Chang'an. Furthermore, I haven't seen Master in ages. This trip to Chang'an, to hear Master's teachings again, has been a rare and long-cherished wish of mine." Zhou Yu frowned, his brow furrowed with worry, "What if His Majesty cannot forgive you?" Ma Chao's eyes were firm, his tone steady, "If that time comes, I will not surrender. Xiliang's fundamentals remain intact; it remains my retreat at any time."

At this point, Sun Ce interrupted, "Brother, regardless of whether I, Sun Ce, can carry on our father's legacy and establish a great empire, as long as you no longer protect the Liu dynasty, no matter how successful I become in the future, I will remain a general under your command." Ma Chao knew this was Sun Ce's true feelings. To this day, Sun Ce still harbored resentment over Liu Biao's assassination of his father. Sun Ce had once firmly declared that he would never protect the Liu dynasty. Ma Chao understood all this and, unwilling to force Sun Ce, continued, "Brothers, you should strive hard to carve out your own future. No matter what, I will ensure my own safety. I hope that when we meet again, we will have achieved our great revenge and achieved great success." The three brothers clasped hands tightly, the strength of their grip a testament to their deep bond. They were reluctant to part, their hearts lingering for a long time. The solemn atmosphere was filled with sincere friendship and boundless hope for the future.

After Ma Dai finished organizing the 5,000-man Loyalty Battalion, he came to say goodbye to Ma Chao with a heavy heart. Standing before his brother, Ma Dai said with a trembling voice, "Brother, are we really going to part here? The road ahead is uncertain. You must be extremely careful and pay attention to your own safety."

Ma Chao looked at Ma Dai with tenderness, gently ruffling his hair. He spoke earnestly, "Bo Zhan, you and I grew up together, as close as brothers. Though you're still young, you've experienced many battles over the years. While you're with Bo Fu, you must obey his orders. Do you understand the true meaning behind my elder brother's request that you lead the Loyalty Battalion? We must prioritize loyalty and avoid division between our armies. Since you're one with Lord Bo Fu, you must diligently hone yourselves as if you were under my command. In the future, when the time is right, we brothers will ride together across the world and create brilliance together."

Clad in armor, Ma Dai should have projected a manly fortitude, but instead, he betrayed the sentimentality of a young man. He threw himself into Ma Chao's arms, unable to suppress his tears, "Brother, I truly cannot bear to leave you. You must take good care of yourself and don't worry me." Ma Chao's eyes welled slightly. He gently patted Ma Dai's shoulder, a warm smile playing on his face. "Silly brother, go now. You're a grown man now, how can you still act like a girl? From now on, you'll be a man of integrity. Don't embarrass me when you go out." Ma Dai fought back tears, carefully adjusting his armor, and solemnly bidding his brother farewell. His upright posture betrayed a deep reluctance, while his resolute eyes spoke of hope for the future and his concern for his brother. The deep bond between the brothers was fully revealed in this moment.

At this moment, four former generals from the Sun family also approached Ma Chao. They knelt in unison, one knee in unison, and said respectfully, "General Ma, although we four may be reckless warriors, we deeply admire your broad-mindedness and courage. Take care on your journey, and thank you for your care and hospitality these days." Ma Chao smiled graciously, and helped everyone up one by one. He spoke earnestly, "Generals, please be kind. Bofu is young and impulsive, so I hope you will treat him like your uncle and remind him to be humble and modest. Furthermore, in war, one must not focus solely on displaying personal prowess in every battle. This is absolutely not the way a commander should act." The four generals accepted the order and withdrew in unison, their eyes filled with gratitude, as if expressing their respect and admiration for Ma Chao.

The four generals slowly rose and, as they turned to leave, simultaneously glanced back at Ma Chao. Their eyes, filled with gratitude, were also filled with a firmness and resolve. They knew full well that this departure was a momentous mission: not only must they aid Sun Ce in achieving his great cause, but they must also remember Ma Chao's instructions.

At this moment, Lu Wan completely forgot her girlish shyness. Knowing they were about to part, she was filled with reluctance and concern, and hurried over to the group, carrying wine and drinking utensils. Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and Ma Dai's eyes were almost simultaneously drawn to Lu Wan, and upon seeing her approach, they all smiled warmly.

Sun Ce's eyes were filled with a hint of teasing, and he said jokingly: "Sister-in-law, we should have gone to say goodbye to you, but you actually came in person. But think about it, we are about to part ways, we should at least have a drink together before saying goodbye." Lu Wan scolded: "Sun Bofu, you are the only one who always likes to play tricks." Sun Ce's words were full of ease and ridicule, which eased the atmosphere of parting a little.

Zhou Yu hurriedly bowed solemnly and said in a serious tone: "Sister-in-law Wan, this time when we return to Chang'an, there is no one to take good care of my brother. You have to worry about his food, clothing, housing and transportation. Besides, Master Lu is in Chang'an. You must pay more attention to the movements of the court and never let my brother be in danger. I'll leave this matter to you, sister-in-law." Zhou Yu's words were full of worry about Ma Chao and trust in Lu Wan.

Ma Dai looked shy at this time. He stepped forward slowly and said, "Sister-in-law, my brother didn't let me go with him to Chang'an this time. I was thinking, should I talk about your marriage after meeting Master Lu? I don't know if I can make it in time for your wedding." Ma Dai's words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly making Lu Wan's cheeks blush.

Lu Wan secretly glanced at Ma Chao, only to see him smiling at her. Not wanting to ruin this rare atmosphere, Lu Wan feigned composure and said, "So what if you can't make it? Your brother has so many close friends; you'll definitely be able to attend the wedding. Besides, next time we meet, I'll make it up to you myself." Lu Wan's words were both playful and filled with hope for the future. Everyone burst into laughter after hearing Lu Wan's words, but Ma Chao felt a little embarrassed. He looked at Lu Wan again, realizing she wasn't angry, and then he laughed too. The laughter echoed in the air, seemingly diluting the sadness of parting, yet leaving a deep sense of attachment and longing in everyone's hearts.

Everyone filled their glasses with fine wine, the clear liquid shimmering faintly in the sunlight. Ma Chao raised his glass and said, "We part today, and I don't know when we'll meet again. But no matter what the road ahead holds, we must strive for our beliefs. Come, let's drink this cup together!" Everyone responded in unison, raising their glasses and gulping them down. The pungent wine flowed down their throats, as if igniting a raging fire in everyone's heart, giving them the courage and strength to move forward.

Ma Chao looked at the crowd and said, "It's getting late. Let's leave without delay." The crowd's eyes revealed a resoluteness and reluctance, knowing that the time for departure had finally arrived. They mounted their steeds, their tall steeds looking particularly majestic in the cold wind. The wind was biting, rustling their clothes, but their hearts were filled with fiery passion.

In this biting cold wind, everyone went their separate ways, their figures gradually moving further and further away, eventually disappearing into the vast sky and earth.

Ma Chao watched them depart, a complex wave of emotions welling up in his heart. He knew that after this separation, he didn't know when they would meet again. But he firmly believed that with everyone's hard work and courage, the future would be full of hope.

At that moment, a gentle breeze rustled the hem of Ma Chao's robe. He narrowed his eyes slightly, gazing into the distance, as if glimpsing a future filled with challenges and opportunities. In that future, he looked forward to reuniting with Sun Ce, Ma Dai, and the four former Sun family generals, writing their own glorious chapter together.