Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

As Ma Chao and his men were leaving their camp, bidding farewell to Sun Ce and his men, the angel Wang Jie immediately instructed Li Tong to dispatch a messenger to deliver the important news of his return to the emperor, clearly informing him that Ma Chao would also be accompanying him to Chang'an. The messenger's arrival was like a boulder dropped into a lake, instantly stirring the palace and sending Emperor Liu Bian into a frenzy of activity.

The emperor first informed Lu Zhi that Ma Chao and his family were on their way to Chang'an. He then arranged for Lu Zhi's residence to be decorated to perfection for the family's warm reunion. Furthermore, the emperor had already carefully prepared a spacious and magnificent residence for Ma Chao, demonstrating his regard and favor for him. He also specifically notified Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei to be fully prepared and to accompany him out of the city at the appointed time to welcome Ma Chao.

Liu Bei was overjoyed to learn that Ma Chao was about to come to Chang'an. In his view, this at least showed that Ma Chao still maintained sufficient loyalty to the Han Dynasty. This way, unnecessary fighting could be avoided, which was a blessing for the people of the world. However, Zhang Fei was somewhat reluctant. He bluntly said to the emperor: "Your Majesty, if Ma Chao comes, why do you need to lead the civil and military officials out of the city to welcome him? He is too arrogant." After hearing this, Liu Bian smiled slightly and said earnestly: "General Yide, what you said does make sense. However, regardless of whether Ma Chao comes to surrender sincerely this time, I must give him enough face. If he can surrender to me sincerely, why would I care about these red tape? What I value is the stability of the world and the well-being of the people."

Although Guan Yu deeply agreed with the emperor's thoughts, his handsome brows furrowed slightly, and he spoke solemnly, "Your Majesty, I think this reception is a bit too grand. My brother and Ma Chao are brothers in the same school. In my opinion, the three of us brothers are sufficient to welcome him. Why bother Your Majesty to come in person?"

At this moment, Liu Bei raised his eyes slightly, his gaze radiating calmness and wisdom. He spoke slowly, "Second brother, third brother, please obey His Majesty's orders. Furthermore, if Ma Chao can sincerely surrender to the court, the connection between the northwest and Chang'an will be unimpeded. This is a matter of great importance, one that concerns the fundamental strategy of our country. How can we not treat it with the utmost importance?"

The emperor nodded slightly and said solemnly, "That's right, Uncle Imperial, you understand my intentions well. Ma Chao's arrival to serve the court not only means stability in the northwest, but also plays an important role in deterring the princes of the world. Moreover, having the Xiliang Legion serving the court can also alleviate some of the pressure brought by General Gongsun. This way, General Gongsun will be slightly more restrained in the court and will not be so domineering. Moreover, now that Ma Chao has come to serve, our careful arrangements will make Ma Chao feel the court's sincerity and put his mind at ease."

Liu Bian's explanation was impeccable. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei all looked solemn and respectfully bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I will obey your command."

After parting with Sun Ce, Ma Chao and his companions continued their journey. Ten miles outside Chang'an, they found the King of Luoyang, along with Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, already waiting. They had carefully prepared a feast of wine and delicacies as a token of their gratitude for the hardships they had endured on their journey.

Ma Chao spotted someone waiting ahead and immediately led everyone to dismount. Liu Bei spotted a dashing young general leading several distinguished generals, all of them vigorous and energetic, approaching at a brisk pace. He hurried forward with his three brothers to greet them. Seeing Ma Chao and the others from afar, Liu Bei strode forward, bowed first, and said, "Junior brother, you have come a long way and must have been exhausted. Your Majesty has commanded me and the King of Luoyang to escort you ten miles out of the city to meet you. We have also prepared fine wine and delicious food to reward the Xiliang army for their journey."

Upon seeing this, Ma Chao hurried forward and returned the greeting, saying, "Senior brother, although we don't meet often, we are from the same family. Your being so polite makes me feel impolite. We are all serving the country, so there is no difference between hard work and not hard work." After saying this, the two of them walked hand in hand and went together to pay a visit to the King of Luoyang.

From afar, Liu Xie, the Prince of Luoyang, watched Ma Chao and his companions hurriedly approach. A gentle smile gradually crept into his expectant eyes. He adjusted his clothes slightly and slowly dismounted from the carriage, his movements unhurried and unhurried, displaying the most royal demeanor. At this moment, Ma Chao and his generals advanced swiftly, their expressions solemn. Ma Chao bowed respectfully and said, "Ma Chao of Xiliang has led his troops to Chang'an to serve the Emperor. I never expected that the Prince of Luoyang would trouble you to travel ten miles from the city to greet me. I truly feel unworthy of this honor."

Before the King of Luoyang could respond, Zhang Fei could not help but mutter to the side. He frowned slightly, his face full of indignation, and snorted: "What Xiliang Jin Ma Chao, he is also a descendant of a general, but he doesn't know any etiquette and is so rude. He didn't even kneel down when he met the King of Luoyang, but only bowed and saluted. He was extremely rude." When Xu Huang heard what Zhang Fei said, he was immediately furious, his eyes wide open, and shouted: "You black guy, what do you mean? My general is in armor and it is inconvenient for him to perform a big ceremony. How is he rude?" Seeing the two of them arguing, Liu Bei showed an unhappy expression on his face, frowned slightly, and said in a deep voice: "Yide, how can you be rude?" Zhang Fei wanted to argue, but Liu Bei gave him a sharp look, and Zhang Fei had to shut his mouth in sullenness and stopped talking.

The Prince of Luoyang, however, remained unfazed, his gentle smile still plastered on his face. He waved his hand gently, saying, "General, you've had a long journey. My brother has carefully prepared fine wine and delicious food, just waiting to treat you all to a welcome feast." Ma Chao nodded slightly and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness. But I wonder how the troops will be arranged?" Liu Xie paused for a moment, then said slowly, "My brother has carefully discussed this with Master Lu Zhi, and they've decided to station General Ma's troops in the North Camp. What do you think?" Ma Chao bowed again and said respectfully, "That's all I wish to do. Your Majesty will do whatever you wish."

At this moment, a gentle breeze blew, causing everyone's clothing to flutter slightly, and the atmosphere became somewhat delicate. The generals behind Ma Chao stood tall and straight, their eyes revealing determination and loyalty. The attendants surrounding Liu Xie, King of Luoyang, also stood quietly, awaiting further instructions. The sun shone on the earth, adding a touch of warmth to the meeting.

Liu Xie paused for a moment, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd, a look of contemplation and anticipation in it. Then, in a steady voice, he said, "Since the general has so desired, we will distribute these fine wines and delicacies, so that the soldiers can feel the court's care. Afterwards, we will proceed to Chang'an. My brother is waiting eagerly at the Chang'an city gates with General Lu, awaiting the general's arrival."

When Ma Chao heard this, a look of panic suddenly appeared on his face. He hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Majesty and Master treat me like this. I am really terrified. How dare I trouble Your Majesty and Master to wait for me? Let's set off quickly." After that, he quickly turned around and said solemnly to Zhang Liao, "Wenyuan, you lead the Loyal and Brave Battalion to Beidaying to hand over the garrison matters. Mr. Xu Shu, Xu Huang, and Zhang Ren, I will meet the emperor together." Zhang Liao looked solemn, bowed his hands to accept the order, and then made arrangements in an orderly manner.

As everyone was preparing to depart, Liu Xie slowly boarded the carriage, turned to Ma Chao, and extended a sincere invitation: "General Ma, you've traveled so hard. How about riding with me?" Ma Chao quickly declined, "Prince of Luoyang, your majesty is driving the carriage. How can a humble general like you go with me? It would be presumptuous." The prince of Luoyang repeated his sincere invitation, saying gently: "How could it be presumptuous? General Ma has served the court with great diligence and merit. Riding with me is a good opportunity for me to get closer to you and discuss state affairs together."

Seeing that Ma Chao was still hesitating, Xu Huang hurriedly surrounded and pushed Ma Chao onto the carriage, saying with a smile: "General, since the King of Luoyang has invited you so warmly, why bother you so much? You'd better set off quickly and don't keep His Majesty waiting for a long time." After that, Xu Huang glanced at Zhang Fei with a smug look on his face, as if saying: "Look, my general is highly regarded." This action made Zhang Fei's beard tremble with anger. He was extremely indignant. After all, the three brothers were still riding horses to guard the side of the carriage at any time, but what qualifications did Ma Chao have to ride in the same carriage with the King of Luoyang?

Liu Bei, however, looked calm and composed. He lightly flicked his robe, jumped on his horse, and then called out to everyone, "Let's set off. Don't keep the emperor waiting for too long." Although Zhang Fei was indignant, he had no choice but to get on the horse.

Guan Yu sat on his horse, his eyes narrowed slightly as he watched from afar Xu Huang and the receding Zhang Liao. A trace of thought lingered in his gaze, as if something had struck him from the depths of his memory. His gaze followed the two figures closely, as if he had a vague impression of them. Perhaps he had seen them at some point in the past, but the passage of time had made those memories hazy, making him hesitant to ask. He frowned slightly, secretly speculating about the two men's origins, trying to find some clues from those distant fragments of memory, but he could never be certain. With a soft sigh, Guan Yu temporarily put aside his doubts, turned his attention back to the journey at hand, and followed the group forward.