Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The towering gates of the ancient and magnificent Chang'an City stood like silent guardians of history, witnessing the slow arrival of this profound moment. A vibrant red carpet, like a magnificent river, stretched from the majestic gates to the city walls, as if meticulously paving a glorious path for the returning heroes. Every inch of the red carpet spoke of admiration and anticipation. Multicolored banners fluttered powerfully in the wind, their rustling like the whisper of history, leisurely recounting the legendary story that was about to unfold.

The emperor, clad in solemn and awe-inspiring robes and crowned with a jade tassel, bore a majestic expression filled with anticipation and yearning. Before the magnificent carriage, six majestic white horses, graceful as if stepped from a myth, stood silently, their bodies erect and their coats glistening, as if patiently awaiting the sacred mission about to be bestowed upon them. The emperor sat quietly in the carriage. Beside him, Lu Zhi stood slightly stooped, his once upright back now bent by the weight of years and endless toil. His hair was almost devoid of any black, two years of toil had left this once-mighty man with a shabby appearance. Each cough he uttered was like the strain of a worn bellows, piercing the ear, yet each one spoke of the endless hardships he had endured for his country. The emperor took a step forward, his eyes full of concern, and asked in a low voice about Lu Zhi's situation. Every move he made showed the monarch's kindness and care.

On either side of the carriage, civil and military officials, dressed in formal court robes, stood respectfully. Their expressions were solemn, their postures erect. Behind them stood a row of musicians, in charge of rituals and music. They stood at attention, their instruments displaying impressive demeanor. The entire scene was solemn and dignified, quietly awaiting the arrival of the other side.

In the distance, the clatter of horse hooves drifted closer, like the rumble of muffled thunder, gradually becoming clearer in the crowd's ears. Gradually, the remarkable procession came into view. At the forefront was the ceremonial procession of the King of Luoyang, its banners fluttering, gleaming majestically in the sunlight. Immediately following, the King of Luoyang's magnificent carriage slowly approached. Atop the carriage, Ma Chao and Liu Xie, the King of Luoyang, stood side by side, both bearing a majestic presence. Liu Xie, clad in royal robes, exuded a solemn expression, while Ma Chao, clad in battle armor, exuded a commanding presence. Behind them, a group of knights stood distinctly on either side. On one side stood the three brothers, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, and their soldiers. Liu Bei smiled, Guan Yu's eyes narrowed slightly, his hand stroking his long beard, and Zhang Fei's eyes widened, his presence imposing. Their soldiers were in high spirits, their ranks in perfect order. On the other side stood Xu Shu, Xu Huang, Zhang Ren, and Ma Chao's personal guards. Xu Shu was elegant and calm, Zhang Ren was resolute and courageous, and his personal guards, with sharp eyes and loyal protection, stood guard behind them. Behind them was the angelic procession. Thus, this magnificent procession slowly emerged into view.

As the carriage gradually approached from a distance, the emperor raised his hand slightly, and the entertainers behind him began to play their ancient instruments. The solemn and majestic sounds of the instruments instantly echoed in the air. The drums and music blared in unison, and the scene was filled with extraordinary excitement, as if the entire world was cheering for this momentous occasion.

From afar, Ma Chao could see the magnificent carriage, surrounded by civil and military officials, carrying the emperor. The emperor sat majestically, his presence imposing. The elderly figure beside him, too far away to be clearly discerned. Ma Chao knew better than to be complacent. Without waiting for the procession to stop, he nimbly leaped from the carriage and hurried toward the emperor's welcoming procession. Seeing this, the other generals behind him also dismounted and followed Ma Chao closely, walking toward the emperor.

Before the carriage reached the emperor's, still twenty or thirty paces away, Ma Chao knelt on one knee and said in a high and powerful voice, "Ma Chao of Xiliang, beseeching an audience with Your Majesty." Seeing this, the emperor hurriedly stood up, helped Lu Zhi to his feet, and said, "Call them." The eunuchs nearby heard the emperor's order, and the eunuchs beside him hurriedly shouted in a loud and sharp voice, "Call Ma Chao to an audience." Then, Ma Chao led his officers and guards to the front of the emperor's carriage, bowed again, and said respectfully, "I, Ma Chao, come from Xiliang to pay my respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be well and at peace."

The emperor stood in the carriage, extended his hand, and said slowly, "General Ma Chao, please rise quickly. I am deeply pleased that you can serve me in Chang'an." Ma Chao stood up at this moment, his eyes instantly drawn to the old man in the carriage. When he saw that it was his master Lu Zhi, he was shocked by Lu Zhi's haggard and old appearance. Ma Chao took a few quick steps, holding onto the emperor's carriage, and said in a trembling voice, "Master... Master, Master, how come you look so old after not seeing you for two or three years?" As he spoke, tears welled up uncontrollably, and his face was instantly covered with tears.

Lu Zhi, however, did not rush to explain. His face was serious and stern. His slightly trembling hands were firmly supported on the carriage frame, as if he was using all his strength to straighten his back. He asked slowly and condescendingly, "Ma Chao, it's been a few years since we last met. Let me ask you, are you still the same Ma Chao who studied under me back then?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao's heart was shaken. He slumped to his knees, his forehead pressed firmly to the ground, and kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Master, I am the Ma Chao who studied under you." Lu Zhi narrowed his eyes slightly, a complex expression in his eyes. He then demanded, "Are you sure you are the loyal and righteous student Ma Chao who studied under me, or the general Ma Chao who now dominates Xiliang, commands a large army, and is a regal warlord?" Ma Chao knocked his head deeply to the ground, his body trembling slightly. With a gesture of deep admiration, he cried bitterly, "Master, I am the Ma Chao who studied under you."

A trace of anger crossed Lu Zhi's face, and his voice rose a few degrees. He said, "Since you are my student, Ma Chao, how come you don't understand the greater good? You only care about personal gratitude and petty matters, but don't understand the greater good of the country? The emperor is in disgrace, and the traitor Dong Zhuo is in power. Instead of being loyal to the emperor and serving the country, you serve Dong Zhuo and help him commit atrocities to resist the heavenly army. Now the emperor has returned to Chang'an, and you haven't come to see him immediately, and the emperor has to send an envoy to inquire about you. Are you still the same person you were back then?" Ma Chao listened to his master's rebuke, tears pouring out like a broken dam, and he sobbed bitterly. Lu Zhi was obviously very angry at this time. His body swayed slightly, and suddenly a heart-wrenching cough broke out. When Ma Chao heard this, he felt a pain in his heart as if it was being cut by a sharp knife. He hurried forward in a panic, holding on to the emperor's carriage frame with both hands, and said anxiously and worriedly: "Master, how are you? Master." Lu Zhi suppressed the blood boiling in his heart and tried to keep his voice stern. He said: "Do I want you to get up?" Ma Chao's body shook violently, and he quickly knelt on the ground again, saying loudly: "Master, I know I was wrong." His face was full of guilt, and his eyes revealed deep respect and worry for his master.

At this moment, the emperor gently stroked Lu Zhi's back, trying to ease his discomfort, while softly admonishing him, "Master Lu, Master Lu, please don't get excited. Although General Ma Chao previously aided Dong Zhuo, he subsequently did not become an enemy of Chang'an, nor did he challenge us. Now that he has led his troops to Chang'an to serve, it proves that General Ma has a loyal heart and cares about the country. Please calm down for a moment."

Although Lu Zhi showed no respect for Ma Chao in public, he actually held a deep affection for his former disciple. Furthermore, with the Emperor's personal admonition, Lu Zhi, a man devoted solely to loyalty and patriotism, naturally had to be given the Emperor's respect. He snorted heavily, his anger easing slightly. He then sat back in the carriage, silent. His eyes still held discontent, but also a hint of reflection. Ma Chao, on the other hand, remained kneeling on the ground, not daring to breathe, awaiting his master's further response.

Ma Chao knelt on the ground, filled with fear and awe. His body trembled slightly, as if awaiting his fate. This action prompted Xu Shu, Xu Huang, Zhang Renren, and many of his personal guards to follow him and kneel down. Their movements were synchronized, as if expressing the utmost respect for the emperor and Lu Zhi.

Liu Bei's face was solemn, his expression dignified and composed. His eyes revealed a deep contemplation, as if he were weighing the current situation. He bowed his head slightly, his hands clasped respectfully before him. Guan Yu frowned slightly, his almond-shaped eyes half-closed, as if pondering something weighty. Zhang Fei, however, was a completely different character. A glint of cunning shone in his wide, round eyes. He whispered to Guan Yu, "Second brother, look at this master discipling his apprentice—he's really like a father discipling his son. It's truly satisfying. We've been so respectful to him all this time, but, after all, he's just an accomplice to the tyrant's evil deeds." His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough to reach the ears of Xu Huang, Xu Shu, and Zhang Ren. His tone was tinged with disdain and mockery, as if he were gloating over Ma Chao's misfortune.

Before the others reacted much, Xu Huang suddenly looked up, his eyes burning with anger. His resolute face flushed slightly with anger, and his eyes were full of dissatisfaction with Zhang Fei. He glared at Zhang Fei, as if he wanted to use his eyes to stop Zhang Fei's rude words and actions. Seeing this, Liu Bei hurriedly scolded in a low voice: "Third brother, how can you be so rude in front of the emperor? Silence." His voice was low, but it carried an unquestionable majesty. Liu Bei's eyes revealed his reproach to Zhang Fei. He knew that he had to remain solemn and respectful in front of the emperor. Although Zhang Fei was still a little dissatisfied after hearing his eldest brother's scolding, he stopped talking. He pouted slightly, and a reluctant expression appeared on his face. However, he still winked at Xu Huang, still looking indifferent, as if provoking Xu Huang, and as if expressing his stubbornness.