Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The emperor's words, like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, stirred ripples within Lu Zhi. He pondered quietly, a vague worry brewing over Ma Chao. After all, people change with time and circumstances. Even if Lu Zhi firmly believed that Ma Chao had no intention of disloyalty, the future was full of uncertainties. How could he accurately determine this over time?

At the same time, even Liu Bei felt a slight wariness of Ma Chao. After all, both Lu Zhi and Liu Bei were ambitious men, determined to restore the Han Dynasty's glory. They shouldered a profound mission and responsibility, forcing them to remain vigilant against any factors that might undermine their cause. The emperor, fully aware of this, resorted to such brazen tactics, attempting to find a balance between various factions and consolidate his own rule.

The next day, sunlight filtered through the clouds, and Ma Chao returned as scheduled. He walked with a steady gait, his eyes filled with anticipation, eager to hear his master's teachings. However, upon meeting Lu Zhi, he found his master still unimpressed. Ma Chao was filled with confusion, assuming his master harbored resentment towards him because of Lu Wan's incident, but he had no inkling of the deeper underlying reason.

In reality, for now, Lu Zhi was quite satisfied with Ma Chao. Though his white jade had minor flaws, with time and careful refinement, Ma Chao would still be a treasure to be passed down through the ages. However, since returning from the palace yesterday, Lu Zhi had been deeply troubled. He knew his physical condition was no longer as good as it once was. He could still restrain Ma Chao, but if he were gone, Ma Chao would be like a wild horse, uncontrollable. What if Ma Chao truly harbored ulterior motives? Who could check and balance him? As Lu Zhi pondered these questions, his preconceived notions about Ma Chao intensified.

Lu Zhi: "Chao'er, the world is in such turmoil right now that I often can't sleep at night, filled with worry. Do you know why?"

Ma Chao: "I don't know, Master, please explain."

Lu Zhi sighed slightly and spoke slowly, "Think back to the past. The Han Dynasty was once so glorious and magnificent. Back then, the world was at peace, and the people lived and worked in peace. But now, after so many storms and upheavals, the Han Dynasty is in jeopardy. At this critical moment, someone must uphold the right path and hold up the Han Dynasty."

Ma Chao seemed to be thinking about something, then nodded and said, "Master, what you said is absolutely right. I will do my best."

Lu Zhi's eyes were solemn as he continued, "You have a heavy responsibility. You must not forget the fundamentals in your future actions. Do you know what the fundamentals are?"

Ma Chao asked doubtfully, "I don't know, Master, please enlighten me."

Lu Zhi said in a deep voice, "That is loyalty to the Han Dynasty. One should be upright and not lose oneself for the sake of short-term gains. Throughout history, countless loyal and righteous people have sacrificed their lives and shed their blood for the Han Dynasty, their achievements being praised by future generations. For example, Wei Qing and Huo Qubing fought against foreign enemies for the Han Dynasty, defending their homes and country, and their names are immortalized in history. They are models of loyalty and righteousness, worthy of admiration and emulation by future generations. However, there are also treacherous ministers and traitors who, for their own selfish interests, disrupted the government and brought misery to the people. Like Dong Zhuo, his cruelty and ruthlessness brought chaos to the Han Dynasty, ultimately leading to his own downfall. You should learn from their mistakes and never repeat them."

Ma Chao's expression was solemn. He said solemnly, "I understand. I will live up to Master's expectations, remain loyal, be upright, and never change my original intention."

When dealing with Ma Chao, he offered mostly persuasion and warnings. However, since Ma Chao hadn't yet shown any signs of disloyalty, Lu Zhi remained rather evasive. He simply emphasized that Ma Chao must never betray the Han Dynasty, insisting that he remain loyal to the emperor, patriotic, upright, and true to his original aspirations. Ma Chao seemed somewhat baffled, as if he were completely bewildered, but he nonetheless listened respectfully to his master's teachings, his expression filled with reverence.

Lu Zhi looked at Ma Chao and said earnestly, "Chao, you have already made considerable progress in both civil and military matters. I must admit that there is not much more I can teach you in this regard. However, you still have a long way to go in terms of conduct and conduct. I hope you will emulate me and, for the sake of the Han Dynasty and the people of the world, always be cautious and constantly improve your qualities and cultivation. You must always maintain a loyal heart towards the emperor and the country, and never slack off in the slightest."

Ma Chao nodded slightly, listening attentively to his master's teachings. Lu Zhi continued, "Today, the princes of the world have their own agendas. Some are ambitious, seeking to dominate their own region; others are cautious and cautious, watching the world unfold. But you are different. You bear a heavy responsibility. You should use what you have learned to serve the court and suppress the rebellious. Only in this way can we restore order to the Han Dynasty and allow the people to live in peace again."

The two discussed this matter for a long time, with Lu Zhi unreservedly imparting his life experiences and insights into the world situation to Ma Chao. Through these conversations with his master, Ma Chao gained a clearer understanding of his mission and direction. He secretly resolved to live up to his master's expectations and strive for the revival of the Han Dynasty.

By noon, the weather was beautiful, unlike the cold earlier. The sun shone down on the earth, casting a languid glow. Ma Chao glanced at his master, but he showed no sign of offering to stay for dinner. His master had repeatedly counseled and warned him, but he had no idea why. However, he didn't want to offend his master easily, so seeing that his master had no intention of inviting him to dinner, he sullenly rose to take his leave. His master remained calm and didn't try to persuade him to stay.

Ma Chao had hoped to see Wan'er again, but his master seemed to deny him the opportunity. Helplessly, he left, feeling somewhat bewildered and dejected. He still suspected his master was angry that he wasn't devoted enough to his three confidantes. Knowing his master's temperament well, he naturally didn't dare to offend. He could only walk away, filled with doubt and regret, his figure appearing particularly lonely in the sunlight.

Madam Lu and Wan'er, upon learning that Ma Chao would arrive early that morning to converse with their master, Lu Zhi, they happily set to work. They meticulously prepared a sumptuous meal for this gathering, which could potentially ease the tension between master and disciple. Madam Lu meticulously selected the ingredients, carefully considering each one, striving for perfection. Wan'er assisted, her movements light and deft, their tacit cooperation akin to painting a heartwarming scene.

The kitchen was buzzing with steam, and the clatter of pots and pans intertwined into a melody filled with the essence of life. As Mrs. Lu busied herself, she imagined the master and disciple conversing heartfeltly at the banquet, resolving their past grievances. A smile of relief crossed her face. Wan'er's eyes were also filled with anticipation, hoping that this reunion would bring greater understanding and harmony between Ma Chao and Lu Zhi.

Yet, time passed, and the conversation between the master and the apprentice seemed endless. Mrs. Lu kept glancing toward the study, feeling both anxious and eager. She worried that the food would get cold, affecting its taste, and even more worried that the relationship between the master and the apprentice wouldn't improve as she hoped.

Finally, unable to contain her worry, Madam Lu went to the study to call the two men to dinner. However, when she arrived, she saw only Lu Zhi; Ma Chao was nowhere to be seen. A look of surprise crossed Madam Lu's face. She anxiously asked, "Master, why isn't Chao'er here?" Lu Zhi remained calm and slowly replied, "Ma Chao has already gone home."

Mrs. Lu was filled with confusion and disappointment. She frowned and asked, "Why didn't you invite Chao'er to dinner? Wan'er and I have been busy all morning, carefully preparing a table full of delicious food and wine. I was hoping you two could take this opportunity to have a good chat and resolve any misunderstandings." Lu Zhi, however, said disapprovingly, "That's not necessary. After all, he holds an important position now. How can he be obsessed with romantic matters all day long?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Lu felt a surge of indignation. She raised her voice slightly and said, "You old stubborn old man, what's wrong with Chao'er? What's wrong with young people being a little sentimental? Besides, these three girls haven't said anything. As elders, how can we just watch our children be trapped in love all day? Can't we be more understanding and tolerant?" Lu Zhi clearly didn't want to hear Madam Lu's remarks. He said perfunctorily, "What do you know? It's just a woman's opinion."

Seeing Lu Zhi's unkind tone, Madam Lu's anger grew even stronger. She bit her lip tightly, her eyes filled with grievance and dissatisfaction. However, when her eyes fell on Lu Zhi's thin and tired face, her anger gradually subsided. She knew that Lu Zhi was always stubborn and difficult to change once he made a decision. With a sigh, Madam Lu turned away helplessly, leaving behind a lonely figure.

Wan'er was still waiting for her mother with a face full of anticipation, her eyes flickering with excitement as she glanced toward the door. Her pretty face was filled with eagerness, as adorable as a bird waiting to be fed. Upon seeing her mother, Wan'er happily stepped forward, eagerly saying, "Mom, have Dad and Brother Chao finished their conversation? If you have anything to say, let's talk after dinner."

Mrs. Lu smiled awkwardly, a hint of helplessness etched in her face. She took her daughter's hand, her movements gentle, as if she were protecting a precious treasure. "Wan'er, Chao'er has gone home," she whispered softly.

Lu Wan's face was filled with confusion, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, her eyes filled with doubt and surprise. She said with some disbelief, "Brother Chao arrived, and we haven't even met or spoken yet, so why is he rushing back?"

Mrs. Lu sighed softly, a hint of worry in her eyes. "I think the reason probably lies with your stubborn father," she said. "He's probably still bothered by Chao'er's amorous feelings. Your father already harbored a grudge against Chao'er for helping Dong Zhuo during the campaign, even though he said he wouldn't help either side. Now, there's your relationship with Chao'er, and Chao'er is such an amorous playboy, he's become entangled with all three of you girls. Although I'm unhappy, I'm unwilling to sacrifice your happiness. As long as you're willing, I'll have no objections. But your father has always valued his reputation, and he can't let it go. It seems we'll have to slowly mediate and smooth things over."