Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao had a bitter look on his face, but Xu Shu smiled and said, "They must have found a reason to prevent them from splitting themselves." Xu Huang interjected, "Oh, Wenyuan, don't think so much. How can you have so many thoughts and ideas? It's nothing more than asking the general to attack the remaining forces of Dong Zhuo, just as a token of his allegiance. Now that high positions and generous titles have been awarded, it's our turn to contribute." Xu Huang didn't think too much, he just said what he really thought.

Zhang Liao said worriedly, "We only have 5,000 men. What if we can't win?" Xu Shu twirled his beard and said, "I think the emperor intends for 5,000 of us to serve as the vanguard. If the battle is hindered and the court can't send reinforcements, then the general will have to continuously dispatch troops from Xiliang. If he wins, he will damage his friendship with Lord Dong and Longxi County. If he loses, he will have to constantly dispatch troops from Xiliang."

Ma Chao pondered, "How could we possibly lose? Tianshui is trapped in an isolated city, and Dong Huang, a leader accustomed to the style of a Western Liang warlord, is unpopular. It's just a little harder, and victory is certain. But this will only bring down Western Liang. Western Liang needs to guard against the foreign tribes on the northwestern grasslands. If they easily join the Central Plains and are easily transferred back, it will be difficult to return. By then, Western Liang's main force will be pulled to the Central Plains battlefield, and what will happen to their borders? Oh, what a headache!"

Everyone fell silent for a moment, the atmosphere heavy with emotion. Xu Shu frowned slightly, then pondered for a moment before saying, "General, this matter is indeed thorny. But the Emperor's orders cannot be disobeyed. We must first make every possible preparation. On the one hand, we can send spies deep into Tianshui to investigate the enemy's strength and find a way to defeat them. On the other hand, we should submit a petition to the court, explaining Xiliang's predicament and requesting support if necessary. If withdrawing Xiliang's main forces is unavoidable, we must also make arrangements for the defense of the border. We can negotiate with the surrounding tribes, offering them certain benefits to encourage their assistance in defense."

Ma Chao nodded and said, "What Yuanzhi said makes sense. But this matter still needs long-term consideration and we should not act rashly. Let's send someone to Tianshui to find out the situation first, and then make a decision." Zhang Liao and Xu Huang also agreed, and everyone began to discuss the specific action plan.

Ma Chao nodded and said, "Mr. Yuanzhi's words make sense. However, the emperor clearly wants us to go alone this time and probably won't send any more troops. We can only do our best to avoid disturbing the main force of Xiliang. If it becomes absolutely necessary to withdraw the main force of Xiliang, we must first arrange with the Western Qiang and Eastern Qiang tribes. That way, if a war breaks out in Xiliang, the Western Qiang, Eastern Qiang, and Eastern Qiang can form a solid line of defense with us, ensuring our safety."

Xu Shu said, "General, even the best cook cannot cook without rice. We only have 5,000 soldiers. If Dong Huang refuses to leave the city, we'll be helpless." Ma Chao said, "This time, heading to Tianshui, I'm prioritizing psychological warfare over siege, and trying to avoid a major battle. Both the Xiliang warriors and Dong Huang's men are, frankly, of the same lineage. It would be best if we could persuade them to surrender. I intend to send a messenger to Longxi Commandery to request Bai'er's cooperation in the dispatch of troops, using only Longxi's troops. Xu Rong is a capable commander, so he should surround Tianshui Commandery from behind. We'll engage them head-on, putting psychological pressure on them. Then, a member of the Dong clan will personally persuade Dong Huang to surrender, ideally to avoid casualties."

After hearing Ma Chao's plan, everyone fell into deep thought. Xu Shu spoke first, "General, this is a brilliant plan. Winning hearts and minds is key, reducing our casualties and avoiding a conflict with Dong Gong's former subordinates. If we can successfully persuade them to surrender, we'll kill two birds with one stone. However, does Longxi County have sufficient troops? Can Miss Dong Bai convince the Dong clan members, and will they fully cooperate?"

Ma Chao frowned slightly and said, "The Dong clan is now completely dependent on Bai'er, and they also understand the principle of "lips and teeth are cold". As long as we persuade them with reason and appeal to their emotions, they should come forward to persuade them to surrender. As for the troops in Longxi County, Xu Rong is a cautious person. With him in command, we can rest assured."

Zhang Liao said, "General, this plan is a good one, but we cannot be careless. What if Dong Huang is stubborn and refuses to surrender? What will we do then?"

Ma Chao said with a determined look, "If Dong Huang refuses to surrender, we will have no choice but to storm the city. But before we do so, we must be fully prepared to minimize casualties. We can dispatch dedicated soldiers to destroy the enemy's defenses and create conditions for a full-scale assault."

Xu Huang nodded and said, "General, you are absolutely right. We can also take advantage of the terrain and set up ambushes to prevent the enemy from breaking through."

After everyone had discussed and decided, Ma Chao appointed Zhang Liao and Xu Huang as the vanguard generals, leading 2,000 cavalrymen, while Zhang Ren, Xu Shu, and Ma Chao would follow in the rear of the central army. With the arrangements complete, Zhang Liao and Xu Huang returned to the barracks to begin preparations for the expedition. At this point, Ma Chao said to Xu Shu, "Mr. Yuanzhi, you should also return to the barracks and prepare all necessary matters. I need to go and pay my respects to Master. His health has been declining, and he hasn't been close to me lately. I'm very worried about his health and have been visiting many doctors, but he hasn't received adequate care." Xu Shu bowed and said, "General, rest assured. We can handle all matters in the barracks. Xu Huang, Zhang Liao, and Zhang Ren are all capable generals. Besides, Dong Huang and Lü Bu are just desperate attempts. You can be assured, General."

Ma Chao nodded slightly and turned to leave, his heart filled with worry for his master. He galloped towards his master's residence. Along the way, his mind raced, recalling every moment he had spent with his master. His master's teachings had been like a beacon, illuminating his path. Now that his master was ill, he was too busy with military duties to be by his side, and he felt a surge of guilt.

Ma Chao arrived at Lu Zhi's residence, filled with anxiety. Standing before the gate, his heart heavy and complex. The vermilion gate seemed to carry his endless worries and anxieties. He straightened his clothes and respectfully requested an audience with the gatekeeper. A servant went in to report, only to find out that Lu Zhi refused to see him. Ma Chao's heart tightened, a sense of loss and anxiety welling up within him. Unwilling to give up, he pleaded with the servant again, his words earnest and moving.

At this moment, Madam Lu heard the commotion outside. Knowing Ma Chao's deep respect and concern for Lu Zhi, she went to Lu Zhi's room and gently persuaded him, "Master, Chao'er is truly filial. Please see him. He carries a heavy responsibility now, yet he is always concerned about your condition. This kind of affection is truly rare." Lu Zhi lay on his sickbed, pale and haggard. He closed his eyes slightly, and Madam Lu's words touched him. He sighed and finally agreed to see him.

Ma Chao entered the room with trepidation, a strong smell of medicine filling his nostrils. His gaze instantly fell on Lu Zhi. Seeing his master's frail form, his heart felt as if gripped by an invisible hand. Lu Zhi's hair had turned gray, his face was lined with wrinkles, and his eyes betrayed fatigue and age. He lay there quietly, his former dignity and fortitude seemingly eroded by his illness.

Ma Chao walked over to Lu Zhi's bedside, knelt on his knees, and said with a trembling voice, "Master, you must take good care of yourself. I have been worried about your condition and have sought out many good doctors, hoping for your speedy recovery." Lu Zhi slowly opened his eyes and looked at Ma Chao, a complex wave of emotions welling up in his heart. He was touched by Ma Chao's filial piety, but also worried about his romantic relationship.

Lu Zhi's face darkened as he rebuked Ma Chao, "Since the Emperor has commanded you to conquer the remaining forces of Dong Zhuo, you must have done your utmost. But now, you're focusing your attention on this old man of mine, not on state affairs. If you had that in mind, why not recapture Tianshui County as soon as possible? Why act like a child?" His voice, though weak, was filled with authority. Ma Chao, filled with shame, lowered his head, not daring to meet his master's eyes. He knew his master was acting in his best interest, hoping that he would prioritize state affairs and achieve great things.

After a moment, Lu Zhi's tone softened. He looked at Ma Chao, his eyes filled with kindness and expectation. He said, "I know you are filial, but the affairs of state are more important. You should consider the lives of the people of the world, fight bravely, and make great contributions to the country. Although your health is not good, I do not want to see you neglect state affairs because of me. You must remember that your responsibility is not only to me, your master, but also to the country and its people."

Ma Chao was deeply moved upon hearing this. He raised his head, tears glistening in his eyes, and said firmly, "Master, I will remember your teachings. I will do my utmost to recapture Tianshui County as soon as possible, and live up to Master's expectations and the Emperor's trust."

Ma Chao saw Lu Zhi's exhausted expression and felt a surge of resentment. He knew he couldn't disturb him any further, so he stood up and took his leave. At the door, Madam Lu escorted him there. Ma Chao hesitated, but Madam Lu, understanding his thoughts, said softly, "Wan'er is doing fine now. Your master is so ill now, and he can't bear to see you two so embroiled in such a romantic relationship. He only wants you to be loyal to the state. If he knew you two were meeting privately again, I'm afraid he would misunderstand you even more."

Ma Chao knew that he couldn't meet Lu Wan, as this would make his master even more embarrassed. He said sadly, "Master's wife, Wan'er and I are truly in love. Master..." Master's wife Lu didn't wait for him to finish and continued, "Chao'er, your master loves you deeply and blames you harshly. Now that he knows his health is failing, he wants to hand over the important task of revitalizing the Han Dynasty to you. You can say that you are the last bit of strength he holds in his hands. Even though your master doesn't say it and scolds you all day long, in his heart, you are still his proud disciple and he is full of hope for you. And he actually doesn't object to your relationship with Wan'er, but he is so anxious in his heart. I hope you can understand, Chao'er. The court is unstable now, and your master can't take care of so many things now. He just wants to stabilize the situation as soon as possible." At this point, Mrs. Lu burst into tears, full of worry and heartache for Lu Zhi's health.

Ma Chao's heart was also filled with sorrow. He hurriedly comforted her, "Master's wife, don't be too sad. Master is a lucky man and will slowly get better. Although the current situation is chaotic, we will do our best to fight for a stable future for Master and the Han Dynasty. I will also live up to Master's expectations, fight bravely on the battlefield, return victorious soon, and let Master rest assured. As for Wan'er and I, I believe that one day, Master will fulfill our wish. Master's wife, you must also take care of yourself and don't work too hard. When Master gets better, our family will be reunited again and share peace." After speaking, Ma Chao bowed deeply, then took his leave.