Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Teng arrived at the inner quarters that day, his steps heavy with worry. As he reached the door, he heard the soft sobs of his wife and Cai Wenji inside. His heart tightened, knowing his son's feelings. With Cai Wenji now a guest, and Ma Chao adopting Wei Guan as his adopted son, the implications were clear. To avoid suspicion, Ma Teng coughed loudly at the door and stamped his feet, making some noise.

Cai Wenji was incredibly intelligent; she immediately recognized Ma Teng's voice. She quickly wiped the tears from her face and said to the somewhat shy Madam Ma, "Aunt, I think it's my uncle who's here. He might want to discuss something important with you. I won't bother you any longer. I'll be leaving now, lest you delay important matters." Madam Ma had already shared her innermost thoughts with Cai Wenji, and seeing her reaction, she understood. She gently said, "Then go ahead. Don't overwork yourself."

Cai Wenji walked out of the hall and saw Ma Teng. She bowed shyly and said softly, "Uncle Ma, how are you?" Ma Teng had to pretend to pass by casually and nodded slightly, "Yeah, everything is fine. Why don't you stay here and chat with your aunt?" Cai Wenji's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head and said, "I still have things to do in the yard." Ma Teng laughed dryly and said, "Then you go and get busy. Go and get busy." Looking at Cai Wenji's departing back, Ma Teng had a lot of thoughts in his mind.

When Ma Teng entered the room, his mother asked hurriedly, "How did you discuss with the civil and military officials? How are we going to reinforce Chao'er?" Ma Teng frowned and said, "The civil and military officials have all made many suggestions, but I'm also very confused and don't know how to deal with it. I'm thinking of letting Pang De lead 100,000 cavalry, and then we'll go to Longxi County together to visit Mr. Li Ru." When Ma's mother heard about Li Ru, her eyes lit up and she nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, when Mr. Li Ru followed Mr. Dong before, all the affairs of the world were hidden in his mind. If we can get his guidance, we will be able to solve this dilemma." Ma Teng nodded slightly, but he was still worried. He didn't know whether he could successfully get the help of Mr. Li Ru this time, and whether he could successfully reinforce his son Ma Chao.

Ma's mother didn't dwell on it. She felt relieved that with Li Ru's help, they could finally breathe a sigh of relief. She then addressed Ma Teng, "Master, although we still have to wait for Mr. Li Ru's help, we can't bear this. Think about how Madam Lu and Lu Wan have lived in Xiliang for over two years. How have we treated them? I can't believe they could do such a thing as climbing the social ladder and bullying the weak. Besides, Xiliang is a wealthy family now, so how could they be unworthy of Lu Wan? If they were so intent on climbing the social ladder, why did they have such a passionate and affectionate relationship with Chao'er back then? It makes me feel so choked up just thinking about it."

Ma Teng, having spent so many years in the officialdom, naturally wouldn't be as short-sighted as his wife. He pondered for a moment, then spoke fairly, "Madam, perhaps they have their own difficulties. I've always seen that Madam Lu isn't the kind of person who despises poverty and loves money. And Lu Wan and Chao'er were truly in love, and it didn't seem like they were faking it. The child isn't a bad person. Perhaps something drastic has happened in Chang'an, forcing the child to have some kind of hardship. After all, his father is a renowned scholar, devoted to the Han Dynasty. This is obvious to all. Even if they have their own difficulties, it wouldn't be such a bad family tradition. We should be understanding."

Madam Ma, however, refused to give in. "I also liked this girl when she was here, and I also got along very well with Madam Lu. But no matter what, they still hurt Chao'er. Even if we swallow this anger with tears, we can't let Chao'er keep the pain buried in his heart."

Ma Teng said with some embarrassment, "So what? She's already been named the Imperial Consort, and Chao'er is so determined to almost turn against the Emperor for her, wanting to make her Empress. You can see Chao'er's heart, and as parents, what can we do?"

Madam Ma said, "There are more beautiful women in the world than just Lu Wan. Look at Wen Ji, who just left, and Bai Er from Longxi County. Which one of them is not a beauty chosen from thousands of people? I am very satisfied in every aspect. Even if Lu Wan has become the imperial concubine, we must hurry up and get Chao'er married in time to prevent him from constantly thinking about Lu Wan." Ma Teng sighed helplessly, not knowing what to do for a moment. He knew his son's stubborn temper well, and it would be difficult for him to let go of Lu Wan. But what Madam Ma said was not without reason. If Chao'er continued to be immersed in this relationship, it would not be good for his future.

Ma Teng fell into deep thought and said thoughtfully, "Bai'er is fine, but Wen Ji is a more difficult matter. After all, Wen Ji is the daughter of the great scholar Cai Yong. Even if she remarries, it will not be considered a disgrace to our Ma family. However, she was previously promised to the Wei family, and the Wei family was completely destroyed in the foreign invasion. If we do so, I am afraid it will be bad for our reputation. I don't mind, but Chao'er is still young and currently serving in the court, attracting the attention of the world. Even if Wen Ji is willing, it will ruin her father Cai Yong's lifelong reputation. We should be cautious about this matter."

Ma's mother was resolute at this moment. She said to Ma Teng, "Don't overthink it. Our Ma family is a family of military commanders, not some noble family. As long as we can ease Chao'er's emotional pain, we don't mind any great pressure or ridicule. Besides, I just asked Wen Ji about her reaction, and her shy expression says it all. Her father has passed away, and Chao'er personally held her funeral according to the proper etiquette for a son and nephew. What's wrong with that? These things are not a big deal. Don't dwell on our family traditions and reputation all day long. How can we be noble in their eyes? After all, we are just people from the wilderness of the borderland, not from some aristocratic family."

Ma Teng pondered for a moment and said, "Since my lady says so, as long as Wen Ji is willing, then of course it's fine. This time, while I'm in Longxi County, I'll also discuss Chao'er and Bai'er's marriages with Mr. Li Ru. If we're going to marry, let's marry two at once, to spare Chao'er the worry." Ultimately, Ma Teng's love for his son was no less than Ma's mother's. His eyes revealed deep concern for his son, and he was mentally mulling over how to properly arrange these two marriages, one that would satisfy him while minimizing external criticism. Ma's mother, on the other hand, hoped her son would soon recover from his emotional trauma and begin a new life.

The next day, the younger generation of the Ma family were in an uproar when they heard the news. Not only were Ma Chao's brothers eager to fight, but even the lively girl Ma Yunlu clamored to go to Chang'an to bring her eldest brother back. She pouted and said indignantly, "Why should my eldest brother suffer the humiliation of the imperial court in Chang'an? Our Ma family has defended the borders for the Han Dynasty and made countless military achievements, yet we are always suspected. I will go and bring my eldest brother back to save him from this humiliation." The other brothers also echoed her dissatisfaction.

Upon hearing his children's noise, Ma Teng came over with a serious face, his eyes wide open, and scolded them harshly: "This is a national affair, and it cannot be taken lightly. After all, your brother is also serving the country. Don't say these angry words all the time. My Ma family is already feared by the emperor. If you keep talking like this, it will make it even more difficult for your brother to move forward in the court. Have you ever thought about what to do if your recklessness brings disaster to the family?" After hearing their father's scolding, the children were still stubborn in their hearts, but they had to obey. They lowered their heads and stopped talking, but their faces were still full of unwillingness.

In Western Liang, the people were filled with gratitude and support for the Ma family, and especially for Ma Chao. For years, Ma Chao had become a god-like figure in Western Liang and even the northwest region. He led the Western Liang cavalry, repeatedly repelling foreign invasions and protecting the people's homes and lives. Those once harassed and living in fear by foreign invaders now enjoyed a stable life thanks to Ma Chao's heroic fighting. The people of all clans were deeply grateful for the Ma family's kindness, and upon hearing that the Ma family was mobilizing troops to Chang'an to support Ma Chao, they all took action.

Some civilians brought their meager household supplies, some brought sturdy horses, and still others volunteered to join the grain transport. Across Xiliang, a bustling scene of activity was evident. A white-haired elder, leaning on a cane, arrived at the barracks. With tears in his eyes, he addressed the soldiers, "The Ma family army has protected our homeland. Now that they are in trouble, we will do our utmost to help them." Young men rushed to sign up, their eyes determined, filled with admiration and devotion for Ma Chao. "We will follow General Ma and fight for the glory of Xiliang!" their cries resounded through the air.

Although the collection of food and fodder was not smooth, the quantity was limited, and the quality was uneven, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the people of Xiliang for Ma Chao. Everyone worked together to ensure that the Ma family army could set out as soon as possible to support their hero, Ma Chao.

Ma Teng watched all this unfold, filled with emotion. He knew he shouldered the hopes of his people and the weight of his family's responsibility. He resolved to continue gathering food and fodder while continuing his journey to Longxi. Once everything was arranged, Ma Teng and Pang De prepared to depart.

Meanwhile, Cai Wenji, also concerned about Ma Chao's safety, suggested to Ma Chao's mother that Wu Anguo, the guard assigned to her and left behind by Ma Chao before his departure, accompany her to Chang'an to serve Ma Chao. After all, she was in the heart of Western Liang, so what danger could she face? Ma Teng's mother, impressed by Cai Wenji's advice, went to discuss the matter with Ma Teng. Ma Teng pondered for a moment and said, "Miss Wenji's willingness to do so is truly remarkable. In that case, let Wu Anguo accompany the army." Wu Anguo then joined the group heading to Chang'an, and with varying feelings, they embarked on their journey.