Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao had known about the arrival of several scouts from Wancheng and was preparing to meet them, but he was surprised by their hospitality. When the scouts approached, Ma Chao stepped forward. The scouts immediately prostrated themselves, excitedly exclaiming, "General Tian, ​​it's really you! We witnessed your prowess in your early years under Lord Dong. It's been a blink of an eye, and years have passed, and you're still as radiant as ever." Ma Chao smiled gently and said, "All of you, rise. You are both from Wancheng and veterans of the Western Liang army. Your young master and I are like brothers, so there's no need for such formalities. Since you've met me by chance today, there's no need to send someone to inform Zhang Xiu. Go back and tell Zhang Xiu that I've taken a detour to Wancheng during this campaign against Yuan Shu in Huainan just to meet him and reminisce about old times. We won't enter Wancheng for now, but will camp 20 miles outside to avoid alarming the people. Tell him to come and meet me." The scouts responded in unison, "Yes!" Unanimously, they obeyed. Ma Chao also ordered people to bring them wine and meat as rewards. After they had a full meal, they followed them to Wancheng before letting them leave.

In Wancheng, Zhang Xiu now held almost complete control of military affairs. His uncle, Zhang Ji, had long commanded a formidable cavalry force in the heart of the Central Plains. Like an incomparably sharp sword, under the guidance of the exceptionally wise counselor Jia Xu, this cavalry unit had firmly established itself in Wancheng, remaining as stable as a rock, a threat that neighboring forces dared not covet.

Zhang Ji was never one for ambitious ambitions, seeking to conquer the world. Ever since he conquered Wancheng, he had reveled in his hard-earned, stable life, enjoying the splendor of wealth and luxury. Especially after marrying his lovely new wife, Zou, he became even more immersed in the pleasures of life, spending his days either enjoying fine wine and delicious food or engaging in pleasure with her, completely forgetting the hardships of his past campaigns. As the years passed, the scars from his early years on the battlefield, eroded by his unbridled drinking and sex, began to ravage his body like a flood. Over time, his health deteriorated, and he was no longer as good as before. Just recently, a sudden and serious illness struck, completely devastating him, and he is now bedridden.

Under these circumstances, the heavy burden of Wancheng's military affairs fell unreservedly on the shoulders of Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu. Jia Xu, a man of extraordinary wisdom and strategy, was well versed in the art of self-preservation. In these chaotic times, he was like a lotus flower rising from the mud without being stained, always cleverly avoiding various dangers and disputes.

And what about Zhang Xiu? He was a skilled warrior, exuding a fearless aura. In his early years, he served under Ma Chao in numerous campaigns across the country, experiencing countless trials and tribulations on the smoke-filled battlefields. He gradually matured from a naive young man into a strategic general. At Ma Chao's side, he learned how to deploy troops, discern enemy weaknesses, and find opportunities in difficult situations. These invaluable experiences, like shining pearls, woven into his military career, enabled him to navigate complex situations with ease.

Because of this, even after Zhang Ji's fall, Wancheng, a military fortress, remained as solid as a rock, unshaken. Another crucial factor was Zhang Ji's training and trust in Zhang Xiu. Zhang Ji had no biological offspring, so Zhang Xiu, his nephew, was meticulously nurtured by Zhang Ji as his successor. Zhang Ji imparted his military experience to Zhang Xiu without reservation, guiding him through battle and watching him grow. Zhang Xiu lived up to his uncle's expectations, earning the respect and trust of his military commanders with his prowess. These commanders had witnessed Zhang Xiu's years of heroic service alongside Ma Chao and, knowing his abilities and character, were fully convinced of their young master's abilities. Consequently, the transition of power in Wancheng was a seamless process.

Yet, if there was one factor that weighed heavily on the morale of the Wancheng army, it was the lingering homesickness. These Xiliang soldiers had once followed Zhang Ji southward, desperate for their lives. Time had flown by, and three or four years had passed since they had followed Zhang Ji and Dong Zhuo to the capital. During these long years, they had been far from home, fighting for survival in a foreign land. Every full moon night, every festive occasion, a deep sense of homesickness washed over them like a tide. They yearned for the vast grasslands of Xiliang, their loved ones back home, and every blade of grass and tree in their homeland. This homesickness, like a lingering cloud, hung over the Wancheng army.

How could a large army passing through from afar go unnoticed in this chaotic world? Wancheng, like a vigilant cheetah, had spotted the signs of an approaching army long before the scouts sent to see Ma Chao had returned. The entire city was already on high alert, as if facing a formidable enemy.

For Zhang Xiu, Wancheng had been relatively peaceful for years. The sudden appearance of over 40,000 cavalrymen was like a boulder dropped on a tranquil lake, shattering the tranquility and instantly making his already somewhat monotonous life tense. This sudden arrival of an army filled Zhang Xiu with both worry and excitement. He and Jia Xu ascended the city walls and gazed solemnly at the approaching army in the distance, their brows furrowed.

Zhang Xiu had lived a peaceful and stable life in Wancheng these past few years, but he always felt like something was missing from his heart. Every day, as he looked at the familiar city walls and the peaceful streets, his thoughts often drifted back to his passionate time in Xiliang.

What thrilling times in Xiliang were! Fighting alongside the general against the fierce warriors of the Eastern Qiang, every charge felt like a dance with death. Facing the Xiongnu cavalry, the clouds of dust and the deafening clatter of hooves were like a nightmare, yet also a stage for their heroic display. Life back then was like a burning flame, intense and dangerous, every moment filled with challenges and the unknown.

The faces of those brothers who had shared life and death together were so vivid in Zhang Xiu's memory. They supported each other on the battlefield, shielding each other from the enemy's swords and spears with their backs. They shared the joy of victory and the pain of defeat together. That kind of friendship, sharing life and death, could no longer be found in the peaceful Wancheng.

Although his life now was comfortable, free from the threat of war, it felt like a stagnant pool of water to Zhang Xiu, bland and boring to the point of weariness. He longed for the thrill of life, yearning for the legends he had once written with his brothers; that was the life he truly longed for. The sudden appearance of an army of over 40,000 men seemed like an opportunity thrown to him by fate, stirring up the long-calmed ripples in his heart.

Zhang Xiu said, "Mr. Wenhe, this sudden appearance of over 40,000 troops is heading towards Wancheng, but I don't know what their intentions are. I wonder if our Wancheng's defense can cope with it?" Jia Xu's expression remained calm. He gently waved the feather fan in his hand and said slowly, "Don't panic, young master, please rest assured. Although the court still has its capital in Chang'an, it nominally governs Youbing, Liang and the capital area. It seems to have a vast territory, but what about in reality? The court can only effectively govern the small area of ​​​​the capital. In other places, the various forces have become local princes. The court has already tried its best to balance the relationship between them. How can it have the energy to take care of us? What's more, there are many princes in the Central Plains. "Wancheng has always been low-key, keeping a low profile. How could the imperial court spare troops to deal with us? Therefore, I suspect this army's target isn't Wancheng. Young Master, please be patient. We'll soon learn the reason. Even if they truly are heading for Wancheng, we have no need to fear. Over the years, under your meticulous governance, Wancheng's walls have been repeatedly maintained and repaired, and it is now an impregnable military stronghold. Furthermore, we have elite cavalry. Why should we fear an army of 40,000 or 50,000?" Zhang Xiu felt a sense of relief after hearing Jia Xu's analysis. He stared intently at the imposing army in the distance, waiting for it to make a move. Unexpectedly, the army halted 20 miles from the city.

Only when the army reached an open area twenty miles from Wancheng did Ma Chao rein in the reins and order the troops to camp. Sunlight shone on the soldiers' armor, casting a cold gleam. Ma Chao turned to look at the scouts accompanying him, a look of solemnity flashing in his eyes, and then he summoned them.

Each of these scouts was a veteran of battle. After Ma Chao gave them instructions one by one, he sent them towards Wancheng to spread the news of his arrival. After receiving the order, the scouts whipped their horses and galloped towards Wancheng with joy.

At this moment, Wancheng resembled a vigilant giant beast, its walls tall and sturdy, gleaming coldly in the sunlight. The city gates were tightly shut, and a solemn, murderous atmosphere pervaded the surroundings. The soldiers defending the city watched the movements outside with intense gazes, as if facing a formidable enemy.

The scouts quickly arrived at the city walls. The leading scout took a deep breath and shouted, "Open the gates! Open the gates! I have urgent military business!" His voice echoed over the city walls. The soldiers defending the city immediately became alert and shouted back, "The young master is at the top of the city walls right now. Report any military business you have immediately!" His words carried undeniable authority.

The scouts under the city wall pulled the reins, and the leading scout quickly dismounted. He cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted at the top of his lungs towards the defenders on the city wall: "Don't panic! Don't panic! The army in the distance is a friendly force, just open the city gate." The voice was loud and clear, forming waves in the air, trying to penetrate the tense and solemn atmosphere above the city wall.

Upon hearing this, the guard on the tower's face grew even more stern. His brow furrowed, his eyes fixed on the city walls like a hawk, not daring to slack off for even a moment. He shouted, "What friendly forces? Enemy forces? Such a massive force is approaching, its momentum overwhelming like a dark cloud. How dare we open the gates so easily? No more words! Lower the hanging basket, send a few men up, and report to the young master in detail."

At the commander's command, the soldiers on the city wall sprang into action. A massive winch slowly turned, and a heavy rope slowly lowered the basket from the ramparts. The basket swayed slowly to the ground, and several scouts glanced at each other before quickly and orderly climbing into it. The soldiers on the wall worked in unison, shouting slogans as they pulled the ropes. The basket bumped against the rough stone of the wall and slowly ascended. When the basket reached the top of the city wall, the scouts filed out. One of the scouts, his face filled with anxiety, searched the tower with eager eyes, shouting, "Where is the young master? Where is the young master? Take me to him!" The surrounding soldiers, aware of the urgency of the situation, dared not delay even a moment. They immediately led the way, leading the scouts towards Zhang Xiu's position within the tower.