Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Zhang Xiu galloped along, his steed's hooves darting like lightning. The towering walls of Wancheng were soon left in the distance. The twenty-li journey was reached in no time at his lightning-fast pace. Meanwhile, Ma Chao's army was busy setting up camp. The camp hadn't yet been fully secured, and soldiers were bustling about, each attending to their duties. Ma Chao, along with Zhang Liao, Xu Shu, and other generals, stood in a well-viewed area, pausing to wait. They watched the soldiers set up camp and discussed Zhang Xiu's reaction to the news.

Zhang Xiu galloped along, his steed swift as lightning, its mane dancing wildly in the wind. In a flash, the majestic walls of Wancheng were left far behind. The dust kicked up by his horse's hooves resembled a yellow dragon galloping across the vast landscape. Driven by his eagerness, the twenty-mile journey seemed like a blink of an eye. Meanwhile, Ma Chao's army was busily setting up camp. Banners fluttered in the air, and soldiers came and went, carrying supplies and setting up tents. A bustling scene unfolded. Though the camp wasn't yet fully established, it had begun to take shape, exuding a majestic aura.

Ma Chao, Zhang Liao, Xu Shu, and other generals stood in a panoramic position, like the centerpiece of a painting. They paused their work to gaze into the distance, watching the soldiers set up camp in an orderly fashion while passionately discussing Zhang Xiu's potential reactions to the news. Ma Chao's silver helmet gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight, the patterns on his armor intricate and imposing. He stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his deep eyes gleaming with anticipation and contemplation. Zhang Liao was imposing, his gaze piercing, his massive build radiating unparalleled strength. Xu Shu, on the other hand, wore a calm, intelligent gaze, as if everything was under control.

From afar, Zhang Xiu could see the bustling scene of the army setting up camp. In the center of the vast expanse, a figure in silver helmet and armor stood out, like a god of war descending to earth. Who else could that familiar figure be but Ma Chao? Zhang Xiu's spirits surged, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He shouted with all his might, "I am Zhang Xiu, come to see the general. Brothers, please do not misunderstand me!" His voice resonated like a mighty bell, echoing across the wilderness and carrying him in all directions. None of the soldiers he encountered along the way tried to stop him. Having received Ma Chao's orders, they stood in neat rows on either side, their gazes filled with respect. Zhang Xiu galloped towards Ma Chao and his men as if he were in no one's way. Behind him, his personal guards dared not slack off, their whips raining down on their horses and shouting as they followed their young master closely. The clatter of their hooves resonated like a dense drumbeat, a stirring melody.

As they drew closer, several of the men spotted Zhang Xiu approaching. Delight filled their faces, and they stopped talking to greet him. Zhang Xiu rode with swift momentum, and just as he was about to approach them, he dismounted with a swift, fluid leap, displaying the demeanor of a true warrior. Then, with a swift, fleeting stride, he reached Ma Chao and, with a thump, fell heavily to his knees, a sound that seemed to unleash his innermost emotions. He opened his arms and hugged Ma Chao tightly, like a child hugging a long-lost relative, his voice choked with excitement: "General, General, Zhang Xiu and you have been separated for several years. Every day is like a long year for Zhang Xiu! Zhang Xiu misses you every day, day and night. Today I finally get to see you. It is Zhang Xiu's fortune." After he finished speaking, his body trembled slightly, his eyes were full of tears, the tears rolled in his eye sockets, slid down his cheeks, dripped onto the ground, and splashed tiny dust.

Seeing this, Ma Chao's heart surged. His eyes revealed genuine emotion. He gently patted Zhang Xiu's shoulder, the touch imbued with strength and warmth, as if conveying his longing through this simple gesture. Then, exerting both hands, he lifted Zhang Xiu to his feet, smiling, "My dear brother, I miss you terribly too! Though we live in different places, our brotherly love has never faded. Unfortunately, the tedious affairs of the court, like a tangled web of threads, have kept me bound, and I haven't had the right opportunity to meet you." Zhang Liao, Xu Shu, and other generals nearby were all well-acquainted with Zhang Xiu, and their eyes sparkled with emotion. Zhang Liao laughed heartily and stepped forward with a heroic air. His large, fan-like hand patted Zhang Xiu's side, jokingly saying, "You're so grown up, yet you're still crying to me? You were a hero in Wancheng, yet you act like a child now? Haha!" His hearty laughter echoed through the air, adding to the warmth and joy of the reunion. Xu Shu smiled and nodded, saying, "General Zhang's sincerity is truly touching. It is truly a joy to meet you again today."

Zhang Xiu reined in his troops, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. Familiar figures came into view: Zhang Liao, swift and heroic; Xu Shu, refined and refined, his gaze penetrating; Zhang Ren, stern and solemn, possessing a commanding presence. And Pan Feng, standing behind Ma Chao, his burly figure exuding a commanding presence; Wu Anguo, his face brimming with fortitude. Each one seemed like an old friend reunited after a long separation, stirring Zhang Xiu's heart. He walked quickly toward the group, warmly hugging each one. The embrace was filled with power, the joy of reuniting comrades after a long separation. Each pat on the back seemed to express the longing they had felt for each other.

After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, Zhang Xiu searched the crowd but didn't see Xu Huang. Puzzled, he frowned and asked, "General, why isn't that idiot Xu Huang here?"

Ma Chao couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. "When you're together, you bicker and fight all the time. I never saw you being close. How come after being apart for so long, you've become even closer to him?"

Zhang Xiu scratched his head and said sheepishly, "That idiot Xu Huang and I always like to undermine me. No matter what I say or do, he finds fault with me. He's also very arrogant. I can't stand him the most. But unexpectedly, during this time away, without him around to spoil my fun, I'm really not used to it. I just wonder where he is now?"

Ma Chao smiled and explained, "I recently gave him an important mission. I asked him to return to Xiliang and request reinforcements. Judging from his speed, he should be leading his army back by now."

Zhang Xiu's face flushed with excitement, his eyes gleaming with eagerness. He shouted, "General, now that you've arrived in Wancheng, why are you still camping here? The army can march directly into our Wancheng camp. I'll make all the arrangements and let you, my brothers, stay there."

Ma Chao smiled, his eyes full of admiration for Zhang Xiu. He said, "Brother, although our friendship is deep, Wancheng is, after all, the territory of your uncle, General Zhang Ji. Since the passing of Lord Dong, the situation in the world has been volatile. General Zhang Ji is now considered a local lord, holding a very important position. We have come here with a large army. If we rashly enter Wancheng, it would be a bit abrupt and would make the soldiers and civilians there uneasy. It is a good idea for us to camp here, brother. Today, you and I can stay in this tent and get drunk together. It would be a good thing."

Zhang Xiu's emotions grew even more intense upon hearing this, his face turning red as a ripe persimmon. He shouted back, "General, what nonsense are you talking about? I, Zhang Xiu, am always willing to serve under you, no matter the time or place. Even if I were just an ordinary soldier, I wouldn't have the slightest complaint. Since you're here, please let the brothers camp here. You should come with me to Wancheng. I've already ordered a banquet. You must stay a few days so we can talk about the pain of separation."

Xu Shu listened from the side, pondering to himself. He felt that if they left the army outside, they would easily follow Zhang Xiu. He didn't know what Zhang Ji was thinking. If something unexpected happened, they would be in danger. He was about to speak out to stop them.

However, Ma Chao laughed heartily, his laughter resonating like a resounding bell. He said, "Brother, I changed my route to come see you. Since you've said so, I'll have a drink with you. Since you have plans in the city, I won't hesitate."

Zhang Xiu was overjoyed. With his usual agility, he snatched the reins from Wu Anguo's hand. The reins in his hands felt like a bond connecting him and Ma Chao. With a look of joy, he led Ma Chao's mount, Aurora, to his side. With a hint of humility in his eyes, he said, "General, mount quickly. Let's go to Wancheng for some drinking."

Ma Chao was deeply moved by this, but he patted Zhang Xiu on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Brother, you are now your uncle's designated heir, and you have the demeanor and bearing of a powerful ruler. How can you continue to serve me as you did in the army? It's neither moral nor logical."

Zhang Xiu's action stunned the guards who had accompanied him. They looked at each other in surprise, but because of the young master's authority, they dared not speak out despite their doubts. Zhang Liao, Zhang Ren and others had known Zhang Xiu for a long time and were well aware of their relationship. They did not think there was anything wrong with Zhang Xiu's behavior and simply watched the scene with a smile.

Ma Chao couldn't refuse. Seeing Zhang Xiu's expectant and determined gaze, he gave a helpless smile, patted Zhang Xiu's shoulder again, and then mounted his horse. Just then, a cloud of dust rose from the distance, like a giant, ochre-colored dragon sweeping in. Hu Che'er, leading a large force of cavalry, approached at lightning speed, their momentum like a surging wave, overwhelming the sea.

Hu Che'er, still far away, couldn't quite see what was happening ahead. He could only vaguely discern his young master within the enemy camp. His heart raced, his eyes wide open as he desperately called out, "Don't harm my master! Hu Che'er is coming!" His voice boomed like thunder across the wilderness. With that cry, he raised his weapon, ready to lead his cavalry in a reckless charge. This sudden scene startled everyone present, and the once relaxed and cheerful atmosphere suddenly became tense.