Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

After Zhang Ji was carefully supported by Zou and left, Zhang Xiu felt relieved, like a bird that had escaped from a cage, and his straightforward nature that had been suppressed for a long time was instantly revealed. Like a mischievous child freed from the strict control of an adult, he strode joyfully to Ma Chao's side, wine jug in hand. His face brimming with undisguised joy, he said, "General, I'm truly delighted that you've taken the time to come and visit me this time. For all these years, I've been by your side, and it's been such a joy. But who could have imagined the loneliness and loss I've felt these past two years without you? It's hard to describe." He continued with a slightly self-deprecating smile, "Look, now I'm the young master of a local vassal state, but how can I possess even the calm and steady demeanor of a young master? I'm still as carefree and uninhibited as before, perhaps even frivolous in the eyes of others."

Ma Chao frowned slightly and pretended to be stern and scolded: "You kid, stop talking nonsense. Your uncle worked hard to create this foundation. The difficulties and obstacles are beyond your imagination. Now he is ill and you shoulder the heavy responsibility. How can you say such childish words? Is this the idea of ​​someone who shirks responsibility? A real man, when he is born into this world, should hold a three-foot-long sword in his hand and establish the glorious achievements that attract the world's attention. Now such a great foundation is waiting for you to inherit. The road before you can be said to be... "The road ahead is bright and smooth. Such lazy and rebellious words must never be repeated." He paused earnestly, his eyes filled with expectation and warning. He added, "But Ah Xiu, you must always remember that no matter where you are, at any time or under any circumstances, you must always put the interests of the people first. We, those in power, are like predators in high positions, enjoying abundant power and resources. In return, ensuring that the people under our rule live and work in peace and contentment, and that is our mission and the one we must devote all our energy to."

Xu Shu gazed at Zhang Xiu, still as unassuming and affable as ever, and a wave of emotion welled up in his heart. He spoke slowly, "General Zhang Xiu, now that you hold a high position, you seem not at all distant, but rather cherish our friendship. If the General ever needs you, will you resolutely return to his side and offer your full assistance?" Zhang Xiu patted his chest and declared, "My loyalty to you, General, is known to all. If you give me a command, I, Zhang Xiu, will be at your service without hesitation."

Zhang Liao echoed, "Ah Xiu's true character remains unchanged, unchanging. He truly is a hero." Zhang Xiu's face lit up with pride as he declared, "Of course! Galloping alongside the general is the greatest joy for me."

Seeing this, Ma Chao waved his hand and said with a smile, "Forget it, forget it. Today is a rare gathering for us brothers, so let's just talk about brotherhood. Don't mention military affairs, which will ruin our good mood."

Xu Shu had something to say, but when he saw Ma Chao staring at him solemnly, the words stuck in his throat, unable to come out. Helplessly, he could only force a dry laugh, then raised his glass and drank it all, trying to mask his inner conflict and hesitation.

Ma Chao smiled broadly, his eyes filled with satisfaction. "No matter what, Ah Xiu, you and your uncle have established such a strong position in Wancheng, a battleground for four battles. It's truly not easy. The situation here is complex, yet you remain as steady as a rock. This shows that you have grown significantly in the past two years and are no longer the same as before."

Zhang Xiu blushed and felt a bit embarrassed by the praise. He turned and ran to the edge of the banquet where Jia Xu was, grabbed Jia Xu's arm tightly, and tried to pull him towards Ma Chao. Jia Xu pretended to struggle, but he was no match for Zhang Xiu's strength, so he had no choice but to follow him. Zhang Xiu said to Ma Chao with a smug look on his face, "General, I am a little embarrassed by your praise. In fact, we can hold on to Wancheng thanks to the wisdom of Mr. Jia Xu and Mr. Jia Wenhe. Although you have Mr. Xu Yuanzhi and Mr. Li Ru from Xiliang by your side, in my eyes, Mr. Wenhe is no less talented than them. My uncle and nephew are able to gain a foothold in Wancheng thanks to his advice."

Zhang Xiu's triumphant words immediately piqued Ma Chao's interest. He raised his wine glass and respectfully addressed Jia Xu, "Oh? It's you, Mr. Wenhe. You've been in Xiliang, yet I haven't heard of you. That's all Ma Chao's fault. Come, come, let's drink together." Jia Xu, with a look of resignation and shame on his face, raised his wine glass. "Alas, General Ma Chao, don't listen to my young master's nonsense. I'm just a pedantic scholar, weak as a brute, unable to lift anything, or work with my hands. How could I possibly possess such great abilities?"

Jia Xu felt a sudden headache. He had been sitting quietly in a corner, a barely perceptible shadow, intent on concealing himself and keeping a low profile. He always maintained a prudent mindset, cautious in his words and actions, knowing full well that in these turbulent times, serving the emperor was like living with a tiger. The closer one got to the center of power, the more it felt like walking on thin ice; the slightest misstep could lead to ruin. Therefore, he preferred to strategize quietly behind the scenes, occasionally exerting his influence, seeking freedom and freedom, away from the vortex of conflict.

Yet, now, being forcibly dragged before him by Zhang Xiu felt like being roasted on a raging fire. He was overcome with helplessness, only able to grudgingly offer a few words of defense, hoping Ma Chao wouldn't take Zhang Xiu's compliments to heart. In truth, Jia Xu had been feeling a sense of unease ever since Ma Chao's arrival. He had seen Xu Shu and Zhang Liao hesitate to speak, and without further ado, he could guess they had come to request the assistance of Wancheng. Alas, Young Master Zhang Xiu was too sincere. If he were seduced by a few words, he might make a promise. Then, would Wancheng agree or refuse? Given Zhang Xiu's temperament, how could he shirk responsibility now that he had spoken?

Jia Xu sighed inwardly. Although his uncle and nephew held Wancheng and appeared to be powerful lords, he knew that if the world were at peace and the situation stabilized, forces like theirs, who had exploited the chaos, would struggle to maintain their current position for long. Without proper arrangements and long-term planning, the future of Wancheng would be filled with uncertainty and crisis.

After three rounds of drinking, Zhang Xiu was already a bit tipsy, his eyes a little hazy, but he still asked Ma Chao with concern: "General, what exactly is the purpose of your leading such a large army here? What military mission do you have?"

Ma Chao frowned slightly, a hint of a headache visible on his face. He sighed helplessly, "Alas, to be honest, this is the Emperor's order, ordering me to attack Yuan Shu in Huainan. Yuan Shu is now coveting Yangzhou and is eyeing it covetously. Liu Yao, a member of the imperial clan, is unable to resist his attack and is powerless to resist. As a subject, I have no choice but to obey the Emperor's order and raise an army to attack him, just to relieve Yangzhou's distress."

Zhang Xiu, still bewildered and puzzled, said bluntly, "General, the Emperor's arrangement is perhaps inappropriate. I've heard a bit about Yuan Shu's power in Huainan, and he's no pushover. Among the princes of the world, the Yuan brothers are undoubtedly the most powerful, commanding numerous troops and generals. With only these troops, I'm afraid it would be difficult to challenge them, let alone defeat them."

Ma Chao nodded gently, his expression solemn. "It is indeed as you say. Therefore, I have sent a letter to my sworn brother, Sun Bofu, inviting his assistance. At the same time, I have ordered Gongming to return to Xiliang and dispatch another 60,000 troops. With a combined force of 100,000, we will attack Yuan Shu from both sides. We do not seek to severely damage Yuan Shu's foundation, but only to successfully lift the siege of Huainan and maintain peace in Yangzhou."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiu was immediately filled with anxiety. He shouted, "General, isn't this action undermining the very foundation of Xiliang? The Emperor's arrangement is clearly intended to deplete our strength. General, why are you doing such a thankless task? Even if we survive this winter battle, won't the blood and sweat of these 100,000 Xiliang troops be wasted for the Emperor's service? And what benefit will we gain from it?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao could only sigh deeply, remaining silent for a moment. At this point, Zhang Liao gave Xu Shu a look, and Xu Shu, understanding, recounted the events of Chang'an in detail. From the emperor's forced marriage to Lu Wan, to Ma Chao's righteous indignation forcing the emperor to make Lu Wan his empress, to Ma Chao's eventual moral pressure from the emperor, and the entire process that necessitated the expedition against Yuan Shu, he detailed everything.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiu's eyes widened in anger. Filled with righteous indignation, he addressed Ma Chao, "Hmph! This emperor acts with such impunity, completely disregarding the dignity and rights of his subjects. General, you should have returned to Xiliang and mobilized your troops to recapture Miss Wan'er. Then we'll see how the emperor can maintain his dignity and prestige in public! Let the world know the truth and let the world judge for justice."

Ma Chao's expression was solemn. He spoke slowly, "Ah Xiu, that's true, but if the king wishes for the death of his subjects, then they must die. Besides, Wan'er is unmarried. Marriage has always been decided by parents and matchmakers. How can I forcibly stop her? Furthermore, my master has already agreed to this marriage. What else can I say?"

Zhang Xiu curled his lips in disdain. "General, I don't think your master taught you much useful stuff. He only instilled in you these pedantic ideas of loyalty and patriotism. Since the emperor can't be a competent monarch, why should we be his loyal subjects? Your master was pedantic his entire life, yet you still hold him in such high esteem. The men of Xiliang are known for their compassionate natures. Since you have such deep feelings for Miss Lu Wan, you should lead your army to recapture her, even if it means destroying Chang'an. Let's see how the emperor will respond!" Zhang Xiu grew increasingly excited as he spoke, completely unaware that Ma Chao's face had darkened and he was extremely displeased. Ma Chao held his master in such high esteem that Zhang Xiu's blunt criticism of him to his face displeased him.

Jia Xu, who was standing by, saw that the situation was not good and saw Ma Chao's frown. He quickly reached out and pulled Zhang Xiu, whispering, "Young Master, Young Master, be careful with your words! Don't speak so rashly again.