Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Seeing Ma Chao's deep brotherly love for Zhang Xiu and Zou's willingness to die for Zhang Xiu, Zhang Ji felt relieved and satisfied. A smile gradually appeared on his face and he clapped his hands lightly, saying, "Okay, okay, your attitude makes me feel a lot more at ease." After that, he ordered the soldiers to untie the ropes for Zhang Xiu and Zou.

Zhang Xiu tore free the rag gagged from his mouth and, along with Zou, hurried to Ma Chao. He dropped to his knees with a thud, his face filled with guilt as he declared, "General, all of this was orchestrated by my uncle. My uncle didn't intend to kill me, but merely wanted to test your loyalty to my brotherhood or to the military power of Wancheng. General, this was never my intention. I apologize on my uncle's behalf. I hope you will be magnanimous and not bear a grudge. Although I acted in such a playful manner, it was unavoidable. I hope you will forgive me."

Everyone stood there in shock, faces filled with astonishment, as if under a spell. A moment before, the air was thick with the smell of gunpowder, and the atmosphere was tense to the extreme. In the blink of an eye, as if manipulated by an invisible hand, the situation had magically transformed into a ridiculous and absurd one. The suffocating tension was like a bowstring stretched to its limit that suddenly broke, transforming into a seemingly absurd farce.

Ma Chao shook his head helplessly, then smiled wryly as he hauled Zhang Xiu up from the ground. His hands were firm yet attentive and affectionate. His gaze scrutinized Zhang Xiu, and with his other hand, he gently and delicately brushed the dust off his clothes, as if he were a loved one. Each stroke seemed filled with a sense of relief and emotion, as he sighed, "Alas, Heaven has mercy on you. You're safe and sound. This is truly a blessing in disguise, and the most ideal outcome. If this misunderstanding truly leads to war, we both know that no matter which side's men fall, they are all the good men of Xiliang, brothers who once fought alongside us and shared strong drinks. The thought of this makes my heart feel like it's being stabbed by countless steel knives, the pain is unbearable, and I'm afraid blood will flow like a spring."

Ma Chao's expression suddenly changed as if struck by thunder. He slapped his forehead anxiously, leaving a red mark on it. His voice was filled with panic and urgency, "This is bad! Hu Che'er, there is no time to waste. Hurry and rush to Wancheng with General Zhang Liao to coordinate the city's defense. Stop Xu Shu. Don't let him rashly lead his army to Wancheng without knowing the situation. If a battle breaks out, Wancheng and its surroundings will be plunged into chaos."

Upon hearing this order, Zhang Liao and Hu Che'er responded without hesitation, shouting in unison, "Understood!" Their voices were resolute and resonant, echoing through the air. Zhang Ji, anxious at the sight, called out, "Hurry, hurry, time is running out! We can't afford to lose! Ride my horse! This fine, fine horse has exceptional stamina and will surely help you reach a certain speed." However, Hu Che'er seemed oblivious. He bent his legs slightly, tapped the ground with his toes, and like a ghost, he transformed into a dark shadow, darting away like an arrow, raising a cloud of dust in his wake. He ignored Zhang Ji's kindness and sped away without even a mount. Zhang Liao, surrounded by his soldiers, hurried toward the stables and soon found Zhang Xiu's horse. He mounted his saddle, pulled the reins, and the steed neighed loudly. Its hooves rose, sending up a cloud of sand and gravel before disappearing from sight like a gust of wind.

Zhang Ji, supported by Jia Xu, was still trembling slightly, his legs weak as he struggled to stand. The soldiers nearby hurried forward, carefully supporting him on both sides. Zhang Xiu tried to move towards Ma Chao, but his weakness made it difficult for him to move forward. Each step seemed to exhaust all his strength.

Ma Chao, seeing this, understood what he was trying to say and quickly gave Zhang Xiu a look. Zhang Xiu understood and, pulling himself together, slowly came to his uncle's side, and together with Jia Xu, supported Zhang Ji on either side.

Ma Chao also strode towards them. Zhang Ji raised his trembling hand slightly, bowed weakly, and said, "General Ma Chao, I am truly deeply ashamed. Today's turmoil is truly a helpless act on my part. General, you personally led the army here, announcing your intention to conquer Yangzhou. Mr. Wenhe and I have secretly discussed this matter, and we are inevitably somewhat suspicious. Although you are here to visit Zhang Xiu, we are worried that you may have other plans for Wancheng. After all, in these troubled times, people's hearts are unpredictable, and we must be on guard. That's why I have resorted to this desperate measure, using such an incident to test you."

Zhang Ji took a deep breath, a look of fatigue and worry in his eyes. "I am now terminally ill and will not live long. Zhang Xiu lost his parents when he was young, and I have always treated him as my own son. However, he has a kind personality and lacks ambition, which makes me very worried. I have worked hard for many years, and the foundation of Wancheng was hard-earned. More importantly, how can I bear to see these old brothers in this city who have been through thick and thin with me, left without anyone to rely on in the future? That is why I have offended the general and set up this trap. I am truly ashamed and hope that the general will forgive me."

Ma Chao, however, laughed heartily, his face devoid of any resentment. He bowed in return and said sincerely, "General, you are too kind. I, Ma, have also made many mistakes. It was simply because I was concerned about Ah Xiu's safety and worried about my brothers' lives at the time that I spoke to you in a way that was offensive and rude. It was truly inappropriate. You are a friend of my father's generation, so I should have treated you with the courtesy of a junior and shown you the utmost respect. Moreover, Ah Xiu and I are like brothers, so you are my elder. I would like to apologize for my rude and reckless words today. I hope you will not blame me."

Ma Chao paused briefly, his expression turning to admiration. "General, as a leader, you always keep the future and livelihoods of your fellow soldiers and brothers in mind. This kind of heart and loyalty earns my sincere respect and admiration. Furthermore, your painstaking efforts and good intentions in dealing with Zhang Xiu are truly admirable. I know that you are doing this for the long-term stability of Wancheng and for the future well-being of your brothers."

Zhang Ji quickly waved his hands and said earnestly, "General, please don't praise me like that. If there's any blame, it's entirely my responsibility as an old man. You must not vent your anger on an ignorant child like Zhang Xiu. Now that I see your deep affection and sincerity for Zhang Xiu, I can rest in peace even if I die immediately."

Zhang Ji paused slightly, his expression solemn and resolute. "From today on, the foundation of Wancheng, and Zhang Xiu himself, will officially return to Xiliang. We are fully subordinate to the general, and will be at his disposal. We are willing to serve you like a slavish servant, and will follow your lead. This will also provide a clear path and a stable and reliable home for the many old brothers in Wancheng who have followed us for many years."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao exclaimed "Excellent, Excellent" three times, then continued, "It is truly a blessing that the General is so understanding of justice. Now that you have such a sincere heart to serve the court, the Emperor will surely be generous in his rewards once he learns of them. The general's actions will undoubtedly inspire great enthusiasm throughout the court and the country. This news, when spread to the princes of the world, will also be quite positive news for them."

Jia Xu shook his head slightly, then slowly said: "General Ma Chao, you may have misunderstood. My master's intention is not to surrender to the court, but to serve you and return to his homeland in Xiliang. Think about it, in the eyes of the court, we are just those who followed Dong Gong in the past, like the people who are accomplices of the tiger. Dong Gong threatened the emperor so much back then, and the emperor must have resentful in his heart. To be honest, General Ma Chao, although the emperor still has some reliance on you now, he is also under pressure. . When the world is at peace, how can we expect a good end? General, just look at the present. As the emperor's trusted confidant, how are you treated? General, dare you assert that after the world is settled, you and I will be safe and sound? As the old saying goes, 'When the birds are gone, the good bows are put away; when the cunning rabbit dies, the running dogs are cooked', this is absolutely true. "After hearing these words, Ma Chao could not help but be stunned. He thought to himself that what Jia Xu said seemed to make some sense, and he had indeed not thought deeply about this before.

Zhang Ji cleared his throat and spoke gravely, "General Ma Chao, you should have made earlier plans for this situation. You know the true character of the Emperor better than we do. Despite your intelligence and wisdom, you find yourself facing numerous obstacles and obstacles in the court. Just think about it: how could a child like Zhang Xiu, relying on himself, survive the numerous traps, intrigues, and cunning schemes within? Frankly, this court is already terminally ill and rotten. Even if you expend all your energy to maintain it, maintaining unity between the ruler and his subjects is only a temporary solution, capable of only slightly delaying its decline, but unable to fundamentally resolve the problem. Furthermore, the Emperor is already filled with suspicion of you, and every step you take within the court is treading on thin ice, a struggle exceedingly difficult. In my opinion, you should emulate the actions of Lord Dong and overthrow the court once and for all, starting anew. Perhaps that will be the only way to find a way out."

Ma Chao frowned, his face hesitant. He said in a deep voice, "That's what you say, but if you really put it into action as you say, the people of the world will be plunged into war and suffer. In the chaos of war, who knows how many innocent lives will be lost, and their families will be destroyed. How can we bear to do that?"

Jia Xu's eyes were dim, and his tone was gentle, yet revealing an unquestionable resolve: "General Ma Chao, throughout history, has reforming the world's order always been achieved without paying the price of blood? As the saying goes, a short pain is worse than a long one. If we act decisively and make changes with swift and decisive force, perhaps the casualties and suffering suffered by the people will be reduced. If we simply blindly stick to the old ways and allow this chaotic world to continue, the people will have to endure endless suffering for who knows how many years. That would be truly devastating, with no peace and security."

Ma Chao was speechless after hearing their words. Although their words seemed to be indifferent to the lives of the people, upon closer examination, they did make sense, which made Ma Chao fall into deep contemplation and entanglement.

How could those who wield great power and control important tools be so ignorant of the various shortcomings and the key to the problem? It's just that they all have different calculations and plans based on their own interests, ambitions, and the complex situation.