Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

After Xu Shu and Zhang Liao learned that all this was Li Ru's elaborate scheme, they fell into extreme inner turmoil, tossing and turning all night. Their thoughts were like a tangled mess, repeatedly entangled in the dilemma of whether to tell Ma Chao the truth.

If they told Ma Chao the truth, they suspected he would resent Xiliang's inaction, which, after all, had in some way affected the overall situation. And if Ma Chao learned the truth, he would undoubtedly feel guilty towards the court. His loyalty to the emperor and his patriotism were well known, and such a move would surely lead to deep remorse and pain. In reality, everyone in Xiliang, including them, deeply hoped that Ma Chao would break free from the oppressive and dreary shackles of the court and return to the vast, free land of Xiliang, where he could live a carefree and carefree life. While Li Ru's plan caused them concern and fear, it was ultimately intended to distance Ma Chao from the vortex of court infighting. Furthermore, even if they disobeyed Li Ru's orders and revealed the truth to Ma Chao, it would be futile. Xiliang's troops would remain unable to be replenished, and the current predicament would remain unchanged. But if they angered Li Ru, and Ma Chao blamed them, with Li Ru's ruthless and decisive methods, they would definitely not be able to escape severe punishment. The thought of this made the two of them shudder.

The next day, Xu Shu and Zhang Liao, heavy-hearted, went to Ma Chao's tent to discuss important matters. Seeing the two men, clearly exhausted and haggard, evidently lacking rest, Xu Huang secretly rejoiced, thankful that for once he was no longer alone in keeping the secret, that his torment was shared with others. Xu Shu and Zhang Liao, sensing Xu Huang's thoughts, glared at him fiercely, their faces clearly etched with dismay and displeasure. Ma Chao, assuming the two generals were distressed by their concerns about the situation, offered soothing words. Ma Chao's concern only made the three men feel even more uncomfortable, and the atmosphere grew awkward, as if an invisible force were quietly creeping through the tent, leaving everyone feeling bewildered.

At dawn, Zhang Xiu rushed to the camp, eager to see Ma Chao. Upon entering the tent, he saw everyone present, his face lit up with joy. After warmly greeting everyone, he turned to Ma Chao and said eagerly, "Brother, Xiliang is in dire straits now, and with no reinforcements on their way, the troops from Wancheng will be of great use. With tens of thousands of our brave soldiers, you'll have a better chance of victory in the battle for Yangzhou. Furthermore, my uncle has already instructed that from now on, everyone in Wancheng will return to Xiliang and obey your command."

Before Zhang Xiu finished speaking, Xu Huang rushed forward with a beaming face, gave Zhang Xiu a tight bear hug, and shouted, "Great, great, you're finally back. I've been so bored these days, facing these dull and boring guys who are far inferior to me in intelligence all day long. It's really boring. Although you are not much better than me, as soon as you come, I am full of energy again." Zhang Xiu couldn't help laughing when he heard it, "You still dare to say that you are smarter than me? Not at all! Whether it is wisdom or martial arts, you are inferior to me." Xu Huang was not willing to accept it, and immediately replied, "Come on, let's go and compete again, don't be so arrogant." After that, the two of them chatted and joked with each other, as if they wanted to liven up the slightly dull atmosphere in the tent, but in fact they didn't want to give Ma Chao a chance to refuse.

It was because Ma Chao really didn't want the Xiliang generals in Wancheng to be involved in the war in Yangzhou. But seeing this, how could Ma Chao change his mind easily? His expression became serious and he said in a loud voice: "Don't make trouble, you two. The troops in Wancheng will not be mobilized for the time being. The Xiliang soldiers in Wancheng have been away from home for a long time, and the battle of Yangzhou is extremely dangerous. If these good men are sacrificed in vain on this battlefield, how can we justify their years of displacement? What's more, their relatives in Xiliang are still eagerly looking forward to their return." Seeing this, Xu Shu bowed and said: "General, please think twice! Now our troops are weak, and we should gather all our strength to resolve the crisis in Yangzhou as soon as possible." Zhang Xiu, Xu Huang, and Zhang Liao also bowed in unison and said: "General, there is strength in numbers, and the soldiers in Wancheng are not ordinary people. They are all passionate men of Xiliang and should charge into battle for you." But Ma Chao remained unmoved and his attitude was firm, which made Zhang Xiu so anxious that he kept scratching his head, but he had no idea what to do.

Zhang Xiu was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, yet he was at his wit's end. Seeing Xu Huang's winking glances, he understood and gave up his stubborn opinion. After a few casual conversations about the situation in the tent, Zhang Xiu and Xu Huang left.

As soon as they left the tent, Zhang Xiu eagerly grabbed Xu Huang and hurried to a corner. He whispered, "Gongming, I saw you winked at me just now. Do you have any clever ideas that could convince my brother to allow the soldiers from Wancheng to join us in the expedition?" Xu Huang chuckled and quipped, "You little idiot! I told you you weren't smart enough, but you refused to accept. And now you're begging me again?" Zhang Xiu quickly said, "Don't be ridiculous. Let's get down to business. If you have a good plan, we can fight side by side again. I've been in Wancheng for years, and while we've had some occasional battles, none of them major ones. I've been feeling suffocated for a while now. It's so much more satisfying to fight together."

Xu Huang narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Have you forgotten how I accompanied the general to Chang'an that year?" Zhang Xiu's eyes lit up and he said, "Could it be..." Xu Huang continued, "When the army sets out, you lead an army to wait outside early. I don't believe the general can drive you back. At most, you will suffer a beating. I'm thick-skinned, so what is there to be afraid of?" Zhang Xiu's mood suddenly brightened. He patted Xu Huang's shoulder vigorously and praised, "You are indeed a shrewd and cunning boy." Xu Huang curled his lips in disgust and said, "Go away, go away, this is called wisdom. You, a blockhead, are far from it!"

The two men discussed it carefully for a moment before excitedly departing. Everything was now ready, waiting only for news from Sun Ce in Jiangdong before the army could march out. Everyone was eagerly anticipating the start of this great battle, but no one could accurately predict how the situation would unfold in the future.

Time slipped by, two or three days slipping by. Amidst the eager anticipation, the messenger sent to Sun Ce finally returned, bringing with him a handwritten letter from Sun Ce. Ma Chao was terrified, his hands trembling slightly as he took the letter. His eagerness betrayed him, as if it held a devastating secret concerning the fate of the world. He unfolded the letter swiftly and carefully, his gaze captivated by the vigorous, yet unrestrained handwriting.

"My brother Mengqi, I'm glad to hear from you." Ma Chao recited the opening lines softly, his thoughts drifting back to the past. "I recall the past. In my time of need, you generously assisted me, helping me to establish my army and forge a new chapter. I will never forget this kindness." Back then, when Sun Ce was just starting out, his army was small and his generals were few, and the situation was precarious. It was Ma Chao, regardless of his own hardships and dangers, who resolutely allocated troops and provided Sun Ce with immense support. Back then, he was like a beacon, illuminating Sun Ce's path in his dark and difficult times. This friendship, like a timely help, was deeply engraved in Sun Ce's heart, a mark that the passage of time has not faded. "Brother's noble character is like the vast moon in the sky, illuminating me and enabling me to forge ahead courageously in these troubled times. This is the reason for my conquest of Kuaiji County and my initial foothold in Jiangdong." Sun Ce's arduous journey through Jiangdong was fraught with difficulties and hardships, and countless life-or-death struggles. It was Ma Chao's support that gave him the faith and courage to persevere. With this strength, he overcame all obstacles, led his men in bloody battles, and finally successfully captured the strategic Kuaiji County. He painstakingly established a foundation in this vast land of Jiangdong, teeming with heroes, and began his ambitious plan for hegemony.

"Hearing that you wish to meet at Yangzhou, I gladly agree. I will devote all my strength, leading the men of Jiangdong to fight alongside you, to jointly resist the foreign enemies and spread the prestige of our brothers. If you require anything, I will not hesitate." Reading this, Ma Chao seemed to see Sun Ce's resolute gaze and confident expression, sensing the immense power and sincerity in his words. Sun Ce's unwavering support for the Yangzhou battle undoubtedly strengthened Ma Chao's resolve for the impending battle. Ma Chao knew that Sun Ce, a man of his word, would be a formidable force on the battlefield, joining his army in resisting the invasion. At that moment, the prestige of the two brothers would shine like a brilliant star in the turbulent sky, drawing the attention of heroes from all directions.

"Furthermore, my mother in Wu Commandery often remembers your kindness, and whenever she speaks of your help, she weeps with gratitude. As the New Year draws to a close, she hopes you'll spare the time to visit Wu Commandery. If you do, I'll make a warm welcome, and we'll share a drink and a long conversation. I'll treat you to the splendor of Jiangdong, fine wine and delicious food, and we'll reminisce about our former ambitions, allowing my mother to thank you in person. I eagerly await your arrival." The gratitude of Sun Ce's mother, expressed between the lines, and Sun Ce's warm invitation, warmed Ma Chao's heart. He could almost see the bustling streets of Wu Commandery and feel the sincerity and warmth of the Sun family. In these turbulent times, this genuine affection was especially precious, like a spring flowing through Ma Chao's war-weary heart, nourishing his soul.

Ma Chao slowly put the letter down, his eyes gleaming with emotion and relief. He felt a renewed confidence and eager anticipation for the upcoming Battle of Yangzhou. He knew that with the support of brothers like Sun Ce and the combined strength of all parties, this battle, though fraught with challenges, would always hold a glimmer of hope for victory.

Ma Chao passed the letter around. A moment of silence fell within the tent, broken only by the rustling of pages. After the generals had carefully reviewed it, Ma Chao raised his head, his gaze firm and steady. He spoke, "Now that Bofu has sent a letter, he's clearly stated his stance, and he must have made corresponding plans. Our army has rested here for several days, but the situation in Yangzhou remains precarious, like a candle in the wind, ready to go out at any moment. As loyal and righteous men, we shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting our territory and the people. We cannot remain here any longer."

At this point, Ma Chao paused briefly, glancing around at the generals in the tent. Then, in a deep voice, he said, "Tomorrow, we will bid farewell to General Zhang Ji and Ah Xiu, and then the army will march on schedule. General Zhang Liao will lead the elite division as the vanguard, blazing the trail, breaking through the enemy's obstacles and clearing the way for the army. I, along with General Zhang Ren and Mr. Xu Shu, will command the center, directing and managing the entire force and controlling the overall situation. Generals Xu Huang and Jiang Jiong will shoulder the important responsibility of protecting the rear and properly transporting food and supplies to ensure our army's smooth supply. This is a crucial deployment that will determine our army's success. I hope all of you generals will fulfill your responsibilities and give it your all."

Upon hearing the order, the generals perked up and responded with a roar of approval, their voices shaking the camp. Afterward, the generals quickly dispersed and, following Ma Chao's instructions, began intensively preparing for the army's smooth march tomorrow. They were busy checking weapons and armor, preparing food and supplies, and gathering their men to convey orders. The camp was a scene of bustling and orderly preparation, like a scene before a battle.