Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ever since learning that Ma Chao would be escorted to Hanzhong, Zhang Fubao had become a completely different person, remarkably well-behaved. She'd previously argued with her father about Ma Chao, even resorting to hunger strikes in protest, but now all those erratic behaviors had vanished. Zhang Fubao had her own plans: since Ma Chao hadn't left as planned and had instead been brought to Hanzhong by her father, she had to find a way to change the situation. She knew that if she remained trapped in the mansion, unable even to see Ma Chao, how could she possibly help him escape?

Over the past few days, she behaved with remarkable meekness, paying her respects to Zhang Lu daily. Although Zhang Lu had ordered her confined to her room, she was, after all, the apple of her father's eye, and the soldiers dared not truly stop her when she came to pay her respects. Zhang Lu was naturally delighted to see his daughter so obediently accompanying him. Meanwhile, Zhang Fubao would inquire indirectly about Ma Chao's arrival during each of her visits. While Zhang Lu sensed that his daughter seemed still concerned about Ma Chao, he felt that his arrival was inevitable and dismissed her inquiries.

After Yang Bai escorted Ma Chao to his residence, Zhang Lu meticulously arranged Ma Chao's daily needs, setting a high standard and displaying his respectful hospitality. However, he did not rush to summon Ma Chao, merely sending a message for Ma Chao to rest and recuperate for a day. It was not until the next day that Zhang Lu meticulously prepared a feast and solemnly invited Ma Chao to attend. The banquet was a grand spectacle, meticulously executed with formalities. From the banquet's layout to the selection of attendants, it all demonstrated Zhang Lu's deep regard for Ma Chao. It seemed as if he intended this banquet to initiate crucial communication and negotiations with Ma Chao, or perhaps to demonstrate Hanzhong's sincerity and demeanor to the Western Liang.

Zhen Mi, impersonating Ma Chao, gradually calmed down from her initial panic, the torment she endured like a shadow. She knew full well that impersonating Ma Chao had landed her in such a predicament, but everything she witnessed along the way, from the escorting soldiers to the hospitality at the City Lord's Mansion, made her realize that while this identity brought trouble, it also brought her generous treatment. She couldn't imagine the wrath that would ensue if she revealed she wasn't Ma Chao, so she didn't dare take any chances, hoping to get away with it.

Born into a merchant family, she was intelligent and quick-witted from childhood, naturally gifted with a discerning mind. Now, she could only rely on her quick wits to counter each move. For the past two days, she had meticulously studied the proper demeanor and dignity expected of Ma Chao, the young master of Xiliang. Zhen Mi, already experienced, had witnessed the demeanor of the various sons of the Yuan family, and so she diligently emulated them, even acquiring a passing resemblance. Her every gesture, the aura of a young noble, had so completely aroused the suspicion of even Yang Bai, the escort. She, too, struggled to maintain this precarious lie amidst this precarious facade.

Zhen Mi entered the banquet hall, greeted respectfully by servants. Zhang Lu, seated at the head of the table, personally came to greet her. Zhang Lu, worthy of being the current leader of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect, possessed a distinctly Taoist demeanor, with a delicate face and a long beard. Though middle-aged, he exuded an air of sagelike grace. Looking at the guests accompanying her, they were all key figures in Hanzhong's political core. Even Yang Bai, Zhang Lu's trusted confidant who had escorted her there, didn't dare stand too close to the front.

Zhang Lu, with a beaming face, went straight to the steps and said in a clear voice, "Your Excellency has come all the way to Hanzhong as a guest. We haven't had the opportunity to chat with you in my house before. Zhang Lu is really worried and worried that I may have failed to entertain you well. Therefore, I took the liberty to invite you into my house for a chat. May I ask if you have encountered any problems along the way?" Zhen Mi forced herself to remain calm and imitated Ma Chao's posture. She wore a brocade robe and a sword at her waist. She bowed to Zhang Lu and said in a deliberately low voice, "You are too polite, County Magistrate. General Yang Bai has taken great care of us all the way, but due to the rush of his journey, he didn't have time to visit the prefect. This is truly Ma Chao's fault." Zhang Lu's smile widened when he saw Ma Chao's humility and courtesy. He stepped forward and affectionately took Zhen Mi's arm, saying, "Sir, the banquet is ready. Please take a seat and let us experience the customs and culture of Hanzhong together." Zhen Mi had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow Zhang Lu to the banquet, but she was extremely nervous, hoping not to reveal any flaws at the Hongmen Banquet.

Zhen Mi repeatedly declined, firmly refusing the seat of honor. Zhang Lu feigned anger, saying, "Sir, with your prestige at court and influence in the northwest, if you don't take the higher seat, wouldn't it show that Hanzhong is not hospitable enough? How can this banquet even begin?" Zhen Mi's refusals proved fruitless, so she accepted the seat and said, "Prefect, you and my father are close in age, and both served the Han Dynasty. Please don't address me as 'Sir' anymore.' I, your nephew, will address you as uncle, and you can call me by my first name. Besides, I haven't been serving the court long, so compared to your son, I'm more like your son's nephew." Zhang Lu was secretly delighted by Ma Chao's understanding and measured behavior. He thought that with such a polite man, peace talks with Xiliang might indeed have a chance of success.

Seeing Ma Chao's respectful gesture, Zhang Lu's smile widened. Turning, he beckoned his sons, Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui, who were standing at the side, to come forward and greet Ma Chao. Zhang Lu's eyes curved, and he spoke in a gentle voice, "Your Excellency's humility and courtesy clearly demonstrate that, while the Ma family is a family of military commanders, it is also steeped in poetry and literature, filled with wise and understanding people. In that case, I will waive formalities and address you as my nephew."

Zhen Mi, forcing herself to remain calm, fully engaged in playing the role of Ma Chao, quickly feigned panic upon hearing this, and said sincerely, "Uncle, such a title is truly appropriate. I, your nephew, feel deeply ashamed to accept it. Please, uncle, please do not be so polite."

Zhang Lu laughed again, then raised his hand to introduce his sons, Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui, to Zhen Mi, "These two are my legitimate sons, Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui. They are somewhat dull-witted and mediocre in talent. They are completely unlike you, my Lord, who has achieved fame at a young age, roaming the world and gaining a great reputation. If they could even reach even a fraction of your brilliance, I would be deeply pleased and have nothing more to ask for."

Zhen Mi didn't dare to slack off. She quickly stood up and greeted Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui with great respect, saying, "How are you, my two senior brothers? I'm just a rough man who grew up in that remote borderland. How can I compare with the talented people of Hanzhong? Uncle, your praise is really too flattering. I must not believe it."

Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui, nurtured in the rites of passage since childhood, were bound by the rules of propriety. They saluted Ma Chao according to etiquette. As they did so, they looked up at him, their hearts filled with admiration. Ma Chao was indeed as legendary as his reputation, his grace and elegance unparalleled. His imposing bearing was truly a radiant and dazzling figure, a sight to behold, unforgettable and filled with a surge of admiration.

Hanzhong City's top figures gathered for a banquet, each silently observing Ma Chao's demeanor and demeanor, each with their own thoughts. After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually heated up.

Zhang Wei spoke first, and with a big smile on his face, he complimented "Ma Chao": "Lord Ma is a young hero, and his reputation has spread far and wide. I think the Western Liang Iron Cavalry will be unstoppable under your command, and will achieve great things in the future. He is truly a hero of the time, and we admire him very much." After he finished speaking, his eyes were burning, as if he was trying to find out "Ma Chao's" reaction.

Then, Yan Pu was not willing to be outdone. He raised his glass, stood up, and said in a loud voice: "We have long heard of your heroic deeds on the battlefield. With your bravery and strategy, in time, the world's situation will probably change because of you. I wonder what your opinion is on the current situation?" This question seemed to be a request for advice, but in fact it was a clever test, trying to get a glimpse of Xiliang's intentions from "Ma Chao's" answer.

Zhen Mi was shocked, but still tried to remain calm. She imitated Ma Chao's heroic posture, raised her glass in return, and said calmly: "You are too kind. I am just doing my duty in Xiliang and defending my hometown. Now is a chaotic world with complicated forces. I think peace is the most important thing and the right way is to jointly protect the peace of the Han Dynasty. As for the rest, I only wish to follow the will of heaven and dare not have too many delusions." She cleverly avoided the sharp edge and responded with general words, making it difficult for everyone to understand.

When everyone heard this, although they felt that the answer was quite standard, they did not notice anything unusual. They continued to interact with "Ma Chao", with endless compliments and increasingly subtle attempts to test him. Zhen Mi, on the other hand, carefully maintained Ma Chao's identity in this real and fake banquet and social event, not daring to make the slightest mistake.

Yan Pu, Zhang Lu's advisor, frowned, his mind swirling with doubt. His gaze fixed on Ma Chao, who was socializing with the crowd. While his every move was elegant, his words impeccable, and his demeanor and bearing truly exceptional, Yan Pu sensed something was amiss. Upon closer inspection, he realized that Ma Chao lacked the steely bravery of a seasoned warrior. His manner was too conventional, as if he were bound by some kind of framework.

Taking advantage of the brief pause while everyone poured wine for "Ma Chao," Yan Pu crouched low, treading lightly and swiftly towards Zhang Lu. He leaned forward slightly, almost to Zhang Lu's ear, and spoke in a low, solemn voice, "Master, forgive my intrusion, but are you absolutely certain of Ma Chao's identity?" Zhang Lu, who had been immersed in the seemingly harmonious atmosphere of the banquet, was suddenly met with a flicker of confusion and bewilderment. He tilted his head slightly, a questioning look in his eyes, and whispered, "Oh? Why do you have such doubts? Feel free to speak up if you have anything to say. Don't hesitate."

Yan Pu cleared his throat, his eyes flickering with doubt as he spoke slowly, "My lord, please take a closer look at Ma Chao. He is a dignified man, his demeanor truly admirable. However, I have spent many years in both officialdom and the military, and I know that a commander as renowned and formidable as he is on the battlefield should exude a sense of decisiveness and unbridled boldness. However, this man before me, while at ease and polite, seems somewhat forced in his politeness, unlike the demeanor of a fierce general who has fought his way through mountains of corpses and seas of blood."

Zhang Lu subconsciously shook his head after hearing Yan Pu's words, gently raising and lowering his hands. He said, "Yan Pu, I understand your concerns, but I don't think there's anything wrong. Think about it, the world is so vast, how could someone dare to impersonate Ma Chao by such a coincidence? Besides, Yang Bai escorted us the entire way, and he repeatedly assured me that there was nothing unusual. If someone really was impersonating, let alone having the courage, simply imitating Ma Chao's charm and demeanor would be a challenge. It's not something that just anyone can do."