Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Yan Pu's brow remained furrowed. He rubbed his hands nervously and continued to persuade him earnestly, "Master, that being said, none of us here, including you, have ever actually met Ma Chao in person. Although the general's demeanor is indeed extraordinary, this doubt is like a thorn that deeply pierces my heart and I cannot let it go. What if... what if we really have recognized the wrong person? Once this news spreads, Hanzhong will become a laughing stock throughout the world. This will cause an immeasurable blow to your prestige and the reputation of Hanzhong as a whole."

Zhang Lu's previously firm conviction began to waver after hearing Yan Pu's earnest words. A flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes, and a multitude of thoughts raced through his mind. He knew Yan Pu was always cautious, and his insistence must have its reasons. He also realized that, among all the people, only his daughter, Zhang Fubao, had ever met Ma Chao. But the thought of his daughter gave him a headache. He had observed her recent unusual behavior and knew she must be attracted to the young man before him. He had high hopes for his daughter, hoping she would one day become a mother of the nation. So, when preparing for the banquet to entertain Ma Chao, he had issued strict orders confining Zhang Fubao to his mansion, preventing her from having any further entanglement with Ma Chao. But now, with Ma Chao's identity in doubt, was he really going to jeopardize his plans and send someone to bring Zhang Fubao in for identification? If he made a mistake, wouldn't his daughter be even more deeply embroiled in the situation? But if he didn't do so, what if this was really a fake, the consequences would be even more disastrous. Zhang Lu fell into deep entanglement, and for a moment, he didn't know what to do.

Zhang Lu's inner conflict and uneasiness ultimately prevailed, and he decided to proceed with caution. He secretly dispatched a trusted confidant to bring the young lady to a side hall. He specifically instructed that the young lady only observe from a distance to confirm whether it was Ma Chao, and that she must never meet him directly. Zhang Lu feared that any interaction between his daughter and Ma Chao would jeopardize the future he had carefully planned for Zhang Fubao. He wholeheartedly hoped that his daughter would follow the path he had envisioned, hoping to become a mother of the country, and must not be deviated from this path by a fleeting impulse.

At this time, Zhang Fubao, who was confined to her room, was unhappy. Her sister Zhang Qiying was by her side, patiently persuading her. Zhang Qiying knew her father's difficulties very well. She said softly: "Sister, father has to deal with the complicated teaching affairs of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect and manage the land of Hanzhong. The affairs are so busy. As children, if we act so willfully, it will only make father more worried. Just listen to him." Zhang Fubao was just absent-mindedly dealing with her sister's earnest advice. Her eyes always unconsciously looked out the door. Her mind had already drifted elsewhere. The figure of Ma Chao kept appearing in her mind.

At this moment, a servant came to inform her that Zhang Lu wanted to take her to identify Ma Chao. Upon hearing this, Zhang Fubao immediately pouted and muttered in dissatisfaction: "Hmph, I'm not going! You only remember me when you need me, and you keep me locked up here all the time." Zhang Qiying understood her sister's thoughts. She smiled slightly and said softly: "Sister, if you obey father's wishes, won't you be able to take this opportunity to meet him? If you really insist on not going, then I will refuse father for you." Upon hearing this, Zhang Fubao suddenly became anxious and said quickly: "Okay, okay, I'll listen to you. Humph, you just make trouble for me all day long."

After saying this, Zhang Fubao examined herself carefully in the mirror again. She wondered if she could meet Ma Chao in person, but would she be misled by his appearance in women's clothing? Just as she was debating whether to change, a servant hurriedly reminded her, "Miss, just take a look from a distance and make your own identification. No need to prepare too much." Zhang Fubao's pout deepened, and she angrily declared, "Then I won't go. So many requests are really annoying." Zhang Qiying, observing her expression, deliberately said, "Sister, you really aren't going? If you don't want to go, then let them go back." Zhang Qiying knew her sister's temper well, and this provocation had her in the lurch. Unwilling to pass up such an opportunity, she hurriedly grabbed her sister and, led by the attendants, hurriedly headed towards the banquet hall.

Zhang Fubao hurried to the banquet hall in a panic. Looking up, she saw the handsome, imposing figure. Who else could it be but the Ma Chao she had been thinking about day and night? Her eyes instantly reddened, and a flood of longing and joy washed over her like a tide. For a moment, she forgot everything around her, and her pace involuntarily quickened as she hurried into the hall.

Her elder sister, Zhang Qiying, was quick-witted and quick-handed, quickly reached out to hold her back. Meanwhile, trusted servants gathered around, anxiously trying to stop her, "Miss, Miss, you absolutely cannot go in now! Think about it, these are all important figures in Hanzhong. If you barge in like this, how will the master cope? What should we do?" Zhang Qiying pleaded, "Sister, if you go in now, won't others laugh at your father for his poor parenting and accuse us of being rude?"

Zhang Fubao was held tightly by her sister, and hearing that her father's reputation was at stake, she was reluctant, but the etiquette she had been taught since childhood and her respect for her father made her stop slowly. She bit her lower lip, tears of grievance and unwillingness welling up in her eyes. Despite her reluctance and helplessness, she reluctantly agreed.

Afterwards, the servant quietly went to report to Zhang Lu, "Miss, you have confirmed that this is Ma Chao." Zhang Lu felt a sense of relief after hearing this. He breathed a sigh of relief and cast a reassuring look at Yan Pu beside him. Seeing this, Yan Pu also felt relieved, and his frown gradually relaxed. Everyone continued to enjoy the feast, toasting and laughing. However, Zhang Fubao stood in the side hall with a lost look, his eyes fixed on Ma Chao, unable to move away for a long time.

As the banquet drew to a close, Zhang Lu ordered the wine and food to be removed, dismissed his son and other irrelevant guests, and served fragrant tea. Zhang Lu gazed at the "Ma Chao" before him, his cheeks flushed and his face as rosy as a rosy blossom from drinking, and could not help but admire him. Such handsomeness, among men, even among women, perhaps only his own Zhang Fubao could compare to him; the rest of them could hardly hold a candle to him. He shook his head slightly, as if to dispel these chaotic thoughts, and then said, "My dear nephew, we've almost finished this wine. I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should say it or not."

Although Zhen Mi had also drunk some wine, she was still on edge from impersonating Ma Chao. Upon hearing this, she quickly bowed and said respectfully, "Uncle, please feel free to speak. I am all ears."

Zhang Lu frowned slightly and said worriedly, "My dear nephew, Hanzhong has always been a place where politics and religion are united, and the people are devout believers in the Five Pecks of Rice Sect. While life isn't particularly prosperous, it's relatively peaceful. I've been in charge of Hanzhong for many years, loyal to the court and never wavering. We also enjoy peaceful coexistence with our neighbors. But I wonder, my dear nephew, why would you, Xiliang, raise an army for no reason, trespass against our territory, and invade our Wudu Commandery?"

Zhen Mi's heart raced, her heart fluttering like a deer, but she was a seasoned woman, forcing herself to maintain composure. After a brief silence, she bowed her head slightly and spoke in a steady voice, "Uncle, you may not know. Although I am the Young Master of Xiliang, I have always lived in the court, dedicated solely to the imperial court. Xiliang's military affairs are all managed by my father. I have no idea what the purpose of this expedition is."

Zhang Wei's gaze was as sharp as a torch, gazing intently at Zhen Mi. Seeing her slightly unsure expression, he spoke with a hint of doubt, "Your Highness, do you believe what you say? The battle between Xiliang and Hanzhong is a world-shaking event. As General Ma Teng's eldest son, how could you be so clueless about the purpose of the expedition? The world is in turmoil right now, with various factions vying for power. Instead of fighting the rebels on behalf of the imperial court, you, Xiliang, are targeting Hanzhong. Hanzhong may not be vast, but it has thousands of loyal followers. If we really fight to the death, both sides will surely pay a heavy price."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Mi immediately clasped her fists in a bow, her expression filled with sincerity and humility. "Uncle, I truly do not wish to see war rage on and cause innocent people to suffer. If you can offer a comprehensive plan to resolve this conflict, I would be deeply grateful. I will follow your guidance without hesitation." Even so, Zhen Mi was sweating profusely and secretly groaning. How could an imposter like her know the reason behind the war between Xiliang and Hanzhong? Ma Chao's identity was too daunting to easily deceive. For now, she could only grit her teeth and adapt to the situation, waiting to see what their intentions were before making any plans.

Yan Pu's face was stern, and his words were sharp. "My Lord, please stop trying to deceive me. If you were truly unaware of Xiliang's invasion of Hanzhong, why would you disguise yourself as a merchant caravan and sneak into Hanzhong with only a few men? This is clearly an attempt to spy on Hanzhong's terrain, using it as a surprise attack to stir up trouble in our rear."

Zhen Mi was anxious, but she still tried to argue, "No, no, Mr. Yan is worrying too much. If I really wanted to harm Hanzhong, why would I come with such a small force? Isn't this just courting death?"

Yan Pu, however, looked up to the heavens and chuckled softly, "Hahahaha, Your Excellency, please stop quibbling. Who in the world doesn't know your illustrious reputation, General Ma Chao? Although you have few troops at your side right now, who would believe that you have no backup plan? I'm sure you've already arranged for support personnel and follow-up troops, but they've held back because we're on guard. This time, we've trapped you in Hanzhong, knowing that even if the battle reaches a stalemate, as long as you're in our hands, our army will have the initiative."

Zhang Lu listened quietly, nodding slightly. He felt that Yan Pu and the other counselors' analysis had some truth to it. He stroked his beard gently, a look of certainty in his eyes. He thought to himself that Ma Chao had become a key chess piece in his hands. If he used him wisely, he would surely secure the greatest benefit for Hanzhong in this conflict.