Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Zhen Mi felt trapped in a thicket, unable to speak out. The Hanzhong crowd had clearly identified him as Ma Chao, their stance unwavering, leaving no room for maneuver. He knew impulsively revealing his true identity wouldn't only thwart any further conflict, but could even lead to further embarrassment. After all, they'd treated him with such courtesy because they'd mistakenly identified him as the Young Master of Xiliang. Once that protection was lost, endless uncertainty and danger awaited him, perhaps a cold prison or the glare of a sword.

The more convinced they were that he was Ma Chao, the more Zhen Mi hesitated to deny it. The vast power of Xiliang behind Ma Chao, like a towering mountain, held an awe-inspiring power amidst these turbulent times. And at this moment, the identity of "Ma Chao" was like a sturdy umbrella, shielding him from the wind and rain. Judging from the Hanzhong crowd's attitude towards him, while their words were sharp, it was easy to discern their hidden agenda and expectations.

Zhen Mi secretly calculated, hoping to leverage Ma Chao's identity to tactfully negotiate with them. Jizhou and Hanzhong, separated by Chang'an, the seat of the Emperor, were long and complex. He had already been preconceived as Ma Chao, and under these circumstances, she dared not rashly bring up the Yuan family. If Hanzhong showed no regard for the Yuan family, or even harbored hatred, then she would be digging her own grave, certain to bring about her own demise. Zhen Mi's emotions swirled like a raging tide, utterly turbulent, yet she forced herself to remain calm, silently enduring the immense pressure of her dislocated status, refusing to act rashly.

However, everyone remained silent, their gazes fixed on Zhen Mi, as if waiting for him to continue. Zhen Mi's mind went blank, completely lost for words. Having come to this point, she could only bite the bullet and respond, "Well, since my uncle and the gentlemen have seen through all this, I have no intention of denying it. Now that I'm in your hands, you can kill me or chop me up as you please." With that, she stiffened her neck slightly, her expression filled with determination and cruelty.

She was completely unaware that, in everyone's eyes, this appearance was exactly what they imagined Ma Chao to be. That fearless and unruly aura completely dispelled any remaining doubts in Yan Pu's heart. In their view, only someone with years of battlefield experience and a high position could possess such courage. How could he be so easily succumbed to the pressure from Hanzhong?

Yan Pu remained expressionless, quietly exchanging a glance with Zhang Lu. Zhang Lu understood and nodded slightly. Then, Zhang Lu burst into laughter and spoke aloud, "Alas, nephew, what are you saying? Are you blaming your uncle for your poor hospitality? Your presence in Hanzhong is truly a blessing for us. Although the two armies are currently engaged in fierce fighting, the arrival of you, the Young Master of Xiliang, suggests that peace is near. I have dispatched Yang Song, the Hanzhong Deputy Envoy, to the front lines to negotiate peace with the Xiliang commander, and I anticipate good news soon. Nephew, please stop being so hostile and let go of your prejudices. In the future, Xiliang and Hanzhong will surely be able to bury the hatchet, exchange resources, and increase exchanges."

Yan Pu echoed, "Sir, the Lord is right. You are a leader in Xiliang and should prioritize the greater good. In the current situation, war will hurt both sides, while peace will be a win-win. We in Hanzhong have long admired the bravery of the Xiliang cavalry, and Xiliang should also know that the people of Hanzhong live and work in peace and contentment, and the teachings flourish. If we can join forces, we can surely create great achievements in these troubled times. Why should your Majesty be so obsessed with short-term emotions?"

Zhang Lu nodded again, stroking his beard. "My dear nephew, do you find Yan Pu's words resonating with you? We all hope that you can contribute to the peace between Xiliang and Hanzhong. Don't fight like a trapped beast again. The right path for the world is to form alliances and make alliances."

Zhang Wei also spoke up at this point, "My Lord, you've seen how far I've come. While Hanzhong may not be the richest place in the world, it's a prosperous place with abundant resources and a thriving population. The people adhere to the teachings and don't steal on the road. If Xiliang and Hanzhong can establish peace, it will not only ensure peace on the border, but also spare the people of both sides the suffering of war. Your Lordship is renowned for his brilliance and should be able to discern the pros and cons of this matter. Why should you allow your men to die in vain in this war? Why not take this opportunity to discuss strategies for peace and create a lasting legacy?"

By this point, Zhen Mi had fully grasped their intentions: they were attempting to use her as a bargaining chip to negotiate peace with the Western Liang army. No wonder, despite having captured her, they had treated her with such courtesy and respect throughout the journey; this was their plan. Zhen Mi scoffed internally. Ma Chao's identity was now a thorny issue, and she didn't know what to do. What would happen if word of this reached the front lines between Western Liang and Hanzhong? While they could conceal the truth from the Hanzhong crowd, how could the Western Liang side easily believe it? At this point, Zhen Mi could only force herself to agree, "I, my nephew, also do not wish to see the world in prolonged unrest. Since my uncle is so willing to make peace with Western Liang, that's all the better. Let's wait for good news from Yang Biejia." With these words, Zhen Mi's mind was tangled, a tangle of knots. She only hoped to find a glimmer of hope in this complex situation, to stabilize the situation for now, and then devise other strategies.

Zhang Lu was delighted to see that Ma Chao seemed willing to negotiate peace and showed no ill will toward Hanzhong. He felt that the threat from Xiliang had been largely resolved with Ma Chao's approval, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He smiled and said to Ma Chao, "Since that's the case, my dear nephew, please rest assured in Hanzhong. After Xiliang and I reach peace in Hanzhong, I will arrange for my son to bring generous gifts and accompany you to Xiliang to meet General Ma Teng." These words were said politely, but Zhen Mi knew that this meant she would be detained in Hanzhong until the peace negotiations were successful, Xiliang's troops withdrew, and the conditions for the peace were met. Only then would she be released.

Zhen Mi was utterly anxious, knowing full well that this peace negotiation would be impossible. After all, she was an imposter, and only she knew the true story. If word of the failed peace negotiations reached her, her fake identity would be exposed, and her life would be in jeopardy. Yet, she had to feign composure, her mind racing, racking her brains for a way out. However, her thoughts were so tangled and chaotic that she felt completely lost, as if she were stuck in a quagmire, unable to find a way out.

Zhen Mi made her way back to her residence, seemingly nonchalant, but secretly surveying her surroundings. While the guards appeared light, he could still see shadowy figures in the distance, and the occasional flash of armored soldiers. He knew full well that Hanzhong, with their heavy emphasis on these peace talks, would never allow him such an easy escape. His identity as "Ma Chao" had become a shackle that held him captive, a source of deep distress. Upon returning to his residence, he discovered that soldiers were also guarding the area. He tried to find a loophole, but found none, feeling trapped in this small world, unable to escape.

After the banquet, the Hanzhong officials discussed with Zhang Lu and waited for the outcome of the peace talks. They all believed that the danger to Hanzhong had been averted and were naturally excited. After everyone left, Zhang Lu was about to rest when his beloved Zhang Fubao came to see him.

As soon as Zhang Fu Bao entered the inner chamber, he acted ingratiatingly, peppering Zhang Lu with innuendos, intent on finding out about Ma Chao and what would become of him. Zhang Lu, in a cheerful mood, addressed his daughter kindly, "Don't worry, my dear daughter. I captured Ma Chao to facilitate peace talks. Today, I spoke with him, and he's quite understanding and has agreed to the peace proposal. Once we get good news from the front, I'll release him and send your brother, along with gifts, to visit Ma Teng."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fubao's eyebrows danced with joy, his heart sweet as honey. He joyfully massaged Zhang Lu's back and shoulders, and intimately pleaded with him from behind: "Daddy, when can my daughter meet Ma Chao?"

Seeing his daughter like this, Zhang Lu knew she had already fallen for Ma Chao. However, Zhang Lu had already made his own calculations. He believed his daughter was destined to be the mother of the nation and would rely on her to revive their sect. Therefore, he would never allow her to become emotionally entangled with Ma Chao. In his view, if she did so, his long-planned plan would be doomed.

Zhang Lu's expression suddenly darkened like a dark cloud covering the sun. His face became solemn, and he spoke seriously, "Zhang Fubao, you are now of age and sensible, no longer a child. You should know full well that your destiny is extremely unique, destined by heaven to rule the world as the mother of the nation. Even though Ma Chao is a hero and a powerful lord in these troubled times, how can he be worthy of you? Born as my daughter, Zhang Lu, you have been entrusted with such a sacred and important mission from birth. Until now, I have considered you young and ignorant, so I have not been too critical of your childish thoughts and actions, treating them as the whims of a little girl, and have ignored them. But you remain unrepentant and stubbornly persist in this matter. If you continue like this, your father will have no choice but to be cruel and may even have to confine you to seclusion to make you reflect on your mistakes."

Zhang Fubao was so frightened by her father's serious expression and stern tone that her face drained of color, and her once rosy lips turned slightly pale. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she pursed her lips in grievance, tears pouring down like a flood. She sobbed, "Father, your heart and soul are consumed with the revival of the sect. This so-called destiny has been drilled into my mind day after day, year after year, ever since I can remember. You've always been tolerant of my brothers and sisters, allowing them to live freely, but why are you so strict with me? Just because of this vague title, you restrict and control me in every way. I don't care about this nonsense of destiny, or the idea of ​​being the mother of the country. In my heart, none of that is as important as being with someone I truly love and living a happy life. Do you think you can gamble your daughter's happiness on the cause of the sect's revival without hesitation?"

Obviously, although Zhang Fu Bao had only met Zhen Mi, who was pretending to be Ma Chao, once or twice, the girl's pure and passionate feelings were like wild weeds growing wildly in spring, spreading wildly and persistently, and could not be easily extinguished.