Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Zhang Fubao's heartfelt outpouring stirred a wave of emotions within Zhang Lu, leaving him with a complex tapestry of emotions. He was heartbroken by his daughter's ignorance of his grand plan, as if a treasure he had carefully nurtured had been discarded. He was also enraged by her undisguised words of resistance, a rage that felt like a lit powder keg, ready to erupt. For years, he had dedicated countless years to ensuring the continued glory of his family and the revival of his sect, meticulously calculating and carefully planning every step. Yet, all his good intentions fell on deaf ears, not even a ripple of understanding from his daughter.

However, Zhang Lu was no ordinary man after all. A glimmer of brilliance flashed in his deep eyes, and he keenly caught a glimmer of inspiration from Zhang Fubao's words. He secretly thought that he didn't only have this daughter who gave him a headache, but also the gentle, quiet, intelligent and lovely Zhang Qiying.

The world today is plunged into a quagmire of chaos. Wars rage, smoke fills the air, and various factions clash, refusing to yield. The dawn of peace seems swallowed by endless darkness, leaving no trace. Although legends describe the emperor as gifted and wise, Zhang Lu has never had the privilege of beholding him in person. Nor can he know for sure when this emperor, lording over the imperial court, will wield his sword to sever the tangled web of chaos, restore order to this devastated land, and restore the peace and prosperity of the past.

Ma Chao, on the other hand, was a renowned and feared hero. The Xiliang cavalry under his command swept through like a whirlwind, inflicting fear wherever they went. His sphere of influence officially spanned Xiliang, and throughout the vast northwest region, the Ma family reigned supreme, commanding respect and admiration, their prestige unmatched. Ma Chao, still in his prime, had already forged a remarkable and earth-shaking career amidst these turbulent times through his bravery and vision. Rumors had even spread that Ma Teng had solemnly declared before the crowds that he no longer cared about the fame and fortune of a career in officialdom, having placed all the hopes and future of his family in Ma Chao's hands.

Zhang Lu thought that Zhang Fubao, born with a special destiny, shouldered the crucial mission of ruling the country as the mother of the nation. He absolutely could not marry Ma Chao, as doing so would be tantamount to destroying his carefully crafted grand blueprint. However, if he could change his mindset and marry the gentle and graceful Zhang Qiying to Ma Chao, it would be a brilliant move, like a sudden turn of events, instantly resolving all difficulties and achieving the best of both worlds.

If this marriage were to be accomplished, Hanzhong and Xiliang would become an immensely powerful force. Hanzhong's status would then rise steadily, undergoing a profound transformation. From then on, it would be able to completely break free from the heavy shackles that had long oppressed Liu Zhang of Yizhou, no longer having to struggle to survive between Chang'an and Yizhou.

Ma Chao held a pivotal position in the imperial court, and Zhang Lu could capitalize on this opportunity by sending Zhang Fubao to the imperial palace to accompany the emperor. This way, not only would the family's honor be preserved, but the sect's path would also be smooth.

The more Zhang Lu thought about it, the more he felt this plan was a stroke of genius, a masterstroke beyond words. He considered the immense strength of Hanzhong after its marriage with Xiliang. Thus, he immediately focused on how to cleverly arrange a meeting between Zhang Qiying and Ma Chao. How could he carefully plan and guide them step by step, taking advantage of Ma Chao's imprisonment in Hanzhong City and quietly facilitate this heaven-sent match, ensuring everything unfolds perfectly as he intended, thus opening the door to a glorious future for Hanzhong.

Zhang Lu frowned, pacing back and forth in the hall, racking his brains to figure out how to create the perfect encounter for Zhang Qiying and Ma Chao. Suddenly, a light flashed in his eyes, and a plan struck him. He slowly turned his gaze to the still-sobbing Zhang Fubao. After some thought, he spoke, "Fubao, it's not that Daddy is heartless. If you want to see him, it's not completely impossible. But as an unmarried girl, it's both morally and morally wrong for you to rashly meet a young man."

Zhang Fubao knew she had fallen for the trick. She quickly wiped the tears from her eyes with her sleeve and responded eagerly, "Dad, when I first met Ma Chao, I was dressed as a man. He still doesn't know I'm a woman. The friendship between us is pure male friendship, nothing more. So, can I still wear men's clothes when I visit him?"

Zhang Lu twirled his beard, secretly amused at his daughter's naive reaction, but remained impassive. He continued, "As you say, this approach does make some sense. It's just that it's not appropriate for a man and a woman to be alone in the same room. Well, it's getting late, and Ma Chao isn't leaving immediately; he'll remain in the city for a while. Tomorrow, let your eldest and second brothers lead you and your sister to visit Ma Chao. It would be a good idea to express Hanzhong's concern for him and establish a friendly relationship."

Zhang Fubao's face suddenly lit up with joy. His eyes, which had been slightly red and swollen from crying, instantly brightened up. He excitedly tugged at Zhang Lu's sleeve and asked, "Really, father?"

Zhang Lu looked at his innocent and affectionate daughter and shook his head helplessly. He reached out and gently tapped her forehead with his finger, then earnestly warned her, "Your father won't be easily persuaded by a little girl like you. But Fu Bao, you must promise me one thing: tomorrow you must wear men's clothes and never reveal your identity as a girl. The friendship between gentlemen is as pure as water. You must not do anything unbecoming. Your brothers and sisters are watching."

Zhang Fubao was filled with joy, nodding her head like a chick pecking at rice, and replied crisply, "I understand, father. I will definitely follow your instructions."

Zhang Lu waved his hands, feigning a headache, and said, "Alright, alright, are you satisfied now? You can go back now. Oh, and call your brothers and sisters. I have many things to tell them about. Don't let them know your identity or you'll ruin your father's plans."

Zhang Fubao's heart was filled with joy at the moment, and she responded in a crisp voice, "Okay, Daddy. I'll go and inform my brothers and sisters right away." After that, she turned around and left, her brisk steps revealing her mood at the moment.

Zhang Fu, Zhang Gui, and Zhang Qiying, summoned by their father, did not dare to slack off. They hurriedly straightened their clothes and hurried to the hall where Zhang Lu was. As soon as the three of them entered, they respectfully bowed to Zhang Lu and greeted him.

Zhang Fu stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said in a loud voice: "Father, I have come here to listen to your teachings." He had an upright posture, but there was a sense of simplicity and honesty between his eyebrows. His movements were a little stiff when he saluted, but they were full of sincerity.

Zhang Gui followed closely behind, bowed and saluted with a humble attitude: "Father, I wonder if you have any instructions, I will do my best." Zhang Gui's face was relatively thin, with a hint of cleverness in his eyes, and his behavior was more cautious.

Zhang Qiying walked lightly with lotus steps, bowed gracefully, and said softly: "Daughter greets father, may father be well." She was wearing a plain long dress, with a graceful figure. When she bowed, she was like a willow swaying in the wind, showing her gentleness and tranquility.

Zhang Lu sat upright in his seat of honor, his gaze lovingly fixed on his sons and daughters as they saluted. Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui stood there, their postures erect, yet their natural, ordinary demeanor was hard to conceal. Zhang Lu knew full well that his two sons had displayed mediocre talents since childhood, not the brilliance and vision to lead the sect to glory. Yet, they were his own flesh and blood, connected by blood, the bond of kinship deep and unwavering. His usual favoritism for Zhang Fubao was too obvious, and it inadvertently made his two sons feel left out, even occasionally revealing a hint of resentment and resentment in his presence.

Zhang Qiying, like a pearl lost in a corner, quietly radiates a gentle glow. Just a year older than Zhang Fubao, she possesses a sensibility and understanding far beyond her years. She never harbors jealousy over her father's favoritism toward her younger sister, nor does she seek to dominate or dominate family affairs. She always quietly stands by, her gentle gaze and silent devotion demonstrating her love and understanding for her family.

Zhang Lu's gaze lingered on them one by one, his heart filled with emotion. After a moment's silence, he slowly said, "Do you know why your father called you here today?" His voice was low and powerful, echoing in the quiet hall, as if foreshadowing that he was about to be entrusted with an important matter.

The three of them looked at each other, unsure how to respond to their father's question. Zhang Lu didn't wait for a response, but went straight to the point, "Ma Chao of Xiliang is currently staying at our residence. I'm sure you've all heard about the war between Xiliang and Hanzhong. Now that Ma Chao is here, Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui, you two must make every effort to befriend him and build as close a rapport as possible. Establishing a good relationship with Ma Chao will greatly benefit Hanzhong in the future, with no drawbacks." Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui quickly and respectfully replied to their father, "I understand."

At this point, Zhang Lu turned to his daughter, Zhang Qiying, and asked, "Qiying, didn't you and Fu Bao see Ma Chao from afar in the side hall today? What was your impression of him?" Zhang Qiying bowed slightly, saluted her father, and said softly, "Father, Fu Bao and I only saw him from afar. Although we couldn't see him closely, we could still sense his imposing appearance and majestic bearing. He exuded an otherworldly aura that was hard to ignore."

Zhang Lu nodded slightly and continued, "Qiying, even though you didn't see him clearly, you were able to discern Ma Chao's extraordinary qualities. This is truly rare. Ma Chao is more than just a man of outstanding appearance and extraordinary bearing. He is a man of noble character and a man who values ​​loyalty and righteousness. He is well-known in Xiliang and deeply loved by his people. As for his family background, it is even more prominent. The Ma family is a prominent and prestigious family in Xiliang and throughout the entire northwest, with deep roots and extremely high prestige."

"Speaking of martial arts, Ma Chao, at a young age, had already achieved remarkable feats and was awarded a title of nobility for his military exploits."

"He also possesses considerable literary talent. He studied under the great scholar Lu Zhi, whose guidance enabled him to immerse himself in poetry and literature, and to acquire a profound understanding of the classics. Even in his early years in Luoyang, he gained widespread fame for his talent and ability to combine both literary and martial arts. Numerous dignitaries and scholars praised him highly, viewing him as a rare young talent who was destined for great things in the future."