Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Over the next few days, Zhang Lu meticulously planned a series of actions, arranging for his children to visit Ma Chao's residence. He harbored a ulterior motive, intentionally or unintentionally ensuring Zhang Qiying frequent contact with the supposed "Ma Chao." Meanwhile, Zhen Mi, impersonating Ma Chao, internally grumbled. She remained vigilant, constantly probing, desperately searching for any opportunity to escape this thorny predicament.

Upon their arrival, the Zhang children merely played and frolicked in the courtyard with Zhen Mi, disguised as "Ma Chao." Whenever Zhen Mi suggested a horseback ride in the suburbs, enjoying the freedom and exhilaration of the open air, they unanimously refused. Zhang Lu's sons, Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui, were both typically reserved scholars, exuding a scholarly air, with no interest in wielding swords or galloping through the wilderness. Zhang Qiying, needless to say, was a well-educated and well-mannered young lady raised in seclusion, her manners radiating gentleness and reserve. Only the lively Zhang Fubao, upon hearing the suggestion of a horseback ride, lit up with joy and eager to try. However, before he could act, his brothers sternly stopped him.

The winter sun shone brightly on the bluestone floor of a deep courtyard. Zhen Mi was trapped there, feeling anxious yet helpless. At that moment, Zhang Fubao's eyes lit up and he said excitedly, "General Ma's martial arts are world-renowned. Can you show us your skills today?" Zhen Mi's heart tightened, but she remained composed and replied, "Then bring us your weapons."

Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui, standing nearby, were horrified upon hearing this. Zhang Fu quickly stepped forward to stop him, saying, "No! General Ma is a skilled warrior. How dare we offer our weapons so easily? If we make a mistake, the consequences will be disastrous." Zhang Gui also nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Zhen Mi secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said, "In that case, I will perform with my bare hands and liven up the atmosphere with my sword dance." After that, Zhen Mi drew the sword from her waist and danced gracefully in front of the hall. Her figure was light and graceful, her sword moves were shimmering, and her clothes fluttered in the wind.

Zhang Fubao watched intently and clapped his hands in applause: "Wonderful! General Ma's sword dance is truly wonderful!" Zhang Qiying also leaned forward slightly, staring at Zhen Mi with her beautiful eyes, her eyes shining with a strange light, and said softly: "General Ma is so charming, he is truly a hero of the time." Her admiration for this "Ma Chao" increased a little more.

Zhen Mi smiled bitterly in her heart, but she did not dare to stop dancing with the sword in her hand. She just hoped to get out of this predicament as soon as possible and no longer have to struggle in this lie.

In Hanzhong, everyone anxiously awaited news from the front lines. Meanwhile, Yang Song's delegation hurried back to the city with an urgent report: "The Western Liang forces refuse to believe that their young master, Ma Chao, has been captured. They are determined to come to Hanzhong to investigate. They have also specifically pointed out that the person coming this time is Li Ru, who once followed Dong Zhuo and wreaked havoc on the country. They demand that the Lord make proper arrangements."

When Zhang Lu heard that Li Ru was coming, all his previous doubts suddenly dissipated. He thought to himself, "With Li Ru here, the strange, fierce, and brutal attack during the Battle of Wudu is completely explained. Let alone a small Wudu, with Li Ru's wisdom and the current strength of Xiliang, if he truly launched a full-scale attack on Hanzhong, it would probably only be a matter of time." At this thought, Zhang Lu couldn't help but feel grateful that he had, by chance, captured Ma Chao, thus opening the opportunity for peace talks with Xiliang.

Zhang Lu had made up his mind. Since they were coming to investigate, let them come. He was now certain of Ma Chao's identity and quickly sent a reply to Yang Song, urging them to return to Hanzhong as soon as possible. He then summoned all the civil and military officials in the city and solemnly declared, "Li Ru is a man of great reputation, both for his exceptional wisdom and ruthlessness. We must not take him lightly. We must carefully discuss countermeasures and ensure this meeting is a foolproof one." The civil and military officials complied and began frantic preparations. A solemn atmosphere enveloped Hanzhong, as if an invisible storm were approaching.

At another banquet hosted by Zhang Lu, the atmosphere was originally quite harmonious. Zhang Lu slowly spoke, "My dear nephew, the people in Xiliang heard that you were with me and are not very confident. They are sending someone to confirm your identity. The person who came is none other than the former national scholar Li Ru." Naturally, Zhang Lu couldn't bring himself to call Li Ru a former traitor to the country in front of Ma Chao.

Zhen Mi had just raised her wine glass to drink when she heard this, and her glass shook violently in her hand, dropping to the ground with a "clack". Zhang Lu caught her eye and asked with concern, "What's wrong, nephew?"

Zhen Mi was flustered, but she forced herself to remain calm. She quickly bent down to pick up the wine glass and said with an apologetic smile, "Uncle, you may not know this, but I was really excited to hear that someone from Xiliang was coming, and that it was Mr. Li Ru. Mr. Li Ru and I are close friends, so I was naturally excited and happy to have him here."

Zhang Lu's doubts vanished upon hearing her explanation, and he burst into laughter. "Ah, my dear nephew, don't worry; they will be here in a few days. Now that you've arrived in Hanzhong, why not stay a while longer? This is a great opportunity to bring Xiliang and Hanzhong closer together. I wonder how my children are getting along with you these days?"

Zhen Mi had no choice but to put her inner anxiety aside for the time being and deal with Zhang Lu: "Brothers Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui are both calm and steady men. Although they are young, they exude a sense of righteousness and will definitely become powerful arms of your uncle in the future. Miss Qiying is gentle and quiet, and you can tell at a glance that she is a lady from a noble family. She is graceful and steady. Speaking of which, it is little brother Fubao who is the most special. Although he is young, he is smart and lively, not fussy about details, and has a quick mind. I think your uncle's sect will rely heavily on little brother Fubao in the future."

Zhen Mi's words seemed to be a compliment, but in fact she was implying that the brothers Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui were dull and lacked outstanding talents; that Zhang Qiying had the demeanor of a lady but was not smart enough; and that Zhang Fubao, although a woman, was lively and active.

But Zhang Lu felt that this was a high evaluation from Ma Chao. After all, in his mind, the brothers Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui didn't have any special abilities, but they were honest, obedient, and kind.

Hearing Zhen Mi's praise of her beloved daughter, Zhang Qiying, he felt a warmth flowing through his heart. He saw such praise as a clear acknowledgement and acceptance of Zhang Qiying, and perhaps even the beginning of a great story. A subtle smile played upon his lips at this thought, a secret delight filling his heart.

However, this joy paled in comparison to Zhen Mi's praise for Zhang Fubao. Zhang Fubao was someone Zhang Lu had always placed high hopes on. In his heart, the future of the sect depended entirely on this child. At this moment, Ma Chao's comments on Zhang Fubao resonated with his own thoughts, instantly speaking to his heart. Zhang Lu's previously calm eyes were now filled with excitement and relief. Unable to contain his inner joy, he repeatedly raised his glass to Ma Chao, saying, "My dear nephew, you are absolutely right. Fubao is truly a man of great potential!"

Zhen Mi, impersonating Ma Chao, was bewildered by Zhang Lu's excitement. She had no idea why Zhang Lu was so happy, but out of politeness and the need to conceal her true identity, she forced a smile and drank with him. But her mind was completely elsewhere. The thought of Li Ru's impending appearance sent a wave of panic flooding back, overcoming her pretense of composure.

Regardless of the expectations of Zhang Lu and others in Hanzhong for peace talks, or the anxiety Zhen Mi felt, Li Ru, accompanied by Yang Song, finally arrived in Hanzhong City after a long and turbulent journey.

That day, Hanzhong was abuzz with activity. Armies lined up neatly on either side of the city gates, stretching out in a long line. Zhang Lu, the current Heavenly Master of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect, dressed in his splendid attire, personally came out of the camp to greet them. The disciples, both soldiers and followers, were filled with energy and vigor upon seeing this scene. Upon hearing that the Heavenly Master was personally at the city gates to greet them, the city's inhabitants also rushed over. For a moment, the streets were clogged with traffic and pedestrians, all standing at a distance, waiting to watch the excitement.

The first to catch everyone's eye was the 500-member envoy contingent from Hanzhong. This delegation consisted of prominent figures from Hanzhong, eager to gain a share of credit in this diplomatic event and enhance their résumés. Therefore, each one was adorned with dazzling attire, exquisite accessories, and a remarkable air of elegance in every gesture. Yet, within the group, twenty or thirty individuals were dressed in a strikingly different manner. They were fully clad in armor, though it was dull and even bore traces of wear and tear, evidently the result of intense combat. At first glance, it was clear that these individuals were distinct from the others. Each possessed a slender build and an imposing bearing. It was likely that they were the thirty individuals led by Li Ru, attending the meeting as envoys from Western Liang.

Zhang Lu stood tall and straight, his gaze seemingly traversing layers of space, resting on the thirty-odd soldiers whose armor looked tattered. His eyes were deep and calm, and in that moment, not a trace of disdain for their tattered armor crossed his mind. Instead, a strong and captivating aura of killing surged over him like a surging wave, crashing directly into his heart. A mere thirty cavalrymen, yet they seemed to carry the mighty spirit of a thousand cavalrymen, crushing mountains and rivers. Beneath their iron hooves, a faint ripple of wind and thunder seemed to surge, inspiring awe.

Along the city walls, the people surged like a tide, surrounding the area impenetrable. Everyone craned their necks, eagerly gazing at the approaching delegation. A young man in the crowd excitedly called out, "Hey, everyone, look! Isn't that the one walking up ahead one of the renowned Yang family members in Hanzhong? I see a resemblance!" An elderly man nearby narrowed his eyes, scrutinized him, and nodded slowly, "Yes, that's the young master of the Yang family. He has a rather tall and straight figure, quite the demeanor of a Hanzhong man." Then, a woman with a shrill voice called out, "Hey, look at that guy next to them in the brocade robe. I recognize him. He's the young master of the Yuan family. I heard his family is quite wealthy in Hanzhong." Everyone's eyes followed her finger, and for a moment, exclamations of admiration echoed. "He is indeed a handsome man. This young master of the Yuan family has a beautiful face and an extraordinary temperament." "That's right. The young masters of Hanzhong have a different demeanor and manners than those in other places."