Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Lu Su tilted his head slightly, a look of reminiscence in his eyes as he spoke slowly, "Since leaving Luoyang, I returned to my hometown and secluded myself in my studies, hoping to dedicate myself to my studies. However, Yuan Shu, hearing of my somewhat illustrious reputation, sent repeated invitations and calls for his services. Initially, I considered the turmoil in the empire, hoping to fulfill my ambitions. Furthermore, Yuan Shu's power compelled me to join him, and I was tempted. But as I got to know Yuan Shu better, I realized his actions contradicted my own moral principles. He was arrogant and extravagant, disregarding the lives of his people, solely focused on satisfying his own selfish desires. Deeply disappointed, I refused to respond to his call for his services. However, Yuan Shu would never let me go so easily, and under his pressure, I was forced to serve as an official. But under Yuan Shu's command, I was constantly restricted and never achieved my goals."

He paused, his gaze softening slightly, and continued, "Later, when Yuan Shu occupied Lujiang, I learned that Shucheng was Zhou Yu's hometown. Knowing Zhou Yu well and having great respect for him, I decided to protect the peace of the people here and spare Zhou Yu's hometown from the ravages of war, no matter what. So, I volunteered to serve as the magistrate of Shucheng County, which is how I met you today."

Ma Chao listened quietly, and finally understood Lu Su's experiences after leaving Luoyang. He couldn't help but feel more emotional and understanding for his old friend.

At this moment, Lu Su comforted Ma Chao to his seat, but Ma Chao looked confused. He saw Lu Su sitting upright, carefully adjusting his clothes, and then respectfully bowing to Ma Chao. Seeing this, Ma Chao hurriedly stood up to help him, but Lu Su stopped him.

Lu Su's expression was solemn, his eyes filled with sincerity and emotion. He said, "Mengqi, I have been wandering the world for many years, and my heart has been confused. Although I have the ambition to work for the welfare of the people, I don't know where to start. It's like groping alone in the dark, never finding my way. Until today, when I met you again, I kept thinking back to the grand ambitions of your youth. Back then, although I knew of your aspirations, I didn't fully understand them. In recent years, I have witnessed the suffering of the people in the war, and I deeply understand the greatness and value of your ambitions."

Upon hearing Lu Su's praise, Ma Chao waved his hands repeatedly and said humbly, "Brother Zijing, you flatter me. Although I, Ma Chao, have been full of passion over the years, I haven't accomplished anything earth-shattering. How can I deserve such praise from you?"

Lu Su, however, looked serious and said earnestly, "No, Mengqi! Although I have not been in the court these years, I have always paid close attention to the court's developments. I have seen that even though you have suffered many oppressions and faced difficult situations, you have never changed your original intention and have devoted yourself to serving the country. This tenacity and perseverance alone are enough to prove that your mind and ambition are incomparable to ordinary people. Every time you fight a battle, every time you make plans for the court, you bring a glimmer of hope to this troubled world and work for the well-being of the people of the world."

Lu Su grew increasingly emotional as he spoke, his words filled with admiration for Ma Chao: "Mengqi, you are a master of martial arts, a brilliant strategist, and a heart that cares for the people of the world. In these troubled times, you are like a pillar of support, holding up the country. Your actions have given countless people hope and set an example for our generation."

Ma Chao felt increasingly embarrassed as he listened to Lu Su's string of praise. He quickly reached out to pull Lu Su away, saying, "Brother Zijing, please get up quickly! You're putting me off like this. We're old friends, why do you have to do this?"

However, Lu Su refused to get up. He stared at Ma Chao and said sincerely, "Mengqi, I know my talent is limited and far inferior to yours. But if you will not forsake me, I will follow you from now on, serve you at your service, and do my best to help realize your great ambition."

After saying this, Lu Su bowed solemnly to the ground. Seeing this, Ma Chao was flustered and hurried forward. He used both hands to help Lu Su stand up and said, "Zi Jing, you and I have known each other for a long time, and now we share the same ideals. We should work together to contribute to the people of this world. Why do you need such a grand ceremony?"

Lu Su's eyes were red with excitement. He took a step forward and shouted again, "My lord!" His voice was full of determination and enthusiasm.

Ma Chao scratched his head uncomfortably, his face showing embarrassment as he said, "Zijing, my father is still alive. How can I open a government office and take on subordinates in front of him? This is absolutely unacceptable."

After being helped to his feet by Ma Chao, Lu Su spoke seriously, "My Lord, although you now dominate the northwest and possess considerable strength, from my observations over the years, you seem to lack the ambition to conquer the world and unify the land. Looking at the world today, you are the only one who truly cares about the people and has the ability and determination to save them from disaster. Therefore, I, Lu Su, willingly serve you as my Lord and follow you to achieve great things."

Ma Chao gave a helpless smile and advised, "Zijing, why don't we just call each other brothers like before? Calling each other master and servant seems awkward now."

Lu Su shook his head repeatedly, his expression serious. "My lord, the distinction between master and servant must be clear. Only in this way can we maintain order, everyone can perform their duties, and our great cause have hope of success. If the distinction is not clear, many problems may arise in the future."

Seeing Lu Su's firm attitude and sincere words, Ma Chao could no longer refuse and had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Seeing Ma Chao's agreement, Lu Su's eyes flickered with joy, and he immediately set about making plans for Ma Chao. He knew the situation was complex and that thorough arrangements needed to be made quickly. After a brief discussion, the two decided to head to the barracks.

In the cell, Pan Feng and Wu Anguo were imprisoned, tied up tightly with ropes. The two of them were already extremely anxious, and when they saw Ma Chao and Lu Su coming, they mistakenly thought that they were going to harm Ma Chao, and their eyes suddenly widened and glared at him. Before Ma Chao could speak, the two of them suddenly exerted force and broke free from the ropes. Pan Feng rushed to the wooden railings of the cell, grabbed them with both hands like iron clamps, and with a loud shout, he broke the wooden railing in half and held it in his hand as a weapon. At the same time, Wu Anguo also pulled off a railing and shouted at Ma Chao: "General, don't be afraid! We will protect you and leave first, and we will definitely be able to break out of the siege!"

Seeing this, Ma Chao felt guilty. He looked at Lu Su awkwardly. Lu Su, with a teasing expression, looked at the two loyal generals with great interest. Ma Chao quickly said, "Don't worry, don't worry! Brothers, this Zi Jing is one of us. Now that he has joined my army, we are all family."

When Pan Feng and Wu Anguo heard this, they were stunned and didn't know whether to advance or retreat. They were still holding the broken wooden railing in their hands, and they looked at a loss.

Seeing this, Lu Su smiled and commented: "Although the two generals are a bit reckless, their heart to protect their master is beyond reproach. They are truly loyal and righteous men!" After that, he praised the two of them, his words full of appreciation and affirmation.

Afterward, Lu Su ordered his men to release Ma Chao's personal guards one by one. Once free, the guards gathered around Ma Chao, casting grateful glances at Lu Su. By this time, the atmosphere in the barracks gradually eased.

Lu Su stared at Ma Chao, his face thick with worry, and eagerly asked, "My lord, how did you reveal your whereabouts here?" Ma Chao's brow furrowed, his expression grave as he slowly recounted the clash with Zhang Xun in Lujiang County. Lu Su pondered this, then shook his head slightly. "It wasn't Zhang Lu, but that narrow-minded and greedy Zhang Xun who was behind this. He'll surely be eager to inform the entire county and capture you and your brothers. While your identity hasn't been fully exposed yet, your whereabouts have been revealed, and Zhang Xun will certainly not give up easily. Lujiang County is fraught with danger. We can't stay here any longer. We must urgently head to Jiujiang."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao, already harboring this thought, quickly responded, "That's just what I want. We were planning to set off immediately." Lu Su, however, looked troubled and said slowly, "The situation is dire right now. Even with disguises, it's unlikely we'll be able to conceal our presence. Furthermore, there are wounded among our ranks. Traveling overland is far too difficult, and the slightest mistake could expose our whereabouts." Ma Chao, feeling torn, anxiously asked, "What should we do? Sir, do you have any advice?"

Lu Su pondered for a moment, a flicker of determination in his eyes as he said, "Why not take the water route? My Lord, please pretend to be my companion, and the other brothers will pretend to be my guards. I am still an official under Yuan Shu, so I can still use this identity to my advantage. While Lujiang County has not yet been fully declared under martial law, we can sail away, sailing down the Yangtze River straight to Jiujiang County, and then make further plans."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao's eyes lit up, and he immediately agreed. He and Lu Su carefully discussed the details, and then everyone began to make intensive preparations. Filled with gratitude and guilt, Ma Chao said to Lu Su, "Zi Jing, you hold an official position and a high rank here, but you gave it all up for me. When we return to Chang'an, I will fully recommend you to the Emperor."

Lu Su smiled faintly, his expression calm, and said, "My lord, if an official cannot serve the people, what is the point of this position? Today, I, Lu Su, am fortunate to meet a wise master, and my heart is filled with joy. Besides, my lord, there is no need for you to recommend me. Although I have not served in the court, rumors are rife that there is a conflict between my lord and the emperor. I follow my lord not to seek an official position, but only to act for justice and assist my lord in achieving great things."

Lu Su paused, a look of caution flashing across his eyes. He then slowly spoke, "My lord, there are some things I shouldn't say, but given the current situation, I have to. Although I haven't seen this emperor in person, from what I've heard from various quarters, I feel he's narrow-minded and unlikely to accomplish great things. My lord, you should make plans early."

Hearing this, Ma Chao felt a complex mix of emotions. He naturally understood that what Lu Su said was not without reason, but it contradicted his deeply held convictions. Ma Chao was sincere, wanting only to protect the country and its people, and to restore the glory of the Han Dynasty to the world. He smiled helplessly at Lu Su and said, "Zijing, Mr. Li Ru has also advised me against this. However, in my opinion, the Han Dynasty has gone through so much hardship and struggle to maintain its current situation. We simply cannot allow it to continue to fall."

Lu Su looked at Ma Chao's sincere face, eyes filled with his determination to restore the Han Dynasty, and a trace of pity welled up in his heart. He really didn't want to pour cold water on him at this moment. So, he sighed and said, "Forget it. This matter is of great importance and it's difficult to make a decision right now. We can discuss it later. The most urgent thing is that my lord should pack his luggage as soon as possible. I will also make arrangements immediately. Let's set off as soon as possible to avoid any more trouble."