Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Gan Ning sat in a chair with his back leaning back, legs casually spread apart. A look of amusement and amusement crossed his face as he spoke slowly, "Hmph, you two are quite bold, coming aboard my ship and still speaking so brazenly. In this situation, I'm the butcher and you're the fish on the chopping block. Killing you is a piece of cake. Furthermore, I saved your lives before, but instead of expressing gratitude, you're now speaking sarcastically. What's the matter? Do you think I really don't dare to kill you, and are trying to provoke my wrath by imitating those ignorant and reckless people of ancient times?"

Ma Chao showed no fear. He met Gan Ning's gaze with a resolute gaze. With a stern expression, he spoke loudly, "Jinfan thief! Everyone has heard that you, Gan Ning, roam the Jiangbei area and make a living by plundering. You may seem so powerful, but in reality you are nothing more than a petty thief. With such behavior, how can you be called a hero? A true hero would fight for his country and bring peace to the people, even if it means dying on the battlefield. That is what a real man does!"

Gan Ning sneered, his eyes filled with disdain. He added, "You young brat, don't try to pressure me with these grand theories. I, Gan Ning, have always sought only to avenge my enemies and live a carefree life. How could I be constrained by the pedantic views of a corrupt scholar like you? I've seen you show considerable courage and strength in battle, but why have you become so fussy and rambling at times like this, spouting useless rhetoric?"

Ma Chao was about to retort when he saw a lieutenant beside Gan Ning suddenly take a step forward, his eyes wide open, and roared angrily with an angry face: "Chief, stop talking nonsense with him! Give the order to attack, let this kid know how powerful our Jinfan Army is, and how dare he act so wildly on our territory!" As soon as these words came out, the Jinfan troops around him also started to clamor, rubbing their hands together, and the weapons in their hands collided with each other, making bursts of harsh sounds. The atmosphere became more and more tense, as if a fierce battle would break out in the next second.

Lu Su, anxious, hurriedly and quietly tugged at Ma Chao's shirt, his eyes filled with worry, trying to persuade him to speak softly. Lu Su knew that the Jinfan thief Gan Ning was notorious for his crimes and erratic behavior. In this situation, he really didn't want Ma Chao to get himself killed for his momentary verbal gratuitousness. After all, he had indeed saved their lives.

Ma Chao, however, remained unmoved, his expression resolute. Before Ma Chao could speak again, Gan Ning spoke first, "You..." Gan Ning had been sizing Ma Chao up. Though he didn't know who he was, he saw that Ma Chao was a distinguished figure, exuding an air of distinction. Even before his own battle line, Ma Chao held his head high, his posture erect, his face unflinching. Even in the face of such a tense, volatile situation, Ma Chao remained composed, his eyes gleaming with a hint of contempt. Truth be told, while Gan Ning was vexed, he also felt a surge of admiration, thinking to himself: This young man truly possesses the spirit of a hero!

Gan Ning unconsciously felt the urge to debate with him. He stiffened his neck, opened his eyes wide, and said loudly: "You pretty boy, you are so young, but you can only talk big and boast. Do you know the current situation in the world? The court is incompetent, treacherous ministers are in control of the court, various princes have their own troops, and aristocratic families are rising. In this chaotic world, how can ordinary people survive? We rescued you from the water and fire, but you still call us Jinfan thieves. It is true that we did rob and loot, but we also acted according to principles. We never robbed the poor people, Even when it comes to caravans, we won't let go of those with a reputation for wealth but lacking compassion. But we won't easily target ordinary caravans struggling to make a living, and we'll even share any loot we take with the people along the way. What you've heard is just the accusation of thieves slapped on us by the officials. You could ask the common people, and who wouldn't praise us, the Jinfan Army, as heroes and upright men? We too want to be loyal to our king and our country, but has this country ever given us the chance? The people we've joined are all foolish and incompetent, only caring about family background. Are we, as good men, supposed to endure their vileness?

Ma Chao was deeply moved by Gan Ning's words. It seemed this man wasn't just a villain with a bad reputation, as the outside world had said. He must have had unspeakable difficulties. He echoed Gan Ning's words, "Indeed, what you say does have some truth. However, you have abandoned the greater good. Now that there are many princes, we should raise the banner of justice to attack them; when treacherous ministers are in power, we should use our wisdom to defeat them; if the king is wrong, we should speak out and advise him. As long as we always keep the people in mind, everything can be changed. It is never too late."

Gan Ning looked dejected as he slowly recounted his past: "Listen to me as I tell you. Back then, when I was young, I wandered the countryside. Back then, I was agile and ambitious. With my exceptional martial arts skills, I wielded my sword with impenetrable precision, and I made a name for myself in the martial arts world. I was a man of justice, and I couldn't stand the injustices of the world, so I gathered a group of like-minded brothers. On a daily basis, we robbed the rich to help the poor, and rescued those in need. In the eyes of the people, we were considered heroic figures.

Later, I joined Liu Yan's army, eager to serve my country and achieve great things. On the battlefield, I charged fearlessly, my sword wielding countless foes. Every time I achieved military success, I was filled with joy, believing I would be recognized and appreciated. But who could have imagined that Liu Yan would be so pedantic, treating me with disdain and rejection simply because I didn't come from a noble family?

Even more outrageous are his two sons, brimming with military prowess, who, scorning others for greater achievements, find it inconsiderate to see them surpass them. All the contributions I've fought so hard for in the army have been eclipsed by them. Liu Yan's eldest son, Liu Fan, knowingly understands this injustice, yet to win over his younger brother to his side, he not only fails to stop it but secretly condones it, even aiding him in suppressing me. I've dedicated my life to leading my brothers to greatness, contributing the most, yet I haven't even received the rewards and status I deserve. They constantly insult me. This is truly excessive!

How could I endure such humiliation for long? So, I resolutely left Bashu. I'd heard that Liu Biao was a member of the Han royal family, known as one of the "Eight Talents," and that he must be a wise leader who would employ talents regardless of their background. Full of hope, I went to join him, hoping to realize my ambitions under his command.

But upon arriving in Jingzhou, I realized it was all wishful thinking. Liu Biao, too, was nothing more than a figurehead. Despite my martial prowess and ambition, Gan Ning was granted only a minor naval captaincy and dispatched to serve under the orders of the aristocratic families. In their eyes, I was merely a dispensable figure, left to my own devices, with no respect or regard for me.

Liu Yan and Liu Biao, both kinsmen of the Han dynasty, should have supported the Han dynasty and benefited the people, yet they acted like this, leaving me, Gan Ning, heartbroken. Is there no place in this world for us to realize our ambitions? If so, I will roam the rivers and confront those incompetent officers and soldiers! Although the officials call me a "thief," I have a sense of justice in my heart. I only rob the rich and the unkind, never harming the poor. My martial arts skills could have protected my country, but now, I can only plead a way out for myself and my brothers on this river.

"As for why I'm so familiar with the deeds of Xiliang Jin Ma Chao, it's because he was renowned from a young age, a hero unrivalled in bravery. His killing of the Liu Fan brothers was particularly heartbreaking, and I've always paid close attention to him. Such a hero, yet he suffered unfair treatment at the hands of that foolish emperor, is nothing compared to that."

Lu Su, listening intently, couldn't help but laugh, "Hahahaha, Chief Gan, you're a bit of a fool." Gan Ning had been looking at the scholar, who had cowered in fear since boarding the boat. He was stunned at first when he heard him speak, then a look of ridicule crossed his face. He asked with some doubt, "What unique insights can a mere scholar like you have?"

Lu Su smiled, raised his hand and pointed at Ma Chao, and said loudly: "This is the world-famous Xiliang Jin Ma Chao!" When Gan Ning heard this, he was stunned at first, his face full of disbelief, and he thought to himself: "How can it be such a coincidence?" He frowned, his eyes full of doubt.

Seeing this, Lu Su looked relieved, crossed his arms and said, "If you don't believe me, we'll know after a try." Gan Ning, who had always been proud of his martial arts prowess, thought to himself, "Why would I be afraid of him?" He immediately puffed out his chest, nodded, and said loudly, "Let's fight!"

The two men immediately took up positions. Gan Ning roared, and like a tiger descending from the mountains, his long sword whirring with the wind as he charged towards Ma Chao, his blade fierce and ruthless, seemingly splitting the air. Ma Chao, however, remained calm, his movements lightning-fast, and he dodged deftly. Seizing the perfect moment, Ma Chao spun, his spear in his hand like a dragon emerging from the sea, his moves exquisite and dazzling.

After just a few rounds, Gan Ning's breathing grew heavier, sweat dripped down his forehead, and his moves became somewhat disorganized. Ma Chao, on the other hand, remained calm and composed, wielding his spear with vigorous force. Finally, Gan Ning stumbled, nearly losing his sword. His face flushed, and he had to admit he was outmatched.

Gan Ning's face was filled with shame. He knelt down sincerely and said with a fist clasped, "Gan Ning, Gan Xingba is so blind that he didn't even know it was you, the prince, in person. You deserve death, death!" Ma Chao hurriedly stepped forward with a smile, helped Gan Ning up with both hands, and said, "Xingba is truly a hero. You can take it or leave it, and you have no affectation at all, showing your masculinity! It's just that I stated from the beginning that I was the Great Marquis of Han, but you refused to believe it." Gan Ning scratched his head and said embarrassedly, "I only know that Ma Chao of Xiliang is a world-famous hero, and I really don't know what title he holds." The three looked at each other and couldn't help laughing.

The Jinfan tribe erupted in excitement upon seeing this. They looked at each other, bewildered and confused. They couldn't understand why their awe-inspiring leader had so blindly knelt before this young man. Everyone looked at each other, their eyes filled with astonishment, yet they didn't know what to do. For a moment, the whole scene fell into an eerie silence.