Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

After Lu Zhi and Liu Bian had carefully finalized everything, they repeatedly went over the details, confirming that there were no omissions. Then, they slowly stood up, their faces showing a hint of fatigue and reluctance.

Liu Bian looked at Lu Zhi, his voice filled with emotion: "Master, I will go back first. I'll leave everything to you."

Lu Zhi bowed slightly and saluted Liu Bian, saying, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will do my best."

After saying that, Liu Bian turned and left. Lu Zhi stood there, watching Liu Bian's back gradually disappear from his sight, his heart filled with complicated emotions.

Afterwards, Lu Zhi also left Cai Wenji's house with heavy steps, and everyone returned to their own residences, silently praying in their hearts that everything would go smoothly.

Afterwards, Lu Zhi reviewed the entire plan in detail with Ma Chao. Ma Chao also thought the plan was feasible and agreed with Lu Zhi's arrangement.

Afterwards, Lu Zhi solemnly handed the secret letter to Gongsun Zan and the specific request to Ma Chao, instructing him to ensure that it was properly delivered. Because this matter was of great importance, it could not be delivered through the formal route. If it was delivered through the post station, it would most likely be discovered.

Ma Chao had already sent word home about forging weapons for Sun Ce. Now tasked with delivering Lu Zhi's plan, he understood the weight of his responsibility. Therefore, Ma Chao carefully and secretly delivered the letter and his request, using the Ma family caravan as a channel to ensure the message reached Gongsun Zan safely.

Of course, after receiving the news from his master, Lu Zhi, Gongsun Zan acted decisively, dispatching his younger brother, Gongsun Yue, with two thousand white horsemen. They galloped day and night towards their destination. All of this was only the beginning of a series of dramatic events that followed, but that's a story for another time.

After the message was successfully delivered, everyone could only wait patiently in anxiety and anticipation. Before the troops arrived, they dared not act rashly, and during this period, they had not been able to find an opportunity to meet with the emperor.

While I was waiting like this, before I received a reply, I unexpectedly received a more important and urgent message.

Recently, shocking news arrived from Liang Province: Han Sui of Jincheng Commandery had joined forces with eight other factions, including Yaoyou, Li Kan, Yang Qiu, and Ma Wan, to lay siege to Ma Teng. Rumors circulated that this was a long-planned operation, with the various factions seemingly colluding to deliver a fatal blow to Ma Teng. The Eastern Qiang were among them.

A tense atmosphere permeated Liang Province, with Ma Teng and his men trapped in Wuwei in a precarious situation. Han Sui and his men led various armies to attack Wuwei, and although Ma Teng fought hard, he seemed overwhelmed by the numerous and powerful enemies.

This huge change in Liangzhou plunged the entire Xiliang region into turmoil and unrest.

The imperial court was truly shocked upon hearing this news. The fierce rivalry between the Yan Clan and the aristocratic families was temporarily put aside due to this sudden change, and they were forced to compromise on this matter.

After thorough analysis, the imperial court recognized the gravity of the situation in Western Liang. Western Liang was already plagued by frequent wars and chaos, while the eastern and western Qiang tribes frequently surrendered and rebelled. Ma Teng's presence in Wuwei served as a solid defensive line, maintaining relative stability in the surrounding areas. If Wuwei were captured, the consequences would be disastrous. Not only would Dunhuang, Zhangye, and other areas be plunged into chaos, but the entire Hexi Corridor could potentially slip out of Han control and cease to be part of its territory.

Under this severe situation, the imperial court must come up with a response plan as soon as possible to stabilize the situation in Xiliang and preserve this important border area.

At this moment, Dong Zhuo, the clan representative stationed in Beidi and Longxi, had achieved remarkable results in many battles to quell rebellions.

At court, the ministers debated the matter endlessly. Some believed Dong Zhuo's reputation and outstanding performance in suppressing the rebellion made him the right person to quell the rebellion in Xiliang. Others, however, harbored doubts about Dong Zhuo, fearing that his powerful military might pose a threat to the court. However, under pressure from the situation, the court ultimately decided to support Dong Zhuo in suppressing the rebellion.

Now, even though the eunuch party and the aristocratic families supporting He Jin were extremely reluctant, they had to push forward Dong Zhuo, a close family supporter of Empress Dowager Dong, in the hope that he could quell this sudden rebellion.

Regardless of the reactions at court, upon hearing this news, Ma Chao could no longer sit still, his anxiety evident. Ma Chao carefully analyzed the situation in Liang Province and understood the importance of Wuwei as a crucial chokepoint. Since Ma Teng's caravan formation, Wuwei, with its strategic location and connection to the Hexi Corridor, had become a transit point. This unique advantage allowed Wuwei to rapidly accumulate wealth, a fact coveted by the surrounding warlords.

After the Western Qiang established contact with Ma Chao, the Western Qiang also gained many war benefits, which made the Eastern Qiang King Mi Tang very angry. This was the root cause of the unrest.

From a broader perspective, the Han Dynasty might have considered defeating Ma Teng, allowing Han Sui and his allies to seize Wuwei and strangle it, potentially ending Han rule in the Hexi Corridor. From Ma Chao's own perspective, if Wuwei were captured, the Ma family would be doomed. Ma Chao considered this a conspiracy targeting Ma Teng and Wuwei.

So, after Ma Chao analyzed all of this in detail to Lu Zhi, he asked Lu Zhi to end his studies, return to save Wuwei, and assist his father.

Although Lu Zhi had always been fond of Ma Chao and even reserved a place for Ma Chao in his future plans for the emperor, at this moment, when facing the crisis that Ma Chao's family and even the territory of the Han Dynasty might face, he fell into deep thought.

He knew Ma Chao was a courageous, resourceful, and ambitious young man. He had been pleased and admired by Ma Chao's diligence and eagerness to learn during his studies, as well as his extraordinary bravery in handling the palace coup. However, the current situation was so dire that he understood the heavy responsibility Ma Chao shouldered.

Lu Zhi weighed the pros and cons in his mind, knowing he couldn't become an obstacle to Ma Chao's progress. Despite his deep affection for Ma Chao, facing the fate of his family and the safety of his country, he had to support and recognize Ma Chao. At the same time, he also believed that Ma Chao was capable of rising to the challenge and dedicating himself to the future of his family and the Han Dynasty.

Knowing the dangers of the journey, Lu Zhi requested that Ma Chao take both Pang De and Dian Wei with him to ensure his safety. However, Ma Chao stated that while the journey was fraught with danger, he was capable of handling it. Furthermore, Lu Zhi needed protection and could not be left unattended. Ultimately, Ma Chao decided to take Pang De with him, while Dian Wei remained with Lu Zhi to ensure his safety.

After Ma Chao finished his discussion with Lu Zhi, he began to prepare to leave for Xiliang. He first went to the back hall to bid farewell to his mother. When his mother learned that Ma Chao was leaving, she was filled with reluctance, but she also knew that she could not stop him.

Then, he went to say goodbye to his junior brother Lu Yu. Lu Yu still didn't quite understand the challenges Ma Chao was about to face, but he just regretted that the time they had together was too short.

Later, Ma Chao went to say goodbye to Lu Wan, who was instantly unable to accept the news. She and Ma Chao had a deep relationship, and it was difficult for her to face the impending separation.