Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

In the back hall, Lu Wan broke down in tears, and Ma Chao gently soothed her. After Lu Wan's emotions gradually calmed down, Ma Chao softly said, "Don't be sad, Wan'er. I'm just going back. When things are settled in Xiliang, I will come back to see my master and continue my studies."

However, Lu Wan was well aware of the seriousness of the matter. She raised her head, her eyes full of worry and reluctance, and said, "We are both fourteen years old this year. We won't be able to come back in a few days. Maybe it will take several years before we meet again after this separation, and by then, I don't know what the situation will be like." Lu Wan's words were full of confusion and worry about the future.

Ma Chao felt a pang of sadness after hearing Lu Wan's words. He held Lu Wan's hand tightly and said, "Wan'er, I understand your concerns. But I must go back and face this. For my family, for Xiliang, I cannot retreat. I promise you, no matter how hard it is, I will come back for you."

Lu Wan held Ma Chao's hand tightly, tears streaming down her face. She choked out a sob and said, "Brother, do you know how important you are to me? Without you by my side, I feel like the whole world has lost its color. Without you by my side, every day will be difficult for me."

As she spoke, Lu Wan suddenly cut off a lock of hair from her head. Ma Chao looked at her in surprise, not understanding why she did this. Lu Wan handed the lock of hair to Ma Chao and said, "My stinky junior brother, take it. This hair is extremely important to a girl. It represents my feelings. You must keep it well."

Ma Chao accepted the lock of hair, his heart filled with emotion. He knew how much it meant to Lu Wan, and he sensed her deep love for him. He said, "Wan'er, I will definitely keep it well. Don't worry, I won't let you down."

Lu Wan raised her head, looked at Ma Chao through tearful eyes, and said, "I believe you, Junior Brother. But I'm really scared. I'm scared that this separation will be forever, that we can never go back to the way we were before. The time we spent together is my most precious memory. I really don't want to lose you."

Ma Chao gently wiped the tears from Lu Wan's face and said, "No, Wan'er. Our feelings are as solid as a rock. No matter how time passes, it will not change. You must believe that we will be together again. When I come back, we will never be separated again."

After hearing Ma Chao's words, Lu Wan's mood stabilized a little. She leaned in Ma Chao's arms and recalled every little bit of their time together. Those days of studying and playing together seemed to be still before her eyes. Lu Wan said, "Brother, do you remember the first time we met? You were so handsome back then, I thought you were some frivolous playboy."

Ma Chao also laughed and said, "Of course I remember. You always bullied me back then."

Lu Wan said, "But later I discovered that you are actually a very kind and talented person. From then on, I fell in love with you."

Ma Chao's heart was filled with warmth after hearing Lu Wan's words. He said, "Wan'er, I feel the same way. From the moment I saw you, I was captivated by your beauty and innocence. You are the most important person in my life."

The two hugged and cried. Their emotions were completely revealed at this moment. They both understood the importance of each other in their hearts. They knew that this separation might be full of hardships and challenges, but they also firmly believed that their feelings for each other could stand the test of time.

Junior Brother Lu Yu, watching them from the side, was also deeply moved. Lu Yu didn't quite understand the challenges Ma Chao was about to face, and he said regretfully, "I really hope you two won't break up. You two are so beautiful together."

The younger brother pretended to be serious and patted Ma Chao's shoulder, saying, "Junior brother, don't worry and go back. We are here to take care of Wan'er. You must return safely."

Lu Wan burst into laughter and scolded, "Lu Yu, get out of here, you little bastard! It's fine if you just want to laugh at me, but you're actually trying to take advantage of me!"

Finally, Ma Chao and Lu Wan talked for a long time until the sky gradually darkened. They knew that separation was inevitable, but their feelings would never change.

After Ma Chao left, Lu Wan stood at the doorway to the back hall, staring in his direction, reluctant to leave. She knew that from this moment on, her life would change dramatically. But she also believed that no matter what the future held, her relationship with Ma Chao would remain as solid as a rock, undiminished by time and distance. That strand of hair became a precious token of their love, a testament to their love.

The next day, Ma Chao prepared everything. He then went to Cai Yong's residence to bid farewell to him and Cai Wenji. Cai Yong knew that Ma Chao was from Xiliang and that his main mission was to rescue the trapped Ma Teng. Ma Chao was bound to return, so he did not try to stop him.

Watching Ma Chao as he prepared to embark on his journey, Cai Yong spoke to him with concern, "Ma Chao, you must continue to work hard and never forget your studies. You must always remember to prioritize the people and minimize the risk of killing." Ma Chao felt a surge of warmth and gratitude as he listened to Cai Yong's words. He nodded solemnly and said, "Master Cai, rest assured, I will remember your teachings."

Cai Wenji was overwhelmed with mixed emotions when she learned of Ma Chao's impending departure. She had always secretly loved Ma Chao, but because of Lu Wan's close relationship with him, she had to keep these feelings to herself. Furthermore, she learned from her father that she had been betrothed to Wei Zhongdao of the Hedong Wei clan at an early age, which further filled her with helplessness and sorrow. She was torn between self-pity for her arranged marriage, her love for Ma Chao, and her fear of the danger he would face upon his return. These complex emotions intertwined within her.

Cai Wenji held back her tears, looked at Ma Chao, and said softly, "Brother Ma Chao, you must be careful on your way. I will pray for you silently here."

Ma Chao looked at Cai Wenji, his eyes showing reluctance to leave, and said, "Sister Wenji, you must take care of yourself. I will definitely come back."

Cai Wenji lowered her head slightly, holding a purse tightly in her hands. She mustered her courage, handed the purse to Ma Chao, and said, "This is a purse I embroidered myself. I give it to you. I hope it will bring you good luck."

Ma Chao took the purse and felt Cai Wenji's kindness. He was moved and said, "Thank you, Sister Wenji."

Cai Wenji bit her lip and continued, "My father said that I was betrothed to Wei Zhongdao of the Hedong Wei family in my early years, but I... I just hope you can be well."

Ma Chao felt sad and said, "Sister Wenji, I understand your feelings. Don't worry."

Ma Chao deeply felt Cai Wenji's sincerity. He slowly took the jade pendant from his brocade robe belt and handed it to Cai Wenji, saying, "Sister Wenji, this is the jade pendant my mother gave me before I left for school. I wanted to leave it to you as a token of my love. If you are dissatisfied with your marriage to Wei Shi from Hedong, or if you are unhappy in your marriage, please bring this jade pendant to me. No matter how difficult or dangerous it may be, I, Ma Chao, will stand by you."

Cai Wenji looked up at Ma Chao, her eyes full of concern, and said, "Brother Ma Chao, please take good care of yourself and don't let me worry."

Cai Wenji finished speaking and turned to leave, tears streaming down her face. She clutched the jade pendant tightly, her heart awash with emotion. She felt Ma Chao's deep affection and care, her heart filled with emotion and warmth, yet also with uncertainty and worry about the future. She knew the jade pendant carried Ma Chao's promise to her, giving her a glimmer of hope for the future. But she feared it was all just a beautiful fantasy, that they would never be together. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she secretly resolved that no matter what difficulties she faced in the future, she would cherish this friendship.

Ma Chao looked at her back, his heart filled with complicated emotions.

Ma Chao gently put a lock of Lu Wan's hair into the purse given to him by Cai Wenji, and then carefully placed it close to his chest, as if this would allow Lu Wan and Cai Wenji to always be by his side.

Ma Chao stood quietly for a moment, gathering his chaotic thoughts. Then, he and Pang De resolutely set out on the road back to Xiliang, their figures gradually disappearing into the distance.

Returning home, Ma Chao is no longer the innocent student he once was. He is poised to transform into a decisive and powerful young general, renowned throughout Western Liang! His journey is filled with challenges and opportunities, and he will face them all with a fresh attitude, writing his own legend.