Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 74: The Destruction of the Xiliang Rebellion

Ma Chao, Pang De, and Zhang Xiu, three fearless generals, led over a thousand elite Flying Bear troops. Like a flock of fierce and valiant falcons, they swiftly carved a path across the battlefield, charging bravely. Each of them displayed a breathtaking bravery and fearlessness, their momentum awe-inspiring, their power awe-inspiring.

Ma Chao and his three generals led a valiant charge of over a thousand elite Flying Bear troops, a blazing fire that instantly ignited the flagging morale of Dong Zhuo's forces. Driven by a powerful force, eager to shake off the humiliation of three consecutive defeats, Dong Zhuo's soldiers, like chickens, their blood boiling with fighting spirit and passion, charged recklessly towards the enemy.

However, in stark contrast to the fervent morale of Dong Zhuo's forces, Han Sui's forces suffered a crushing defeat. Yan Xing was tragically wounded in battle with Ma Chao, further exacerbating the situation. Ma Chao led his Flying Bear Army directly into Han Sui's formation. Faced with this difficult situation, Han Sui was forced to order his troops to retreat, while Ma Chao pursued them relentlessly.

The rebel generals of the Eight Western Liang tribes knew it was impossible to stop Ma Chao and his men, but they still put up a fierce resistance. Generals Yang Qiu, Cheng Yin, Ma Wan, Liang Xing, and others led their troops and resolutely charged towards Ma Chao and his men. After a fierce battle of more than ten rounds, Yang Qiu and Cheng Yin were tragically swept off their horses by Ma Chao's immense power. They were then quickly captured by the Flying Bear Army, which followed closely behind them.

Despite their valiant efforts, Ma Wan and Liang Xing were unable to withstand Pang De and Zhang Xiu's powerful offensive after more than twenty rounds. Furthermore, they were wounded by Pang De and Zhang Xiu and ultimately fled. Seeing this, other generals like Li Kan were filled with fear and helplessness. Knowing they could no longer stop Ma Chao and his men, they led their own troops to cover Han Sui's escape.

For a moment, the entire Xiliang rebel camp fell into chaos and collapse, like a landslide. The soldiers, utterly defeated, panicked and fled in all directions. Ma Chao and his men pursued them relentlessly, while Dong Zhuo's forces in the rear also fought bravely, refusing to retreat. In this fierce battle, countless rebels were captured or killed, and the battlefield flowed like a river of blood, a horrific sight.

Finally, the leaders of the eight Western Liang tribes led their elite troops to shield Han Sui, fleeing desperately along with Han Sui's main force. When they finally escaped pursuit and gathered the remnants, they were sadly relieved to find that their combined strength totaled less than 20,000 men, many of whom were wounded. Thus, Han Sui's Western Liang rebel alliance was completely defeated. The once formidable rebels were now in disarray and severely weakened.

When the rebels gathered again, they had to face the painful consequences of this defeat. Han Sui's own forces had suffered a great blow and their vitality was severely damaged. Even his brave general Yan Xing was seriously injured in this fierce battle, which made Han Sui's situation even more difficult.

The capture of Ma Wan and Liang Xing further posed a catastrophic challenge to the Eight Western Liang Tribes. With only six of the original eight remaining, the situation became increasingly dire. Under these circumstances, the alliance could no longer be sustained and quickly collapsed. Seeing the situation dire, the six generals, driven by their own interests, simply annexed Ma Wan and Liang Xing's men. Subsequently, they parted ways with Han Sui, each leading their depleted remnants back to their respective bases.

At this point, the once-powerful Xiliang rebel alliance completely disintegrated, and the Xiliang Rebellion was finally quelled. This war brought immense destruction and suffering to the Xiliang region, and Han Sui was forced to face the reality of his declining power.

Dong Zhuo's army achieved a resounding victory in this campaign, seizing numerous weapons and horses, and capturing over 30,000 Xiliang rebels. Still resentful of the defeats in the previous three campaigns, Dong Zhuo angrily demanded the immediate execution of the captives. The other Xiliang generals, each one radiating ruthlessness and bloodlust, were also visibly excited.

At this moment, Ma Chao intervened. He said, "Lord Dong Zhuo, Xiliang is a vast and sparsely populated land, and most of the rebels were simply coerced by others. Now that the majority of the rebels have been annihilated, it would be wise to treat the captives leniently. Young and strong men can be selected from among the captives to form new troops, and those who do not wish to serve can be released and allowed to return home." Li Ru, standing nearby, also suggested, "Lord, our army has achieved a resounding victory, and we should provide relief to Xiliang. This will benefit national stability and restore the people's strength."

Dong Zhuo pondered for a moment, then stroked his beard and laughed heartily, saying, "Hahaha! Since it's the young general who's giving me advice, how can I not obey him?" Then he ordered, "Come here, do as General Ma Chao says and treat these prisoners leniently!"

The captives originally thought that they would all be killed, but unexpectedly they were treated leniently and released. Everyone was full of gratitude to Ma Chao.

Dong Zhuo glanced at Li Ru, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes. Li Ru, seeing this, hesitated to speak.

At this moment, Dong Zhuo's camp was filled with the joy of victory and a celebratory atmosphere. The soldiers drank heartily and cheered loudly, celebrating this hard-earned victory. They fully enjoyed the fruits of victory and immersed themselves in a sea of ​​joy.

After this, Wuwei City experienced this disaster, and Ma Teng opened the city gates to welcome Dong Zhuo's army into the city.

Wuwei City was finally saved after such a disaster. Ma Teng opened the city gates to welcome Dong Zhuo and summoned all the generals to the city to celebrate, including Ma Chao.

At this moment, Dong Zhuo sat atop his magnificent steed, while Ma Teng personally walked out of the city gate, bowed profusely, and loudly expressed his gratitude for Dong Zhuo's aid. He said that without Dong Zhuo's help, Wuwei City would have fallen to the enemy, and for him, this was a life-saving grace.

Dong Zhuo laughed heartily. He stepped forward, helped Ma Teng to his feet, and said soothingly, "General Ma, your words are too harsh. General Ma was a man of great loyalty and patriotism. He defended the city to his death, steadfastly fighting with the will of the people. This is the kind of heroic act we should emulate. With General Ma guarding this place, Wuwei County will be as stable as a rock, and Liang Province will be immune to rebellion."

After the two of them flattered each other, they had a great conversation and walked into the city arm in arm.

Inside the prefect's mansion, the air was filled with laughter and joy. Dong Zhuo sat at the head of the table, Ma Teng at his side, and the generals of Dong Zhuo's army sat at the lower levels. Dong Zhuo burst into laughter, pulled Ma Chao over, and said to Ma Teng, "Shoucheng, your Ma family's son is a true warrior! If it weren't for his bravery, this old villain wouldn't have been defeated so easily! It's all thanks to Ma Chao's bravery that we can enjoy this feast today!"

At this time, Ma Teng and Ma Chao finally had a chance to talk. Ma Chao hurried forward to greet his father and said, "Father, I was deeply worried when I heard that Wuwei was under siege. Thanks to Lord Dong for lending me troops, I am able to see you again today. I'm sorry for the hardship you've endured!" Ma Chao looked at Ma Teng and saw that he had lost a lot of weight and looked haggard. He couldn't help but feel sad, and tears welled up in his eyes and fell to the ground.

Ma Teng pulled Ma Chao to his feet, and then the father and son turned together and knelt respectfully before Dong Zhuo. Ma Teng said with gratitude, "Thank you very much, Mr. Dong, for your timely assistance! If it weren't for your help, my father and I would never have met again. The liberation of Wuwei City is entirely thanks to Mr. Dong!"

Dong Zhuo burst into laughter upon seeing this. He stepped forward, helped Ma Teng and Ma Chao to their feet, and said proudly, "Shoucheng, there's no need for formalities. You and I are ministers of the same dynasty, and it's only natural for us to support each other. It's truly a blessing to be able to drink and feast together today!"

For a moment, the atmosphere in the county magistrate's mansion became more lively, both the guests and the hosts were having a great time, and everyone was immersed in this joyful atmosphere.

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