Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

As the defeated soldiers fled in panic toward Han Sui, the devastating news of Yan Xing's final slaying at the hands of Ma Chao spread like a storm throughout Jincheng County. This news struck Han Sui like a hammer, instantly plunging him into a state of complete devastation. While deeply saddened and mourning the loss of his son-in-law, he also realized with overwhelming clarity that he no longer had any chance or means of turning the tide.

At this moment, Han Sui's heart was filled with endless sadness and despair. He thought to himself, "I, Han Sui, have experienced countless twists and turns and challenges in my life. How could I end up in such a miserable situation now?" He knew that he was facing not only the relentless pressure from Cheliji, but also the fatal attack that Ma Chao was about to launch. Han Sui's heart was filled with intense anger and great panic.

Han Sui was a true example of cunning and ruthless ruthlessness. Before Ma Chao arrived to utterly eliminate him, he feigned a showdown with Cheliji. However, this was all a conspiracy, sacrificing a significant portion of his forces to attract the attention of Cheliji and Ma Chao. He then quietly withdrew with his family and a small number of elite troops, vanishing like a ghost, leaving no trace. From then on, no one could determine Han Sui's whereabouts, as if he had vanished from the face of the earth.

Han Sui's hasty escape signaled to the world that Jincheng County was devoid of any resistance capable of resisting him. Even before officially meeting Qiang King Cheliji, Ma Chao quickly ordered his troops to bear the Qiang King's Golden Sword, a symbol of friendship, and rush to Cheliji's location. He also urged Cheliji to restrain his Qiang soldiers from committing acts of brutality, such as burning, killing, and looting. Regardless of Han Sui's past actions within Jincheng County, it was undeniable that he devoted his entire life to its management. Ma Chao could not bear to see this relatively intact Jincheng County ruthlessly ravaged once again by the triumphant soldiers. The moment Qiang King Cheliji saw the Qiang King's Golden Sword, he unhesitatingly chose to trust his brother, Ma Chao. He immediately ordered his troops to set up camp and quietly await Ma Chao's arrival to meet him there.

Ma Chao made swift and decisive arrangements. He quickly directed his soldiers to take over the defense of Jincheng County in an orderly manner, ensuring that each location was under dedicated guard. At the same time, he also ordered the posting of a notice to reassure the people, conveying peace and hope to them.

Ma Chao showed tolerance and mercy to the remnants of Han Sui's defeated army and the captives. He ordered that all these individuals be treated with respect, provided with ample food and water, and made to feel warm and caring. For those willing to join the army, Ma Chao broke up their original organization and dispersed them into various units, giving them the opportunity to start anew and strive for new goals. As for those unwilling to join the army, Ma Chao did not force them, but instead allowed them to return to civilian life, allowing them to continue their stable lives on the land.

To further stabilize Jincheng County, Ma Chao actively recruited young men. He promoted the significance of military service and the responsibility of defending the nation to these aspiring young men, attracting numerous enthusiastic individuals to sign up. Thanks to his efforts, Jincheng County quickly gained a significant influx of new recruits, who became a vital pillar of stability.

After considerable effort, Jincheng County finally returned to its former peace and tranquility. Ma Chao, observing the orderly scene before him, was filled with relief. He immediately reported the victory to Dong Zhuo's army, spreading the news. With this accomplished, Ma Chao breathed a sigh of relief. He gathered his thoughts and then ventured to meet with the Qiang King, Cheliji.

Ma Chao, along with Dong Bai, Pang De, Zhang Xiu, and other generals and soldiers, brought lambs and fine wine and eagerly arrived to meet Cheliji. Seeing Cheliji's camp from afar, Ma Chao could no longer contain his excitement. He immediately led Dong Bai, Pang De, and Zhang Xiu, leaving the rest of the group behind. Just the four of them, without any followers, headed for the Qiang camp.

The Qiang soldiers in the distance saw the four men riding their horses straight towards the camp and immediately took up their positions. At this moment, Ma Chao, who was already in the distance, shouted, "I am Ma Chao from Xiliang, and I have come to meet you, brother! Please inform me immediately!" The Qiang soldiers dared not stop him and quickly put away their weapons and went to inform Cheliji. They did not dare to delay, because Cheliji had already issued an order that if Ma Chao came, he must be notified in time to come and greet him.

Upon hearing that Ma Chao was coming, Cheliji and Yueji hurried out of the tent, not even getting dressed, and rode two horses to the camp entrance to greet him. Ma Chao waited patiently at the entrance, and when he saw Cheliji approaching, they galloped forward, dismounting before their horses could even steady themselves and embracing each other.

Ma Chao and Cheliji finally met, and time seemed to have left its mark on them. They were no longer the reckless young men they once were. Cheliji had become the true King of Western Qiang, renowned far and wide. Ma Chao, meanwhile, had grown into an outstanding and qualified military commander through the years, a man of valor and valor.

When the two met, their eyes met, filled with emotion and joy. They greeted each other, and the sincere emotions flowed through their words, expressing their deep longing for each other and their irrepressible joy.

Ma Chao said to Cheliji solemnly, "Brother Cheliji, I am deeply grateful for your assistance this time!"

Cheliji waved his hand and replied proudly, "Brother, why are you saying this? Don't even mention thank you. You did so much more than I did back then!"

The two smiled at each other and then walked into the tent together. Inside the tent, fine wine and delicious food were already laid out, and the aroma filled the air.

Cheliji shared with Ma Chao proudly: "Brother, my little princess gave birth to a big fat boy for me, hahaha!" As he said this, a happy smile appeared on his face.

Ma Chao was also happy for him and replied with a smile, "That's great! Congratulations, brother!"

Cheliji turned to Ma Chao and asked with concern: "What about you, brother? How are you doing now? Have you got married and had children?"

Ma Chao felt shy after hearing this. He scratched his head and said, "I'm still young and unmarried."

After hearing this, Cheliji looked at Ma Chao thoughtfully, with a hint of cunning in his eyes.

At this time, Ma Chao began to introduce Pang De, Zhang Xiu, Dong Bai and others around him to Cheliji.

Cherriji greeted them one by one with great dignity, and then said enthusiastically: "You are all heroes, and we will not leave until we are drunk today!"

Everyone sat down and began to drink. After three rounds of drinks, Cheliji quietly approached Ma Chao and said in a low voice: "Brother, you are not married yet. I think the young lady from the Dong family is quite suitable for you!"

Ma Chao looked bewildered and asked in confusion, "Where is the young lady?"

Cheliji laughed heartily, pointed at Dong Bai and said, "You blockhead, isn't the young lady from the Dong family beside you a blockhead?"

Ma Chao suddenly realized what was going on and looked at Dong Bai with a hint of surprise and embarrassment on his face.

Dong Bai felt a little embarrassed by what they said and lowered his head with a red face.

Cherigi continued to tease, "I think you two are quite a good match, hahaha!"

Ma Chao was a little at a loss what to do after hearing what Cheliji said, and Dong Bai secretly glanced at Ma Chao, and a ripple appeared in his heart.

The tent was filled with laughter and joy, and the friendship between the brothers became even deeper at this moment.

Afterwards, Ma Chao, Cheliji, Yueji and a group of others gathered in Jincheng, enjoying this rare happy time. At the same time, they also waited for Dong Zhuo's next instructions.

Dong Zhuo was very generous with the city that Cheliji had captured, and offered to give it to Cheliji to manage. However, Cheliji shook his head and declined to Ma Chao, saying, "We Western Qiang are used to hunting, and suddenly having us enter a city is a bit uncomfortable. Let me leave this city to you, brother!"

Dong Zhuo also assigned a new task to Ma Chao, asking him to arrange the affairs in Jincheng and meet Dong Bai in Longxi.

By this time, Cheliji was homesick, as many affairs in Xiqiang were still waiting for him to deal with. So, the two of them said goodbye reluctantly and each set out on their journey home.

At their farewell, Ma Chao and Cheliji embraced each other tightly, their eyes filled with longing and reluctance. They knew they would never see each other again. But they also understood that each had their own mission and responsibility, and they must strive for the future.

Ma Chao watched Cheliji's figure gradually disappearing into the distance, and secretly vowed in his heart that he must fight side by side with Cheliji again in the future to create brilliance together.