Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ever since Dong Zhuo entered the capital, Ma Chao had understood that to gain a foothold in this land and achieve great things, he needed a clear and decisive strategic plan. Astride his mighty warhorse, clad in magnificent armor, his eyes gleamed with determination and wisdom. He gazed silently ahead, mentally calculating his next move.

"Go, call Cheng Yin and Yang Qiu," Ma Chao instructed the soldiers around him in a steady voice. Soon, Cheng Yin and Yang Qiu approached Ma Chao, feeling anxious. Cheng Yin cautiously asked, "General, may I know why you summoned us?" Ma Chao's face was as calm as stone, his gaze resolute. "There's no need to dwell on the past. I, Ma Chao, never hold grudges. From today on, you two will continue to lead your troops and accompany me to Beidi County to pacify it." Yang Qiu looked up in surprise, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. He hurriedly said, "Thank you for your trust, General. We will live up to your trust!" Cheng Yin quickly bowed and said, "We will do our best!" Then, with a slight wave of his hand, Ma Chao signaled their departure. Cheng Yin and Yang Qiu turned and led their troops, marching with determined steps towards the Beidi army.

Ma Chao's choice of Cheng Yin and Yang Qiu for this operation wasn't simply out of leniency; it stemmed from far-reaching strategic considerations. He knew Cheng Yin and Yang Qiu held considerable influence in the region; if he could recruit them and use them for his own benefit, he would not only strengthen his own power but also appease the people and stabilize the situation. Furthermore, through covert investigation, he learned that although Cheng Yin and Yang Qiu had once joined Han Sui in rebellion, they weren't entirely evil. They yearned for a wise leader in this chaotic world, one who could bring them dignity and honor. Ma Chao firmly believed that if he gave them the opportunity and trusted them, they would serve him wholeheartedly.

With the assistance of Cheng Yin and Yang Qiu, Ma Chao's advance proceeded smoothly. However, completely pacifying Beidi County proved daunting, owing to the complex terrain and the cunning enemy forces. Ma Chao employed a strategy of dividing his forces into multiple routes and employing outflanking tactics. He dispatched an elite force to feign a frontal attack to draw the enemy's attention, while he led his main force around the enemy's rear and launched a surprise attack. Cheng Yin and Yang Qiu, in turn, led their troops to provide support from the flanks, disrupting the enemy's deployment.

After a fierce battle, the enemy, seeing Ma Chao's advancing force, attempted to lure him into a trap. However, Ma Chao had already sensed this and quietly exploited the situation. Just as the enemy, believing Ma Chao had fallen for their ruse and preparing to close in and annihilate him, suddenly ordered a rapid retreat, setting an ambush along the way. The enemy, overjoyed at Ma Chao's retreat, rushed in pursuit. However, they fell into Ma Chao's trap and were met with a fierce attack from the ambush. At a crucial moment, Cheng Yin and Yang Qiu led their troops to attack from the flank, delivering a fatal blow. The enemy's formation was thrown into disarray and they were routed.

Meanwhile, Liang Xing and Zhang Heng secretly formed an alliance, hoping to counter Ma Chao's might and secure their own position in this volatile situation. However, their scheme ultimately failed. Ma Chao, having learned of their plot through spies, decided to strike first. He orchestrated a carefully planned campaign, sending a small force ahead to feign defeat, luring Liang Xing and Zhang Heng into pursuit. When they reached a valley, Ma Chao had already ambushed his main force. With a single command, the ambushers sprang into action, their cries of battle echoing through the valley. Despite Liang Xing and Zhang Heng's desperate resistance, they were ultimately no match for Ma Chao's ferocious attack.

During the battle, Ma Chao personally led a cavalry charge, charging like a whirlwind towards Liang Xing and Zhang Heng. He wielded his spear, its tip flashing with a cold gleam. Each strike carried immense force, crushing the enemy wherever it struck. Liang Xing and Zhang Heng, awed by Ma Chao's prowess, felt a surge of fear in their hearts, but they refused to accept defeat and fought to the death. Seeing this, Ma Chao's lips curled up slightly, a hint of disdain. He launched a counter-attack, the tip of his spear piercing Liang Xing's chest like a venomous snake. Liang Xing, in a panic, dodged, but was too late. The spear pierced his shoulder, causing him to fall from his horse and be captured alive. Seeing Liang Xing's capture, Zhang Heng, realizing his situation was hopeless, attempted to flee. But Ma Chao would not let him go. He relentlessly pursued, catching up with Zhang Heng and knocking him off his horse with a single spear. He was also captured alive.

Despite being defeated by Ma Chao, he displayed remarkable magnanimity and generosity. He forgave the two men and treated their families and subordinates equally. This tolerance and righteousness filled Liang Xing and Zhang Heng with guilt and shame, ultimately forcing them to pledge their loyalty to Ma Chao.

Ma Teng personally led the army against them, along with Generals Ma Wan and Cheng Yi. Ma Teng, fully aware of the importance of this battle, made meticulous preparations beforehand. He dispatched spies deep into enemy territory to gather information on troop deployments, food reserves, and other aspects, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both sides. He also convened his generals to discuss battle plans. During the meeting, Ma Teng listened to their opinions and suggestions, ultimately formulating a detailed and comprehensive plan.

On the battlefield, Ma Teng led his troops, like a valiant lion, displaying extraordinary courage and military prowess. He led his men, charging like a tiger, toward the enemy. The cries of war and the clashing of weapons resounded through the air, each soldier brimming with passion and fervor. Ma Teng skillfully exploited the terrain, commanding his troops to maneuver and attack, leaving the enemy disoriented. Ma Wan and Cheng Yi fought desperately, but were ultimately no match for Ma Teng's ferocious offensive. Ma Teng galloped across the battlefield, his every move imbued with power, his every attack striking fear into the heart of his enemies. His heroics instilled fear in the enemy, and wherever he moved, the enemy was routed.

During the fierce battle, Ma Teng discovered the enemy's forage storage. He acted decisively, leading an elite force to raid the forage storage. He personally led this desperate squad in a lightning-fast charge towards the enemy's forage storage. The enemy was completely unprepared for Ma Teng's bold move. Ma Teng led his men in a valiant fight, successfully seizing the enemy's forage storage. Without their forage, the enemy troops fell into chaos, their morale plummeting. Seizing this opportunity, Ma Teng launched a general offensive.

In the end, Ma Wan and Cheng Yi were defeated one after another by Ma Teng. With the defeat of Ma Wan and Cheng Yi, the situation in Xiliang gradually became clear, and the once chaotic situation was gradually replaced by stability.

Meanwhile, Pang De, retained by Ma Chao to serve under Ma Teng, also played a vital role in the battle. Unparalleled in his bravery and martial prowess, he worked closely with Ma Teng, developing battle plans and adapting tactics based on enemy movements and the terrain. During the battle, the enemy set numerous traps in an attempt to entrap Ma Teng's troops. However, Pang De, with his keen insight and superb martial arts, anticipated the enemy's plot. He quickly reported this to Ma Teng and suggested a circuitous tactic to circumvent the traps. Ma Teng heeded Pang De's advice, leading his troops to successfully circumvent the traps and launch a surprise attack from the enemy's flank. The enemy was caught off guard and suffered a crushing defeat.

With the defeat of Ma Wan and Cheng Yi, the situation in the Western Liang region gradually became clearer, and the once chaotic situation gradually gave way to stability. From then on, the entire Western Liang region, with the exception of the Eastern Qiang, was pacified. Ma Chao's name resonated throughout the Western Liang region, his wisdom, courage, and broad-mindedness captivating everyone. Under his leadership, the Western Liang region ushered in a period of relative stability, allowing the people to live and work in peace and contentment. Ma Chao's actions left a lasting mark on the history of the Western Liang region.

Ma Chao's name was not only famous in Xiliang, but also he loved the people like his own children. Thanks to Ma Chao's efforts, Xiliang gradually regained its former prosperity and stability.