Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

During this turbulent time, Dong Bai's love for Ma Chao grew day by day. Her ardent heart, like a burning flame, poured more and more intensely into Ma Chao.

Dong Bai repeatedly arrived from Longxi Commandery, offering care and warmth to Ma Chao's troops. Each time she appeared, she was like a ray of sunshine, bringing warmth and comfort to the weary soldiers. Her beautiful figure moved through the barracks, personally delivering supplies and encouragement to the soldiers, her gaze always unconsciously lingering on Ma Chao's tall figure.

Ma Chao and Dong Bai's relationship grew increasingly harmonious. They strolled together into the sunset, chatting about the battlefield and the little anecdotes of life. Dong Bai would listen to Ma Chao's stories of battle, her eyes gleaming with admiration and adoration. Ma Chao, in turn, gradually sensed Dong Bai's special affection, the deep affection hidden behind every gentle glance and caring word.

However, Ma Chao had other thoughts in mind. On the one hand, he considered Dong Bai the granddaughter of his superior, treating her with respect and courtesy. He was fully aware of his position and mission, and understood that personal relationships could not compromise the overall situation. In his heart, Dong Bai was a being to be protected and respected, and not the slightest disrespect. On the other hand, he often thought of Lu Wanlai, with Cai Wenji in the background. That was the woman he yearned for, but he simply treated Dong Bai as his own sister, his feelings pure and sincere, without a trace of impurity.

Ma Chao tried to maintain this boundary, not to cross it. He deliberately kept a certain distance from Dong Bai, even though there was a trace of reluctance and conflict in his heart. He knew Dong Bai's feelings, but he didn't know how to respond. He could only bury those feelings deep in his heart and silently protect her.

He knew that no matter what, he could not let Dong Bai down, nor could he forget his responsibilities.

Ma Chao unified the Western Liang region, stretching from Jiuquan in the north to Longxi in the south, bordering the Western Qiang to the west and the Eastern Qiang to the east. Western Liang achieved a brief period of unity, and under Ma Teng's rule, the people were able to recuperate and gradually emerge from the shadow of war.

While Ma Chao's army recuperated, he and his men discussed their next move against the Eastern Qiang, their planned conquest of the region. Meanwhile, news from the capital occasionally arrived, but it was only fragmentary and incomplete. During this period of recuperation, Ma Chao completed the Overlord Spear for Sun Ce. Ma Chao arranged for a caravan from Xiliang to travel to the heart of the Central Plains, both to deliver Sun Ce's Overlord Spear and to keep in touch. After months of separation, Ma Chao deeply missed Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, Lu Wan, Cai Wenji, and the others, but was unable to contact them due to his isolation in the border region.

On this day, Dong Zhuo's envoy suddenly arrived and asked to see Ma Teng and Ma Chao. The envoy said he only brought Dong Zhuo's request, that is, to ask Ma Chao to go to the capital.

Ma Chao was filled with anticipation upon receiving this news, hoping to use it as an opportunity to visit his teacher and his relatives and friends in Luoyang. However, the messenger's message was incomplete, simply asking Ma Chao to hurry to the capital. Therefore, Ma Chao was unable to analyze the current situation from the information he brought.

Ma Chao and Ma Teng discussed the matter. Ma Teng, with a hint of worry on his face, said, "Lord Dong is traveling to the capital with a large army, including elite troops from Xiliang and the Feixiong Army, and yet he requires you to go as well. I'm sure he's encountered something quite difficult." Ma Teng, having just been reunited with his son for only a few months, was now facing another separation. He was also deeply concerned about Ma Chao's personal safety. Ma Chao reassured Ma Teng, "Don't worry, father. I'll be careful and ensure my own safety. Furthermore, this might be a rare opportunity, and I'll handle it with caution."

Ma Chao, still somewhat uneasy about the newly joined Eight Western Liang tribes, gathered his generals. His expression was stern, his gaze darting across them like lightning. He declared in a deep voice, "Men, although we have now unified Western Liang, the situation remains volatile. We must all work together to maintain its stability. I, Ma Chao, make this clear: if anyone dares to disobey or even harbor the slightest thought of rebellion, do not blame me, Ma Chao, for my ruthless spear will destroy him without a burial place, forever damned!" The generals were filled with a chill. Their already deep admiration for Ma Chao was now heightened by a fear. Thinking of Ma Chao's bravery, his godlike figure on the battlefield, they trembled inwardly. They knelt on one knee, their voices firm and respectful, and chanted, "We swear to be loyal to you, General, and never again will we dare rebel. Anyone who disobeys will be struck by lightning and suffer an unpleasant death!" Ma Chao then arranged for Pang De to remain with them. Ma Chao, fully aware of Pang De's bravery and loyalty, felt that having Pang De there would provide a safe haven in case of emergency. Although Ma Teng wanted Ma Chao to take Pang De with him, Ma Chao, after repeated consideration, remained unsure. He felt that with Pang De, a formidable general, in charge of the situation in Xiliang, he would feel more at ease.

After comforting his generals, Ma Chao bid farewell to his family with a heavy heart. Madam Ma held Ma Chao's hand tightly, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to fall at any moment. She choked back a sob and said, "Chao'er, you must be very careful on this trip." Ma Yunlu also looked reluctant to leave, her beautiful face filled with longing and melancholy. She whispered, "Brother, you must return safely."

The other brothers, Ma Xiu, Ma Tie, and Ma Dai, were filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to go with Ma Chao. Ma Chao knew the seriousness of the journey and naturally refused to agree. However, the brothers kept pestering Ma Chao, refusing to give up, their eyes filled with longing and eagerness.

At this time, Ma Teng's eyes became stern, and a majestic expression appeared on his face. He shouted angrily: "What are you guys doing! Your eldest brother is going there to serve the country. There is no mercy on the battlefield. Your martial arts are so mediocre that you will only cause trouble for your eldest brother if you go there!" After hearing this, the excitement on the faces of the boys disappeared in an instant. They were full of grievances and helplessness. They didn't dare to say anything more and just stood there with their heads down.

Ma Chao looked at the pitiful appearance of his brothers, and a deep feeling of pity and reluctance surged in his heart. He walked up to them, patted their shoulders gently, and comforted them, saying: "Brothers, don't be sad. You must practice martial arts hard. When you grow up and become strong enough, your brother will definitely take you with him." After hearing Ma Chao's words, the brothers rekindled the light of hope in their eyes and nodded heavily.

After Ma Chao had reassured everyone, he set out on his journey without further hesitation, traveling light with only a few followers. On the way, he made a detour to Longxi County to visit Dong Bai. When he appeared before Dong Bai, her eyes lit up with surprise. Ma Chao smiled and handed her a carefully prepared gift. Dong Bai happily accepted it, her eyes filled with uncontrollable joy. Her beautiful smile filled Ma Chao's heart with tenderness.

Later, Dong Bai learned that Ma Chao was going to the capital to reunite with his grandfather. She expressed her desire to go along, driven by her desire to see her grandfather, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, and her desire to experience this journey with her beloved lover. However, Ma Chao's orders did not mention Dong Bai. He knew that this journey would be full of risks and uncertainties, and would not be safe. He did not want Dong Bai to accompany him, so he resolutely refused Dong Bai's request to accompany him. A deep sense of loss and reluctance suddenly appeared on Dong Bai's face, tears welling up in her eyes. She clung to Ma Chao's clothes tightly, her pitiful appearance distressing Ma Chao, but he still firmly refused.

Amid Dong Bai's reluctant and affectionate farewell, Ma Chao gritted his teeth, hardened his heart, and resolutely turned around to continue on his way forward, leaving Dong Bai behind, staring blankly at his departing back, tears streaming down her face, her heart filled with attachment and melancholy.