Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao asked, "Uncle, you hold a high position in the imperial court. Why have you come to this remote and remote county?"

Han said, "The late emperor favored the Ten Eunuchs, who then caused chaos in the court. Bo Xie (Cai Yong) and I jointly submitted a petition to impeach the Ten Eunuchs, but the late emperor refused. The Ten Eunuchs, harboring a grudge, spread rumors to confuse the emperor, and demoted both of us. But it's all the same. This is a small, border county with simple affairs, perfect for my studies."

Ma Chao said, "Uncle is truly a free and easy person. I admire you."

Han asked, "How old are you, my nephew? Have you ever studied?"

Ma Chao said, "My nephew is fourteen years old this year. When he was young, my father hired a teacher. Although he can read and write, he has never been enrolled in school."

Han said, "I am good friends with Lu Zigan and Cai Boxie. Both are renowned scholars with a talent for governing the country. Boxie excels in civil administration and is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but he lacks military expertise. Lu Zigan can stabilize the country with both civil and military skills; he is a true mentor. Lu Zigan has devoted himself to his country and his people, never caring about personal honor or disgrace. He has weathered many ups and downs, and has always been concerned about the world. Unfortunately, he has no disciples who can inherit his talents. Among his disciples, Gongsun Zan inherited his military strategy, but his temperament is fierce and his benevolence and righteousness are insufficient. Liu Bei's benevolence and morality are impeccable, but he lacks both civil and military prowess. I now see that my nephew is a first-rate scholar in both military and literary talent, and he is also benevolent, righteous, and humble. He has justice and the people in his heart. He is the perfect person to inherit Lu Zigan's legacy, to support this broken Han Dynasty and to protect its suffering people. Nephew, are you willing?"

Lu Zhi was a man of great renown throughout China, a man of extraordinary talent and learning, and a man devoted to his country, admired by both scholars and generals. Ma Chao was overjoyed and prostrated himself before him, saying, "If I could have Master Lu as my teacher, it would be the fulfillment of my lifelong wish, and I would die without regrets!"

Han Shuo helped Ma Chao to his feet and praised him repeatedly: "I am a mediocre scholar with the heart to serve my country but the ability to do so. I did not expect to discover such a talented person as your nephew in my depression. I want to teach him, but I am afraid that I will mislead him. I will write a letter to Lu Zigan and ask him to teach me everything he knows. I think he will be overjoyed."

The banquet was a joyful one, and after it ended, Ma Chao offered Han Shuo some advice. He said that the borderlands of Western Liang were not as rife as those of the Central Plains; they were plagued by bandits and nomadic peoples who raided the grasslands for crops. He suggested that during the slack season, young men should be organized into townships and trained in weapons. Each village should take turns patrolling their township, deterring the bandits. The weapons seized could be used to arm the county, instilling courage in the people and enabling them to form battle formations to meet the enemy, so they wouldn't panic and feel helpless. Han Shuo, already troubled by the bandits, was overjoyed to receive this advice. His affection for Ma Chao grew even stronger, and he was filled with anticipation for his future achievements.

Han Shuo insisted on inviting Ma Chao to stay at his home, and Ma Chao stayed there for a few days. During this time, Ma Chao asked Han Shuo for advice. Han Shuo was very pleased with Ma Chao's diligence and eagerness to learn. In their spare time, they talked about ancient sages and current affairs, just like friends. Han Shuo taught him everything he knew, and Ma Chao felt that he benefited a lot.

During this period, Ma Chao sent a message to Ma Teng, firstly to ask about his parents' health, secondly to explain to his father what had happened in recent days, and said that his uncle Han wanted him to worship Lu Zhi as his teacher, and thirdly to ask his father to send a few soldiers to train the villagers.

Han Shuo also presented Ma Chao's achievements to the court, emphasizing his leading role and calling him a young hero. He also wrote a letter to Lu Zhi, informing him of this, describing Ma Chao's concern for the people, his great benevolence and righteousness, his courage and resourcefulness, and his unparalleled bravery. He expressed his belief that Ma Chao was a good candidate to inherit Lu Zhi's legacy, and hoped that Lu Zhi would accept Ma Chao as his apprentice.

Ma Teng, however, was overjoyed upon hearing the news. After Han Shuo was exiled to Maoling County, Ma Teng personally visited him, but Han Shuo briefly departed. The scholar and the warrior didn't interact much, and their interactions were brief, little more than a passing acquaintance. Who was Lu Zhi? He was a minister of state, a student of Ma Rong and Chen Qiu. His fellow students, Zheng Jing, Guan Ning, and Hua Xin, were renowned figures, each capable of causing a sensation. He was also a general of the rank of lieutenant general, one of the three most renowned generals of his time, along with Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun. His strict discipline commanded the military, earning him unwavering admiration. Unexpectedly, he had the honor of being recommended by Han Shuo. Ma Teng couldn't wait to arrive, and with his personal guards and valuable gifts, he hurried from Huaili County to the Maoling County government.

Ma Teng rushed to the county government office and asked someone to inform him. At that time, Ma Chao was being taught the Spring and Autumn Annals by Han Shuo in the backyard. The two of them were attentively teaching, one attentively communicating and the other attentively learning. They asked questions and explained from time to time, which benefited Ma Chao a lot. Suddenly, when they heard the news of Ma Teng's arrival, Han Shuo stopped his explanation and led Ma Chao to greet him.

Ma Teng bowed before Han Shuo and called him "brother". Han Shuo helped him up and the two of them held each other's arms. Han Shuo was quite friendly. Ma Chao stepped forward and kowtowed. Ma Teng smiled and helped him up, his face full of satisfaction. Ma Teng knew very well that the reason why Han Shuo was so friendly to him was all thanks to Ma Chao.

Ma Teng then showed Han Shuo the gifts he had brought. They were quite plentiful, but mostly consisted of money and treasures. Han Shuo showed no interest, even a little impatient, and said, "Brother Shoucheng, I am very fond of Chao'er, but you are overdoing it with all this money and treasure. As a scholar, I only care about learning, and money is like a passing cloud to me." Ma Teng said, "I have indeed come here in a hurry, and I really haven't had time to think much. I just wanted to thank you for your recommendation and express my gratitude. You can accept them with peace of mind. I have also prepared a gift and have sent it to Master Lu Zigan in the capital to thank you."

Han Shuo said regretfully, "Shoucheng, you're about to cause trouble. Lu Zigan is an upright and selfless man. He selects talents for the country and educates talented people without any selfish motives. With my letter and Chao'er's talent, old Lu Zhi will surely be delighted and will teach him everything he knows. But now that you haven't even met Chao'er, you're already giving him gold, silver and treasures. Given Lu Zigan's character, he won't accept Ma Chao as his disciple anymore. I doubt he'll even meet him."

Ma Teng was horrified and rubbed his hands anxiously. He paced back and forth and said, "I also have good intentions. What should I do? What should I do?" Han Shuo was also helpless. Ma Teng loved his son very much. It would not be good to blame him too much if he did something wrong with good intentions.

Ma Chao stepped forward to comfort Ma Teng: "Father, you have good intentions, but warriors are often straightforward and don't understand the integrity of scholars. Master Lu hasn't met me yet, so whether he will accept me is just our imagination. When I return from Qiang, I will go to Luoyang to study. I will go to Master Lu and ask for his guidance personally. That is the true meaning of a disciple. Whether Master Lu accepts me or not will be determined by fate between us."

Han said that Ma Chao was calm and collected, not complaining or complaining, and spoke clearly and logically. Compared with Ma Teng, who was an adult and anxious, his attitude was even more precious. Han also advised Ma Teng: "Shoucheng, let's not worry about the future. At least your intentions are good. Chao'er is so outstanding. When Zigan sees him, he will definitely be moved."

After the awkwardness eased somewhat, Han Shuo invited Ma Teng and his son to the inner chamber for a banquet. During the feast, they discussed Ma Chao's plan for defeating the bandits. Ma Teng was impressed by Ma Chao's meticulousness, thinking that Ma Chao had matured mentally, no longer a child in need of his protection. His actions could now be considered those of an adult, a comforting thought. Thinking that Ma Chao would be able to travel and lead his own life in the future, he discussed with Han Shuo over the banquet a courtesy name for Ma Chao. Han Shuo and Ma Teng deliberated and finally settled on "Mengqi." Ma Chao, having used this name throughout his previous life in the dream, naturally had no objection. The atmosphere suddenly became even more lively.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Ma Chao bid farewell to his father and Han Shuo. After all, he had to go out to find weapons and materials first. Ma Chao clearly remembered from his dream that this year had been a turbulent year, and time was running out, so he didn't dare delay for too long. Ma Teng, feeling somewhat embarrassed because his good intentions had led to bad results, no longer had much desire to get closer to Han Shuo, so they said goodbye together. Because Ma Chao had something to do, Han Shuo didn't try to keep him. Ma Teng's personal soldiers stayed with him, but he was determined not to accept any money or treasures. Ma Teng had no choice but to take them back.