Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

After returning to his main camp, Lü Bu couldn't help but exclaim in joy, his face brimming with relief. For a top-tier warrior like him, after a long period of silence, finally finding a rival worthy of his skill was a heartfelt joy. Although Ma Chao had merely fired a feint before hastily retreating, Lü Bu knew he hadn't given it his all. His demeanor and condition showed he hadn't rested properly and wasn't at his peak. So, despite appearing to have the upper hand in this clash, he wasn't letting his guard down. Zhang Liao and Gao Shun, noticing Lü Bu's delight, approached to discuss the battle. Lü Bu enthusiastically shared the mysteries and key points of the battle, and the other generals listened intently. They all felt that anyone who could be considered a match for Lü Bu must be a formidable force.

Ma Chao hurried back to his camp, looking slightly anxious as he trotted forward to greet Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo's once serious face instantly lit up with ecstasy upon seeing Ma Chao's return. He hurried forward, tightly grasped Ma Chao's hand, his eyes filled with concern and affection, and gently said to Ma Chao, "Mengqi, you're finally back! I was so worried. Did you have a smooth journey? Are you injured?" Ma Chao quickly and respectfully replied, "Thank you, Mr. Dong, for your concern. I'm doing well."

Ma Chao then carefully presented Dong Zhuo with the letter Dong Bai had entrusted him to deliver. Dong Zhuo accepted it with great joy, eagerly unfolding it and perusing it carefully. Upon finishing, a beaming smile spread across his fleshy face, knowing full well that Dong Bai was completely devoted to him and, in turn, deeply in love with Ma Chao. Dong Zhuo, his affection for Ma Chao growing, thought to himself: This Ma Chao is not only a martial arts prodigy, but also a handsome man. He is truly the perfect match for my son-in-law. Patting Ma Chao on the shoulder, he said with a smile, "Mengqi, I understand Dong Bai's feelings for you. I am deeply pleased. Haha..." Ma Chao blushed slightly at this. He considered Dong Bai a younger sister, but he couldn't bring himself to say so directly. He simply lowered his head, somewhat embarrassed, unaware of Dong Zhuo's thoughts. His mind was preoccupied with the situation within the city.

Ma Chao raised his head, looking anxiously at Dong Zhuo, and asked urgently, "Master Dong, what is the current situation in the city? Why has it come to this?" Seeing Ma Chao's eagerness, Dong Zhuo patiently explained everything in detail, "Mengqi, the situation is very complicated. Emperor Liu Bian was forced to flee by your master. Alas, I don't know what his intentions are." Dong Zhuo sighed deeply and continued, "I think your master is very likely planning a rebellion, betraying the court." Ma Chao refused to believe this. Frowning, he said firmly, "Master Dong, I absolutely do not believe your master would do such a disloyal and unrighteous thing. There must be a misunderstanding."

Later, Dong Zhuo saw Ma Chao continue to inquire about his master's current condition. Dong Zhuo hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking, "Mengqi, the White Horse Volunteers went to rescue the emperor and took your master away. We were unable to catch up, so we don't know where he went." As Dong Zhuo continued to speak, Ma Chao's heart tightened. He silently muttered to himself, "Master, I hope nothing is wrong with you." His face was filled with worry, and he was deeply concerned about his master's current condition. Ma Chao then anxiously inquired about Lu Zhi's family. Dong Zhuo, seeing Ma Chao's concern for them, smiled and said, "Mengqi, don't worry. Because of you, I have not harmed Lu Zhi's family in the slightest. They are all safe and sound." Hearing Dong Zhuo's words, Ma Chao quietly breathed a sigh of relief, muttering to himself, "That's good, that's good..."

Ma Chao felt somewhat relieved after hearing Dong Zhuo's words about Lu Zhi's family, and then continued to inquire about Dong Zhuo's current situation. Dong Zhuo hesitated for a moment, but then slowly told him his intention to establish Liu Xie as emperor.

Ma Chao was shocked upon hearing this and hurriedly tried to persuade Dong Zhuo, "Lord Dong, how can we, as ministers, casually discuss the matter of deposing and enthroning the emperor? If we are not careful, it will bring disaster to our family and bring ruin. Don't let others use you as a pawn! Lord Dong, this is absolutely unacceptable! Deposing and enthroning the emperor is an act of treason. Since ancient times, those who have done so have never had a good end! Lord Dong, you must not act so rashly!"

Dong Zhuo frowned, then slowly analyzed the current situation with Ma Chao. "Mengqi, you don't know that the aristocratic family assassinated Dong Zhong and showed no regard for our Dong clan. Now your master has disappeared with the emperor. If we don't appoint another emperor, the government will be unstable and unjust. Furthermore, Liu Xie was supported and nurtured by our Dong clan. Only this will be in the best interests of our clan."

Ma Chao's brow furrowed as he fell into deep thought. He refused to give up and continued, "Master Dong, even if what you say is true, deposing and enthroning an emperor is still against the laws of nature and morality, and will be condemned by the world. Aren't you worried about bearing eternal infamy? Those who have deposed and enthroned emperors throughout history have all met with tragic consequences. Do you really want to take that risk?"

Dong Zhuo was somewhat displeased when he heard Ma Chao's persistent obstruction, but he remained patient and said, "Mengqi, I understand the gravity of this matter, but the situation has forced us to this point. If we don't act this way, how will our Dong family survive? Liu Xie is close to us. Supporting him to the throne will only benefit us. I am also considering the long-term future of our family."

Ma Chao's face was still full of worry, and he said earnestly: "Mr. Dong, the risk is too great. If it causes a major chaos, the consequences will be unimaginable. I hope you will think twice!" Dong Zhuo sighed, patted Ma Chao on the shoulder and said: "Mengqi, I have made up my mind. You don't need to say anything more." Ma Chao was extremely anxious, but he didn't know how to persuade Dong Zhuo to change his mind.

Ma Chao realized that what Dong Zhuo was planning was completely contrary to the teachings he had long been taught, which plunged him into a state of extreme internal conflict and struggle. On the one hand, he was deeply grateful for Dong Zhuo's efforts to save the Ma family and for his special regard for him, and he felt that he could not easily let Dong Zhuo down. On the other hand, he simply could not agree with what Dong Zhuo was planning, leaving him in a dilemma, not knowing what to do.

Seeing Ma Chao's troubled expression, Dong Zhuo was moved. Not wanting to burden Ma Chao with any further distress, he took over with a hearty laugh and decided to host a welcoming banquet for Ma Chao to ease the awkward and tense atmosphere. At this point, Ma Chao asked to meet Lu Zhi's family, but Dong Zhuo, citing the lateness of the day, gently urged Ma Chao to rest, stating that it wouldn't be too late to meet him later. Although Ma Chao was somewhat reluctant, he couldn't insist any further and reluctantly gave up. With a heavy heart, he followed Dong Zhuo to the banquet.

During the banquet, the conversation somehow turned to his opinion of Lü Bu. Ma Chao earnestly stated that if they fought at full strength, he and Lü Bu would be evenly matched. Dong Zhuo knew that Ma Chao was not one for boasting, and at this moment, he was deeply concerned about how the situation would develop. Ma Chao clearly saw the anxiety on Dong Zhuo's face and temporarily put aside his other thoughts, secretly concentrating on doing his utmost to help Dong Zhuo resolve the current difficult situation.