Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ever since Cheliji arrived in Wuwei, Ma Chao and Boya and Ziqi, who seemed to be reunited, had endless conversation. For two days, the two men would sit in their tents, looking over military maps, discussing the general situation and analyzing the strength and ambitions of the various warlords. Or, in the moonlit courtyard of their mansion, they would reminisce about the passionate days of fighting side by side. Laughter and joy mingled with sighs of emotion, and their friendship grew ever deeper.

Time flies, and in a blink of an eye, it's already New Year's Eve. In the early morning, though the biting wind still howls, the rising sun struggles to pierce through the clouds, casting its golden light on every inch of Wuwei City, bringing a long-lost, unique warmth and hope to this war-torn city.

Ma Chao had deliberately gathered the city's people early. With a creaking sound, the heavy Wuwei city gate slowly opened, a dull thud that seemed to speak of the city's vicissitudes. Outside the city, a tall platform had long been constructed, built on a solid log foundation. Xiliang military flags fluttered in the chill wind, adorning the perimeter.

Ma Chao wore silver armor, honed by countless battles, its cool metallic sheen gleaming. The delicate patterns on the armor resembled the scales of a sleeping beast, embodying its master's bravery and majesty. He wore a silver helmet, its red tassel dancing in the wind like a blazing flame. Standing tall and straight like a pine tree, Ma Chao ascended the platform with steady, powerful steps. Each step seemed to carry a tremendous force, shaking the ground below.

Below the stage, the people of Wuwei gathered densely, men and women, young and old, all filled with anticipation and trust, their gazes fixed on Ma Chao's figure. Among the crowd were white-haired elders, leaning on canes, their eyes revealing the vicissitudes of life and a longing for peace; women holding young children, their eyes still tinged with the fear brought by war, but more importantly, trust in Ma Chao; and there were also strong young men, their eyes determined, filled with longing for the future and determination to fight for their hometown.

Ma Chao had a solemn expression on his face, his eyes slowly sweeping over the densely packed crowd below the stage. He took a deep breath, and then said in a powerful, bell-like voice: "My fellow villagers! In the past period of time, the iron hooves of foreign races have wantonly trampled on our homes, causing the people of Xiliang to suffer and endure hardships! I have gathered you all here today to make everyone understand clearly what kind of hardships and obstacles we have experienced!" His voice was like a war drum in the wind, firm and powerful, echoing in everyone's ears and striking their hearts.

The people listened quietly, their eyes filled with painful memories of those dark days. Many people's eyes welled up as they thought of their deceased loved ones, and expressions of grief and sorrow appeared on their faces. Seeing this, Ma Chao felt a pang of pain in his heart, but he knew that at this moment, he must remind everyone of history in order to strengthen his resolve to protect his homeland. He took a deep breath and continued, "Those abominable Jie people are wantonly burning, killing, and looting in the land of Western Qiang, causing unrest among the people of Western Qiang. Meanwhile, Longxi was not spared either, and the enemy's evil deeds spread like a cancer across this land. And the Xianbei Khan, Kebi Neng, was even more ambitious. He led a wolf-like army and marched aggressively towards our Western Liang. Wherever they went, they burned, killed, raped, and committed all kinds of atrocities. Beacons were lit everywhere in Beidi, Wuwei, and Zhangye counties. Our homeland was instantly reduced to a scorched earth, plundering us in endless suffering!"

The people in the audience recalled those days of war and separation of loved ones, and their faces showed grief and anger. Some old people couldn't help sobbing softly, while some young people clenched their fists, with flames of anger burning in their eyes. Ma Chao looked at the excited people in the audience with a solemn and serious expression, and then said: "In this battle, we Xiliang and I paid such a painful price! More than 100,000 troops, those are living lives, they are our relatives, brothers, and friends! In order to protect our homeland, they did not hesitate to sacrifice their heads and shed their blood, and fell under the swords and guns of the enemy! But none of us Xiliang men are cowards! We gritted our teeth and used up the last bit of strength to defeat the Xianbei with great difficulty. And those brutal Xianbei people eventually paid a painful price of 200,000 troops for their evil deeds!"

Upon hearing this, the emotions of the people in the audience instantly ignited, like dry wood being ignited by a spark, erupting in a violent reaction. A series of low murmurs rose from the crowd, gradually converging into a torrent of excitement. The people's eyes sparkled with excitement and pride. They cheered for Ma Chao's bravery, were proud of the Xiliang army's brilliant achievements, and were also grateful for their own survival in this brutal war.

Ma Chao sensed the surging emotions of the people in the audience. He raised his voice, brimming with excitement and passion. "Not only that, our Xiliang cavalry were incredibly brave. They were unstoppable on the battlefield, slaying the Xianbei Left Wise King, the Left and Right Guli Kings, the Left and Right Generals, and many of the Ten Thousand Households! This is the glory of our Xiliang, the unparalleled honor we earned with our blood and lives! It's the bravery and fearlessness of our Xiliang men that strikes fear into the hearts of the enemy!"

"Brilliant!" "Mighty General!" "Xiliang will win!" The audience erupted in excitement, their arms raised and shouting, their voices resounding through the air. Their faces shone with pride and joy, as if all suffering had vanished in that moment. Their shouts merged like rolling spring thunder, proclaiming to the world the unyielding and tenacious spirit of the Xiliang people.

Ma Chao raised his hand and waved it slowly, signaling for silence. His movements were steady and powerful, carrying an innate majesty. As the audience gradually quieted down, his expression became stern, his eyes revealing determination and resoluteness, and he shouted, "Bring the men up!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a group of fully armed soldiers, marching in unison, slowly approached, escorting over five thousand Xianbei captives. Each of these captives wore a dejected expression, their eyes revealing fear and despair. Their bodies bore wounds, some minor, some severe, the blood long since dried, clinging to their filthy clothing. They lowered their heads, not daring to meet the furious gazes of the people below, as if every look was a sharp blade, capable of piercing their very souls.

When the common people saw these Xianbei captives, who had brought them endless pain, their eyes suddenly ignited with raging hatred. Furious shouts erupted from the crowd: "Kill them!" "Blood debt must be paid with blood!" "Let them pay for their dead relatives!" Every cry was filled with the people's deep hatred, shooting at the captives like sharp arrows.

Ma Chao gazed at the captives, his eyes brimming with determination and authority, a force so tangible it stifled them. He spoke again, his voice resonating like thunder: "Fellow villagers, these are the Xianbei who once invaded us like wolves! Their atrocities have brought us untold pain and suffering, and torn countless families apart! But we, the people of Xiliang, will never be defeated! We will never succumb to the tyranny of invaders! Today, I want everyone to know: Those who offend Xiliang will be punished, no matter how far away! No matter the cost, we will protect our homeland and uphold our dignity!"

The people in the audience grew increasingly agitated as they listened to Ma Chao's words. They clenched their fists, their knuckles white with exertion, as if ready to charge forward and exact revenge on the invaders. Their eyes were filled with determination, as if declaring to the world that the people of Xiliang would never allow anyone to invade their homeland again.

Ma Chao gazed at the raging masses below, knowing full well that the rage within them was like a raging fire. Left untamed, it could lead to unforeseen consequences. He raised his hands and pressed them down, signaling the people to remain calm. He shouted, "Fellow villagers, listen to me! For now, take these captives aside!" Ma Chao's calm and forceful voice soothed the people, and the soldiers took the Xianbei captives aside.

Ma Chao turned slightly and whispered to the wise Jia Xu beside him: "Let them start." Jia Xu nodded slightly, a glimmer of wisdom flashed in his eyes, and then conveyed the order to the Xiliang army below the stage.

Though the Xiliang army had weathered battle, many soldiers still bore wounds, and their ranks appeared unorganized, their resolute spirit remained undiminished. At the command, the soldiers sprang into action. The cavalry led the charge, their hooves thundering as they advanced in unison. At times, they charged with swift force, raising clouds of dust like a tidal wave; at others, they paused, their unwavering movements demonstrating supreme military prowess. The overwhelming presence of the troops seemed to evoke a glimpse of their heroic spirit on the battlefield.

Ma Chao stood on the platform, witnessing the spectacular drills of the Xiliang cavalry. A surge of heroic ambition surged within him. He suddenly drew his sword from his waist, the blade gleaming with an icy light in the sunlight. He raised his sword high, his voice resounding like a bell, "Men of Xiliang! Let me ask you, do you still dare to fight?"

"We are willing to die for King Liang!" the Xiliang cavalry shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens and seeming to pierce the sky. Their shouts, filled with loyalty and fearlessness, made one's blood boil.

Ma Chao's expression was serious and solemn. His determined gaze swept over each soldier as he spoke loudly, "We fight not for my own glory! Behind us are the people who trust and support us—our wives, children, and parents! They give us strength, so how can we allow them to suffer shame and humiliation? Everything we do is to protect them and our homeland!"

After hearing Ma Chao's words, the soldiers' eyes ignited with even more intense flames. They clenched their weapons and shouted in unison again: "Protect our homes! Protect the people!" The shouts echoed between heaven and earth, as if announcing to the world Xiliang's indomitable spirit and determination.

The common people gazed with deep affection at the soldiers who fought so bravely for their safety. Their eyes were a mingled tapestry of heartache, admiration, and gratitude. In the eyes of the common people, these soldiers, who, despite their wounds, remained erect and imposing, were undoubtedly the heroes of Xiliang.