Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The hall fell silent for a moment, the only sound being the faint crackle of firecrackers outside the window, echoing against the flickering candlelight inside. The pipa music had also ceased at some point. Ma Teng, puzzled by Li Ru's gaze, asked, "Sir, what do you want to say? Please be clear. You're looking at me like this, yet you're silent. I wonder what you mean?"

Li Ru narrowed his eyes slightly and said slowly, "Old Lord, you have also met Cao Ang. He is indeed a young talent. From what Miss Yunlu has described today, it is clear that he has developed feelings for her. And when Miss Yunlu heard about Cao Ang, she did not seem to be disgusted at all. There was even a hint of something special in her words. If we can facilitate this auspicious event and betroth Miss Yunlu to Cao Ang, it will not only strengthen our alliance with Cao Cao's forces, but also help find a good home for Miss Yunlu. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

Ma Teng frowned slightly, a hint of hesitation on his face. "That being said, marriage is a serious matter. Although marriage alliances are a common way to consolidate power in these troubled times, Yunlu is my beloved daughter, and I really don't want her to suffer any injustice. Regardless of whether Cao Ang truly loves Yunlu, even if he does, what will Cao Cao's attitude be? What if this is just wishful thinking on our part? Yunlu's lifelong plans will be ruined."

Li Ru shook his head slightly and said confidently, "Old lord, your concerns are not without reason. But in my opinion, this matter is not without hope. As Cao Ang is Cao Cao's eldest son, his marriage will definitely be valued by Cao Cao. Now Cao Cao is eager to form an alliance with us to fight against Yuan Shao. If Cao Cao knew that Cao Ang and Yun Lu were in love, he would most likely agree to this marriage for the sake of the stability of the alliance. As for Cao Ang's feelings for Miss Yun Lu, we can observe and test them carefully when we contact them later. If Cao Ang is really sincere, then Miss Yun Lu will not necessarily suffer any grievances if she marries him."

Ma Teng pondered for a long time, then slowly said, "Sir, let me think about this. Yunlu has been with me since she was little, and I really can't bear to let her marry far away. Besides, Chao'er is not around now, and all family matters depend on Chao'er. If we really confront Cao Cao head-on in the future, and Yunlu is caught in the middle, how will she cope? How will she behave?"

Li Ru chuckled softly and said slowly, "My lord, this is just a preliminary plan, not something that needs to be put into action right away. Given Miss Yunlu's current status as the sister of the Prince of Liang, it won't be easy for the Cao family to marry her. We have to consider it carefully, and they have to show enough sincerity. Besides, with Miss Yunlu's strong character, how could she be easily bullied by the Cao family? Besides, her brother is the Prince of Liang."

After hearing this, Ma Teng laughed and said, "Haha, that's indeed the case. Yunlu has been a fierce girl since she was a child. Most people really can't bully her."

Seeing that Ma Teng's attitude had softened, Li Ru continued, "Old Lord, why don't we create some opportunities for Cao Ang and Yun Lu to interact more. During this process, we can also observe Cao Ang's character, how he behaves, and whether he is truly interested in Miss Yun Lu. When the time is right, we can make a decision. After all, marriage is a serious matter, so it's better to be cautious."

Ma Teng collected his thoughts and said seriously, "When it comes to children, it all comes down to their own wishes. I cannot sacrifice my daughter's happiness for so-called political gain. If Cao Ang isn't sincere about Yun Lu, I won't agree to this marriage, no matter how important the alliance is."

Li Ru nodded in agreement and said, "Old Lord, what you said is absolutely right. We will observe first, and Miss Yunlu's happiness is our primary consideration. If Cao Ang is indeed a good match, then a marriage alliance will be the icing on the cake; if not, we will make other plans."

Ma Teng continued, "Then let's move on to the alliance. What are your plans, sir?"

Li Ru smiled faintly and said, "My old lord, this is what I think. If they are truly interested in promoting this marriage, then we should first agree to an alliance with them. However, we will not send any troops. Didn't the king just ship 30,000 war horses from Xiliang? We can first give them over 10,000 war horses as a token of our support. Let them fight Yuan Shao first. Let them fight each other, and we will reap the benefits. This is only the first step. And if Miss Yunlu's friendship with Cao Ang can continue to develop and the marriage is completed, considering Cao Ang's conversation and ambition, if he inherits the Cao family's foundation in the future, perhaps we can make them submit to Xiliang without bloodshed. By then, who in the world can compete with the King of Liang?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Teng's eyes gleamed. He stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before saying, "Sir, this is a brilliant plan. Giving war horses first not only demonstrates our sincerity in forming an alliance, but also prevents us from being drawn into war prematurely. It also allows Cao Cao and his men to first fight a desperate battle with Yuan Shao. If Cao Ang and Yun Lu can truly marry, given Cao Ang's status within the Cao family, it might bring unexpected benefits to our Xiliang. However, there are many variables involved. Whether Cao Ang can inherit Cao Cao's legacy is still unknown, and how Cao Cao will react to our move requires us to proceed with caution."

Li Ru nodded and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Although Cao Ang is Cao Cao's eldest son, Cao Cao has many descendants, and Cao Cao is a suspicious person by nature. Whether Cao Ang can successfully inherit the throne is indeed uncertain. However, we only need to plant this seed now and plan slowly. As for Cao Cao, our gift of war horses will surely make him think that we are sincere in forming an alliance."

Ma Teng said, "Okay, as you say, sir. We'll stop here tonight and wait to see if they come tomorrow." After saying that, he stood up and stretched his body which was a little stiff from sitting for so long.

Li Ru also hurriedly stood up and said respectfully, "Old lord, I will take my leave first. If Cao Ang and others come tomorrow, we will act accordingly."

Ma Teng nodded slightly, his eyes gazing out the window at the deep night, as if he were peering through the darkness to see the future. He said slowly, "Sir, go back and get some rest. Tomorrow's events are crucial and we can't afford to make any mistakes."

Li Ru responded and quietly exited the room. As the door slowly closed, Ma Teng was left alone in the hall. The flickering candlelight elongated his figure, swaying against the wall, like the complex intertwined destinies of various forces in this turbulent world.

Ma Teng stood alone for a long moment, his mind replaying images of Cao Ang and the various possibilities described by Li Ru. He knew that if Cao Ang and Guo Jia arrived tomorrow, it would be a thrilling yet silent battle. This would not only determine whether Xiliang would ally with Cao Cao, but also the lifelong happiness of his daughter, Ma Yunlu, and the future of Xiliang in these turbulent times.

The night passed in silence. The next morning, sunlight streamed through the cracks in the window onto Ma Teng's bed. He rose early, dressed neatly, and sat in the living room, awaiting the arrival of Cao Ang and Guo Jia. Every time he heard a sound outside the door, his heart would involuntarily leap.

Meanwhile, Cao Ang and Guo Jia were preparing at the posthouse. Guo Jia, looking grave, said to Cao Ang, "Sir, today's visit to Ma Teng's residence will surely be a difficult negotiation. Li Ru is a man of many schemes, so we must be extremely careful and not reveal any flaws."

Cao Ang nodded firmly and said, "Rest assured, Mr. Fengxiao, I am fully prepared. This alliance is of great importance, and I will not act on impulse. I will follow your instructions in all matters."

The two men, dressed and dressed, led their entourage towards Ma Teng's residence. Along the way, Cao Ang felt a mixture of anticipation for the alliance and apprehension about the uncertainties of the negotiations. Guo Jia, on the other hand, remained calm, his gaze radiating wisdom and composure, as if fully prepared for what lay ahead.

When they arrived at Ma Teng's mansion, the servants announced the matter and led them inside. Ma Teng and Li Ru were already waiting in the hall. The two sides met and exchanged greetings, seemingly a harmonious atmosphere. However, both knew in their hearts that a fierce confrontation was about to begin.

Ma Teng smiled and said, "You two gentlemen have come here today, I believe you have something important to discuss."

Cao Ang bowed slightly and said, "Ma Gong, to be honest, Feng Xiao and I have come here to form an alliance to attack Yuan Shao. I hope Ma Gong can support us."

Li Ru smiled slightly, his eyes swept over Cao Ang and Guo Jia, and said, "Master Cao, the alliance is a matter of great importance. I wonder what your sincerity is and what your plans are."

Guo Jia looked at Li Ru and said solemnly, "Mr. Wenyou, Yuan Shao is a vengeful man. First, the Prince of Liang forced his future daughter-in-law into marriage, and then he took his purse. How could Yuan Shao let such a grudge go unpunished? When Yuan Shao's power is consolidated, he will surely raise an army to settle accounts with Xiliang. Then, Xiliang will be isolated and helpless. How can it easily resist Yuan Shao's full-scale army?"

Li Ru's expression froze, and he secretly considered that Guo Jia's words made sense. But he remained calm and said calmly, "Fengxiao, that being said, the current situation in Xiliang is far from optimistic. The soldiers are exhausted, and the food and weapons are severely depleted. I'm afraid we won't be able to send troops at this time."

Guo Jia smiled faintly and continued his persuasion, "Mr. Wenyou, although Xiliang has experienced war, its foundation remains. Moreover, this alliance does not mean that Xiliang will bear the brunt of the war alone. Cao Cao has a strong army and is willing to join hands with Xiliang. If the two families work together, why worry about Yuan Shao's destruction? If we defeat Yuan Shao, Xiliang will not only eliminate future threats, but also gain a share of Hebei, which will greatly increase its strength. Why not?"

Li Ru stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before saying, "Fengxiao, the matter of alliance is of great importance. Allow me to discuss it with the old lord. Moreover, even if we are interested in an alliance, many details need to be carefully considered, such as the number of troops to be sent, the supply of food and fodder, and the division of territory after the war. None of these can be decided hastily."

Cao Ang quickly interjected, "Lord Li is absolutely right. Feng Xiao and I have come here with complete sincerity, willing to have frank discussions with Xiliang and strive to reach an alliance that is mutually beneficial. I hope Lord Li and Lord Ma will consider this carefully."

Li Ru nodded slightly and said, "My old lord and I have sensed the sincerity of Master Cao and Mr. Guo. However, this matter concerns the future of Xiliang and cannot be taken lightly. Please return to the inn and wait. I will give you a reply after discussing it with my old lord."

Cao Ang and Guo Jia exchanged a glance, realizing that Li Ru was putting the matter on hold for now. They stood up to take their leave. On the way out, Cao Ang said with a hint of worry, "Fengxiao, Li Ru seems to be still hesitant. I'm afraid this alliance will be fraught with difficulties."

Guo Jia remained calm and soothed him, "Don't worry, sir. Li Ru is a shrewd and calculating man, so his attitude is understandable. We've demonstrated our sincerity and analyzed the pros and cons of an alliance. He'll certainly weigh them. After he discusses this with Ma Teng, perhaps there will be a turnaround. We just need to be patient and make other necessary preparations."