Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Over the past few days, Cao Ang and his companions had a simple schedule. Apart from alliance negotiations with Ma Teng, Li Ru, and others at the Prince of Liang's residence, they spent the rest of their time visiting Xun Yu. However, the negotiations were extremely difficult, with no substantial breakthroughs achieved. Whenever they visited Xun Yu, he was incredibly busy.

Finally, when he once again saw Xun Yu entangled in various trivial matters, Guo Jia seized a moment of leisure and hurried over to him, saying in a low voice, "Lord, don't you think this matter is too strange? How can there be so many trivial matters that you have to deal with them personally?"

Xun Yu smiled wryly and replied softly, "I've long noticed something's amiss. However, these are serious matters concerning the people's livelihood. If I don't intervene, they'll be so disappointed. Since I've decided to go to Xudu with you to serve the Emperor, I want to do whatever I can to help the people. You may not know, but these people are all old, weak, and sick from the Black Mountains. If it weren't for General Ma Chao's generosity, they would have frozen to death outside Chang'an last year. So, even though I know this is a ploy by Li Ru and the others, I can't bring myself to do it. I want to do everything I can to give these people a chance to live."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jia understood immediately. He thought to himself that Li Ru, the old fox, had truly grasped Xun Yu's kindness and concern for the people, resorting to this tactic to stall him and hinder their plans. However, Guo Jia also knew that even though Xun Yu was constantly plagued by these trivial matters, he remained steadfast in his desire to leave Chang'an with them and head for Xudu. This thought gave Guo Jia a slight sense of relief.

But he also knew that time was running out and this situation couldn't continue. So, Guo Jia frowned, thought for a moment, and whispered to Xun Yu, "Lord, I understand your intentions. However, time is limited, and this alliance is crucial. If we continue to delay, we might face unexpected consequences. Can you think of a way to not delay the handling of the people's affairs, but still allow us to work together on this alliance plan?"

Xun Yu's expression was solemn. He nodded gently and said, "Fengxiao, you are absolutely right. I have been thinking about this as well. However, the affairs of the people are so complicated that it is difficult to find a satisfactory solution at the moment. Let me think about it and see if I can redeploy my personnel to sort out these matters and improve efficiency."

Guo Jia patted Xun Yu on the shoulder and said, "My lord, I'll trouble you. We must break this deadlock as soon as possible and promote an alliance with Xiliang. Only in this way can we seek benefits for the emperor and the world." The two men's eyes met and they understood each other.

Guo Jia's gaze drifted to Cao Ang, who sat solemnly beside him, occasionally glancing at Ma Yunlu. Suddenly, a headache struck him. Over the past few days, Cao Ang and Ma Yunlu had been in frequent contact, their relationship gradually becoming familiar. Now, Cao Ang's visits to Xun Yu were even more frequent than his visits to the Prince of Liang's mansion for negotiations. While he claimed to be helping Xun Yu with his duties, his thoughts were largely focused on this woman.

Guo Jia was filled with anxiety. His trip to Xiliang to negotiate an alliance was a momentous mission. The war in the Central Plains was already stalemated, and the situation was extremely tense, yet Xiliang remained silent. Furthermore, Cao Ang, Cao Cao's eldest son, should have played a key role in the negotiations, but he was obsessed with Ma Yunlu, a fact that deeply concerned Guo Jia.

He mused to himself that if Cao Ang continued this way, not only would it delay the alliance, it would also put them at a disadvantage in their dealings with Xiliang. Yet, he couldn't forcefully stop Cao Ang. After all, Cao Ang's status was special, and matters of the heart couldn't be forcibly interfered with. What was he supposed to do? Guo Jia racked his brains, his brow furrowed, his eyes revealing deep worry.

Meanwhile, Xun Yu was distracted by another civilian's complaints, and he was completely occupied. Cao Ang, taking advantage of this moment, quietly glanced at Ma Yunlu, his gaze filled with admiration. Ma Yunlu seemed to sense Cao Ang's gaze, and a slight blush crept into his cheeks, but he feigned composure as he continued to arrange his affairs. Guo Jia, observing this scene, groaned inwardly, knowing he had to find a way quickly to get Cao Ang back to business and move the alliance negotiations forward smoothly. Otherwise, the situation would become even more dire.

Back at the inn, Guo Jia couldn't help but lecture Cao Ang: "My lord, we have come here with an important mission, but there has been no progress in the alliance. And you, you keep running to Lord Xun every day." Cao Ang opened his mouth to explain, but Guo Jia waved his hand and said directly: "You don't need to explain to me. Even Lord Xun, who is busy with trivial matters all day, can see what you are thinking." After hearing this, Cao Ang's face turned red instantly.

Guo Jia earnestly advised, "Young Master, your status is so special. Please don't fall for Xiliang's honey trap." Cao Ang's expression straightened up and he said solemnly, "Fengxiao, you say I'm obsessed with women, and I don't deny that. But if you say this is Xiliang's honey trap, I really don't agree." Guo Jia frowned and asked, "Then, young master, tell me, what exactly is going on? What are you planning?"

Cao Ang took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "Look, we're here to negotiate, but Li Ru is so cunning and won't budge. How can I not be anxious? You say this is a beauty trap from Xiliang, but don't forget that Uncle Ma Teng of Xiliang has three sons: Ma Chao, Ma Xiu, and Ma Tie, but only one daughter, Ma Yunlu, whom he cherishes dearly. Even if it's a beauty trap, how could they use their precious child as a tool in their scheme?"

Guo Jia, still worried, said, "My dear, you are Cao Gong's eldest son. Although Xiliang is a powerful force, your status is more than enough for you to marry Ma Teng's daughter or Ma Chao's sister. But aren't you afraid of being trapped in this gentle place? Cao Gong will definitely be afraid to act rashly."

Cao Ang shook his head firmly and said, "No, no, no. From what I've observed recently, Ma Yunlu is definitely not the kind of vase woman who can be manipulated by others. She is a remarkable woman who can fight in the battlefield and has her own opinions and ideas. You can say that I'm greedy for beauty or that I'm young and frivolous. But I sincerely think that perhaps we can find a breakthrough in the negotiations with Yunlu."

Guo Jia frowned slightly, pondering Cao Ang's words. He understood that Cao Ang wasn't entirely unreasonable. Ma Yunlu's position in Xiliang was indeed special. If this was truly a beauty trap, using her as a scapegoat seemed somewhat illogical. Still, he worried that Cao Ang's feelings might lead him to miss out on important matters. He said, "Sir, I understand your perspective, but relationships are complex and volatile, and we can't pin all our hopes on them. We should explore other avenues to promote the alliance. When interacting with Ma Yunlu, you must remain clear-headed and avoid losing sight of the bigger picture."

Cao Ang nodded and said, "Fengxiao, I understand your concerns. I will exercise due caution and keep this mission in mind when interacting with Yunlu. Just give me some time to see if I can break the deadlock with her."

Guo Jia sighed helplessly and said, "Alright, Master. I hope you can keep your promise and prioritize the overall situation. We are pressed for time, and the war in the Central Plains is intense. We cannot afford any mistakes."

The end of May had already arrived, and Cao Ang and his men had been in Chang'an for ten days, yet the alliance negotiations had still yielded no substantial progress. However, at the end of the month, things took a turn for the better. Ma Teng sent a messenger to invite Cao Ang, explaining that June was approaching and the weather was gradually warming up. He cordially invited Cao Ang to visit the North Mountain outside the city, and that all the civil and military officials of Chang'an would be there.

The next day, Cao Ang, Cao Hong, and Guo Jia led their personal guards, along with Chang'an generals Wei Yan, Zhang Yan, and Du Xiong. All dressed in splendid armor, they joined together and marched towards Beishan. Ma Teng and Li Ru rode in the same carriage, followed by several others. Puzzled, Cao Ang asked Ma Yunlu, who was still dressed as a female general and looked dashing. "Miss Yunlu, who are those people in the carriages behind us on our trip to Beishan today?"

Ma Yunlu's lips curled up slightly as he chuckled, "They are all my brother's future sisters-in-law." Cao Ang couldn't help but gasp in amazement, exclaiming, "So many?" Ma Yunlu rolled her eyes at him coquettishly and said, "If you could be like my brother, ascending the throne of Liang Wang at such a young age, and being both a man of letters and a warrior, with unparalleled martial arts skills, coupled with outstanding looks and unparalleled beauty, you would naturally have so many beauties gravitating towards you."

Cao Ang touched his nose and said, "Miss Yunlu, Xiao Keke doesn't have such an idea. I only want to win the heart of one person, one person, one life, and a couple. But I don't know what kind of husband Miss Yunlu has in mind?"

Ma Yunlu raised his chin slightly and snorted, "Of course I want to be on par with my elder brother, to be both civil and martial. I can't be like some idiots, who are stupid and don't know if they have any courage or strength." Upon hearing this, Cao Ang patted his chest and said confidently, "Miss Yunlu, please don't underestimate others. Although Cao Ang dare not compare with the martial arts of King Liang, I can also wield a three-foot sword and kill the enemy."

Ma Yunlu's lips curled up into a smile, and she teased, "Humph, it's a mule or a horse, so I'll take it out for a walk today. My father is in a very good mood today, and the generals will have martial arts performances and hunting activities. You can show off your skills and let me see them."

As they spoke, they gradually approached Beishan. The mountains were rolling and lush, like a sea of ​​green under the sunlight. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, as if playing a prelude to the bustling scene to come.

Arriving at the foot of Beishan Mountain, everyone dismounted. Ma Teng, looking energetic, stepped down from the carriage. He looked around and said loudly, "It's a rare opportunity for everyone to gather here today. Let's relax here in Beishan Mountain and let everyone see the elegance of our Xiliang generals!" Everyone responded, and the atmosphere suddenly became lively.

Cao Ang watched the scene unfold, feeling both excited and nervous. He was eager to showcase his skills in front of everyone and impress Ma Yunlu. He was also nervous, as this martial arts competition was packed with hunting experts. If he underperformed, it would be humiliating. But he quickly adjusted his mindset and quietly encouraged himself, determined to give it his all, no matter what.

Ma Yunlu dismounted gracefully, her figure sleek and graceful, like a nimble swallow. She turned to look at Cao Ang, her eyes filled with a hint of provocation and expectation, as if urging him to prove himself in the upcoming event. Cao Ang met her gaze and nodded firmly, as if answering her silent challenge.

At this time, Li Ru walked over to Ma Teng and whispered, "Old Lord, today's event may allow us to gain a deeper understanding of Cao Ang and his men, and also give us an opportunity to test their sincerity in forming an alliance." Ma Teng nodded slightly, a shrewd look in his eyes, and said, "Well, let's see how they perform."