Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Back at the banquet, Cao Ang was quickly settled into his tent, and the accompanying military doctor rushed to treat him. Outside the tent, everyone looked worried. Ma Yunlu, in particular, paced anxiously outside the tent, silently praying for Cao Ang's safety. Seeing his daughter in such a state, Ma Teng couldn't help but wonder if there was a special feeling between Cao Ang and his daughter.

The military doctor busied himself inside the tent, treating Cao Ang's wounds and applying bandages. Time passed slowly amidst tension and worry. Finally, the military doctor lifted the tent curtain and emerged, immediately surrounded by the crowd. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, the military doctor said, "Fortunately, although there are many wounds, none are fatal. He has simply lost too much blood, and he needs to be properly cared for."

Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Ma Yunlu even cried tears of joy, feeling relieved. Cao Hong walked into the tent and looked at Cao Ang, who lay weak on the couch. He said with emotion, "My nephew, your life really hung by a thread this time! However, you are willing to risk your life for Miss Yunlu, which shows that you are a responsible man."

Cao Ang smiled bitterly and said, "Uncle, the situation was urgent at that time and I didn't have time to think too much. I just wanted to protect Miss Yunlu no matter what." Ma Yunlu listened at the side, her face flushed, and her heart was full of emotion.

The trip to Beishan came to an abrupt end due to Cao Ang's injury, and everyone returned to Chang'an. Upon returning to his residence, Ma Teng went straight to his study and immediately sent for Li Ru to come.

Not long after, Li Ru hurried over, stepped into the study, and bowed. "My lord, why did you summon me here?" Ma Teng frowned, pacing back and forth, a look of worry on his face. "Mr. Wenyou, Cao Cao sent his son Cao Ang to negotiate peace with us, but the talks have made no progress. And now Cao Ang has been injured in our Xiliang territory, trying to save Yun Lu. What do you think should be done next?"

Li Ru showed a meaningful smile on his face, and he bowed his hands in congratulations, "Congratulations, my lord. In my opinion, you have found a good son-in-law!" Ma Teng was surprised, and his expression instantly became unnatural. He asked in confusion, "Wenyou, what are you talking about?"

Li Ru smiled slightly and slowly began to analyze: "Mingsong, please listen to my detailed explanation. This Cao Ang is indeed a rare talent. First of all, look at his ambition. He is wholeheartedly serving his country and is unwavering in his determination. This is loyalty. He shared his father's worries and worked tirelessly to take on the important task of peace negotiations for Cao Cao. This is filial piety. He cares about the people and cannot bear to see them suffer. This act of kindness is rare. This is benevolence. When he encountered a tiger attacking him on the road, at the critical moment of life and death, he did not abandon or leave his companions, but instead fought to the death to protect them. This is righteousness. Facing the tiger, he dared to draw his sword and fight hand-to-hand without fear, showing his bravery and fearlessness. This is... Courage. Cao Ang was always courteous and polite, always treating others with propriety. This is courtesy. While in Chang'an, he leveraged his father's influence, yet was able to maneuver skillfully, daring to confront Lü Bu and knowing when to advance and retreat. This is wisdom. Furthermore, even though Lu Zhi had long since passed away, he remained grateful for his guidance and devotedly protected Lu Zhi's descendant, Lu Wan. This is trustworthiness. Cao Ang possessed loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness, and possessed extraordinary courage and strength, truly embodying both civil and military prowess. And now, he is deeply in love with Miss Yunlu. Such a perfect son-in-law is hard to find, could there be anything else that my lord is dissatisfied with?

Ma Teng nodded slightly, acknowledging Li Ru's words, but still showing a look of worry: "Wenyou, I see what you said. However, Cao Cao's power is huge, and there are too many interests involved in the peace talks. If there is really a possibility of a marriage between Cao Ang and Yun Lu, Cao Cao will definitely have some plans during the peace talks, and we have to be on guard. Moreover, we don't know Yun Lu's intentions yet. What if she doesn't want to..."

Li Ru pondered for a moment and said, "Ming Gong is absolutely right. This matter is indeed complicated. As for Cao Cao, we must argue with reason during the peace talks and not let him seek excessive benefits in the name of marriage. As for Miss Yunlu's feelings, you can ask Madam to find a suitable time to have a good chat with her and test her opinion. If she is also interested in Cao Ang, then this marriage may be able to help the peace talks and make the relationship between the two sides more stable. Even if she is not interested, we can properly handle the matter of Cao Ang's injury to demonstrate Xiliang's sincerity, which will also be beneficial to the peace talks."

Ma Teng frowned slightly and paced back and forth in his study. After a long moment of thought, he said, "Wenyou, you're right. Let's do as you say and have Madam ask Yunlu for his opinion. Peace talks cannot be sloppy. We must proceed with caution and ensure that this proceeds while safeguarding Xiliang's interests."

Li Ru bowed and replied, "Rest assured, my lord. I will do my utmost to assist you. Regarding Cao Ang's injury, we must also make arrangements as soon as possible. We must find the best doctor in the city and use the finest medicinal herbs to ensure his speedy recovery. This will also demonstrate our sincerity in Xiliang."

Ma Teng nodded and said, "Well, I'll leave this matter to you. Make sure it's done properly." Li Ru accepted the order and left the study. Ma Teng watched him leave, secretly pondering the future development of the situation and how to maximize the interests of Xiliang in this complex situation.

At this time, the sky outside the study gradually darkened, and the lights in Chang'an City began to light up one after another.

Since Cao Ang had been seriously injured while rescuing Ma Yunlu, keeping him at the posthouse would have made Xiliang appear ungrateful. Therefore, upon their return to Chang'an, Ma Teng acted decisively and decided to give Cao Ang the General's Mansion, where Ma Chao had once resided. After all, with Ma Chao now occupying the imperial palace as the Prince of Liang's residence, the old residence would have found a suitable use. With Ma Teng's order, Cao Ang was transported directly to the General's Mansion. Cao Hong and Guo Jia also busied themselves moving Cao Ang's belongings into the residence.

When Cao Ang returned to the general's residence, it was still dark. As night fell, the house was ablaze with lights. During this time, Ma Yunlu remained by Cao Ang's side, caring for him meticulously, asking about his well-being, personally feeding him medicine, and running around without a moment's rest. Cao Ang was moved by Ma Yunlu's busying around, and when their eyes met, they were filled with deep affection, as if everything around them had vanished.

Before they knew it, the night had deepened. Seeing this, Guo Jia coughed softly, breaking the silence. "Miss Yunlu, why don't you come back tomorrow? It's getting late, and you've been working so hard. It's time to go back and rest." Ma Yunlu suddenly woke up, remembering that she hadn't yet established any relationship with Cao Ang, yet she had stayed here so late. If her sisters-in-law knew, she would surely be ridiculed. However, the women of Xiliang were known for their boldness in love and hate, so she didn't shy away. She looked at Cao Ang and said, "Well, then, you should get some rest. I'll come back tomorrow." With that, she turned and walked away.

Cao Ang watched Ma Yunlu's departing figure, feeling both warm and somewhat lost. Guo Jia approached, looked at Cao Ang, and with a slight smile on his face, he said teasingly, "Sir, it seems your trip to Beishan has been quite fruitful. This beauty has fallen in love with you, which is quite a reward." Then, his expression turned serious, "It's just that our mission here isn't yet complete."

Cao Ang nodded slightly, his expression straightening as he said, "Fengxiao, I understand. Miss Yunlu and I are indeed in love. Although I was injured while protecting her this time, she took such good care of me, I..."

Guo Jia smiled and waved his hand, interrupting Cao Ang: "Sir, I understand. But this is also an opportunity. Let's wait and see how he can shirk his responsibility when I meet that old fox Li Ru tomorrow."

Cao Ang looked puzzled and asked, "Sir, how do you explain this?"

Guo Jia smiled and waved his hand, saying mysteriously, "Young Master, don't worry. Tomorrow, just rest and recuperate. Tomorrow, I will show them my abilities."

Although Cao Ang did not quite understand what Guo Jia was going to do, he knew Guo Jia was very wise and resourceful, so he said, "Then I'll leave everything to Mr. Feng Xiao."

The next day, the morning sun gently streamed through the window, casting a gentle shadow over Cao Ang's bed. Cao Ang woke early. Though the pain from his injuries still lingered, his spirits remained relatively high. Looking up, he saw Ma Yunlu sitting quietly beside the bed, her elbows propped up on the edge, her face resting on her hands, as she gazed at him lovingly. A wave of emotion welled up in Cao Ang's heart. He couldn't imagine when this girl had arrived.

Cao Ang's heart was filled with warmth, and he whispered, "Yunlu, you don't have to worry so much. I'm here, and Uncle Cao Hong and Mr. Fengxiao are looking after me. There are also many slaves and servants in the mansion, and everything is in perfect order. The doctors came to check on me several times overnight, and they all said that there's nothing serious, just excessive blood loss and some minor injuries."

Ma Yunlu shook his head gently, his eyes full of concern and persistence, and said, "What are you talking about? How can I feel at ease? I can only feel at ease if I stay by your side."

Cao Ang looked at her with a satisfied smile on his face. He slowly reached out his hand, gently grasped Ma Yunlu's hand, and said affectionately: "Yunlu, I am willing to sacrifice my life to win your favor."

Ma Yunlu's cheeks flushed red with shame when she heard this, like peach blossoms in full bloom in spring. Although she felt a little embarrassed, she couldn't bear to pull her hand away from Cao Ang. She could only feign anger and say, "You idiot, what are you talking about? Don't fight like this again in the future."

Cao Ang stared at her, his eyes becoming more determined and affectionate. He said, "I am willing to risk my life for the one I love. If we encounter the same situation again, I will still stand in front of you without hesitation."

Ma Yunlu was both moved and helpless. She sighed softly and said, "You always make me so angry and anxious. I just hope you can be safe." As she spoke, she gently stroked the messy hair on Cao Ang's forehead with her other hand, her eyes full of heartache and love.

As the two were immersed in this tender atmosphere, they suddenly heard light footsteps outside the door. Then, Guo Jia's voice rang out outside the door: "Master, Miss Yunlu, may I come in?"

Cao Ang and Ma Yunlu were startled for a moment before coming to their senses. Ma Yunlu quickly and gently withdrew her hand, her blush growing even more intense. Cao Ang cleared his throat and said, "Fengxiao, come in."