Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao's face was solemn. He began to analyze the current complex and serious situation with several people in great earnestness. He said slowly and steadily: "Now in the court, the power of the Dong clan has reached the point where they have power over the country. They are ambitious and want to establish Liu Xie as emperor. And the master has been firmly guarding the emperor, but now the master is missing. But when you think about it carefully, first of all, the master's personal safety should not be a problem. But according to the current situation, I am afraid that the master will find it difficult to return to Luoyang to reunite with his wife in a short time." After listening to Ma Chao's meticulous analysis, everyone felt a little relieved.

Mrs. Lu's face was filled with worry, her brows furrowed slightly. She whispered with a hint of worry, "Mengqi, if your master never returns, how will this family cope? Having a large army besieging this place isn't a sound solution." After experiencing this sudden and catastrophic change and having been worried for so long, Lu Wan's personality had lost its former cheerfulness and vivaciousness, becoming increasingly worried. She stood quietly by, her brows furrowed, her eyes filled with worry and uneasiness. She seemed somewhat withdrawn, a stark contrast to her once cheerful and lively self. She bit her lip from time to time, as if contemplating the unknown future, her heart filled with confusion and melancholy.

Ma Chao frowned deeply and said to Madam Lu with a serious expression, "Master, the situation has now reached a critical point. Lord Dong is now extremely powerful, wielding unparalleled influence throughout the court and the country. He has always strongly desired to establish Prince Liu Xie as the new emperor, while Master has firmly sided with Emperor Liu Bian and has even escorted him to escape. It can be said that their philosophies are completely diametrically opposed. If Lord Dong truly resolves to depose and enthronize the emperor, the conflict between them will undoubtedly intensify, potentially leading to fierce conflict and confrontation. Your situation in Luoyang will then become extremely dangerous, and you could be implicated and harmed at any moment."

When Mrs. Lu heard this, she immediately showed a panic expression on her face, her eyes filled with anxiety and worry. She hurriedly asked, "Mengqi, what should we do? Think of a solution quickly. Tell me what you have in mind." Ma Chao's face showed embarrassment, and his eyes revealed a hint of helplessness and entanglement. He slowly replied, "Master, to be honest, Master Dong and I have significant differences in our philosophies. In my opinion, establishing another emperor is absolutely not something a loyal subject should do. It's a blatant challenge to imperial legitimacy and a serious undermining of national order. I've repeatedly summoned the courage to dissuade Master Dong from this dangerous idea, but he simply won't listen. He persists, stubbornly pursuing his own path, completely disregarding the possible consequences. However, Master Dong has been incredibly kind to me and saved our Ma family. Over the years, he's shown me countless favors and support, granting me numerous opportunities and honors. I simply don't want to go against his wishes, and this truly puts me in a difficult position. On the one hand, I don't want to see Master Dong go down the wrong path and cause unrest and chaos in the country; on the other, I can't renounce his kindness and care for me. I truly don't know how to choose."

Ma Chao paused and continued, "I believe that since the situation in Luoyang has developed to this point, if we continue here we will only face more danger and uncertainty. It would be better for us to return to our hometown in Xiliang and find a peaceful and safe land there. In Xiliang, we can wait and see how the situation develops and wait for things to become clear and stable. This way, we can protect ourselves and our families while avoiding unnecessary disputes and conflicts. I would like to ask Master's wife if you are willing to return to our hometown in Xiliang with me first. In this way, if any news about Master arrives, no matter how far away we are, I will escort Master's wife to meet him and reunite your family. I will do my utmost to protect your safety and happiness and will not let you come to any harm."

Mrs. Lu's face was filled with worry. She whispered, "Alas, I'm so flustered and confused about this situation. I don't know what to do." Mrs. Lu was tempted, but after a long struggle, she still couldn't make up her mind. Then she turned her gaze to Lu Wan and Lu Yu and slowly said, "What do you two think about this?"

Lu Wan secretly thought to herself: As long as I can be with Ma Chao, I'm willing to do anything, but she couldn't say it out loud. So she said politely, "Mom, I think my junior brother has considered everything very carefully. I will listen to you and my brother's opinions."

Lu Yuze spoke seriously, like a little adult: "Mother, this is what I think. The ancients said that a gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall. We should know how to seek good fortune and avoid danger. The situation in Luoyang is so complicated and dangerous now. Going to Xiliang with Brother Ma Chao is indeed a feasible option."

After hearing what her children said, Mrs. Lu thought about it for a long time. Finally, she gritted her teeth and made up her mind and said, "Okay, then we will listen to you and return to Xiliang with Ma Chao."

Seeing that Madam Lu had made her decision, Ma Chao felt a slight sense of relief. However, his gaze involuntarily fell on Lu Wan. He felt a thousand words in his heart, wanting to tell her the endless pain of longing. However, with Madam Lu and Lu Yu present, he could only suppress these words in his heart. He only glanced at Lu Wan deeply, but ultimately remained silent. Then, Ma Chao stood up and said goodbye, preparing to return to make arrangements for his return to Xiliang.

Ma Chao and Dian Wei had just left the courtyard when they heard an urgent "Wait a minute" from behind. Lu Wan hurried out, and Ma Chao's face lit up with ecstasy. He quickly said to Dian Wei, "Jun Ming, you go guard the courtyard first. Lu Wan and I need to talk." Dian Wei understood and left, and the two lovers were finally reunited.

Lu Wan's eyes were slightly red, and her voice was choked with sobs and longing. "These past few months, I've missed you every minute and every second, and every day I've been looking forward to your early return." Ma Chao also gazed at her affectionately, his eyes full of love and longing. "I'm the same way. Every day and night in Xiliang, your image is in my mind, and my longing for you has never stopped."

Lu Wan thought of the misfortunes she had experienced during this period, and a wave of fear surged in her heart. She said with a trembling voice, "We encountered such a sudden change, the capital was in chaos, and our family was surrounded. I was really scared. I was so worried that I would never see you again." Ma Chao hugged her tightly in his arms with heartache, and gently comforted her, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. I'm with you now. I won't let you be frightened again."

When Lu Wan mentioned her upcoming return to Xiliang with Ma Chao, her heart was filled with joy and anticipation. She whispered, "I'm so happy to be returning to Xiliang with you. I'm looking forward to our future life." Ma Chao was also delighted. He hugged her tightly and said, "Me too. Being able to travel with you makes me look forward to the future."

The two of them spoke to each other for a long time, freely expressing their deep affection and longing for each other. After a long time, a deep worry appeared on Lu Wan's beautiful face again. She opened her red lips and said slowly with deep concern, "I haven't heard from my father for a long time. I am really worried about him." Upon hearing this, Ma Chao hurriedly grasped her hand tightly, comforting her with tenderness and determination, "Master has always been thoughtful and thoughtful, and he has the White Horse Volunteers of Brother Gongsun Zan as his personal guard. In my opinion, there shouldn't be any major trouble. Besides, I have a sufficient foothold in Xiliang and the ability to protect myself. If Master is really in danger, I will definitely rush over and escort him back safely. Don't worry so much anymore."

Lu Wan then sighed softly and continued, "Although I've been confined to this small courtyard, I occasionally hear the soldiers outside discussing certain matters, such as Cai Yong's daughter's marriage and Cai Wenji's marriage." Upon hearing this, Ma Chao was momentarily stunned, a look of astonishment. Lu Wan's face was filled with pity. She shook her head gently and said with emotion, "I really feel sorry for Sister Wenji. Sister Wenji is such a beautiful woman, yet she was married off in such a hurry. I don't know how she feels right now. It really makes me worried." Ma Chao gently tried to persuade Lu Wan not to worry too much, but he himself was unconsciously filled with deep longing and worry for Cai Wenji, and the complex emotions slowly spread in his heart.