During this period of tumultuous change, Dong Bai's affection for Ma Chao grew day by day. Her fervent heart, like a burning flame, poured itself into Ma Chao with increasing intensity.
Dong Bai came from Longxi Commandery again and again, bringing care and enthusiasm to visit Ma Chao's army. Each time she appeared, it was like sunshine, bringing warmth and comfort to the weary soldiers. Her beautiful figure moved through the barracks, personally delivering supplies and encouragement to the soldiers, yet her gaze always lingered involuntarily on Ma Chao's tall figure.
Ma Chao and Dong Bai got along more and more harmoniously. They walked together in the sunset, discussing the minutiae of the battlefield and the trivial interesting things in life. Dong Bai would listen to Ma Chao recount his battle experiences, her eyes sparkling with admiration and adoration. And Ma Chao gradually felt Dong Bai's special affection, the deep emotion hidden behind every gentle look and caring word.
However, Ma Chao had other thoughts in his heart. On the one hand, he regarded Dong Bai as his superior's granddaughter, maintaining respect and politeness towards her. He deeply knew his identity and mission, understanding that he could not let personal affections affect the overall situation. In his heart, Dong Bai was an existence that needed to be protected and respected, and there could be no slightest blasphemy. On the other hand, he often thought of Lu Wan, and Cai Wenji's figure was also intertwined. Those were the women who haunted his dreams; he only treated Dong Bai like his younger sister, that emotion pure and genuine, without any impurities.
Ma Chao tried to maintain this boundary, not overstepping the line. He deliberately kept a certain distance from Dong Bai, although there was a hint of reluctance and conflict in his heart. He knew Dong Bai's feelings but did not know how to respond, so he could only bury that emotion deep in his heart, silently guarding her.
He knew that no matter what, he could not betray Dong Bai's friendship, nor could he forget his responsibility and duty.
Ma Chao unified the Western Liang region, its scope extending from Jiuquan in the north to Longxi in the south, bordering Western Qiang to the west and East Qiang to the east. The entire Western Liang achieved a brief unification, and under Ma Teng's governance, the people were able to recuperate and gradually emerge from the shadow of war.
While Ma Chao's army was recuperating, he was discussing the next steps against East Qiang with his subordinates, regarding the plan to conquer East Qiang. At the same time, news from the capital occasionally arrived, but they were only fragmented bits, not complete or clear. During this period of recuperation, the Overlord's Spear Ma Chao forged for Sun Ce was completed. Ma Chao arranged for a Western Liang caravan to travel to the Central Plains, on the one hand to deliver Sun Ce's Overlord's Spear, and on the other hand to establish contact and gather information. Having been separated for several months, Ma Chao greatly missed Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, Lu Wan, Cai Wenji, and others during this time. Unfortunately, being in a border region, news was blocked, making it impossible to contact them.
Then, very suddenly, Dong Zhuo's envoy rushed to request an audience with Ma Teng and Ma Chao. The envoy stated that he only brought Dong Zhuo's demand, which was for Ma Chao to proceed to the capital.
Upon receiving this sudden news, Ma Chao also felt some anticipation, thinking of taking this opportunity to visit his teacher and his relatives and friends in Luoyang. However, the news brought by the envoy was not comprehensive, only stating that Ma Chao should quickly go to the capital, so Ma Chao could not analyze the current situation from the information he brought.
Ma Chao discussed this matter with Ma Teng. Ma Teng said with a slight worry on his face, "Dong Gong went to the capital with a large army, even taking the West Liang Army and the elite Flying Bear Army, yet he still needs you to go. He must have encountered a rather difficult situation." Ma Teng, on the one hand, had only been reunited with his son for a few months and was about to face separation again, and on the other hand, he was genuinely worried about Ma Chao's personal safety. Ma Chao comforted Ma Teng, saying, "Father, there is no need to worry too much. Your son will act cautiously and will surely ensure his own safety. Moreover, this might be a rare opportunity, and your son will certainly handle it carefully."
Ma Chao was still somewhat uneasy about the recently submitted West Liang Eight Divisions, so he gathered all the generals. His face was stern, his gaze sweeping over everyone like lightning, and he said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, although we have unified Western Liang, the situation remains volatile. We must work together to ensure the stability of Western Liang. I, Ma Chao, declare here that if anyone dares to harbor disloyalty or the slightest intention of rebellion, do not blame my spear for being merciless. I will ensure he dies without a burial place, suffering eternal damnation!" Upon hearing this, the generals' hearts all trembled. They already admired Ma Chao greatly, and now their fear increased. Whenever they thought of Ma Chao's bravery, his figure on the battlefield like a god of slaughter, their hearts could not help but tremble. They all knelt on one knee, shouting firmly and respectfully, "We vow to serve the General unto death, and will never again harbor rebellious thoughts! If we violate this, may we be struck by lightning and die a terrible death!" Then, Ma Chao arranged for Pang De to stay behind. Ma Chao deeply understood Pang De's bravery and loyalty, feeling that with Pang De stationed here, they would be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Although Ma Teng wanted Ma Chao to take Pang De with him, Ma Chao reconsidered and still felt uneasy. He felt that with Pang De, this fierce general, stationed in Western Liang, he would feel much more at ease.
After pacifying the generals, Ma Chao, with a somewhat heavy heart, bid farewell to his family. Madam Ma tightly held Ma Chao's hand, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry, tears welling up, seemingly about to fall at any moment. She choked out, "Ma Chao, you must be very careful on this trip." Ma Yunlu also looked very reluctant, her beautiful face filled with longing and melancholy, and she softly said, "Brother, you must return safely."
Meanwhile, Ma Chao's younger brothers, Ma Xiu, Ma Tie, and Ma Dai, were all excited and eager, wanting to follow Ma Chao. Ma Chao knew that this trip was of great importance, so he naturally refused to agree to them. But these brothers kept pestering Ma Chao, refusing to give up, their eyes full of longing and eagerness.
At this moment, Ma Teng's gaze sharpened, and a majestic expression appeared on his face as he angrily rebuked, "What are you few fooling around for! Your eldest brother is going on this trip to serve the country. On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. Your martial arts are so mediocre; you'll only cause trouble for your eldest brother if you go!" Upon hearing this, the excitement on the boys' faces instantly vanished, replaced by a sense of grievance and helplessness. They mumbled, not daring to say anything more, just standing there with their heads bowed.
Ma Chao looked at his brothers' pitiful appearance, and a strong wave of affection and reluctance welled up in his heart. He walked forward, gently patted their shoulders, and comforted them, saying, "Brothers, don't be sad. You must work hard to practice your martial arts. When you grow up and become strong enough, your eldest brother will surely take you with him." The brothers' eyes rekindled with hope upon hearing Ma Chao's words, and they nodded heavily.
After comforting everyone, Ma Chao no longer hesitated. He took only a few attendants and set off on his journey, traveling lightly. Along the way, he made a special detour to Longxi Commandery to visit Dong Bai. When he appeared before Dong Bai, her eyes instantly lit up with surprise. Ma Chao smiled and handed a carefully prepared gift to Dong Bai. Dong Bai happily accepted it, her eyes full of uncontrollable joy. Her flower-like smile filled Ma Chao's heart with tenderness.
Afterward, when Dong Bai learned that Ma Chao was going to the capital to meet her grandfather, she unhesitatingly expressed that she wanted to go too. On the one hand, she longed to see her grandfather, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, and on the other hand, she truly wanted to experience all of this with the man she deeply loved. However, Ma Chao's orders did not mention Dong Bai. He knew that this journey would surely be full of risks and uncertainties and would not be safe. He did not want Dong Bai to venture into danger with him, so he steeled his heart and refused Dong Bai's request to accompany him. Dong Bai's face immediately showed deep disappointment and reluctance, tears welling up in her eyes. She tightly clutched Ma Chao's sleeve, her pitiful appearance making Ma Chao's heart ache, but he still firmly refused.
With Dong Bai's reluctant and deep farewell, Ma Chao gritted his teeth, steeled his heart, and resolutely turned to continue on his path, leaving Dong Bai standing there, gazing blankly at his departing back, tears streaming down her face, her heart filled with longing and melancholy.
