Ma Chao asked, "Uncle, you were once in the Imperial Court, how did you end up in this small border county?"
Han Shuo said, "The late emperor favored the Ten Attendants, who brought chaos to the Imperial Court.Bo Xie and I jointly submitted a memorial impeaching the Ten Attendants, but the late emperor did not approve. The Ten Attendants bore a grudge, spread rumors to deceive the emperor, and had both of us demoted. But it's fine, in a small border county, affairs are simple, and it's perfect for focusing on scholarship."
Ma Chao said, "Uncle, you are truly a free-spirited person. Your Nephew admires you."
Han Shuo said, "Nephew, how old are you? Have you studied?"
Ma Chao said, "Your Nephew is fourteen this year. When I was young, my father hired a teacher, and although I can read and write, I haven't pursued advanced studies."
Han Shuo said, "Lu Zhi and Cai Yong are good friends of mine. Both are renowned scholars within the four seas, possessing talents for governing the world. Cai Yong excels in civil administration and is proficient in all aspects of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but he neglects martial matters. Lu Zhi can bring peace to the nation through civil means and stabilize it through military means; he is a truly excellent teacher. Lu Zhi has always served the country and its people without regard for his personal honor or disgrace. He has experienced many ups and downs and worries about the world, yet his vast knowledge and talent have not been fully inherited by any of his disciples. Among his disciples, Gongsun Zan inherited his military strategies, but his temperament is too rigid and lacks benevolence. Liu Bei's benevolence and morality are impeccable, but he is not outstanding in both civil and martial arts. From what I see now, Nephew, your civil and martial talents are both first-rate, and you are also benevolent, charitable, humble, and polite. You possess great righteousness in your heart and care for the common people. You are perfectly suited to inherit Lu Zhi's mantle and help this tattered Han Dynasty continue, protecting the suffering populace. Nephew, are you willing?"
Lu Zhi was a highly respected figure within the four seas, possessing extraordinary talent and knowledge, and was wholeheartedly devoted to the country, earning the admiration of both civil and military officials. Ma Chao was ecstatic, prostrating himself on the ground, saying, "If I can become a disciple of Lu Shi, it would be my lifelong wish, and I would die without regrets!"
Han Shuo helped Ma Chao up, repeatedly praising him, "I am but a decaying scholar, with a heart to serve the country but no power to do so. I never expected to discover such a talented individual as Nephew amidst my melancholy. I have the desire to teach, but I fear misleading others. I will write a letter to Lu Zhi, asking him to teach you everything he knows. I imagine he will be overjoyed."
For a time, the banquet was very joyful for both host and guests. After the banquet, Ma Chao advised Han Shuo that the border area of Western Liang was different from the Central Plains; there were dangers from bandits and nomadic tribes from the grasslands who would occasionally raid. He suggested that during the slack farming season, young men could be organized by village to practice military drills. Each village could take turns patrolling their own area, deterring bandits from coveting it. The weapons confiscated this time could be used to arm the county, instilling courage in the people and teaching them how to form ranks and face enemies, so they wouldn't be terrified and helpless when trouble arose. Han Shuo, who had been troubled by bandits, was overjoyed by this advice and his admiration for Ma Chao grew even more, filling him with anticipation for Ma Chao's future achievements.
Han Shuo insisted on inviting Ma Chao to stay at his home for a few days, and Ma Chao lingered there. During this time, Ma Chao sought instruction from Han Shuo, who was very pleased with Ma Chao's diligent and studious attitude. In their leisure time, apart from academics, they discussed ancient sages and current affairs like friends. Han Shuo taught him everything he knew, and Ma Chao felt greatly benefited.
During this period, Ma Chao sent a letter to Ma Teng, first to inquire about his parents' health, second to explain the recent events to his father, and to mention that Uncle Han Shuo wanted him to become a disciple of Lu Zhi. Third, he requested his father to send a few soldiers to train the villagers.
Han Shuo also reported his achievements to the Imperial Court, emphasizing Ma Chao's primary contribution as a young hero. He also wrote to Lu Zhi, informing him of the matter and describing how Ma Chao cared for the common people, how he was benevolent and righteous, how he was brave and resourceful, and how he was unparalleled in martial prowess, all of which aligned with Lu Zhi's ideals. He was a promising candidate to inherit Lu Zhi's mantle, and he hoped Lu Zhi would accept Ma Chao as a disciple.
When Ma Teng received the news, he was overjoyed. After Han Shuo was demoted to Maoling County, Ma Teng personally visited him. Han Shuo met him briefly and then left; literati and martial men did not interact much, and there was no further contact after that, only a nodding acquaintance. Who was Lu Zhi? He was a civil official, a Shangshu, and a disciple of Ma Rong and Chen Qiu. His fellow disciples, Zheng Jing, Guan Ning, and Hua Xin, were all famous scholars of the realm; any one of them could cause a sensation in a region. As a military official, he was a Zhonglang General, and along with Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun, he was one of the three most famous generals of his time. His army discipline was strict, and everyone in the army admired him. He never expected to be so fortunate as to be recommended by Han Shuo. How could Ma Teng sit still? He led his personal guards, carrying heavy gifts, and rushed from Huaili County to the Maoling County office, covered in dust.
Ma Teng arrived at the county office and sent someone to announce his presence. At this time, Ma Chao was in the backyard, being taught the Spring and Autumn Annals by Han Shuo. The two, one teaching diligently and the other learning diligently, constantly asked questions and explained, which greatly benefited Ma Chao. Suddenly, upon hearing the news of Ma Teng's arrival, Han Shuo stopped his explanation and led Ma Chao out to greet him.
Ma Teng bowed to Han Shuo first, calling him 'Elder Brother'. Han Shuo helped him up, and the two held each other's arms, Han Shuo showing much affection. Ma Chao stepped forward and bowed his head. Ma Teng smiled as he helped him up, his face full of satisfaction. Ma Teng knew that Han Shuo's closeness to him was entirely due to Ma Chao's efforts.
Ma Teng then showed Han Shuo the gifts he had brought. The gifts were plentiful but mostly money and treasures. Han Shuo, however, was not interested, even a little impatient, and said, "My dear brother Shoucheng, I am very fond of Ma Chao, but these money and treasures you've prepared are too much. We scholars only care about knowledge; money is like fleeting clouds to me."
Ma Teng said, "I did come in a hurry and didn't think much. I just wanted to thank you for your recommendation and express my gratitude. You can accept it with peace of mind. I have also prepared gifts and sent them to Lu Zhi in the capital to thank Lu Shi."
Han Shuo said regretfully, "Shoucheng, you're going to ruin things. Lu Zhi is an upright and selfless person. He selects talents for the country and educates excellent individuals without any personal motives. With just my letter and Ma Chao's talent, that old man Lu Zhi will surely be delighted to discover such a talent and will definitely teach him everything he knows. Now, before he has even met Ma Chao, you've sent gold and silver treasures. Given Lu Zhi's character, he will instead refuse to accept Ma Chao as a disciple, and he probably won't even meet him."
Ma Teng turned pale with fright, anxiously rubbing his hands and pacing back and forth, saying, "I also meant well. What should I do now? What should I do?" Han Shuo was also helpless. Ma Teng was also too eager out of love for his son and had good intentions but messed things up, so it was not good to be too harsh on him.
Ma Chao stepped forward to comfort Ma Teng: "Father, you also meant well. However, martial men are straightforward and do not understand the temperament of literati. Whether Lu Shi accepts me or not before he meets me is just our speculation. When I return from Qiang, I will go to Luoyang to study and personally ask Lu Shi to teach me. This is the sincerity of a disciple seeking knowledge. Whether Lu Shi accepts me or not at that time will be our destiny."
Han Shuo saw that Ma Chao was calm and collected, not complaining or blaming, and spoke clearly and reasonably. Compared to Ma Teng's anxiousness as an adult, it seemed even more commendable. Han Shuo also advised Ma Teng: "Shoucheng, let's not worry about the future. At least your intentions are good. Ma Chao is so excellent; when Lu Zhi sees him, he will surely be moved."
After easing the awkwardness, Han Shuo invited Ma Teng and his son into the inner residence for a banquet. During the banquet, the topic of Ma Chao's strategy for defeating the bandits came up, and Ma Teng was also impressed by Ma Chao's meticulous thinking. He secretly thought that Ma Chao's intellect had matured and he was no longer a child who needed his protection; his actions could now be considered those of an adult. He felt greatly comforted and thought that when Ma Chao was to travel in the future, he could completely stand on his own. Taking advantage of the banquet, he discussed with Han Shuo about giving Ma Chao a courtesy name. Han Shuo and Ma Teng deliberated together and finally settled on "Mengqi." Ma Chao had already used this name for a lifetime in his past life in his dreams, so he naturally had no objections. The atmosphere became even more lively.
After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes, Ma Chao bid farewell to his father and Han Shuo. After all, he had come out to find weapon materials first. Ma Chao clearly remembered from his dreams that this year was a year of dramatic changes, and time was pressing, so he dared not delay. Ma Teng, too, felt somewhat awkward because he had inadvertently caused trouble, and he no longer had much desire to strengthen his relationship with Han Shuo, so they both took their leave. Since Ma Chao had business, Han Shuo did not press them to stay too long. A few of Ma Teng's personal guards remained, but the money and treasures were firmly refused, so Ma Teng had no choice but to take them back.
