mtlumby2d Chapter 272 Ma Chao Hosts a Banquet 1 Harmony
Chapter 272 Ma Chao Hosts a Banquet 1 Harmony
Xun Yu's answer undoubtedly made clear his determination to return to Chang'an. A bitter look appeared on Ma Chao's face, and he said slowly: "My Lord, you have been in Xiliang for quite a long time. Don't you have the slightest attachment to Xiliang? My Ma family has never owed you anything, and you have spent countless efforts in the construction and development of Xiliang! But now you are so determined to leave without saying anything." Xun Yu sighed slightly and said: "Xiliang and the general and his son are things that I, Xun Yu, cannot give up. Mengqi, you and your son have always treated me with courtesy and given me great trust. Today's Xiliang has just recovered some of its vitality from its former state of decline. How can I let it go? What's more, the Xiongnu are watching covetously, and I have heard that the Xianbei, a foreign race, is growing stronger in the north. Whenever I think of this, I am worried. But, Mengqi, then again, you and I are both ministers of the Han Dynasty. If Today, the emperor has returned to Chang'an, and the Han Dynasty has a bright future. I, Xun Yu, would never dare sacrifice greater principles for the sake of a minor righteousness. The world remains turbulent, and wars rage everywhere. With the general and his son here in Xiliang, I, Xun Yu, feel reassured." Ma Chao threw his head back and laughed heartily, saying proudly, "Excellent! Ma Chao is truly comforted by your lordship's praise. In fact, I've come here today to tell you, lordship, that it's time to pack your bags. This time, you and I will travel to Chang'an together." A complex expression crossed Xun's face, and he asked, "General, are you truly certain?" Ma Chao smiled carefreely, saying, "Hey, lordship, as you say, Ma Chao is a man without loyalty, righteousness, and filial piety. Since the imperial court has issued an edict, my Ma family father and I will obey. However, Xiliang does need someone to maintain order, to deter those foreign tribes. This time, let my father remain in Xiliang to defend it, while I, Ma Chao, will go and serve the country."
Xun Yu was overcome with emotion. He solemnly took a few steps forward, bowed deeply to Ma Chao, and spoke earnestly, "General Mengqi, the Han Dynasty is now in tatters. Local lords wield their own forces, aristocratic families control the court, and powerful individuals occupy the land. The people are suffering terribly. The Han Dynasty is on the verge of collapse, and I, Xun Yu, had never before recognized your vision and broad mind. Seeing your noble character today proves that General Mengqi is a true hero. With men like General Mengqi, the Han Dynasty has hope for rejuvenation!"
Ma Chao quickly extended his hand to support Xun Yu, saying humbly, "Your Excellency flatters me greatly. I am merely fulfilling my duty as a subject. I simply wish that the people of this world have enough food to eat and clothes to wear. This is all I wish for in life. Living in troubled times, seeing the people displaced and starving everywhere is truly heartbreaking. Although I possess some courage and strength, if I can bring a little peace to the people, I will die with no regrets."
Xun Yu was deeply moved by Ma Chao's words, his eyes filled with admiration. He said, "General, you have such a broad mind. It is truly a blessing for the people. In these chaotic times, everyone is vying for personal gain. Few can be as dedicated to the people as you are. I hope Meng Qi can maintain his original aspirations. Together, we will do our utmost for the revival of the Han Dynasty and the well-being of the people."
The next day, Ma Chao went to his mother's residence in person with mixed feelings and told her his decision. Upon hearing this, Ma's mother's face immediately showed reluctance, and she still didn't want him to leave. Ma Chao slowly squatted down in front of his mother, held her hand, and patiently explained the pros and cons. He whispered, "Mother, I know you are reluctant to let me go, but now the court has issued an edict, and as a subject, I should serve the country. Moreover, I am going here for the stability of Xiliang and for the future of our Ma family. I will be careful and ensure my own safety, please rest assured." Ma's mother listened to Ma Chao's words, tears glistening in her eyes, and she shed tears secretly. After a long time, she nodded slightly, reluctantly asking for her consent. Ma Chao looked at his mother's sad face, and his heart was filled with guilt, but he knew the responsibility he shouldered, and could only secretly swear in his heart that he must return safely and not let his mother worry.
After calming his mother, Ma Chao held another banquet at his mansion. He understood the importance of this matter and, to demonstrate his seriousness and reassure Wang Jie by having Xun Yu inform him of his intentions in advance, he sent Xun Yu to invite Wang Jie and Li Tong to the banquet. Xun Yu approached Wang Jie and explained Ma Chao's behavior and decision following their meeting the previous night. Xun Yu spoke slowly, "My dear brother, General Mengqi spoke to me last night with earnest words, demonstrating his loyalty. He has decided to obey the imperial edict and travel to Chang'an to serve the country, leaving his father to remain in Xiliang to deter the enemy. Your loyalty to the Han is truly admirable." Wang Jie, upon hearing this, began to reconsider his decision. He recalled his previous misgivings about Ma Chao and felt a wave of shame. This time, Wang Jie swallowed his pride and resolved to speak with Ma Chao sincerely. He said to Xun Yu, "Your Excellency is absolutely right. General Mengqi's loyalty and righteousness are a blessing to the Han Dynasty. At this banquet, I will be frank with you."
This banquet was smaller than previous ones, and Ma Chao hadn't invited many guests. Only Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu joined Xun Yu, Wang Jie, and Li Tong. Thanks to Xun Yu's advance warning, Wang Jie, upon arriving, began by offering Ma Chao praise. Always one for show, Wang Jie burst into laughter and greeted him from afar, saying, "Mengqi, I'm honored to have you host me." Sun Ce and Zhou Yu merely glanced at him indifferently. Ma Chao, unfazed by his previous arrogance, warmly invited him to the table and introduced Zhou Yu and Sun Ce to Wang Jie, allowing them to get acquainted.
Upon hearing the introductions, Wang Jie bowed to Sun Ce and Zhou Yu and said, "I've known you since our time in Luoyang. Like Meng Qi, you are both talented young men and pillars of the Han Dynasty. It's a great honor to meet you today." Zhou Yu remained indifferent and silent. Sun Ce, however, couldn't help but scoff, "Oh, you're unworthy. The Emperor's envoys were quite impressive yesterday, and we were deeply impressed." Wang Jie quickly put on a smile and said, "Yesterday we were all discussing official business; today we're discussing personal matters." Xun Yu, speaking to ease the mood, said, "Yes, yes, yes. We all studied together in Luoyang back then. Looking back on our time there, we were all carefree. I didn't expect that we would gather here today to discuss personal matters, not state affairs."
Ma Chao had no desire to argue with Wang Jie. After all, he had already decided to proceed to the court, and he didn't want to embarrass Wang Jie. He addressed Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, "My dear brothers, recalling our days studying together at the Lu family mansion is truly fascinating. And your brother was a renowned scholar in Luoyang back then. We should discuss matters now, but state affairs are pressing, so let's put them aside for now." Sun Ce and Zhou Yu exchanged a glance and nodded slightly. Sun Ce dropped his earlier mockery, and Zhou Yu, though still expressionless, remained silent. Everyone's attention shifted temporarily from the tense atmosphere of state affairs, and they began to reminisce about their youthful days in Luoyang. The atmosphere at the banquet gradually relaxed.
Everyone was lost in memories of their school days in Luoyang. Ma Chao's fame in Luoyang was due to his profound understanding of Confucianism. Unconsciously, they began discussing Confucian knowledge. Everyone was deeply interested and engaged in a lively conversation. Li Tong, however, sat off to the side, simply enjoying the delicious food and drinking non-stop. He simply couldn't understand what they were talking about. Seeing how tense they were yesterday, yet now so harmonious, chatting and laughing together, Li Tong thought to himself: People who have read a little bit are different. Their expressions change faster than the pages of a book. He shook his head and continued drinking, occasionally glancing at the people engaged in a lively conversation. Although he felt a sense of emotion, he couldn't join in the conversation. He felt like an outsider, observing this harmonious scene brought about by knowledge.
The banquet was almost over, and Li Tong was already drunk. At this time, Ma Chao talked about business. Ma Chao said to Wang Jie: "Brother Wang, my Ma family dare not disobey the emperor's order this time. But Xiliang is not stable now. Years of war have caused the people's livelihood in Xiliang to decline, and foreign races are also eyeing us covetously. I met with foreign races in Xiliang before, not because I disrespected the emperor, but because I was preparing to attack the Xiongnu next year, and also to deter those villains. You can go back and report this matter to the emperor. The Ma family has no other intentions. In three to five days, I will pack up the armaments and hand over the affairs, and then I will go with you. The emperor and his entourage will return to Chang'an. "Brother, please stay for another three to five days." Wang Jie nodded slightly, his expression becoming serious. He said, "Don't worry, General Mengqi. I will report this matter to the emperor truthfully. Your loyalty and righteousness are evident to all of us, and I believe the emperor will see through it." Xun Yu, standing by, also looked pleased and said, "That's excellent. The general is truly thinking of the Han Dynasty." Although Sun Ce and Zhou Yu remained silent, their eyes revealed their admiration for Ma Chao.
The banquet ended in harmony. As Wang Jie was leaving, he handed Ma Chao a handwritten letter from Lu Zhi, apologizing profusely, "I truly overlooked this in my haste yesterday. This is Mr. Lu Zhi's handwritten letter. I hope you will forgive me." Ma Chao was momentarily taken aback, then took the letter with both hands, saying solemnly, "Brother Wang, you are so kind. This is a letter from our master, and I will treasure it." He gazed at the letter in his hands, feeling a surge of emotion. Mr. Lu Zhi held an extremely high prestige among his students, and now receiving his handwritten letter filled him with even greater anticipation for the future. Xun Yu and the others were also filled with curiosity about the letter, glancing at it in Ma Chao's hands, as if they could sense Mr. Lu Zhi's wisdom and expectations from it.