Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1276 Returning to Chang'an: Zhang Fei ambushed

Looking at his subordinates, some brave and some wise, Ma Chao felt quite gratified. He stayed in Chengdu for another three days, inspecting the city's defenses and checking on the people's livelihood each day. Seeing that the city was gradually becoming prosperous and farmers were already working in the fields, he knew that Zhang Ren, Fa Zheng, and others had begun to govern, and he had no more worries.

That morning, Ma Chao mustered his army and prepared to return to Chang'an. Zhang Ren and Fa Zheng, along with the civil and military officials of Xichuan, saw him off to the ten-mile-long pavilion outside the city. After several rounds of drinks, Ma Chao raised his cup and said, "The affairs of Xichuan now depend entirely on you all. Once I return to Chang'an and stabilize the situation, I will surely return to Shu to drink with you all again!"

Everyone's face was beaming with joy. Fa Zheng stroked his beard, his eyes sparkling with the excitement of finding a wise ruler. To be able to jointly govern Xichuan with Zhang Ren was a golden opportunity to realize his ambitions. Zhang Ren gripped his sword hilt, his brow furrowed with a heavy sense of responsibility, yet he couldn't hide the glory of being entrusted with such an important task. The brothers Wu Yi and Wu Lan exchanged a glance; their former prisoner had suddenly taken charge of the prefecture, and their gratitude towards Ma Chao for his patronage had deepened. Wei Yan, Meng Da, and the others were all in high spirits, eager to make a name for themselves in their new positions.

Even Zhang Song and Li Yan, though they did not immediately receive their official positions, were promised to "return to Chang'an with the King." Everyone understood the significance of this promise; being able to accompany the King to the central government meant a future far beyond that of local official positions. Zhang Song stroked his short beard, unable to hide the smile on his lips; Li Yan also secretly breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he had made the right move.

Amidst this joyous atmosphere, one person stood alone in a corner, his face full of sorrow, completely out of place with the surrounding merriment.

The man with the sorrowful expression was none other than Dian Wei.

He was a burly man, his iron fists renowned throughout the Xiliang army. Yet, since joining Ma Chao in Chang'an over a year ago, through numerous fierce battles, Ma Chao had never allowed him to don armor and fight. Let alone facing Liu Bei's generals like Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun, even in ordinary sieges and conquests, he merely followed behind in the central command tent, his weapons practically rusting. Seeing him idle day after day, the army's generals gradually forgot about this fierce warrior's existence.

Now that everyone has their plans, and they are about to return to Chang'an with their lord, Dian Wei is secretly eager to fight, thinking that there will be battles to fight when they return. But unexpectedly, Ma Chao suddenly called his name: "Dian Wei, you stay here and help Wu Yi guard Ba County."

These words were like a bucket of cold water, igniting a fire in Dian Wei's heart. He stepped forward in a muffled voice, his clasped hands trembling: "Your Majesty, can't I...can't I stay?"

Seeing that his neck was red from anxiety, Ma Chao couldn't help but laugh: "You blockhead, what's the rush?"

"Anxious? I'm almost going crazy with anxiety!" Dian Wei's voice suddenly rose, shaking the ground. "For over a year, you haven't let me participate in any battles. My hands are itching so badly I could scrub off three layers of skin! I finally made it to Chang'an, but you've left me here. What tough battles can there be in Bazhou? You're just letting me stay idle."

The people in the tent couldn't help but laugh at him, but Ma Chao stopped laughing and said seriously, "Do you think I kept you here so you could be idle? After we leave, how can Liu Bei, Zhang Fei and the others in Bazhong County let it go? Bazhong County borders Bazhong, and they will definitely send troops to harass us, and may even launch a surprise attack. Although Wu Yi is brave, he may not be a match for Zhang Fei and the others."

He patted Dian Wei on the shoulder, quite forcefully: "Keeping you here is like hiding an ace in the hole. When they really dare to attack, you can lead the army out and catch them off guard. Then, I guarantee you'll have a good time killing them. Isn't that better than guarding Chang'an?"

Dian Wei was stunned, scratching his head: "You mean... Zhang Fei might come?"

“Most likely.” Ma Chao nodded. “Zhang Fei is the most impatient of all. Once we leave, he will definitely seize the opportunity to take over Ba County, so as to pave the way for a future counterattack on Chengdu.”

Dian Wei's eyes lit up instantly, all his previous sorrow vanished, and his fists clenched so tightly they cracked: "Fine! I'll stay! If Zhang Fei dares to come, I'll make him taste the power of my iron halberds!"

Seeing his anger turn to joy, Ma Chao laughed and said, "That's more like it. Remember, don't show yourself unless absolutely necessary. Make them think that only Wu Yi is guarding Bazhou County, so that we can catch them off guard."

"I get it!" Dian Wei grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth. "It's like crouching in the grass when hunting, waiting for the prey to get close before pouncing, right?"

Everyone laughed. The previous gloom dissipated, and jubilation returned.

No one expected that this fierce general, who had been "idle" for over a year, would become a hidden bulwark for the Ba County. When Zhang Fei finally led his army to attack, it was this hidden bulwark that crashed down, causing even the valiant Yan general Zhang Yide to suffer a great loss. At this moment, Dian Wei was already eagerly anticipating the long-awaited battle.

When Ma Chao led his army back to Chang'an, it was already mid-August. Autumn was in full swing along the banks of the Wei River, the ears of grain on the field ridges were bent low, and the air was filled with the aroma of ripe grain. With only a few days left until the Mid-Autumn Festival on the fifteenth of August, preparations for the festival had begun in Chang'an. People were cleaning their homes, and the streets were filled with mooncakes and fruits, creating a peaceful scene.

Just then, a fast horse galloped into Chang'an, bringing with it a battle report from Ba County—no more than half a month after Ma Chao and his men left, Zhang Fei had indeed led his army to attack as expected.

The battle report clearly stated: Zhang Fei personally led 15,000 Jingzhou soldiers in a fierce attack on Langzhong, the capital of Bazhou Commandery. Following pre-arranged plans, Wu Yi first led his troops in a brief resistance, feigning defeat, and lured Zhang Fei into a valley on the outskirts of the city. Once the entire Jingzhou army had entered the ambush, Dian Wei, who had been concealed, suddenly led his troops out, his iron halberd flashing like lightning, directly attacking Zhang Fei.

The battle was earth-shattering. Zhang Fei's spear clashed with Dian Wei's double halberds, and the two fought for over a hundred rounds in the valley, neither gaining the upper hand. However, the Jingzhou soldiers around Zhang Fei suffered greatly. Wu Yi led his army out from both sides of the valley, and Gao Shun's 3,000 elite troops, left behind by Ma Chao, cut off their rear. Caught in a pincer attack, the Jingzhou army was routed. In the end, Zhang Fei led his remaining troops in a desperate breakout, but only 3,000 of his 15,000 soldiers escaped, and even his personal guards suffered heavy losses.

After reading the battle report in his residence, Ma Chao was not worried that Liu Bei would retaliate. Instead, he clapped his hands and laughed, "Yide is indeed impatient. He has learned his lesson this time."

The generals under his command also offered their congratulations, and Pang De even laughed and said, "Our lord is a brilliant strategist, and General Dian Wei and the Trapped Camp cooperated well. This battle was fought brilliantly!"

“Winning isn’t enough.” A sly glint flashed in Ma Chao’s eyes. “We need to send someone to Bazhong County to let Liu Bei know that our Xiliang army is not to be trifled with.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Song stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "My lord, please leave this matter to me."

Ma Chao hesitated: "The atmosphere in Bazhong must be tense right now. It might be dangerous for you to go there."

Zhang Song insisted, “My lord is joking. Although I am not strong enough to kill a chicken, I am skilled in the art of persuasion. Besides, my lord once said that I have the ‘first merit in entering Sichuan,’ but since I followed my lord, apart from recommending talents, I have not made any real contributions, and I have long felt uneasy. If I can go on a mission to Bazhong for Your Majesty, I will gladly endure some grievances.”

Seeing his resolute attitude, and remembering Zhang Song's eloquence, Ma Chao nodded in agreement: "In that case, take more guards with you and be careful in everything. If Liu Bei dares to be rude to you, do not back down, just pass on the message."

"Understood, sir." Zhang Song bowed and accepted the order, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes.

Just as Zhang Song was about to turn around and leave to receive his orders, Ma Chao grabbed him.

"Yongnian, please wait a moment." Ma Chao looked at him, his tone earnest. "This journey to Bazhong is long and arduous, and it will take quite some time. You've only just arrived in Chang'an with me and haven't even had a moment's rest before you have to set off again. How can I be at ease?"

Zhang Song was taken aback and quickly said, "My lord, you are overthinking it. I am strong and healthy, and this little bit of running around is nothing."

"That won't do either." Without waiting for a reply, Ma Chao grabbed him and headed into Chang'an. "Come back to my residence with me first, have a cup of hot tea, and rest for a few days before setting off again. I haven't let you properly see the gates of Chang'an yet."

Zhang Song couldn't refuse him, so he had no choice but to turn around. At this moment, a group of people were already standing solemnly under the gates of Chang'an. Li Ru led the civil and military officials of Chang'an and was waiting there. Seeing Ma Chao leading Zhang Song closer, Li Ru stepped forward first, cupped his hands and smiled, "My lord, you have had a long journey and have finally returned safely."

He turned his gaze to Zhang Song, his eyes showing a hint of scrutiny, but he also politely cupped his hands in greeting: "This must be Mr. Zhang Yongnian, right? I have long admired your name. It is a pleasure to meet you today."

Zhang Song quickly returned the greeting: "You flatter me. I have long heard of your esteemed name, Lord Li."

Ma Chao smiled and waved his hand: "We're all family, no need for formalities. Lord Li, gentlemen, we've traveled a long way, let's go into the city first and talk."

As he spoke, he pulled Zhang Song along, and together with Li Ru, they walked into the city. The city gates of Chang'an were tall and majestic, the cracks in the bricks still bearing the marks of time, and the banners on the city towers fluttered in the autumn wind. Looking at the scene before him, Zhang Song suddenly felt a surge of warmth in his heart. His lord's consideration had somewhat diminished his previous ambition.

“Look at Chang’an,” Ma Chao said, pointing to the bustling streets. “Although it’s not as prosperous as Chengdu, it has a more profound sense of the Northwest. When you come back from Bazhong, I’ll take you around properly and let you try Chang’an’s mutton soup. It tastes quite different from the mutton soup in Shu.”

Zhang Song smiled and agreed, his steps becoming much lighter. Li Ru watched from the side, a knowing glint in his eyes, before following along with the other civil and military officials. The group gradually merged into the street scene of Chang'an, where soldiers at the city gates stood tall, guarding the capital that had weathered storms yet remained ever more secure.

This brief stay, though only for a moment, quietly calmed the restlessness in Zhang Song's heart caused by his eagerness to go to his post. He knew that his lord's invitation to stay was both a sign of consideration and trust, and he remembered this kindness.

The entrance to Chang'an Palace was already bustling with activity.

Dong Bai, dressed as a princess, held her one-year-old son, Ma Liang, in her arms. The little boy, wearing tiger-head shoes, looked around with his bright, dark eyes, his tiny hands still clutching the hem of his mother's clothes. Beside her, several concubines, including Zhen Mi and Cai Wenji, stood smiling, holding children in their arms, with autumn chrysanthemums adorning their temples, adding to their gentle and graceful appearance.

Not far away, Ma Linglong, who was also a little over a year old, was riding on the back of a striped tiger, which was lying obediently on the ground. At Linglong's feet was a half-grown tiger cub, the mother tiger's cub, rubbing its head against her boots, making her giggle.

To Dong Bai's right stood nine-year-old Prince Ma Yue, dressed in a small suit of armor with a short sword at his waist. He stood tall and straight like a pine tree, followed by a group of young men from the Young Lin Army. They were all full of energy and couldn't help but straighten their backs when they saw Ma Chao.

"My husband is back!" Dong Bai was the first to see Ma Chao, his eyes lighting up with a smile as he carried Ma Liang to greet him.

Ma Yue and the young soldiers of the Yulin Army bowed in unison: "Greetings, Father!"

Ma Linglong jumped off the tiger's back, ran to Ma Chao, and looked up at him, saying, "You're my father?"