Although Han Sui's rebellion had lingered like a dark cloud for a long time, after four months of arduous encirclement and suppression, the Imperial Court finally saw the light of victory.
The news of this victory should have been a cause for universal celebration, but the ensuing issue of bestowing rewards upon Dong Zhuo and his recommended meritorious officials sparked a fierce struggle within the Imperial Court.
He Jin's faction and the eunuch faction were locked in endless disputes over these rewards, each side sticking to their arguments and refusing to yield.
During this process, He Jin's faction grew stronger and stronger, reaching its zenith.
This also put the aristocratic faction represented by Dong Zhong in a precarious position, and under the eunuchs' secret instigation, the eunuch faction and Dong Zhong's faction gradually united, forming a formidable alliance.
Under such circumstances, even if He Jin's side wished to suppress them, he felt powerless and unable to control the situation.
Ultimately, under the strong lobbying and recommendation of the eunuch faction and Dong Zhong's faction, Dong Zhuo was promoted to Liang Province Governor and Marquis of Tai Township.
To salvage the situation, He Jin's faction bestowed the title of Liang Province Inspector and Marquis of Huaili upon Ma Teng, who had sworn to defend Wuwei Commandery to the death, and Ma Chao was also promoted to General of the Eagle Cavalry.
They attempted to win over this father and son to counter Dong Zhuo; outwardly, the eunuch faction and Dong Cheng's faction strongly opposed this, but in reality, it was exactly what they wanted.
By the time He Jin's faction reacted, the rewards had already been issued.
For a time, He Jin's faction harbored extreme resentment towards the eunuch faction and Dong Zhong's faction, wishing they could eliminate them immediately to vent their anger.
He Jin, greatly provoked by this incident, finally made the resolute decision to eradicate the cancerous growth of the eunuch faction.
However, the eunuch faction had colluded with Dong Zhong and other generals in command of troops; they were in cahoots, forming a powerful alliance.
Not only that, but they also had the backing of military power, which left He Jin in a predicament, feeling helpless and at a loss for what to do in the face of such a situation.
At this difficult moment, Yuan Shao offered a suggestion to He Jin, who then invited Bing Province Inspector Ding Yuan to jointly execute the eunuch faction, hoping to break the current deadlock.
However, upon learning this news, the eunuch faction and Dong Zhong's faction were filled with fear and unease.
For their own interests, they secretly sent a letter to Dong Zhuo, requesting him to immediately bring troops to the capital, hoping to use Dong Zhuo's power to counter the threat posed by Ding Yuan.
Just as the situation was tense, not long after the Imperial Court's decree of rewards arrived, the secret letter from Dong Zhong's faction also followed.
This made the already complex situation even more confusing, and a greater storm seemed to be quietly approaching, enveloping the entire Imperial Court in a shroud of gloom.
After the decree of rewards was issued, both Dong Zhuo and Ma Teng were relatively satisfied with the rewards they received.
Dong Zhuo believed this was a good opportunity to further solidify his relationship with Ma Teng, so he specially dispatched his trusted strategist Li Ru to Wuwei to visit Ma Teng.
Li Ru, carrying Dong Zhuo's entrustment, rushed to Wuwei on horseback.
When he met Ma Teng, his face was full of smiles; he first conveyed Dong Zhuo's greetings and praise to Ma Teng, and then subtly began to probe Ma Teng's intentions.
He asked Ma Teng whether his son Ma Chao was already married or had ever had an engagement intention.
Ma Teng was indeed unaware of this matter, as Ma Chao was relatively introverted and, out of shyness, had never discussed his romantic life in detail with his family.
He also secretly pondered Li Ru's intention in asking this question.
Seeing Ma Teng's slight confusion, Li Ru subtly revealed Dong Zhuo's thoughts to Ma Teng.
He mentioned Dong Zhuo's granddaughter, Dong Bai, saying that Dong Bai was in the prime of her youth, of dignified character and appearance, and that Dong Zhuo doted on her greatly.
He also spoke of how much Dong Zhuo admired Ma Chao, including the matter of Ma Chao and Dong Bai going together to Jincheng Commandery to suppress Han Sui's remnants.
Upon hearing Li Ru's words, Ma Teng's heart stirred.
He naturally understood that this was a rare opportunity for the Ma family; an alliance with a power like Dong Zhuo would greatly benefit the Ma family's development.
Moreover, under Dong Zhuo's arrangement, Ma Chao and Dong Bai had spent time together, which proved Dong Zhuo also intended to facilitate this matter.
Thus, a joyful expression appeared on Ma Teng's face, and he exchanged smiles with Li Ru.
They reached an unspoken understanding, but outwardly, they did not immediately clarify the matter, intending to wait for Li Ru to report back to Dong Zhuo before further discussion.
And at this critical moment, the secret letter from Dong Zhong's faction quietly reached Dong Zhuo's hands.
Upon receiving the news, Dong Zhuo immediately discussed it with Li Ru.
Li Ru and Dong Zhuo both knew that Western Liang had gradually stabilized after difficult battles, which was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to advance into the Imperial Court.
After much deliberation and discussion, the two reached a consensus.
They believed that Ma Chao and Ma Teng should be left in Western Liang to continue overseeing Western Liang's military affairs.
This would not only stabilize the situation in Western Liang but also allow the Ma family to be used by Dong Zhuo.
Furthermore, because Ma Teng also intended to marry into Dong Zhuo's side, this made Dong Zhuo feel that leaving them in Western Liang was a wise move.
After Dong Zhuo understood everything, he resolutely decided to leave Ma Teng and Ma Chao in Western Liang, making them the solid backing of Western Liang.
Dong Zhuo, on the other hand, led his generals and soldiers, ambitiously marching towards the Imperial Court, preparing to make a grand display of his abilities and realize his ambitions there.
Dong Zhuo, with a serious expression, summoned all the generals responsible for suppressing the remaining rebel forces in various parts of Western Liang.
In front of everyone, with Ma Chao and Dong Bai present, Dong Zhuo mercilessly reprimanded them for their previous heinous acts of burning, killing, and looting in Western Liang.
His voice echoed like thunder in the hall, making everyone present feel his anger.
Immediately after, Dong Zhuo loudly announced, "The Imperial Court intends to summon me to the capital; this is a matter of great national importance.
The important task of bandit suppression here in Western Liang will be entrusted to Ma Chao.
The military and political affairs throughout Western Liang will be entrusted to Liang Province Inspector Ma Teng.
As for the main base in Longxi Commandery, everything will be decided by Dong Bai."
Dong Zhuo's words were forceful and resonant, demonstrating his meticulous arrangement for the situation in Western Liang.
To enable Dong Bai and Ma Chao to carry out their work more smoothly and display absolute authority, Dong Zhuo resolutely decided to bring his family to the capital, leaving only Dong Bai and some collateral relatives to guard Liang Province.
And those generals reprimanded by Dong Zhuo, although they outwardly showed a dejected expression after being scolded, their hearts were actually overflowing with joy.
Because in various parts of Western Liang, they had already plundered countless treasures, and now they no longer had to risk their subordinates' lives to eliminate those troublesome remnants of Western Liang, which was undoubtedly a huge piece of good news for them.
They were all exceptionally excited, as if they had already seen future glory and wealth beckoning to them.
These generals secretly calculated that by bringing their abundant spoils of war and following Dong Zhuo to the capital, they could not only continue to enjoy wealth and honor but also make a name for themselves in the capital; why wouldn't they?
Their superficial reprimand was merely a pretense; in reality, they were very satisfied with Dong Zhuo's arrangements and full of anticipation for the future.
At Dong Zhuo's command, the various generals successively mobilized their troops, preparing to accompany him to the capital.
The situation in Western Liang underwent a major transformation at this moment, and the Ma Chao father and son would become the new masters of Western Liang.
And all these arrangements also caused the people of Western Liang to fall into deep contemplation.
Dong Zhuo's departing figure gradually disappeared from people's sight.
A complex emotion permeated the land of Western Liang.
People were both full of anticipation for the future and vaguely worried about unknown changes.
They did not know what kind of storm would be stirred up in the capital after Dong Zhuo's arrival, and what kind of impact this great change would bring to Western Liang.
Some people secretly speculated that Dong Zhuo's trip to the capital might allow him to wield power and influence in the Imperial Court, using his authority and methods to secure more benefits and glory for Western Liang.
They hoped that Dong Zhuo could realize his grand ambitions, enabling Western Liang to establish itself firmly in this chaotic world and become a regional hegemon.
These people were immersed in beautiful aspirations, their faces radiating hope.
However, some people were filled with worry.
They worried that the situation in the capital was too complex, and once Dong Zhuo became entangled in it and unable to extricate himself, it might bring disaster to Western Liang.
They knew that the game of power was full of dangers and variables, and once Dong Zhuo lost power, Western Liang would likely not escape the fate of being affected.
These people frowned, anxiously pondering all the possibilities of the future.
In every corner of Western Liang, people were preoccupied with their own thoughts due to Dong Zhuo's journey to the capital.
Some were worried about their own future, some were planning for the fate of their families, and others were pondering the future direction of Western Liang.
The fate of Western Liang seemed to be shrouded in a mysterious veil, making it impossible to see through or guess.
And at this moment, Dong Zhuo had already embarked on his journey to the capital with his generals and ambitions.
He did not know what challenges and opportunities awaited him in the capital.
The story of Western Liang would also turn a new page with his departure.
The people on this land would continue to move forward in the torrent of fate, seeking their own destiny.
Where will Western Liang go in the future? This is a thought-provoking question, and also a mysterious puzzle full of suspense.