The banquet concluded with Dong Zhuo in high spirits.
Despite Dong Zhuo's many presumptuous remarks during the feast—such as bestowing marquisates upon generals like Lü Bu and Ma Chao, and promoting all the Bing Province-affiliated martial generals by one rank—the court's senior ministers dared not openly object.
Martial generals from the Bing Province faction, like Lü Bu, who had just pledged allegiance and hadn't yet achieved any merits, were naturally overjoyed to receive promotions and titles.
Meanwhile, the Western Liang martial generals who were originally under Dong Zhuo's command, such as Li Jue and Guo Si, already displayed arrogant and overbearing attitudes.
Ma Chao observed all of this with growing anxiety, secretly resolving to offer counsel to Dong Zhuo after the banquet.
Dong Zhuo feigned extreme drunkenness, laughing unrestrainedly, then beckoned Li Ru forward.
Li Ru quickly stepped up to support him as he slowly walked into the back hall.
As soon as they entered the back hall with Li Ru's assistance, Dong Zhuo instantly sobered up, his drunken demeanor vanishing, and his eyes sharpened.
He slightly turned his head and said to Li Ru, "Wen You, carefully observe the reactions of the generals and ministers below."
After a moment of thought, Li Ru replied, "My Lord, with the formidable martial prowess of Ma Chao and Lü Bu to command the scene, none of the martial generals present dare to act presumptuously, and the civil officials are each filled with trepidation, as quiet as cicadas in winter."
Dong Zhuo slightly frowned, then pressed on, "In that case, is now the right time to mention the matter of establishing a new emperor?"
A sharp glint flashed in Li Ru's eyes as he said, "My Lord, at this moment, our military might is at its peak, and morale is high; it is indeed an excellent opportunity.
If we propose it now, I believe we can achieve the desired effect and further consolidate our power, gaining greater authority."
Dong Zhuo nodded slightly upon hearing this, falling into deep thought.
Just then, a maidservant came in to report that Ma Chao requested an audience.
Dong Zhuo and Li Ru immediately paused their conversation.
Dong Zhuo then instructed the maidservant to bring Ma Chao in.
Ma Chao quickly entered and respectfully paid his respects to Dong Zhuo.
Seeing this, Dong Zhuo laughed heartily, stepped forward to help Ma Chao up, and looked at him with a satisfied expression.
Dong Zhuo said, "Only with Mengqi here can these arrogant and unruly soldiers and generals be kept in check, haha.
What brings Mengqi here?"
Ma Chao took a deep breath, raised his head, and said earnestly, "Dong Gong, I have a matter to request.
Firstly, a private matter: now that Lü Bu has led the Bing Province generals to surrender, there should be no conflict for a short time.
Because of this, I wish to meet Lu Zhi's family.
I once studied under Lu Zhi and hold great respect for Master Lu Zhi; he taught me with kindness, so I wish to take this opportunity to see his family."
Dong Zhuo was displeased with Lu Zhi because he had led the White Horse General to take Emperor Liu Bian away.
Hearing Ma Chao's words, he frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face, and said, "Hmph, just for this?
What's so difficult about that?
It's only right.
Since you once apprenticed under Lu Zhi, it's natural for you to come and pay your respects."
Seeing Dong Zhuo's attitude, Ma Chao's heart tightened, but he still braced himself and continued to persuade him, "Dong Gong, I also wish to offer you some advice.
Dong Gong, you must understand the path of loyalty and righteousness.
Although the Han Dynasty shows signs of decline, it is still the legitimate dynasty of the world.
You absolutely must not act in a way that violates the duties of a minister!
Now that your power is growing, you should be even more reverent to ensure the stability of our Han Dynasty."
Dong Zhuo's face instantly darkened, and a dangerous glint flickered in his eyes as he gritted his teeth and said, "Mengqi, there are some things you don't quite understand!
In this chaotic situation, everything this old man does is to stabilize the court and restore the Han Dynasty's former glory."
Ma Chao still refused to give up, continuing earnestly, "Dong Gong, yet some of your current actions have already caused much criticism and widespread fear.
If you persist in your own way, I fear it will lead to even greater disaster.
Master Lu Zhi was loyal to the country his entire life; his taking the Emperor away must have a profound meaning.
Dong Gong, can you bear to let the Han Dynasty fall into eternal ruin?"
Dong Zhuo narrowed his eyes slightly, remained silent for a moment, then said, "Mengqi, this old man has his own plans.
Some matters are not as simple as they appear to you; how could you understand their complexity?
But this old man also knows your sincere heart; let us put this matter aside for now."
The atmosphere became extremely tense, as if conflict could erupt at any moment.
Seeing this, Li Ru quickly stepped in to mediate, speaking rapidly, "Since Mengqi mentioned seeing Lu Zhi's family, it is only right, and I respectfully ask My Lord to arrange it as soon as possible."
Ma Chao's lips moved, as if he wanted to say more, but he ultimately held back, only bowing in thanks before exiting.
As he turned to leave, fine beads of sweat had already appeared on his forehead.
After Ma Chao left, Dong Zhuo feigned anger and chided Li Ru, "Oh dear, look at this Ma Chao.
He's quite good in other aspects, but he's just too stubborn!
He doesn't even consider why this old man is doing all this.
This old man only has Bai'er, such a precious granddaughter.
After they marry, when this old man is gone, won't all this great foundation be his?
This boy is still trying to persuade me; he truly doesn't understand this old man's painstaking efforts!"
Li Ru, who had naturally seen through everything, smiled calmly and advised, "My Lord, do not be angry.
This young man, Mengqi, is utterly loyal and devoted to the country, and he treats Lu Zhi with utmost respect and filial piety.
A person who possesses both loyalty and filial piety will surely be deeply devoted to Miss Dong Bai and never abandon her in the future.
Furthermore, it is precisely because of his sincerity and loyalty that you, My Lord, can confidently entrust Miss Dong Bai to him.
Think about it, if he didn't possess such qualities, how could he bear such a vast legacy and responsibility?
Given Ma Chao's character, after you, My Lord, are gone, he will undoubtedly do his utmost to protect everything, ensuring the Dong Family's glory continues and treating Miss Dong Bai well.
Therefore, Mengqi's actions are actually his strengths, and also your good fortune, My Lord."
As Li Ru had predicted, Dong Zhuo's anger turned to joy upon hearing his words, and he nodded slightly, saying, "Hmm, what you say does indeed make some sense."
Clutching Dong Zhuo's decree, Ma Chao urgently galloped towards the Lu Residence.
Upon arriving at the Lu Residence, he saw the mansion's exterior tightly surrounded by numerous soldiers, impenetrable.
After a thorough verification, Ma Chao was finally allowed entry, then proceeded directly to the small courtyard where Madam Lu, Lu Wan, and Lu Yu were located.
Ma Chao suppressed his inner turmoil and gently knocked on the door, but to his surprise, Dian Wei's booming reprimand came from within: "Hmph, aren't you afraid of death?
How dare you disturb Madam's peace!
Leave quickly!
If you dare to linger here any longer, don't blame my iron halberd for not recognizing you!"
Hearing this, Ma Chao eagerly called out, "Oh, Jun Ming, Jun Ming, it's me, I'm Ma Chao, Ma Chao is here!"
Dian Wei's spirits immediately lifted upon hearing that voice.
He instantly recognized Ma Chao's voice and quickly opened the courtyard door, excitedly patting Ma Chao's shoulders repeatedly, saying, "Haha, good, good, good, you're here!
With you here, everyone has a pillar of support, and Miss will shed fewer tears."
Ma Chao, too anxious to exchange pleasantries with Dian Wei, asked impatiently, "Are my Wife, my senior brother, and Wan'er all well?"
Dian Wei still spoke in his booming voice, "They were just greatly startled; otherwise, everything else is fine."
Having said that, Dian Wei quickly led Ma Chao towards the house.
Inside the house, Madam Lu, Lu Wan, and Lu Yu huddled together, their faces still bearing traces of lingering fear, and their hearts filled with unease.
After Ma Chao stepped into the house, he immediately knelt down with a thud, his eyes filled with guilt and reverence, and he said sincerely, "My Wife, I, Mengqi, came late and let you suffer."
Seeing this, Madam Lu quickly stood up, her eyes showing a look of anxiety, and she hurried forward to help Ma Chao up.
Her movements were gentle and soft, and her voice was exceptionally refined, filled with maternal love and concern, as she softly said, "Get up quickly, child, this is not your fault, do not blame yourself."
At this moment, Lu Wan looked up and saw Ma Chao, her eyes immediately reddening.
The emotions she had suppressed for so long surged forth instantly, and she was so excited that she almost rushed forward without restraint.
However, after experiencing this sudden drastic change and prolonged worry, she was no longer as cheerful and lively as before.
Now, she possessed a newfound composure, a hint of the demeanor of a refined young lady.
She forcefully restrained her impulses, only tightly twisting the corners of her clothes with her hands, her eyes sparkling with tears and an uncontrollable joy, as well as a deeply hidden affection.
Madam Lu sighed softly upon seeing Lu Wan's expression, yet a hint of relief appeared on her face.
Meanwhile, Lu Yu, still looking bewildered and adorable like a little scholar, blinked his eyes, observing everything before him, seemingly not yet fully recovered from his fright, but a faint sense of reassurance also emerged upon seeing Ma Chao.
After Ma Chao stood up, he asked with concern, "My Wife, Master..."
Madam Lu shook her head slightly, her eyes filled with worry, and softly said, "Alas, Master... I don't know how he is now; my heart has been in turmoil."
The atmosphere in the room became somewhat heavy for a moment, as everyone fell into deep concern for Lu Zhi.
