Chapter 61: The Astonished Ma Teng

The next morning, Liu Bian and the others first led the army out.

As for Jia Xu, because Liu Bian had arranged for him last night to distribute corn seeds to the common people, he therefore stayed with the two thousand troops stationed there in Chun Gu County.

After Jia Xu had settled the affairs in Chun Gu County, he then went to meet up with Liu Bian.

After all, the common people in other parts of Liangzhou also need corn, so eventually we'll still have to rely on Jia Xu to arrange it for them.

……

Just as Liu Bian's army was heading toward Yinpan County, all the way to the seat of Anding Commandery, Lin Jing City, Ma Chao, who had gone back to support Ma Teng, also returned to Wuwei Commandery at that time.

Young General, we're back!

After two days of forced marching, at this moment Ma Chao, leading his personal guard, was looking up at the tall Guzang City ahead.

Tell General Hou Xuan that I've returned!

Yes, Young General!

The personal guard immediately stepped forward and shouted loudly into the city.

Is General Hou Xuan there? The Young General has returned!

The guards in the city, hearing the personal guard's shout, immediately poked their heads out and looked down.

General, it really is the Young General who has returned!

And Hou Xuan on the city tower, hearing the soldiers' words, also looked down.

After seeing clearly that the person arriving was indeed Ma Chao, he was also overjoyed and shouted loudly down at Ma Chao.

Young General, please wait a moment; this subordinate will have the gate opened right away!

After saying that with a fist salute to Ma Chao, he then loudly told the gate guards: 'Hurry up and open the gate to welcome the Young General into the city!'

Open the gate!

The guard immediately waved his hand, and the soldiers beside him opened the heavy gate.

Squeak—

After the gate was fully opened, Hou Xuan led his men forward first, greeting Ma Chao with a fist salute and respectfully saying: 'This subordinate, Hou Xuan, respectfully welcomes the Young General!'

General Hou, no need for such ceremony; I'll first go back to pay my respects to my father!

After Ma Chao said that to Hou Xuan, he then led his personal guard straight toward the commandant's residence.

Everyone, I have received a letter from the Imperial Court's Dark Guard; His Majesty has discovered that Han Sui harbors disloyal intentions.

Moreover, he has been frequently contacting the Qiang lately, and His Majesty suspects he may join forces with the Qiang to oppose the court.

His Majesty orders me to send troops to capture Han Sui, and moreover, His Majesty has also sent Mengqi back!

In the main hall of the commandant's residence, Ma Teng had at this moment gathered his subordinate generals and conveyed Liu Bian's message to them.

General, this man Han Sui has long been a wolf with ambition; daring to ally with the Qiang, this is treason against the clan!

Among the military officers, Pang De, hearing Ma Teng's words, immediately slammed the table in anger and shouted furiously.

That's right; it's a shame he's still a man of Liangzhou, forgetting how the Qiang once slaughtered the people of Liangzhou.

Exactly; such a person is unworthy to be brothers with the general; it's a pity the general once swore brotherhood with him—truly a waste for the general.

After Pang De spoke, Ma Dai and Cheng Yin among the officers also became furious.

Afterward, everyone joined in cursing Han Sui, and for a moment the hall echoed with shouts of condemnation.

All be quiet; what are you all making a fuss about, wanting to do?

Seeing the crowd in an uproar, Ma Teng angrily slammed the table and shouted.

After seeing Ma Teng's anger, the noisy crowd each lowered their heads, not daring to look at Ma Teng.

Just as Ma Teng was about to reprimand the crowd, a soldier from outside burst into the hall and excitedly said to Ma Teng.

Reporting, General: the Young General has returned!

Upon hearing that Ma Chao had returned, Ma Teng was instantly delighted, and for a moment forgot about reprimanding the crowd.

He laughed loudly at the crowd: 'Hahaha, Mengqi is back?'

My son Ma Chao pays his respects to his father!

At this moment, Ma Chao also entered the hall and, clasping his hands, paid his respects to Ma Teng.

Hahaha, Mengqi, you've really worked hard!

I originally sent you to assist His Majesty, but I never expected His Majesty would also send you back to support me!

Hurry and tell your father how things have been going these days at His Majesty's side!

Upon seeing Ma Chao, Ma Teng excitedly asked him question after question. After speaking, he looked at Ma Chao with full anticipation.

He was also a little worried, fearing that Ma Chao's youthful vigor might offend Liu Bian.

Seeing Ma Teng's worry in his eyes, Ma Chao gave him a reassuring look.

He smiled and said to Ma Teng: 'Please rest assured, Father; His Majesty treats me very well!'

Father, you don't know; after going to Luoyang this time, I realized there are still many powerful people in the world!

Thinking of the strength displayed by Liu Bian and company, Ma Chao spoke with a face full of awe.

Oh! My son has encountered someone stronger than you, but as far as I know, His Majesty only has Lü Bu as a strong warrior!

Could it be that His Majesty still has someone who can match Lü Bu?

Seeing Ma Chao's demeanor, Ma Teng also became a little curious, thinking that his son must have grown a lot from this trip to Luoyang.

At the very least, the arrogance in his eyes has completely vanished, and he has become much more steady as a person.

Father, you don't know; among His Majesty's strong warriors, I can't even rank in the top ten!

Moreover, His Majesty masters the Martial Cultivation Method; now he has also transmitted the method to the army, so his forces basically all have the strength of third-rate generals!

When Ma Chao spoke of Liu Bian, his face was full of reverence.

He recounted to Ma Teng and the others what he had seen and heard with Liu Bian.

Upon hearing Ma Chao's words, Ma Teng and the others were all shocked, opening their mouths wide.

After Ma Teng regained his composure, he blankly stared at Ma Chao and asked.

"Mengqi, you don't have a fever, do you! Do you want to hear what you're saying?"

After saying that, he reached out and touched Ma Chao's forehead.

He said, somewhat doubtful: "You don't have a fever either! Why are you talking nonsense!"

"Exactly, big brother, could you be mistaken? The whole army is only third-rate general strength—how could that be!"

Ma Dai, standing beside Ma Chao, also looked at him with disbelief.

Seeing Ma Teng and the others' expressions, Ma Chao immediately exclaimed anxiously: "No! Father, second brother, I'm telling the truth!"

"Moreover, after cultivating the Martial Dao technique bestowed by His Majesty, I have now reached the second stage of the acquired realm!"

"Even a first-rate martial general can't defeat me in a single exchange!"

Seeing Ma Teng and the others clearly disbelieving him, Ma Chao anxiously said.

"What! Mengqi, if what you're saying is true, just how powerful is this Martial Dao technique!"

Seeing Ma Chao's anxious explanation, Ma Teng found himself believing it somewhat.

After all, a father knows his son best, but Ma Chao's words were too exaggerated, so they instinctively couldn't believe them.

"If Father doesn't believe me, I can demonstrate my strength right here."

Seeing Ma Teng finally start to believe him, Ma Chao immediately said to him.