Chapter 350: Dogs Jumping Over the Wall

"Borrowing troops is naturally something that must be done, but for now, we need to probe the attitudes of Ma Chong and Ma Jin." After pondering for a moment, Zhao Xu said, "If you rashly lead troops toward Qinzhou, it will inevitably trigger a war directly."

Ma Yuan nodded, "Nephew, His Highness is right. First, send someone to tell Ma Chong and Ma Jin that you are still alive."

He paused and added, "If they refuse to acknowledge this upon hearing it, then we will naturally have to use force. If they do acknowledge it, have them come to Yancheng together with the Ma Family elders to re-establish your position as Head of the Family."

After thinking, he continued, "You must also pass back the news His Highness just received so the elders know. In this way, they can weigh whether it is more beneficial for the Ma Family to have you as Head of the Family, or for Ma Chong to be Head of the Family."

Ma Han agreed deeply.

When his father was alive, the Ma Family was the first powerful clan to do business with Yan Wang.

But after Ma Chong sat in the position of Head of the Family, he had almost completely cut off contact with Yan Wang.

This made it impossible for the Ma Family to obtain Artillery from Yan Wang.

If the Ma Family elders learned of the affairs in Xiliang and Beidi, they would inevitably reconsider.

Of course, he still believed the Ma Family elders were merely being deceived by Ma Jin.

If they learned he was still alive, they would certainly support him in taking the position of Head of the Family.

"Since that is the case, I will listen entirely to the arrangements of my uncle and His Highness," Ma Han said.

Ma Yuan patted Ma Han's shoulder heavily, "Don't forget, I am also a member of the Ma Family elders, and now that I am the Prefect of Jinzhou, the other elders will surely know how to make the right choice."

Zhao Xu listened, but he only expressed cautious optimism toward Ma Yuan's words.

Ma Chong and Ma Jin were very clear about the consequences of losing their power.

How could they easily hand over the authority of the Ma Family?

I fear that Ma Han taking back the position of Head of the Family will inevitably require a disaster.

It was precisely because he considered this point that he decided to send people to Xian City first.

If Ma Chong and Ma Jin both refused to cooperate, Ma Han would have a legitimate reason to return with troops.

Having decided on this matter, Zhao Xu immediately sent people to Qinzhou.

He also kept the three of them at the Wangfu to have lunch.

In the afternoon, Mo Kuan went to Yanguan.

He would be handing over duties with Mo Yu at Yanguan.

The seventy thousand Imperial Guards stationed at Yanguan would head to Tongguan, and from then on, the Wangfu Army would be stationed there.

Ma Yuan did not rush to Jinzhou, but instead waited in Yancheng with Ma Han for news from Qinzhou.

As for the matter of borrowing troops, Zhao Xu decided to prepare in advance.

Thus, he called Chang Wei over.

"Since the Emperor has tacitly approved this matter, it is easy to handle. In this subordinate's view, giving Ma Han thirty thousand men is enough," Chang Wei said.

In his view, the Ma Family's troops were not as good as those of Xiliang.

Moreover, if a civil strife truly occurred in the Ma Family, there would naturally be people standing on Ma Han's side.

Unable to unite against a common enemy, it was not certain that Ma Jin could mobilize all the Ma Family's troops.

This number was about the same as what Zhao Xu had thought. He said, "That is settled. Go back and prepare, and be ready to set out with Ma Han at any time."

"Yes, Your Highness." Chang Wei acknowledged the order and turned to leave.

Three days later.

The Cavalry that set out from Yancheng arrived at Xian City.

Upon arriving at the Ma Family residence, they were led to see Ma Chong.

"When General Ma Jin went to Yancheng, he once promised His Highness that he would notify the Ma Family as soon as there was news of Ma Han. Now that Ma Han has survived the disaster and defected to Yan Wang, His Highness has specifically sent us to inform the Ma Family of this," the Cavalry commander said loudly.

Upon hearing this, Ma Chong's face showed no expression. He said, "I already know about this. Please return."

The Cavalry commander was stunned for a moment. He said, "His Highness also invites you and the Ma Family elders to go to Yancheng to establish Ma Han's position as Head of the Family. I hope you will provide a response."

The expression on Ma Chong's face finally changed. He sneered, "You only need to tell Yan Wang when you return that the affairs of my Ma Family are not for him to manage."

Having said that, Ma Chong flicked his sleeves and left.

The Cavalry commander frowned and had no choice but to turn and leave.

After the figures of the Cavalrymen disappeared, Ma Chong returned to the main hall, followed by Ma Jin, who had been hiding in a side room.

At this time, Ma Jin had a gloomy face as he looked outside. He called out, "Someone."

As his voice fell, a soldier responded and came over.

"You go to the main camp immediately and tell Ma Chang to lead a team of Cavalry to intercept and kill the Cavalry sent by Yan Wang. Only leave one survivor to go back," Ma Jin said sternly.

"Yes, General." Responding with a 'yes', the soldier turned and left.

After the soldier's figure disappeared, Ma Chong sat dejectedly on his chair, "Yan Wang is clearly telling us that he is determined to manage the affairs of the Ma Family, and he even wants to support Ma Han to sit in the position of Head of the Family."

A few days ago, they learned the news that Ma Han was still alive from people from the Dou Family.

This matter was undoubtedly a heavy blow to them.

Moreover, because this matter was causing a huge stir in Jingshi.

The Ma Family descendants in Jingshi all knew about it, and the news naturally reached the ears of the Ma Family elders.

That very day, the Ma Family elders found them and demanded that they bring Ma Han back and let Ma Han take charge of the Ma Family.

A fierce light flickered in Ma Jin's eyes. He said, "We have finally obtained the authority of the Ma Family; how can we just hand it over like this? I think we should just go all the way."

Ma Chong was calm on the surface, but he was very panicked inside.

Although he had been Head of the Family for these days, the real power was all in Ma Jin's hands.

But he had truly tasted the joy of being the Head of the Family.

In Xian City, he could use Silver as he pleased, and the top courtesans of the city would come when he called and leave when he waved.

How could he be willing to easily throw away such a life?

Furthermore, once Ma Han returned, he would inevitably investigate the assassination of him and his father.

Once the truth comes to light, both he and Ma Jin will die without a burial place.

In that case, it is better to take a risk and make a move.

So he said, "What plan does Uncle have?"

Ma Jin narrowed his eyes slightly, "Since the matter of the Head of the Family requires the clan elders to deliberate together, and they are inclined toward Ma Han, then we shall kill all the clan elders, and afterwards firmly control the Ma Family's troops; if Yan Wang wants to meddle in this, then we shall fight him."

"It is just that if we go down this path, we will never be able to turn back," Ma Chong said, startled.

He was merely a dissolute man greedy for romance and pleasure; he was also incredibly shocked that Ma Jin had made such a ruthless decision.

"Do we still have a way out?" Ma Jin's eyes were filled with bloodshot veins.

He had not slept well for the past few days; this was the only method he could think of.

Otherwise, if Ma Han returned, he would undoubtedly die.

By doing this, perhaps he might still have a glimmer of survival.

Upon hearing this, Ma Chong said nothing more and nodded silently.

At this moment, on the official road at the East Gate of Xian City, the Cavalry from Yanzhou were galloping back to Yanzhou.

They had not yet traveled ten li when they saw a troop of Ma Family Cavalry chasing after them, riding alongside them.

The leading general among them said, "Ma Jin wants to kill you; you cannot take this road, follow me quickly."

The Yanzhou Cavalry general was greatly alarmed upon hearing this, and after hesitating for a moment, he followed the general along a small path.

After traveling another few li, they stopped by the river, and the general said, "I am Dian Zhang."