Chapter 799: Raising Troops to Aid the Emperor

Han Sui’s words caused Ma Teng’s eyes to flicker with emotion. The Ma family, once founding heroes of the empire, had now fallen into such dire straits. It was a testament to the failure of the descendants.

“Then... fine!” Ma Teng agreed to Han Sui's proposal with hardly any hesitation. Though he didn’t realize that much of what Han Sui was saying was based on conjecture, it didn’t matter much. With Xun Yu as the strategist behind the scenes, they had already reached a point where Ma Teng was but a pawn. He had no choice but to follow the path laid out for him.

“How many troops should we raise?” Ma Teng asked Han Sui.

“The number of troops doesn’t matter as much as confirming whether Sima Boda’s information is true. We need to know if Liu Bei and Cao Cao have truly allied to aid the Emperor. That’s the most crucial point.” Han Sui shook his head. Now that he and Ma Teng were in the same boat, he had no intention of betraying him. On the contrary, after realizing the possibility that the Emperor could turn the tide, Han Sui valued their alliance even more. The Ma family, with its legacy of loyalty and history of aiding the Emperor, was poised to take a key role in ruling Yong and Liang provinces.

“Indeed, indeed. Our strength alone isn’t enough to deal with Li Jue and his cohorts. Only by combining forces with the eastern warlords can we hope to contend with them.” Ma Teng nodded. “My only concern now is whether Sima Boda is deceiving us.”

“This is the kind of thing that cannot be faked. We’ll send a small cavalry unit to investigate. After all, we’re still allied with Li Jue, and with Sima Lang and Zhong Yao covering for us, it will be easy to confirm. If it turns out to be false, we can simply drop the matter.” Han Sui smiled, confident in his experience with such situations.

“Shall we start preparing now?” Ma Teng agreed, nodding solemnly. He still harbored some hope for the restoration of the Han dynasty. Although he wouldn’t risk everything for blind loyalty, if there was a genuine chance of revitalizing the Han, he was willing to stake his life on it.

“I will begin mobilizing Ma Wan and the others. Brother, you should also gather your forces, but only inform your most trusted men. If word gets out, not only could we risk the plan’s success, but we could also jeopardize the Emperor’s cause.” Han Sui advised, his experience in such rebellious actions showing through.

“I’ll be careful. But if Cao Cao and Liu Bei truly intend to aid the Emperor, I will bring my entire family. The Ma clan of Fufeng will make one last stand for the Han!” Ma Teng slammed his hand on the table, his expression solemn, radiating a dignity that even Han Sui found awe-inspiring.

Ma Teng had no profound attachment to the Han dynasty. His memories of it were mainly tied to the teachings of his father, Ma Ping: “We are descendants of General Fubo, loyal to the Han dynasty. If you ever get the chance, you must support the Han and revive the Ma family of Fufeng.”

At the time, Ma Teng had not understood what the Han dynasty meant. By the time he did, he had already lost faith in it. Xiliang was a harsh land, where people starved, and the Qiang and Hu tribes caused constant unrest. There was no way to serve the empire or revive his family’s legacy.

Ma Teng saw no hope of supporting the Han, nor of revitalizing the Ma clan. He had even considered abandoning his heritage altogether, adopting the ways of the nomadic Qiang people. Yet, each time he thought of abandoning everything, he remembered his father’s teachings. After all, Ma Teng was still Han Chinese, and he had inherited the family’s responsibilities.

That’s why Ma Teng responded to Cao Cao’s call to resist Dong Zhuo, even knowing it was a risky endeavor that went against his own survival instincts. He still chose to fight.

This is the last time, Ma Teng thought to himself. This time, it will truly be the last. If this fails, I will have fulfilled my duty. Father, may your spirit watch over me and help me succeed in rescuing the Emperor!

These thoughts, soft and uncertain, echoed in his heart for the third time. Continuous failures had worn down Ma Teng’s faith in his ideals, making him wonder if it was all worth it. Even the strongest convictions can grow weary over time.

Han Sui observed Ma Teng’s expression, puzzled by the intensity of his feelings, but he did not pry. He left to dispatch scouts to Yong Province to confirm whether Liu Bei and Cao Cao were truly aiding the Emperor.

Xiliang was known for its fine horses, and within days, a team of elite cavalry returned with the news Han Sui had been waiting for. Upon receiving the confirmation, Ma Teng wept tears of joy. The Ma family’s chance to support the Han had finally arrived!

With nothing left to discuss, Ma Teng mobilized all his forces. He gathered everyone from the Ma family, young and old, men and women alike, whether they could fight or not. Ma Teng had resolved to risk everything, throwing the entirety of his family into the cause.

Seeing Ma Teng’s drastic actions, Han Sui was taken aback. However, he too steeled his resolve, mobilizing all his troops, including his personal guards. Together, the two forces gathered 80,000 elite soldiers, along with tens of thousands of auxiliary troops, ready to stake their lives in this final gamble.

Sima Lang, watching Ma Teng prepare even coffins for the journey, felt a mix of emotions. He knew his mission, yet seeing Ma Teng’s determined expression left him unsure how to react.

Sima Lang was not yet the hardened man he would become in history. Though his loyalty to the Han was unwavering, his family’s teachings of “serving the ruler who grants you favor” still resonated within him. It was precisely this that left him feeling conflicted.

Loyalty, when it seems foolish or naïve, can inspire as much as it irritates. And Ma Teng’s determination, as he prepared to lead his family to the battlefield, left Sima Lang deeply moved. For the first time, he truly understood what it meant to be an “upright warrior of Guanzhong.” Though it was, in truth, all a misunderstanding.

I can’t believe I’m feeling this way, Sima Lang thought as he gazed in the direction of Ma Teng’s camp, struggling to suppress the emotions rising within him.

After a long pause, Sima Lang made up his mind. If Ma Teng were ever persecuted in the future for any reason, he would do his best to help him, even if only in secret.

“Report!” A messenger appeared before Ma Teng to deliver the latest news from the camp.

“Sima Boda’s brother has arrived to see him?” Ma Teng asked, puzzled. He looked to Han Sui, then turned to the messenger. “Bring him in. And inform Sima Boda to come to the central tent.”

Soon, a young boy, whose body language seemed slightly awkward, was led into the tent. As he entered, he glanced around with curiosity, showing no fear despite the imposing presence of the soldiers and generals around him.

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