Chapter 798: Xiliang Joins the Fray

Han Sui looked at the two items in Sima Lang's hands with confusion, while Ma Teng was visibly shocked. He finally understood why he had met Zhong Yao, why he had left Chang'an in such an odd way.

"It seems General Ma has realized my identity. This jade pendant is something you should recognize as one of His Majesty’s personal belongings. You and General Han must have seen it in Chang’an. And as for this scroll, you should remember what Zhong Yao said about it." Sima Lang calmly handed the two items to Ma Teng.

"Zhong Yao once mentioned, 'This object was a gift from Censor Cai, one of his most treasured possessions.' I remember accidentally leaving a fingerprint on it, and Zhong Yao nearly killed me for it. It’s also the reason I returned to Xiliang so quickly—Zhong Yao couldn’t stand me." Ma Teng spoke slowly as he looked at the bamboo scroll, flipping it over to reveal his fingerprint.

"General, now do you understand why everything happened the way it did?" Sima Lang asked as he gazed at Ma Teng.

"I understand now," Ma Teng replied, his voice wooden as he stared at Sima Lang. No wonder that time he had accidentally damaged Zhong Yao's treasured scroll. No wonder his return to Jincheng had gone so smoothly. No wonder Li Jue hadn’t acted recklessly. It turns out that loyalists of the Han court had been supporting them all along.

Taking a deep breath to calm the storm within his heart, Ma Teng realized that the two items Sima Lang had presented, combined with his words, revealed something more profound—the hope of restoring the Han dynasty.

Of course, Ma Teng wasn’t just excited about the prospect of reviving the Han. He also saw the immense personal gain in it. If he could save the Emperor during this time of turmoil, then promotions and titles would naturally follow. It would also mean the revitalization of the Ma clan from Fufeng.

"Sima Lang, please rest for now. I’ll agree to this matter, but we need a few days to prepare our forces. Xiliang is a harsh land, and it’s not easy for us to mobilize troops quickly." Ma Teng said after some thought, glancing at Han Sui to signal that they needed to discuss this carefully.

"I urge the General to act quickly. These two items are now in your possession. Furthermore, before I came, Zhong Yao instructed me to relay a message: Cao Mengde has issued proclamations to the world, admitting his past mistakes and has allied with General Liu to enter the Si Province to rescue the Emperor." Sima Lang’s expression remained calm as he handed over Emperor Liu Xie’s jade pendant and Zhong Yao’s treasured scroll.

Having delivered the message, Sima Lang turned and left without lingering, leaving the decision in the hands of Ma Teng and Han Sui.

Sima Lang knew very well that Ma Teng and Han Sui had little choice left. The opportune moment had already arrived. Han Sui, the man known as one of the wisest in Xiliang, would surely take a gamble once he saw how the pieces had been laid out on the board.

"This is Xun Wenruo’s work. Even in the most trying times, he never gives up. He always finds a way to create opportunity from nothing. Both Yuan Shao and Liu Bei's reactions to our lord’s entry into the Si Province were anticipated. Xun Yu has used even the enemy’s strength to his advantage, truly conjuring something from nothing!" Sima Lang thought as he strode out of Ma Teng’s hall with large steps, unafraid for his life. The situation had advanced to the point where Ma Teng and Han Sui had no other options. Whether for survival, power, or family prosperity, both of them now had no choice but to rally under the Emperor’s banner.

Ma Teng stared at the jade pendant for a long time before saying, "Wenyue, what do you think we should do?"

"I still don’t fully understand the situation," Han Sui replied, sounding a bit exasperated. Of course, he was just being cautious. He had already grasped the broader picture but needed more time to understand it thoroughly.

"This is what happened..." Ma Teng slowly recounted the story of how he had allied with Li Jue and then traveled to Chang'an. He now shared Sima Lang’s perspective, and many of Ma Teng’s recollections were filled with his own interpretations.

For instance, Ma Teng had come to see Liu Xie in a better light, viewing all of these moves as part of a grand strategy orchestrated by skilled men in Liu Xie’s service, with Liu Xie himself being a patient, calculating ruler who had waited for the right moment. Figures like Zhong Yao and Sima Lang had successfully infiltrated Li Jue’s inner circle.

"So that's how it is. The Emperor may be young, but he certainly has the qualities of a great ruler, only held back by unfortunate circumstances," Han Sui mused, clicking his tongue in astonishment. "It seems that the plan to assassinate Dong Zhuo was also orchestrated by the Emperor, but after realizing the inadequacies of his own strength, he had to feign madness and bide his time..."

"So, Wenyue, what should we do about the current situation?" Ma Teng asked seriously. "What should our next move be?"

"If what Sima Boda said is true, then the revival of the Han dynasty rests on this one moment," Han Sui replied, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

"Is it really that significant?" Ma Teng asked, surprised.

"If Cao Mengde and Liu Xuande are truly marching out, then Li Jue and his cohorts will be overwhelmed. Should we take action now, Li Jue’s forces will be stretched thin. Once the Emperor retakes Chang’an and holds it for a few days, Li Jue will undoubtedly fall," Han Sui said with great admiration for the plan.

"More importantly, what do you think Sima Boda and Zhong Yuanxiang represent to Xiliang’s army?" Han Sui then posed an unusual question.

"I suppose they’re trusted confidants of Li Jue. After all, Zhong Yuanxiang gave Li Jue many excellent suggestions. It’s largely due to his plans that Guanzhong has returned to being a fertile granary," Ma Teng mused after thinking for a moment.

"Exactly. They are confidants. When the core figures of a power betray it, how can that power not collapse? Not only has Li Jue been currying favor with the people of Guanzhong, but he’s also been boosting Zhong Yuanxiang’s reputation. And Zhong Yuanxiang was the one who planned all of this..." Han Sui chuckled bitterly. "If he turns against Li Jue, Li Jue’s entire foundation will be destroyed."

"So, we should march in support of the Emperor?" Ma Teng asked, satisfied with Han Sui’s analysis.

"Yes, we should support the Emperor. This is our best opportunity, and if not for our proximity to Yong Province, we wouldn’t even have this chance." Han Sui replied with a wry smile. "Li Jue’s continuous efforts to improve the irrigation networks in Guanzhong, restoring the land to its former glory, were likely all part of a larger plan to clothe the Emperor in prosperity!"

"Hiss~" Ma Teng took a sharp breath, suddenly realizing that Han Sui’s words made perfect sense. If the Emperor succeeded in overthrowing Li Jue, then the entirety of Guanzhong would fall under his control. With such a strong base, the Emperor could very well sweep through the rest of the land!

"That’s why this is our best opportunity. The chances of success are high, and we’re offering support in a time of need," Han Sui said, his gaze fixed on Ma Teng.

"Brother, your ancestors were among the Twenty-Eight Generals of the Yuntai, always loyal to the Han. I’m sure you feel great sorrow at the current state of the Han and of the Fufeng Ma family. If we succeed in this, the Emperor will undoubtedly reward us with great honors, and it will be a victory for both the dynasty and our family." Han Sui added one final push before Ma Teng could respond.

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