Mythical Three Kingdoms

Hann Sui’s words made Ma Teng’s eyes flash repeatedly. The Ma Clan, once founding heroes, had now fallen to such a desolate state—it was truly a case of unworthy descendants.

”Then... so be it!” Ma Teng barely hesitated before agreeing to Hann Sui’s suggestion. Although he didn’t fully realize that much of Hann Sui’s reasoning was based on prior conjecture, the end conclusion wasn’t far off. Xun Wenruo, as the chess player, had maneuvered the situation to such an extent that a mere chess piece should obediently follow the path laid before it.

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

”The number of troops doesn’t matter; what matters is verifying whether Sima Boda’s claim is true—whether Liu Bei and Cao Cao have truly allied to support the Emperor. That is the crucial point,” Hann Sui shook his head. He and Ma Teng were now tied together like locusts on a string, so harming Ma Teng was not at all on his mind.

On the contrary, upon realizing that the Emperor might regain power, Hann Sui valued his alliance with Ma Teng even more. No matter what, the Ma Clan had a legacy of loyalty, the teachings of their forebears, and a history of supporting the King. Barring unexpected circumstances, the likelihood of their dominance in Yongliang after this was over ninety percent.

”Exactly, exactly. Our strength alone is far from enough to contend with Li Jue and others. Only with the Guandong Lords can we muster enough power to confront them,” Ma Teng nodded in agreement. ”The only concern now is whether Sima Boda is deceiving us.”

”Such things are impossible to falsify. If true, great; if false, it matters not. We can simply send out scouts to investigate. After all, we are currently allied with Li Jue, and we have the cover of Minister Sima and Minister Zhong—easily executed,” Hann Sui said with a smile. ”If it turns out to be false, then that claim shall be discarded without further mention.”

”Should we start preparing now then?” Ma Teng nodded solemnly. Despite his guarded optimism regarding the Han Dynasty, he’d never place blind loyalty above the survival of his family. However, if he saw even a glimmer of hope for restoring the Han Dynasty, Ma Teng would unhesitatingly risk his life for it.

”I’ll mobilize Ma Wan and my forces, while you regroup your own. But keep this secret within your core subordinates. Don’t let it leak, or it could jeopardize not only this operation but the Emperor’s achievement,” Hann Sui cautioned. He had considerable experience in rebellion, having undertaken several himself.

”I’ll be careful. But if it’s true that Cao Cao and Liu Bei have set out to support the King, I’ll bring my entire family along. The Ma Clan of Fufeng will serve the Han Dynasty one last time!” Ma Teng slapped the table decisively, his expression resolute, radiating an air of authority that made Hann Sui feel respectful.

Ma Teng’s memories of the Han Dynasty were faint. What lingered most were his father’s teachings—Ma Ping had told him, ”We are descendants of General Fubo; we are heirs to the Han Dynasty. Teng’er, if you ever have the chance, you must aid the Han territories and restore the glory of the Ma Clan of Fufeng.”

At that time, Ma Teng didn’t understand what the Han Dynasty truly was. When he did understand, he’d already grown disillusioned with it. Liangzhou was bitterly cold, its people displaced, besieged by chaos from the Qiang and Hu; there seemed no path to serve one’s country!

Ma Teng could see no hope for supporting the Han Dynasty, no chance to restore the Ma Clan. Often, he even considered abandoning everything tied to the Ma Clan, as if the legacy of Fufeng had become a burden.

Yet each time Ma Teng thought of relinquishing it all, to live as if he were one of the Qiang, his father’s instructions would resurface in his mind. After all, Ma Teng was still Han, still heir to the Ma Clan’s lineage.

This was why Ma Teng responded to Cao Cao’s Proclamation against Dong Zhuo in Xiliang—even knowing that failure would bring severe consequences, and even realizing such actions didn’t align with his survival instinct.

[This will be the last time—the true and final time. If it fails again, I think my obligations will have been fulfilled. Father, watch over me in heaven, that this time we may rescue the Emperor once and for all!]

Ma Teng’s internal monologue was deeply uncertain, a sentiment he’d repeated three times already. For when one suffers repeated disillusionments and failures concerning their faith, even the most steadfast hearts can grow weary.

Hann Sui studied Ma Teng with a puzzled expression, unsure why he looked so conflicted. But he chose not to pry. He departed to send riders to Yongzhou to confirm if Liu Bei and Cao Cao were indeed heading to Sili to support the King.

Liangzhou was renowned for its excellent horses. Several dozen cavalrymen on fine steeds completed the round trip within a few days, bringing Hann Sui the intelligence he sought. Ma Teng wept tears of joy upon hearing the news—the Ma Clan’s chance to restore the Han Dynasty had finally come!

With nothing left to say, Ma Teng immediately rallied all his forces. Every member of the Ma Clan, young and old, male and female, capable or incapable of fighting, was swept up. Ma Teng was determined; he was going all in.

Hann Sui, shocked by Ma Teng’s drastic actions, gritted his teeth and followed suit, mobilizing all his Eight Banner Riders and troops. The two combined their forces, mustering eighty thousand elite troops and tens of thousands of additional miscellaneous soldiers, prepared for true battle.

Sima Lang cast a peculiar look at Ma Teng, who had even prepared his own coffin, but he remained focused on their mission. Still, seeing Ma Teng’s unwavering determination, Sima Lang couldn’t help but feel conflicted.

Sima Lang was not yet the seasoned figure history would know. Though he harbored unique sentiments toward the Han Dynasty, he adhered to the aristocratic teaching: ”You eat the ruler’s grains, you serve the ruler faithfully.” This gave rise to his internal discomfort.

Blind loyalty often alienates, yet it can deeply move those who waver. Right now, Sima Lang found himself awestruck by Ma Teng’s act of going to war prepared for death. For the first time, his understanding of the Righteous Men of Guanzhong and Long became clear—it was no longer vague, even if based on a misunderstanding.

[I can’t believe I’m feeling this way.] Sima Lang gazed toward Ma Teng, his thoughts muddled. It took him a long time to suppress the strange feelings within.

Silently, he made up his mind: judging by Ma Teng’s current display of courage, should Ma Teng ever face persecution for any reason, Sima Lang would undoubtedly lend him covert aid.

”Report!” Just then, a messenger approached Ma Teng, relaying updates from the camp.

”Sima Boda’s brother came seeking him?” Ma Teng turned to Hann Sui in confusion before directing the messenger, ”Bring him inside. Notify Minister Sima to come to the central army tent.”

Soon, a teenager with an awkward appearance was escorted in. Glancing around as he entered, he showed no sign of fear despite the presence of soldiers and valiant generals. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian.com to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users can read at m.qidian.com.)