Mythical Three Kingdoms

Guan Yu met the already changed Ma Yunlu at the post station, and when they left the city, no one dared to stop them, except for Sima Yi who silently watched Guan Yu depart from the Chang’an city wall.

[Guan Yunchang has gone to the Ma Clan, this is interesting.] Sima Yi thought silently.

But this was not what Sima Yi cared about; he soon received news that the eldest daughter of the Ma Clan had run away from home, and the Governor of Chang’an was helping to search for her.

At this time, Cao Ang, who was taking care of his younger siblings, also received news from a servant of the Ma Clan. Cao Ang had visited the Ma Clan multiple times and conveniently recruited a pawn without doing anything dangerous, needing only to hear about matters that could be publicly known within the Ma Clan early.

Because of this completely risk-free work, which gained the favor of the Cao Family’s legitimate son, the servant didn’t have any extra thoughts; any sign of trouble was promptly reported to Cao Ang.

”Has Ma Yunlu run away from home?” Cao Ang said after a moment of silence.

Cao Ang didn’t use the formal address Miss Ma; he and Ma Yunlu were somewhat appreciative of each other. Besides not being as skilled in martial arts as Ma Yunlu, Cao Ang was competent in all other aspects, at least in military strategy and formation, under the influence of Lord Cao’s various strategists, if not excellent, not inferior to others.

”Reporting to Young Master Cao, today General Guan came to propose marriage for General Zhao to the young lady, and the family head was not pleased with this marriage; later, he sent the Junior General to find the young lady, only to find out she had already run away from home,” the servant lowered his head and recounted the previous events to Cao Ang completely.

”Alright, you may leave.” Cao Ang was silent for a while, then asked the servant to leave; naturally, there would be someone rewarding him later.

After the Ma Clan’s servant left, Cao Ang pinched the bridge of his nose. He finally understood why Ma Yunlu always seemed a bit distant toward him; it turned out the roots were here.

Ma Yunlu running away from home didn’t hurt Cao Ang too much, perhaps only left him a bit disappointed, after all, he had spent ten days fostering familiarity with an opposite-gender friend.

[Perhaps she is following Guan Yunchang to Ye City, yet also like Ma Yunlu’s style; since that’s the case, I might as well go see her off. Ma Shoucheng seems to think highly of me.] Cao Ang pinched Cao Zhi’s little face, teased his brother, and then had a servant take him to rest.

Cao Ang, wearing armor and carrying the Precious Sword, rode out from the main gate of the Cao Family. Although Ma Yunlu’s departure rendered his previous efforts useless, he didn’t get angry. Riding out after Ma Yunlu was merely a gesture of borrowing influence.

Cao Ang rode his father’s Jueying Horse, galloped through the street, and rushed out of the east gate of Chang’an City, while Sima Yi, who had been watching Guan Yu and the others leave, had just come down from the city wall.

Indeed, had Cao Ang not spent time grooming and changing clothes, he might have been faster, but he only needed to show an appearance, and faster wasn’t meaningful.

Sima Yi squinted his eyes slightly while watching Cao Ang, whom he recognized, leave in a hurry on horseback, wondering what such a typically low-key and somewhat timid figure was rushing out for.

[Is Ma Yunlu among Guan Yu’s group?] Sima Yi suddenly realized, [So is it Ma Shoucheng who wants to connect both sides, or did Ma Yunlu run away herself?]

[I heard recently Cao Zixiu frequents the Ma Clan, presumably seeking this Miss Ma. Thus, it seems running away from home is true, as for Cao Zixiu, it’s uncertain whether he’s affectionate or constantly concealing himself.] Sima Yi, standing at the east gate, watched the now tiny figure of Cao Ang, contemplating.

When Guan Yu’s group came to Chang’an, the time was very tight, so everyone was cavalry, without a single infantry, naturally leaving faster, without tribute treasures, speeding along the way.

However, since it was a group, not an individual, the speed was held back by Guan Yu’s personal soldiers, otherwise, if only Guan Yu and Ma Yunlu, they would have gone far.

Cao Ang’s pursuit speed wasn’t fast, of course, that wasn’t due to the horse, as his riding skills were quite good too; his only failure to catch up was his unwillingness; he followed for posture, although it was suitable to meet.

”General, the City Gate Commander said Young Master Cao chased out from the east gate.” A Ma Clan’s personal soldier reported to Ma Teng.

”What?” Ma Teng was startled, then shouted to the soldiers behind him, ”Follow me!”

Immediately, Ma Teng, leading hundreds, rushed out from the east gate, following the official road, naturally presenting a scene falling into Sima Yi’s eyes at the east gate. Once Ma Teng’s large group was gone, Sima Yi, standing in the dust, sighed deeply.

[I underestimated Cao Zixiu, didn’t expect him to hide his abilities to this extent.] Sima Yi lamented inwardly, watching Ma Teng’s chase; he knew what Cao Ang aimed to do.

[Almost there.] Cao Ang silently calculated the time, suddenly spurred his horse’s belly, causing Jueying to burst with astonishing speed, like an arrow shooting along the official road.

In just half a moment’s burst, Cao Ang had caught up, and even before he got close, Guan Yu heard the approaching hoof beats. As they drew closer, Guan Yu immediately halted his horse and turned around.

After turning his horse, Guan Yu saw Cao Ang approaching alone, slightly frowned, ”Young Master Cao, are you here to see us off?”

”I’m here to see you off,” Cao Ang said gently, ”Wondering if Miss Ma is in the general’s formation; could I ask her out to talk?”

Guan Yu coldly glanced at Cao Ang, said nothing, silently gazing at him, whereas Cao Ang smiled calmly at Guan Yu, showing no fear.

Internally, Guan Yu sighed that Cao Ang indeed had some capability but didn’t make way; however, suddenly Ma Yunlu appeared at the formation front.

”So she’s here indeed.” Cao Ang sighed inwardly, as if he had merely been guessing before, rather than certain.

”Cao Zixiu...” Ma Yunlu felt a headache, suddenly somewhat comprehending why Cao Ang pursued her before and now.

”There’s no need to make that expression; Zhao Zilong suits you better, right?” Cao Ang smiled and said, ”I’m here only to ask this.”

”Yes.” Ma Yunlu’s voice was low, yet immensely firm.

”Then that’s that; you solved the puzzle in my heart, and maybe this will be better for us both.” Cao Ang smiled and said, though somehow, Ma Yunlu sensed sadness in his smile (a psychological effect).

Guan Yu glanced at Cao Ang, said nothing, turned his horse to leave, and although Ma Yunlu wanted to say more, she hesitated a moment then turned to follow Guan Yu away.

”See you another day.” Cao Ang said emotionally, then quietly composed himself, for him, it was merely seeing off a friend departing. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets on Qidian.com, your support is my greatest motivation.)