Bai Xiaowen was honored by the imperial court as the "Duke of Yan." He lavishly enfeoffed his subordinates, cultivated ties with court officials, and his power and influence grew ever more resplendent.
Quite a few court officials, Dong Zhao among them, also held posts in the ducal estate. No one claimed this violated protocol.
Although Western Liang had been pacified, Grand Unification Main Quest 2 had yet to be completed.
Bai Xiaowen dispatched Zhang He to lead troops northward and suppress the bandits. The other members of the White Phoenix Team accompanied him as well, so they could earn a small batch of war contribution points.
However, during the several days he remained in Ye Capital, Bai Xiaowen never mentioned attacking Zhang Lu.
This made Ma Chao somewhat anxious. He sent people to inquire several times before finally coming in person.
Bai Xiaowen replied, "The court's troops have just come through a major war and need to rest and regroup. Bandits and mounted raiders are rising up across the north, and the borders are unstable, so it is even less suitable to launch an expedition. Besides, Hanzhong's terrain is perilous. We must make sufficient preparations before we attack."
Bai Xiaowen's reasons were all legitimate, and Ma Chao had no answer. He could only bow again and say, "I swear to uncover the murderer who killed my father. I ask that Duke Yan understand my plight and lend me troops as soon as possible."
Bai Xiaowen said solemnly, "Naturally, I also wish to uncover the murderer. Rest assured, Mengqi. At the soonest, ten days; at the latest, one month. I will certainly lend you troops to campaign against Hanzhong."
Ma Chao bowed in delighted thanks.
Bai Xiaowen added, "Keep this news confidential as much as possible. Do not let it leak,