Bai Xiaowen shook his head and sighed inwardly. In the end, he had still been unable to subdue Ma Chao.
Normally speaking, returning home under the pretext of observing filial mourning was perfectly aboveboard.
However, Ma Chao was worried that Bai Xiaowen would not let him return to Western Liang. There was certainly more to this little scheme than met the eye.
In truth, what did Bai Xiaowen have to fear from Ma Chao?
Now, Ma Chao was already fighting alone. Pang De had been subjugated, while his two kinsmen, Ma Dai and Ma Yunlu, were gradually submitting to Bai Xiaowen as well.
Even if Ma Chao returned to Western Liang, he would be unable to stir up much trouble. After his defeat at the Wei River last time, his prestige among the Qiang people had also fallen sharply.
The Qiang people had been beaten into submission by Bai Xiaowen. They might not dare to continue supporting Ma Chao and oppose Bai Xiaowen.
Although Bai Xiaowen felt it was a pity to lose Ma Chao, he was not overly concerned.
After all, he still had Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong!
Zhao Yun could not be subjugated, but he could be used.
As for Huang Zhong? Wei Yan was already on his way to seize Jingzhou. Once Huang Zhong's family fell into his hands, would Huang Zhong still refuse to surrender?
Huang Zhong's attitude made that clear. The old man was remarkably calm now, neither calling out nor making a fuss, and he had not tried to escape.
Bai Xiaowen did not bind him either. Instead, he treated him with courtesy, serving him good wine and meat.
As for the missing Zhuge Liang, Bai Xiaowen had not spent any effort searching for him. If Zhuge Liang wanted to hide, it would