"Yes, General."
Pang De cupped his hands in assent.
After giving his instructions, Ma Chao looked at the Western Liang Army drilling on the parade ground, his gaze burning. "I have now put the troops in order and stocked ample supplies."
"Once spring comes next year, I will lead the army east, campaign against that villain Lü Bu, and rescue the Son of Heaven!"
With the Western Liang Army's soldiers strong and horses sturdy, Ma Chao was no longer content to cower like a turtle in Chang'an. He wanted to defeat Lü Bu and bring his army to the gates of Ye City!
When that happened, wouldn't the Son of Heaven of Ye City and the court officials have to watch his every expression before acting? He, too, could follow Cao Cao's example, holding the Son of Heaven hostage to command the lords and pursue supremacy!
His Ma Family would surely flourish from then on!
Just as Ma Chao was imagining the glory he would enjoy after defeating Lü Bu, a deputy general rode onto the parade ground, shouting from afar, "General! Good news!"
"Wonderful news!"
The deputy general's words drew Ma Chao's attention. He frowned and asked, "What good news?"
"Reporting to you, General!"
The deputy general dismounted, his face brimming with joy. "The old general has returned! He has already entered Chang'an!"
Everyone present was startled by these words.
Ma Chao himself froze for a moment and asked in confusion, "The old general? Which old general?"
"Your father, General Ma Teng!"
At those words, Ma Chao's eyes instantly widened, his face filled with shock and disbelief.
His father... had returned?
Coming to his senses, Ma Chao's gaze abruptly sharpened. He kicked the deputy general to the ground and furiously berated him. "What nonsense are you spouting?!"
"My father