With that, Liu Xie had Guo Nüwang, who was attending him nearby, take Zhang Zhongjing to see Hua Tuo so they could treat Zhen Mi together.
Then he asked Zhang Liao, "Wenyuan, what is Ma Chao's current whereabouts? Have you found any trace of him?"
After his defeat, Ma Chao had fled into Qiang territory. The Imperial Court had never given up searching for him. Until this fellow was eliminated, he would remain a thorn deep in their side.
Looking ashamed, Zhang Liao answered, "Your Majesty, Qiang territory is too vast. Once Ma Chao entered it, his whereabouts became unknown."
"I have failed to find any trace of him."
Liu Xie frowned at this. Ma Chao enjoyed considerable prestige among the Qiang, and this time he had fled with tens of thousands of remnants of the Western Liang Army. He might well rise from the ashes in the future.
But with internal troubles still unresolved, assembling a great army to campaign against the Qiang merely for Ma Chao's sake was not a wise choice.
"Forget it. We will spare his life for now and send troops against that scoundrel when an opportunity arises."
In the end, Liu Xie set aside the idea of sending troops and told Zhang Liao, "Thank you for your efforts throughout the journey, General Zhang. You may withdraw and rest."
He had to go to the Bedchamber first to check on Zhen Mi. He did not know whether Zhang Zhongjing could actually cure her illness.
Zhang Liao withdrew as well, but shortly after he passed through the Imperial Palace gates, someone suddenly shoved him hard in the back.
Caught off guard, he staggered and nearly fell face-first into the dirt, only just managing to steady himself.
"You scoundrel, Lü Bu! What is wrong with you?"
Zhang