ebookland Chapter 761: Panic in the Mansion When Ma Dai Announces His Death
Chapter 761: Panic in the Mansion When Ma Dai Announces His Death
Dong Bai's face was filled with helplessness, and he said gloomily, "So, Mr. Li Ru, what do you have to say? Speak." Li Ru straightened his clothes, his expression solemn, and respectfully bowed. He said in a deep voice, "Let's put your resentment towards me aside for now. Everything I said was for the sake of Longxi and the future of Mr. Dong's former subordinates. Now that Meng Qi has suddenly passed away, everyone is deeply saddened, but as a planner, I have to make long-term plans for everyone's future."
Dong Bai frowned, a hint of impatience flashed in his eyes, and he urged, "Speak, if you have something to say, just say it quickly, don't hesitate."
Li Ru took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "Before, I had high hopes for Meng Qi and even entrusted him with many of Longxi's affairs. I never expected him to meet with such an unexpected fate. Now Ma Teng of Xiliang is old and has lost his ambition. He is not a powerful ruler who can plan for the world. His sons are either too young to take on major responsibilities, or too reckless and impulsive to lead Xiliang to glory. As a result, Xiliang's future is bleak. And you, although you are engaged to Ma Chao, now that Meng Qi is gone, you must make plans for your own future. Moreover, these old Xiliang people are the hard work of Dong Gong over the years, and Longxi is Dong Gong's hometown. Whether we will perish along with Xiliang's decline or find another way out depends entirely on your decision."
Dong Bai's eyes were red as he glared at Li Ru, his chest heaving violently. His voice was filled with grief and indignation, questioning him: "It's all because of your ill-advised plan that Brother Chao died tragically in Chang'an! Now you don't want to think about how to get revenge, but instead you are talking nonsense here! If you have time, think about how to get justice for Brother Chao!"
Li Ru frowned, his face filled with anxiety. He stepped forward and advised, "Miss, you are the one who will support Longxi in the future. Everyone is counting on you. You must not be so impulsive. Revenge for Ma Chao is of utmost importance, but you must also consider the overall situation and plan for the future of your brothers!"
Dong Bai refused to listen. Gritting her teeth, she suddenly reached out and ripped the ribbon from her hair, releasing her dark locks like a cascade. Then, she expertly tied her hair into a bun, a style only a married woman could wear, her movements sharp and resolute. Then, she quickly stepped aside, took the prepared mourning clothes from a servant, and donned them with trembling hands, yet with unwavering determination. Once dressed, she turned, her entire being ablaze with vengeance, emanating an aura of untouchability.
She straightened her back, and scanned the generals in the hall with a cold gaze. She took a deep breath and spoke word by word, "I am now dressed as a woman of the Ma family. I am a member of the Ma family in life and a ghost of the Ma family in death! Mr. Li Ru, since you are only planning for Longxi, you don't have to interfere in future matters. Generals, listen carefully! If anyone is unwilling to follow me to avenge Brother Chao, I, Dong Bai, will never hold a grudge. If you choose to stay in Longxi, I will also ensure your safety. But I, Dong Bai, will protect the Ma family's legacy for Brother Chao even if it costs my life. No matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will never back down!"
All the generals shared the same hatred for the enemy. Niu Fu opened his eyes wide with fierceness and took the lead in expressing his position: "Miss, my life, Niu Fu, is in your hands from today on! No matter if it means mountains of swords or seas of fire, as long as I can avenge General Ma Chao, I will never hesitate to follow your words!" He slammed the table so hard that the teacups on the table jumped up.
Xu Rong knelt on one knee with a solemn expression: "Rong has received great kindness from Mr. Dong in the past. Now that the young lady is in trouble, I will serve Mr. Dong's bloodline and will not hesitate to go through fire and water. I will seek justice for General Ma Chao to repay his kindness!" His voice was low and powerful, revealing his unquestionable determination.
Hua Xiong slammed the big knife in his hand to the ground, causing dust to fly up. He roared in a muffled voice: "I, Hua Xiong, have nothing to say. I will listen to you, young lady! Whoever dares to block my way of revenge, I will chop him to death!" His full beard trembled with his emotions, and he exuded a sense of ruthlessness.
Watching this scene, Li Ru felt a mixture of emotions. Over the years, he had built a high reputation within the army through his wisdom and strategy, but now, facing Dong Bai and the passionate statements of these generals, he knew that his prestige seemed insignificant. After all, Dong Bai was the blood of Master Dong, and in the hearts of the people, he was the most orthodox and backbone.
Li Ru sighed, walked forward slowly, bowed to Dong Bai and said: "Miss, I miscalculated before. Now I am willing to do my best to assist you in revenge. I only hope to make up for my mistakes and comfort Meng Qi's spirit in heaven." His eyes were full of guilt and determination.
Dong Bai looked at the crowd before her, tears welling up in her eyes, but she fought hard to hold them back. She took a deep breath, straightened her back, and said in a deep voice, "Alright! Since you all trust me, Dong Bai, from today on, we will unite as one and plan our revenge together. Since you're so determined, I have no objections. I hope you can offer us some advice and help us overcome this difficult situation together."
At Dong Bai's command, the horn blew, signaling the troops to assemble. The drummers pounded their cowhide drums with all their might. The deep, powerful beats echoed across the wilderness like rolling thunder, urging the soldiers to their positions. Messengers rode swift horses, shuttling back and forth through the camp, relaying orders. The soldiers sprang into action, gathering their weapons and rations. For a moment, the entire camp was filled with shouts, neighs, and billowing dust.
Just like that, Dong Bai, dressed in plain white mourning clothes, walked towards the front of the army with steady steps and determination. Her appearance immediately caused an uproar among the troops. The soldiers whispered to each other, their eyes filled with shock and confusion.
Dong Bai took a deep breath, suppressing the grief surging within her. She put aside her usual girlish fragility and became remarkably strong and calm. She looked around, her gaze blazing as she shouted angrily, "Soldiers! General Ma Chao, the mighty hero of Xiliang, was murdered for no reason by the incompetent and ruthless Emperor of Chang'an! General Ma Chao fought his entire life on the battlefield, defending Xiliang and our homeland, and achieved remarkable military exploits. Yet, he met such a tragic end! His blood must not be shed in vain; we must avenge him!"
"Soldiers! Today, I, Dong Bai, lost my husband, and Xiliang lost its young master. How can such a great hatred not be avenged? His blood must not be shed in vain. We must make our enemies pay with blood!"
Her voice echoed across the wilderness, each word hammering down on the soldiers' hearts like a sledgehammer. Their initial surprise gave way to blazing anger, and they roared, "Revenge! Revenge!" The roar surged like a tidal wave, reaching the sky.
"Today, we will embark on the road of revenge!" Dong Bai drew the sword from his waist and pointed it into the distance. The blade gleamed coldly in the sunlight. "March towards Tianshui! Break through Chang'an and make that bastard emperor pay with blood!"
At Dong Bai's command, the entire army uniformly changed into mourning attire. A vast expanse of white, a solemn and dignified scene, the vast army marched towards Tianshui. The column stretched for miles, flags waving resoundingly. The soldiers marched with a firm, powerful stride, filled with hatred and rage, toward an unknown battlefield. Along the way, the clatter of horses' hooves and the thud of footsteps blended like a tragic war song, denouncing their resolve to avenge Ma Chao.
Ma Dai galloped along the dusty official road, already dressed in plain white mourning clothes. The hemp rope tied around his waist swayed slightly as the horse galloped, and every jolt seemed to whip his heart. In mourning for his brother Ma Chao, his face was haggard, his eyes bloodshot, and his heart was filled with grief and anger that threatened to consume him. He kept waving his whip, wishing he could fly back to Wuwei immediately.
Finally, Wuwei City came into sight. The guards at the city gates saw Ma Dai, dressed in mourning and looking mournful, and were immediately shocked. They all recognized this fierce general from the Ma family. Seeing him in such a state, they vaguely suspected that something serious had happened. Although they were filled with shock and confusion, they did not dare to stop him.
Ma Dai went straight to the city gate. The guards surrounded him, hesitant to speak. Ma Dai was too anxious to exchange pleasantries. He just said hurriedly, "Get out of the way!" and rushed into the city.
Running all the way to the front of the Ma Mansion, Ma Dai dismounted and stumbled towards the gate. He rushed into the hall and saw Ma Teng there. His eyes instantly turned red, almost bleeding. He fell to his knees with a thud, his voice choked with sobs as he cried out, "Uncle!" This cry was filled with endless grief and despair.
Ma Teng heard the sound and turned his head sharply. Seeing Ma Dai in mourning clothes, his heart skipped a beat. A sense of foreboding quickly descended upon him like a dark cloud. His hands trembled slightly, and his lips quivered as he shuddered, "Dai'er, what's wrong with you?"
Ma Dai could no longer suppress his emotions. Tears welled up in his eyes and he burst into tears: "Uncle, my elder brother... he was framed by that foolish emperor and died in battle in Chang'an!" These words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the hall.
Ma Teng's body shook, as if he was hit by a sledgehammer. The blood instantly drained from his face, turning it as pale as paper. He widened his eyes, as if he couldn't believe his ears, and his voice trembled violently: "What did you say? Chao'er... Chao'er, how could he..." Before he finished speaking, a mouthful of blood spurted out of his mouth, and his whole body was shaking.
Upon seeing this, Ma Dai rushed forward to support Ma Teng, crying, "Uncle, our eldest brother is gone. We must avenge him!" The attendants rushed over and were stunned by the scene. Then the entire Ma Mansion was filled with weeping, and a heavy haze completely enveloped the place. Ma Teng held himself up, his eyes filled with pain and anger. He clenched his fists and said word by word, "Chao'er, your father will seek justice for you!"
Ma Dai's arrival completely broke the tranquility of the Ma Mansion.
Ma Yunlu was engaging in a passionate martial arts exchange with Ma Xiu and Ma Tie in the backyard training ground. Her swift movements swung the spear like a dragon and snake, the sharp wind whistling as the tip sliced through the air with a sharp whistle. Ma Xiu and Ma Tie were not to be outdone, one brandishing a broadsword with ferocious force, the other wielding a long halberd with fierce moves. All three were so absorbed in their practice that sweat streamed down their cheeks, soaking their clothes.
Suddenly, a loud and frantic sound echoed from the distant front house, interrupting the rhythm of the martial arts practice in the backyard. Ma Yunlu abruptly halted his spear, his brows knitted into a knot as he looked toward the source of the sound in confusion. Ma Xiu and Ma Tie also paused, their eyes filled with confusion. "What's going on?" Ma Yunlu asked, his voice crisp and clear, a voice characteristic of martial artists.
At this moment, a servant ran over in a panic, stumbling and almost falling. Seeing this, Ma Yunlu hurried forward, firmly supported the servant, and asked anxiously, "What happened?" The servant gasped, his voice trembling, "It's... it's Master Ma Dai. He's back in mourning clothes!"