ebookland Chapter 215 Dong Zhuo Arranges a Last Stand
Chapter 215 Dong Zhuo Arranges a Last Stand
After a grueling night of non-stop marching, Ma Chao finally caught up with Dong Zhuo's carriage at the first light of dawn. Witnessing Ma Chao's daring actions, Li Ru and Xu Rong were deeply impressed by his judgment and courage. Whether it was Ma Chao's precise and unique analysis of the situation at Hangu Pass, his strenuous efforts to shield the main force's evacuation from the pass with a small force, or even his ultimately ingenious strategy for escaping unscathed, they were filled with admiration and a touch of respect.
Dong Zhuo was now in a desperate situation, his life drawing to a close. The generals of the Western Liang Army were each preoccupied with their own thoughts. Even generals like Li Ru and Xu Rong, traditionally loyal to Dong Zhuo, were forced to consider the future of the Western Liang Army.
Li Ru twirled his beard lightly, and glanced at Ma Chao with a seemingly casual but meaningful look, and slowly said: "General Ma, the current situation is very treacherous and unpredictable, and it is really hard to grasp. I think of my lord's life of fighting on the battlefield, and going through countless hardships to conquer this vast territory. However, where the future will go is really worrying." After speaking, he paused slightly, his eyes locked on Ma Chao, carefully observing his expression.
Seeing that Ma Chao's expression did not change and he was just listening intently, Li Ru continued, "If one day, our lord... Alas!" Li Ru sighed and looked worried, "As his subjects, we should make preparations for what will happen to our lord after his death. But among the descendants of the Dong family, there is still no talented person who can stand on his own. This situation is really worrying! I wonder what General Ma thinks about this?" As he spoke, he kept an eye on Ma Chao's reaction out of the corner of his eye.
Li Ru mentioned seemingly nonchalantly: "The lord really loves Miss Dong Bai very much and has intended to carefully arrange a suitable home for her. If Miss Dong Bai can be entrusted to a capable person, this will surely fulfill one of the lord's wishes. General Ma, what do you think?" At this time, he stared at Ma Chao with burning eyes, trying to catch even the slightest change in expression on Ma Chao's face.
Ma Chao's expression remained calm, unperturbed. However, a flicker of determination flickered in his eyes. He said, "Miss Dong Bai is naturally beautiful, gentle and virtuous. It would be a great honor for me to marry her." However, as for the territory, Ma Chao remained unmoved. "As for the territory, it's just a material possession. In these troubled times, only sincerity and friendship are most precious."
Li Ru secretly admired her extraordinary determination and continued to probe, "If all these territories were to go with Miss Dong Bai, what impact would General Ma have on the current complex situation?"
Li Ru tried to insinuate Ma Chao's thoughts on Dong Zhuo's departure, and what he would do if Dong Zhuo's territory were handed over to Dong Bai, allowing Ma Chao and Dong Bai to develop together, thus indirectly acquiring a large tract of territory. However, Ma Chao showed no signs of enthusiasm. His eyes remained calm and composed, as he methodically analyzed the situation.
Ma Chao said in a steady and powerful voice, "The coalition forces are now in high spirits and powerful, and Chang'an can no longer be defended. Dong's army is now exhausted, lacking generals, and has a small number of troops. At this time, it is better to give up Chang'an decisively and defend Xiliang carefully. If a large area of territory is given up, the coalition forces will surely fall apart for their own interests. According to the current situation, all the forces in the coalition have their own thoughts. Although Chang'an is important, forcibly holding on to it will only deplete our army's strength. Giving up Chang'an seems to be a loss, but it is actually a good strategy of retreating to advance. When the coalition forces fight each other and infighting for interests, we can recuperate and look for the right time to regroup." Ma Chao's words were clear and reasonable, which made Li Ru and Xu Rong nod secretly, and they couldn't help but have a new understanding of his insights and strategies.
Ma Chao continued, "At this critical moment, we must focus all our energy on consolidating Xiliang's foundation, vigorously improving people's livelihoods, and diligently training our troops. When the time is right, we can then pursue our grand ambitions. We must not let temporary gains or losses distract us from our positions or lose our way." His gaze was resolute, revealing a powerful and convincing strength. Li Ru and Xu Rong exchanged a glance, each seeing admiration in the other's eyes, and a plan was already in mind.
As Chang'an drew closer, their tense nerves gradually relaxed, their pace slowed, and their thoughts flowed freely. And so, in the early morning light, they finally arrived at the gates of Chang'an. Meanwhile, Dong Bai and his uncle Dong Wen had already received the news and waited anxiously outside the city, filled with anxiety and anticipation.
The moment everyone arrived, Dong Bai and Dong Wen were eager to visit Dong Zhuo, desperately requesting a meeting. However, the heavy, hesitant expressions of Li Ru and Xu Rong made Dong Bai's heart sink, and she was instantly panicked. With trembling hands, she quickly opened the curtain of the carriage and saw Dong Zhuo still unconscious in the carriage. His haggard face, as if ravaged by time and illness, instantly made Dong Bai's tears burst out like a dam bursting.
Seeing this heartbreaking scene, Ma Chao stepped forward without hesitation. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes full of concern and determination, and comforted Dong Bai in a gentle yet powerful voice: "Bai'er, this is not the time to be sad. The situation is turbulent and extremely critical. If the army loses morale due to excessive sadness, the consequences will be disastrous. Bai'er, you must endure the grief, cheer up, and lead everyone to overcome the difficulties. I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to find a glimmer of hope in this troubled world." Dong Bai trembled slightly after hearing Ma Chao's sincere and rational words. She bit her lips tightly, clenched her fists, and tried her best to restrain the sadness that was surging in her heart, and held back the tears that kept rolling down. After taking several deep breaths, she finally tried to calm her emotions and gradually regained her composure. Then she welcomed everyone into Chang'an City.
Dong Zhuo lay unconscious on the couch, his face as pale as paper, his breath so weak it was barely perceptible. Dong Bai stood by, tears streaming down her face like a flood, soaking her clothes. Her eyes were red and swollen, and her expression was utterly haggard, filled with fear and helplessness.
"Grandfather, please wake up! Bai'er can't live without you." Dong Bai tightly grasped Dong Zhuo's hand, her voice hoarse and mournful, like a cuckoo weeping blood. Her cries seemed to penetrate the boundless abyss of darkness, filled with endless attachment and prayer.
Dong Zhuo, lying on the couch, seemed to faintly hear Dong Bai's affectionate call, and his fingers moved ever so slightly. Dong Bai keenly perceived this subtle change, and a spark of hope suddenly ignited in her heart. She called out more and more urgently, "Grandfather, please open your eyes and look at Bai'er. Bai'er has been by your side from beginning to end, never leaving."
Dong Zhuo slowly and laboriously opened his eyes, his gaze hazy and exhausted, but the moment his gaze met Dong Bai's, a hint of unconcealable love and reluctance to part was revealed. With great difficulty, he raised his hand and tried to touch Dong Bai's face. Dong Bai quickly leaned forward, carefully feeling his grandfather's frail touch.
"My Bai'er..." Dong Zhuo's voice was extremely weak, and every word he uttered seemed to drain his remaining strength. "Grandfather is here, don't be afraid." Dong Bai's tears flowed like a spring, but she still tried hard to force a smile, just to reassure Dong Zhuo.
Dong Zhuo looked at Dong Bai, his eyes filled with deep guilt and love. "My child, I know my time is running out, and I'm sorry for letting you suffer." Dong Bai shook his head desperately, sobbing uncontrollably. "Grandfather will definitely get better. Bai'er, don't allow you to say such unlucky words."
Dong Zhuo sighed deeply and began to search the room eagerly. Everyone instantly understood his intention, realizing he was searching for someone they could trust. He scanned the figures, but Ma Chao was nowhere to be seen. Ma Chao had been standing quietly in a remote area of the room. Dong Zhuo weakly called out, "Mengqi." Ma Chao immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Lord Dong." Dong Zhuo's eyes fixed on Ma Chao, a flicker of relief in his eyes.
"Mengqi, I see that you are extraordinarily brave and wise, and you are also a person who values friendship and loyalty. Now I entrust Dong Bai and my foundation to you. I only hope that you can protect her throughout her life and ensure the long-term stability of our Xiliang." Although Dong Zhuo's voice was so weak that it was almost silent, it was filled with unquestionable firmness and decisiveness.
Ma Chao said with a sincere expression, his eyes filled with determination and encouragement, "Master Dong, don't be so pessimistic. With your strong will, you will definitely overcome this illness and recover. This is only a temporary predicament. As long as you take good care of yourself, you will recover as before."
Dong Zhuo listened to Ma Chao's advice, a bitter smile playing across his face. He said self-deprecatingly, "I, Dong Zhuo, have spent my life on the battlefield, conquering the world. I thought I was omnipotent, but I never imagined I would be tormented to this point by this illness. I once commanded a large army and held great power, believing I could control everything. But I never foresaw the fickleness of fate, leading to this miserable state today. I'm afraid my broken body will never be able to recover. My former glory was like a passing cloud, now seemingly nothing more than an empty dream."