Ma Chao fled the palace city in a panic, as if tens of thousands of pursuers were hot on his heels.
He didn't care about anything else, galloping with all his might towards the General's Residence.
In his haste, he even snatched a horse from a passerby on the road, still wearing his conspicuous eunuch attire, with no time to change.
He was burning with anxiety, constantly whipping the horse and galloping wildly.
Along the way, passersby, seeing him in such a state, scattered in alarm and confusion, wondering why he was so inexplicably frantic, but Ma Chao paid them no mind.
He had only one thought in his heart: to reach the General's Residence as quickly as possible.
Before long, Ma Chao arrived at the General's Residence in a state of extreme urgency.
He galloped in like a gust of wind, his horse's hooves kicking up clouds of dust.
As He Jin was the Empress's brother and the Great General of the current dynasty, his residence was even more magnificent and imposing.
The tall vermilion gate stood majestically, with exquisite patterns carved on its lintel, and golden lacquer shining, as if proclaiming the residence's nobility and glory.
As Ma Chao approached the residence, he saw two rows of soldiers neatly arrayed on either side of the entrance.
They were clad in gleaming armor, wore formidable helmets, and held cold, shimmering halberds, standing solemnly and exuding an aura of awe.
The entire residence, bathed in sunlight, reflected dazzling light, showcasing its opulence and grandeur.
The two rows of soldiers saw Ma Chao galloping furiously, charging straight towards the residence gate like a swift wind.
They immediately raised their guard, shouting in unison, demanding that Ma Chao dismount and submit to questioning.
Ma Chao reined in his horse, cupped his hands, and said, "I have urgent business to see the Great General; please help me announce myself."
It was then that the gatekeeper slowly emerged.
The gatekeeper stood with his hands on his hips, chin raised, and said arrogantly, "Is my Great General's Residence a place you can just enter as you please? Don't you know any rules? Get off your horse at once!
Take out your visiting card and wait aside!
As for whether you can enter, that depends on my mood!"
As he spoke, he looked Ma Chao up and down with disdain, his haughty demeanor extremely irritating to behold.
Ma Chao found it difficult to lash out, so he had to suppress the anger in his heart and humbly said to the other party, "It is truly an urgent matter; I hope for your understanding.
I have come from the palace this time with truly important business to present to the Great General."
As Ma Chao spoke, he handed over the tiger tally and seal, his face showing a pleading expression.
The gatekeeper didn't even glance at it, saying contemptuously, "Hmph, do you think you're worthy of my attention?
I don't need your offerings now; it's too late to think of offering them now!"
As the gatekeeper spoke, he deliberately spat to the side, his attitude extremely arrogant and overbearing.
However, Ma Chao was burning with anxiety at this moment, and he paid no mind to such trifles.
He put away the tiger tally and seal, then suddenly drew his golden saber, and with a flash of cold light, the gatekeeper's head rolled to the ground.
The entrance of the residence instantly plunged into chaos, and numerous guards surged out like a tide, surrounding Ma Chao.
They held sharp blades, their eyes filled with hostility, ready to attack Ma Chao at any moment.
Ma Chao held his golden saber high, his eyes wide with fury, and a resolute light gleamed within them.
He moved like lightning, instantly charging into the midst of the guards, his golden saber flashing with cold light as he swung it.
The guards raised their halberds to meet him, but Ma Chao's speed was incredibly fast, and their attacks couldn't even touch his clothes.
The golden saber in Ma Chao's hand continuously clashed with the guards' halberds, producing crisp sounds and sending sparks flying.
He darted left and right, each swing of his saber carrying immense power, forcing the guards to retreat repeatedly.
Some guards attempted to ambush Ma Chao from the side, but he turned agilely, using his golden saber and scabbard to swiftly strike left and right, repelling each of the ambushers.
In the fierce struggle, Ma Chao displayed extraordinary martial arts and fearless courage.
He was like a ferocious beast, charging through the guards, and no one could stand against him.
Although the guards were numerous, under Ma Chao's powerful assault, they gradually fell into disarray.
The clamor spread like a tide to the back courtyard, and soon a guard rushed to report, claiming that someone had forcibly broken into the General's Residence.
At this time, He Jin was indulging in wine and revelry in the garden with a group of military officers and aristocratic youths.
What was puzzling was that the red sun had just set in the west, and it was unclear whether the banquet had started at noon or had just begun in the evening.
This time was too early, wasn't it?
He Jin was drinking in the garden with a group of military officers and aristocratic youths when he heard the guard's report.
He frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face.
He put down his wine cup, slowly stood up, his eyes revealing a trace of doubt and annoyance.
He pondered for a moment, then looked at the reporting guard and asked with a touch of authority, "Who is so audacious as to dare force their way into my residence?"
The guard quickly described Ma Chao's situation in detail to He Jin.
After He Jin heard this, his face became even gloomier.
At this moment, Chunyu Qiong slowly raised his wine cup, drained its contents, and then stood up, saying to He Jin, "Sir, please rest assured and stay here.
I will go and capture this arrogant fellow and bring him back to kowtow and apologize to you."
Having said that, he placed the wine cup heavily on the table, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes, and turned to stride towards the residence gate.
Cao Cao stood up, about to stop Chunyu Qiong, but before he could speak, Yuan Shao pressed his hand.
Yuan Shao shook his head, advising Cao Cao not to meddle.
However, Cao Cao still couldn't help but say to He Jin, "My Lord, this person is wearing eunuch attire, galloped here, and even dared to force his way into the General's Residence.
There must be a reason.
Perhaps there's some unforeseen development; I hope My Lord can temporarily suppress his anger and grant him an audience."
He Jin, however, showed a hint of displeasure and said to Cao Cao, "Mengde, what you say is wrong!
I am the Great General of the current dynasty, and even the Empress's own brother.
Who in this world dares to offend me so presumptuously?
Even if this person were to die ten thousand times, it would be difficult to dispel the hatred in my heart!"
Having said that, he sat back down heavily, his face filled with rage.
Yuan Shu, who was standing nearby, suddenly stood up and, with a tone full of disdain, fanned the flames, "Mengde, Mengde, what you say is truly absurd!
For someone of He Jin's noble status, even if an imperial envoy with an imperial decree were to come here, it would still depend on whether He Jin had time to see him.
As for such a rude little eunuch who dares to be so arrogant, he should be immediately beheaded to set an example!"
As he spoke, he waved his arms, appearing extremely indignant.
He Jin felt utterly pleased by Yuan Shu's flattery, stroking his beard and laughing heartily, "Gonglu truly understands my heart."
Seeing this, the surrounding people quickly joined in, echoing, "General Yuan is absolutely right!"
"General Yuan is too right!"
"He Jin is of noble status, and that little eunuch truly deserves severe punishment!"
Everyone spoke one after another, expressing their respect for He Jin and their agreement with Yuan Shu's words, and for a moment, the scene became extraordinarily lively.
Just then, another soldier rushed over with a panicked expression, hurriedly reporting, "Reporting to the Great General, General Chunyu Qiong has been injured by this person!
That arrogant fellow is aggressively fighting his way here.
We soldiers have tried our best to stop him, but no one can hold him back!
Please, General, make a decision quickly!"
As soon as the soldier's words fell, everyone around them widened their eyes in surprise, looking at each other.
He Jin's smile instantly vanished upon hearing this news, replaced by a look of shock and anger.
Yuan Shu, on the other hand, frowned, a look of disbelief on his face.
He said angrily, "What?
This little eunuch is so audacious! How dare he injure General Chunyu!"
The people around also chimed in, expressing their indignation towards the intruder and their concern about the situation.
For a moment, the entire scene became tense and chaotic.
Upon hearing this news, He Jin was immediately enraged.
He widened his eyes, veins bulging on his forehead, and roared furiously, "Quickly bring me crossbow arrows and shoot that arrogant wretch dead!
Dead or alive!"
His voice was filled with fury, and he seemed to be ignited by anger.
Those nearby were intimidated by his rage and dared not speak.
He Jin's face turned crimson, his hands tightly clenched into fists, and his body trembled slightly with anger.
Upon receiving the order, the soldiers quickly moved, deploying crossbow arrows, intending to kill the person who dared to injure Chunyu Qiong.
A tense atmosphere filled the entire garden, and everyone awaited the impending fierce conflict.