Dong Zhuo returned triumphantly to Longyou Commandery, his guards escorting him all the way to the front of the Dong Family residence. From afar, Dong Zhuo's granddaughter, Dong Bai, stood by the entrance, eagerly anticipating his return.
Though only thirteen or fourteen years old, the young girl was dressed like a small general, radiating heroic spirit.
The moment Dong Zhuo saw Dong Bai, his affection for her was evident; before she could even bow to him, he eagerly reached out and helped her up.
Dong Zhuo affectionately took Dong Bai's hand, and they entered the Dong Family residence together.
Dong Zhuo made no secret of his fondness for Dong Bai; it was something everyone knew.
Because Dong Zhuo's son had unfortunately died in battle years ago, leaving Dong Zhuo with only this one granddaughter.
It could be said that in Dong Zhuo's lineage, only Dong Bai remained.
And Dong Zhuo's nephews were all unaccomplished, unable to meet his high expectations.
Therefore, Dong Zhuo raised Dong Bai like a boy from a young age, doting on her even more than his other children.
Dong Zhuo looked at Dong Bai with loving eyes, smiling as he said, "Bai'er, during this campaign, your grandpa encountered an exceptionally talented young general named Ma Chao.
Ma Chao is tall and handsome, with a powerful build and a lean waist; beneath his sword-like eyebrows are bright, piercing eyes that seem to flicker with fire, radiating a heroic aura.
He wears battle armor, wields a long spear, and charges through the battlefield with formidable might; he truly is a young hero!"
Dong Bai, dressed in armor, looked heroic and spirited at this moment.
Though still young, her delicate features were already beginning to show, her fair skin as smooth as white jade, and beneath her curved willow-leaf eyebrows were a pair of lively, large eyes, sparkling with determination.
Below her upturned nose was a cherry-like mouth; even though covered by armor, it could not conceal her outstanding appearance.
Her dark, beautiful hair was tied up high, adding to her capable and uninhibited demeanor.
Dong Zhuo continued, "Bai'er, look at your attire; you're exactly like a little general.
Your grandpa plans to send you as a junior general to train in Ma Chao's army; are you willing?"
Dong Bai excitedly jumped up and said, "Yes, yes, I want to go and meet this Brother Ma Chao!"
Her face was filled with anticipation and longing, as if she could already see herself fighting alongside Ma Chao in the army.
Dong Zhuo looked at Dong Bai, his eyes full of love and contentment.
He seemed to see Dong Bai and Ma Chao standing together, one heroic and spirited, the other mighty and extraordinary, truly a perfect match of talent and beauty, which greatly pleased him and made him feel exceptionally comfortable.
Dong Zhuo smiled and said, "Bai'er, if you were with that Ma Chao, it would surely become a beautiful story.
Your grandpa believes that training in his army will bring you great gains, and it will also put your grandpa more at ease."
Listening to Dong Zhuo's words, a blush spread across Dong Bai's face, and her heart filled with anticipation for meeting Ma Chao.
She secretly resolved to perform well in the army and not disappoint her grandpa's expectations.
Dong Zhuo waved his hand and decisively said, "In that case, arrange one thousand Flying Bear Army for Bai'er!
Immediately send Bai'er to Wuwei Commandery to rendezvous with Ma Chao and jointly attack Han Sui's forces in Jincheng Commandery!"
Dong Zhuo's eyes were firm, his decisive and resolute character evident.
He knew this was a good opportunity for Dong Bai to gain experience and grow, as well as a measure to further consolidate his own power.
Upon hearing this, Dong Bai was overjoyed, her heart filled with anticipation for the future and fighting spirit.
She turned to prepare, ready to lead the one thousand Flying Bear Army and follow Ma Chao into battle, bringing glory to her family.
Ma Chao waited anxiously in Wuwei Commandery, finally seeing Dong Bai leading one thousand Flying Bear Army slowly approach from a distance.
Dong Bai rode on horseback, her shining armor gleaming in the sunlight; though heroic and spirited, it could not conceal her slender figure.
Ma Chao looked at Dong Bai, secretly thinking to himself, this pale-faced girl from the Dong Family is just here to gain military merits; so slender and delicate, how capable could she be?
As he thought this, a subtle hint of disdain flashed in Ma Chao's eyes.
Dong Bai, however, keenly caught Ma Chao's subtle expression, and a flicker of anger instantly ignited in her lively eyes.
She silently challenged him, 'Hmph, don't think being handsome means you can be arrogant; do you think I'm here to play?
I will definitely make you look at me with new eyes!'
Ma Chao did not converse much with Dong Bai; after giving a few simple instructions, he led the army out.
Upon reaching Jincheng Commandery territory, Ma Chao remained the main general, with Pang De as his deputy; Dong Bai became the main general, with Zhang Xiu as her deputy.
There seemed to be an invisible competition between the two, both holding back a surge of determination.
They advanced together towards the heart of Jincheng Commandery, and upon reaching their destination, they split into two divisions according to the predetermined plan.
Ma Chao took one part of the army, while Dong Bai took the other, each heading towards their respective targets.
As the two armies divided and advanced, Ma Chao's contingent blazed a trail, demonstrating extraordinary combat power and command ability.
Dong Bai's side, though initially a bit unaccustomed, gradually stabilized their position with Zhang Xiu's assistance.
Ma Chao encountered Han Sui's army during the march, and relying on his bravery and wisdom, he successfully repelled an enemy offensive.
Upon learning this, Dong Bai felt both admiration and a touch of unwillingness; she worked even harder to command her troops, wanting to prove herself on the battlefield.
However, in the subsequent battles, Dong Bai's army encountered some difficulties.
She found herself still lacking in command experience, feeling overwhelmed by complex battle situations.
At this point, she couldn't help but think of Ma Chao, and her initial resistance towards him gradually dissipated.
At the same time, Ma Chao also noticed Dong Bai's predicament.
Although he still held some reservations about Dong Bai, as a true general, he decided to secretly help her.
At a critical moment when Dong Bai was advancing recklessly, Ma Chao cleverly diverted the enemy's attention, creating an opportunity for Dong Bai, allowing her forces to successfully break through their difficulties.
After this incident, Dong Bai gained a completely new understanding of Ma Chao; she began to truly respect and admire him.
And Ma Chao also had a change of heart towards Dong Bai; the relationship between them gradually eased, and they began to work together to face the challenges ahead...
As the war progressed, Ma Chao and Dong Bai's two armies continued to fight fiercely in Jincheng Commandery, putting immense pressure on Han Sui.
Han Sui was already in a desperate situation, having been harried by Che Li Ji's Qiang army.
In this difficult predicament, he had no choice but to dispatch Yan Xing to lead a portion of his forces to confront Ma Chao and Dong Bai.
Han Sui was filled with helplessness; the situation was extremely critical now.
He had just returned to Jincheng Commandery, only to find that Che Li Ji had already encroached upon a significant portion of it from the flank.
He was busy confronting Che Li Ji, but now Dong Bai and Ma Chao had launched an attack, putting him in a predicament where he was attacked from both front and back.
At this moment, Han Sui was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, restlessly contemplating a countermeasure.
Although Yan Xing had been severely wounded by Ma Chao in their last encounter and had only recently recovered enough to barely take the field, the circumstances forced his hand, and he had no other choice.
He gritted his teeth, and with his body not yet fully recovered, he bravely went into battle to intercept Ma Chao and Dong Bai.
He knew his condition was not ideal, but to complete the mission, he could only fight with all his might.
On the battlefield, Yan Xing endured his physical discomfort, commanding his soldiers to engage in a fierce clash with Ma Chao and Dong Bai's armies.
His heart was filled with helplessness and struggle, only hoping to delay time as much as possible, to buy Han Sui some breathing room...
On the battlefield, the shouts of killing shook the heavens.
Yan Xing avoided a direct confrontation with Ma Chao, directing his soldiers to surge towards Dong Bai like a tide.
Dong Bai's silver armor gleamed in the sunlight; she gripped her long spear tightly, shouting as she led her soldiers to resist fiercely.
But the enemies swarmed like ants, continuously encircling her, and her army was gradually compressed into a small area.
Dong Bai's forehead was covered in sweat; her eyes held both determination and a hint of panic.
Soldiers around her fell one by one, and she felt unprecedented pressure.
Just as Dong Bai was about to be overwhelmed by the enemy, a thunderous sound of hooves echoed through the sky.
Ma Chao appeared like a god of war, his warhorse galloping like a whirlwind.
Ma Chao's long spear danced like the wind, its tip glinting with cold light.
Wherever he went, enemies were thrown aside like scarecrows.
His eyes were cold and sharp, filled with disdain for his enemies.
Ma Chao quickly cut his way to Dong Bai's side, fighting alongside her.
Every attack he made was incredibly powerful, striking fear into the enemy.
Seeing this, Yan Xing gritted his teeth, commanding his soldiers to fully surround Ma Chao.
But Ma Chao showed no fear; he engaged Yan Xing in a breathtaking duel.
Ma Chao's long spear danced like a dragon or snake, fiercely clashing with Yan Xing's weapon.
Sparks flew, and the clang of metal on metal was incessant.
After a fierce struggle, Ma Chao seized an opportunity, let out a roar, and with all his might, unhorsed Yan Xing.
Immediately after, he swung his long spear, a cold light flashed, and Yan Xing instantly met his demise.
Dong Bai looked at Ma Chao's heroic and spirited figure, her heart pounding like a deer.
Her eyes sparkled, and her admiration for Ma Chao was evident.
The smoke of battle gradually dispersed, and the story between Dong Bai and Ma Chao had just begun...