Ma Chao's face was solemn, and he began to analyze the current complex and severe situation with several people very seriously and earnestly. He said in a steady tone, "Now, in the imperial court, the power of the Dong family has reached a point where they dominate the court. They harbor great ambitions and intend to enthrone Prince Liu Xie as emperor. My master has always firmly protected Emperor Liu Bian, but now my master is nowhere to be found. However, upon careful thought, my master's personal safety should still be fine. It's just that, given the current situation, it will probably be difficult for my master to return to Luoyang and reunite with my mistress in a short time."

After listening to Ma Chao's detailed analysis, everyone felt a little more at ease.

At this moment, Madam Lu's face was full of sorrow, her brows slightly furrowed, and she said softly with some worry, "Mengqi, if your master never comes back, how will this family cope in the future? Having a large army besieging us here is not a proper solution after all."

Lu Wan, after experiencing this sudden drastic change and worrying for so long, her personality was no longer as cheerful and lively as before, becoming increasingly worried. She stood quietly to the side, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, her eyes full of worry and unease. She appeared somewhat taciturn, a completely different person from her former cheerful and lively self. She occasionally bit her lip, seemingly pondering the unknown future, her heart filled with confusion and melancholy.

Ma Chao frowned tightly and said to Madam Lu with a grave expression, "Mistress, the situation has developed to a very severe point. Dong Gong now possesses immense power, wielding unparalleled influence throughout the court and country. He has always had a strong desire to enthrone Prince Liu Xie as the new emperor, while my master stands firmly on the side of Emperor Liu Bian and has already escorted Emperor Liu Bian to escape. It can be said that their ideologies are completely at odds. If Dong Gong truly makes up his mind to carry out the act of dethroning and enthroning, then undoubtedly, the conflict between them will intensify sharply, and it may even trigger fierce clashes and confrontations. At that time, your situation in Luoyang will become extremely dangerous, and you could be implicated and harmed at any time."

Upon hearing this, Madam Lu's face immediately showed a look of panic and unease, her eyes filled with anxiety and worry. She hastily asked, "Mengqi, what should we do? Quickly think of a solution, tell me what ideas you have."

Ma Chao's face showed a difficult expression, his eyes revealing a hint of helplessness and struggle. He slowly replied, "Mistress, to be honest, there are also great differences in ideology between me and Dong Gong. In my opinion, enthroning another emperor is absolutely not something a loyal subject should do. This is a public challenge to the imperial orthodoxy and a serious disruption of national order. I have repeatedly mustered the courage to advise Dong Gong, trying to make him abandon this dangerous idea, but he simply would not listen to my advice. He continues to act as he pleases, going his own way, completely disregarding the possible consequences. However, Dong Gong has also shown me immense kindness, having saved my Ma family. In the past, he has treated me with great favor and promotion, giving me many opportunities and honors. I truly do not wish to go against his wishes; this really puts me in a difficult position. On one hand, I do not want to see Dong Gong go down the wrong path, causing national unrest and chaos; on the other hand, I cannot abandon his kindness and care towards me. I truly do not know how to choose."

Ma Chao paused, then continued, "I believe that since the situation in Luoyang has developed to such a point, continuing to stay here will only expose us to more danger and uncertainty. It would be better for us to return to our Western Liang homeland, where we can find a peaceful and safe place. In Western Liang, we can temporarily observe the changing situation and wait for it to become clear and stable. This way, we can both protect ourselves and our families' safety and avoid getting involved in unnecessary disputes and conflicts. I would like to ask for your opinion, Mistress, are you willing to return to our Western Liang homeland with me first? This way, if news of my master arrives, no matter if it's a thousand miles away, I will certainly escort my mistress to reunite with my master, allowing your family to be together again. I will do my utmost to protect your safety and happiness and will not let you suffer any harm."

Madam Lu's face was full of worry, and she said softly, "Alas, in this situation, my heart is truly in a panic, and for a moment, I don't know what to do."

Madam Lu was somewhat swayed, but after much deliberation, she still couldn't make up her mind. Then she turned her gaze to Lu Wan and Lu Yu, slowly opening her mouth and saying, "What do you two think about this?"

Lu Wan secretly thought to herself: As long as I can be with Ma Chao, I'm willing no matter what, but I can't say that directly. So she said in a proper manner, "Mother, I think my junior brother's consideration should be quite thorough. I'll listen to your and my younger brother's opinions."

Lu Yu, on the other hand, like a little adult, said seriously, "Mother, this is what I think: as the ancients said, a gentleman does not stand under a precarious wall. We should know how to seek good fortune and avoid misfortune. The situation in Luoyang is so complex and dangerous now, and going to Western Liang with Chao Ge is indeed a feasible option."

After listening to her children's words, Madam Lu pondered for a long time in her heart, finally gritting her teeth and making up her mind, saying, "Alright, then we will listen to you and go back to Western Liang with Ma Chao."

Seeing that Madam Lu had made a decision, Ma Chao felt a slight relief in his heart. However, his gaze involuntarily fell upon Lu Wan. At this moment, he had a thousand words he wanted to pour out, wanting to tell her of his endless longing. But with Madam Lu and Lu Yu present, he could only helplessly suppress these words in his heart, merely giving Lu Wan a deep look, and ultimately did not speak.

Then, Ma Chao got up to take his leave, preparing to arrange the matters concerning their return to Western Liang.

Just as Ma Chao and Dian Wei left the small courtyard, they heard an urgent "Wait a moment" from behind. Lu Wan was seen hurrying out, running quickly. Ma Chao's face immediately lit up with ecstatic joy. He quickly said to Dian Wei, "Jun Ming, you go to the courtyard to guard first. I have something to say to Lu Wan." After Dian Wei understood and left, the two lovers finally reunited.

Lu Wan's eyes were slightly red, and her voice carried a hint of a sob and longing: "These past few months, I've missed you every single minute and second, and I've been hoping every day that you would return soon."

Ma Chao also gazed at her deeply, his eyes full of love and longing: "And I, too. Every day and night in Western Liang, your image was in my mind, and my longing for you never stopped."

Lu Wan recalled the changes she had experienced during this time, and a wave of lingering fear welled up in her heart. She said somewhat tremblingly, "Suddenly encountering such changes, with the capital in chaos, and our house surrounded, I was really scared. I was so worried I would never see you again."

Ma Chao lovingly held her tightly in his arms, gently comforting her, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. Now I'm by your side, and I won't let you be startled again."

When mentioning their imminent return to Western Liang with Ma Chao, Lu Wan's heart was filled with joy and anticipation. She said softly, "I'm so happy to be able to go back to Western Liang with you, and I'm really looking forward to our future life."

Ma Chao was also full of joy, holding her tightly and saying, "Me too. Being able to travel with you fills me with anticipation for the days ahead."

The two of them long expressed their heartfelt feelings, fully conveying their deep affection and longing for each other. After a long while, a deep look of worry appeared on Lu Wan's beautiful face again. She gently parted her red lips and slowly said with deep concern, "There has been no news from father for a long time. I am truly worried about him."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao quickly held her hand tightly, comforting her with tenderness and firmness, "My master has always been meticulous in his thoughts, and he also has Senior Brother Gongsun Zan's White Horse General as his personal guards. In my opinion, there shouldn't be any major problems. Moreover, I have a sufficient foothold and self-preservation ability in Western Liang. If my master truly encounters danger, I will definitely rush over at the first opportunity to safely escort him back. You don't need to worry so much anymore."

Then, Lu Wan sighed softly and continued, "Although I have been confined to this small courtyard, I occasionally hear the soldiers outside discussing some things, such as Cai Yong marrying off his daughter, Cai Wenji's marriage."

Ma Chao was slightly stunned at first upon hearing this, looking somewhat surprised. Lu Wan's face was full of pity, and she gently shook her head, saying with much emotion, "I truly feel for Cai Wenji Meimei. Someone as ethereal as Cai Wenji Meimei was married off so hastily. I don't know how she feels right now; it really makes me full of worry."

Ma Chao gently tried to console Lu Wan, telling her not to worry too much, while deep in his own heart, a profound longing and worry for Cai Wenji unconsciously welled up, and complex emotions slowly spread within him.