As the defeated soldiers fled in panic to Han Sui, and the shocking news that Yan Xing was finally beheaded by Ma Chao spread like a storm to every corner of Jincheng Commandery, this news struck Han Sui's heart like a heavy hammer, instantly plunging him into a state of complete collapse.
While deeply pained and regretful over the loss of his son-in-law, he also clearly realized that he no longer had any chance or reliance to turn the tide.
At this moment, Han Sui's heart was filled with endless desolation and despair, and he secretly mused, "I, Han Sui, have experienced countless twists and turns and challenges in my life, how could I end up in such a tragic situation today!"
He understood that what lay before him now was not only the relentless pressure from Che Li Ji but also the fatal, deep-striking blow that Ma Chao was about to launch.
Han Sui's heart surged with intense anger and immense fear.
Han Sui was indeed a typical example of someone who was cunning and ruthless.
Before Ma Chao could come to completely annihilate him, he first put on a pretense, acting as if he was going to fight Che Li Ji to the death.
However, all of this was his conspiracy; he sacrificed most of his troops to attract the attention of Che Li Ji and Ma Chao.
He quietly took his family and a portion of his elite troops and, like a ghost, silently fled far away, disappearing without a trace.
From then on, no one could precisely know Han Sui's whereabouts, as if he had completely vanished from this world.
Han Sui's panicked escape undoubtedly announced to the world that there was no longer any opposing force in Jincheng Commandery that could contend with him.
Before officially meeting with Qiang King Che Li Ji, Ma Chao quickly issued an order, telling his troops to immediately carry the Qiang King Golden Saber, which symbolized friendship, and gallop to Che Li Ji's location.
At the same time, he requested Che Li Ji to restrain his Qiang soldiers from committing brutal acts such as burning, killing, and looting.
Within Jincheng Commandery, regardless of Han Sui's past actions, it was undeniable that he had painstakingly managed Jincheng Commandery.
Ma Chao could not bear to see this relatively intact Jincheng Commandery once again ruthlessly ravaged by soldiers who were overjoyed after their victory.
And when Qiang King Che Li Ji saw the Qiang King Golden Saber, he unhesitatingly chose to trust his brother Ma Chao, and then ordered his troops to set up camp on the spot, quietly waiting for Ma Chao's arrival to meet him there.
Ma Chao made arrangements swiftly and decisively; he quickly directed his soldiers to systematically take over the various defenses within Jincheng Commandery, ensuring that each area was guarded by a dedicated person.
At the same time, he also ordered people to post public notices to the citizens, conveying stability and hope.
For the scattered remnants of Han Sui's defeated army and the captured personnel, Ma Chao displayed tolerance and benevolence.
He ordered that all these individuals be treated favorably, given ample food and water, allowing them to feel warmth and care.
Those willing to join the army, Ma Chao broke the original formations and dispersed them into various units, giving them a chance to start anew and strive for new goals.
As for those unwilling to join the army, Ma Chao did not force them but allowed them to return to civilian life, enabling them to continue living peacefully on this land.
To further stabilize the situation in Jincheng Commandery, Ma Chao also actively recruited young and strong men in Jincheng Commandery.
He promoted the meaning of military service and the responsibility of defending the homeland to aspiring youths, attracting many enthusiastic young men to sign up.
Under his efforts, Jincheng Commandery quickly replenished a large number of new forces; these young and strong men became important pillars for maintaining the stability of Jincheng Commandery.
After a period of effort, Jincheng Commandery finally returned to its former peace and tranquility.
Ma Chao looked at the orderly scene before him, his heart filled with relief.
Subsequently, he immediately reported the victory to Dong Zhuo's Army, transmitting the news of this triumph.
After completing all this, Ma Chao finally breathed a slight sigh of relief; he collected his thoughts before daring to confidently go and meet with Qiang King Che Li Ji.
Ma Chao, leading Dong Bai, Pang De, Zhang Xiu, and a host of other generals and soldiers, excitedly came to meet with Che Li Ji, bringing lambs and fine wine.
Upon seeing Che Li Ji's encampment from afar, Ma Chao could no longer suppress the surging excitement in his heart; he immediately led Dong Bai, Pang De, and Zhang Xiu, leaving the main body of troops, and with just the four of them, and without any attendants, galloped towards the Qiang camp.
The Qiang soldiers in the distance, seeing these four people riding directly towards the camp, immediately stood ready.
At this moment, Ma Chao from afar loudly shouted, "I am Xiliang Ma Chao, here to meet my sworn brother! Please report quickly!"
The Qiang soldiers here dared not obstruct; they quickly put away their weapons and went to inform Che Li Ji, not daring to delay in the slightest, because Che Li Ji had already issued an order that if Ma Chao came, he must be informed in time to greet him.
Upon hearing that Ma Chao had arrived, Che Li Ji, without even tidying his usual attire, rushed out of the tent with Yueji, hastily found two horses, and galloped to the camp entrance to welcome him.
Ma Chao waited patiently at the camp entrance, and when he saw Che Li Ji arrive, the two spurred their horses forward, and before their horses had even fully stopped, they dismounted impatiently and embraced each other tightly.
Ma Chao and Che Li Ji finally met; time seemed to have left its mark on them, and they were no longer the impulsive youths full of passion they once were.
Now, Che Li Ji had become the veritable Western Qiang King, his prestige far-reaching; and Ma Chao, through the Sharpening of years, had grown into an excellent and qualified military general, valiant and spirited.
The two met, their gazes intertwined, their eyes full of emotion and joy.
They greeted each other, their sincere emotions flowing through their words, expressing their deep longing and irrepressible joy for each other.
Ma Chao solemnly said to Che Li Ji, "Brother Che Li Ji, I am endlessly grateful for your assistance this time!"
Che Li Ji waved his hand grandly and replied, "We are brothers, why speak of such things! Don't mention thanks; what you did back then was far, far more than what I've done!"
The two exchanged a smile, then walked into the tent together.
Inside the tent, fine wine and delicious food were already laid out, their aroma wafting.
Che Li Ji proudly shared with Ma Chao, "Brother, my little queen has given birth to a big fat boy, hahaha!" He said, his face beaming with a happy smile.
Ma Chao was also happy for him and replied with a smile, "That's truly wonderful, congratulations, brother!"
Che Li Ji then asked Ma Chao with concern, "And you, brother, how are you now? Have you married and had children?"
Ma Chao heard this, a hint of shyness appearing on his face, and he scratched his head, saying, "I am not yet married, I am still young."
Che Li Ji listened, looking at Ma Chao thoughtfully, a hint of cunning flashing in his eyes.
At this moment, Ma Chao began to introduce Pang De, Zhang Xiu, Dong Bai, and others beside him to Che Li Ji.
Che Li Ji grandly greeted each of them, then enthusiastically said, "You are all heroic figures; today, we won't stop until we're drunk!"
Everyone took their seats and began to drink heartily.
After three rounds of drinks, Che Li Ji quietly leaned closer to Ma Chao, lowering his voice and saying, "Brother, you're not married yet; I think this young lady from the Dong Family is quite suitable for you!"
Ma Chao looked bewildered and asked in confusion, "Where is there a young lady?"
Che Li Ji burst into laughter, pointed at Dong Bai with his hand, and said, "You blockhead, isn't the young lady from the Dong Family right beside you!"
Ma Chao then suddenly realized, looking at Dong Bai, a hint of surprise and embarrassment on his face.
Dong Bai felt a bit shy from their words, blushing and lowering her head.
Che Li Ji continued to tease, "I think you two are quite a match, hahaha!"
Ma Chao was somewhat at a loss for words due to Che Li Ji, while Dong Bai secretly glanced at Ma Chao, a ripple stirring in her heart.
The tent was filled with laughter and joy, and the brotherhood deepened at this moment.
Subsequently, Ma Chao, Che Li Ji, Yueji, and a group of others gathered in Jincheng, enjoying this rare joyful time.
At the same time, they also awaited Dong Zhuo's next command.
Dong Zhuo was very generous with the cities captured by Che Li Ji, stating that they could be handed over to Che Li Ji for management.
However, Che Li Ji shook his head and declined to Ma Chao, saying, "We Western Qiang people are accustomed to hunting; suddenly making us enter cities feels a bit uncomfortable.
Let this city be managed by you, brother!"
And Dong Zhuo also assigned Ma Chao a new task, instructing him to arrange the affairs of Jincheng and meet him in An'ding with Dong Bai.
By this time, Che Li Ji was also eager to return home, as many affairs of Western Qiang were still waiting for him to handle.
Thus, the two reluctantly bid farewell and each embarked on their respective journeys.
At the time of parting, Ma Chao and Che Li Ji embraced tightly, their eyes filled with reluctance and longing.
They knew that after this separation, they did not know when they would meet again.
But they also understood that each had their own mission and responsibility, and they must strive forward for the future.
Ma Chao watched Che Li Ji's gradually receding figure, secretly vowing in his heart that he would definitely fight alongside Che Li Ji again in the future and create brilliance together.