Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1224 The Wedding Date Approaches: The Marriage Alliance Between Ma and Cao

After Cao Cao's army set off, the general's mansion in Qiao County became somewhat quiet, but Cao Ang was extremely busy, as he had to prepare for the trip to Chang'an to fetch his bride. His father had taken most of his relatives and generals with him, and those who could accompany him were only his peers such as Xiahou Ba, Xiahou Shang, and Cao Shuang, all around fifteen or sixteen years old, eager to try their luck.

On this day, his three younger brothers, Cao Zhi, Cao Zhang, and Cao Chong, gathered around him, their eyes sparkling.

"Brother, take us to Chang'an!" Cao Zhi shook his arm and said in a refined manner, "I've heard that Chang'an now has many libraries and a flourishing literary atmosphere. It would be a good opportunity to go and see for ourselves."

Cao Zhang patted his chest and said, "I'll go protect my brother! If there's anyone in Xiliang who doesn't know what's good for them, I'll knock them down with one punch!"

Even the youngest, Cao Chong, looked up and said, "I want to see what the Young Lin Army looks like."

Cao Ang was somewhat troubled. Taking so many teenagers on the road would likely cause a lot of trouble. Just as he was hesitating, Madam Ding came out and said with a smile, "Ang'er, since your younger brothers want to go, then take them along. They're usually bored in Qiao County, so it'll be good for them to see the world in Chang'an. Besides, with your father on the expedition, they'll be left unsupervised at home. With you, their eldest brother, looking after them, I feel at ease."

Cao Ang nodded: "In that case, you can all come along, but you must listen to me on the way and not cause any trouble."

"Great!" The three younger brothers cheered, and even Xiahou Ba and the others jumped for joy. Who wouldn't want to go to Chang'an to see the excitement?

Cao Pi stood alone to the side, remaining silent, his face still bearing that composed expression.

Cao Zhi couldn't help but ask, "Second Brother, why aren't you going? Chang'an is so lively!"

Cao Pi looked at Cao Ang and said calmly, "Father is away on a campaign, and elder brother is going to fetch his bride. Someone has to stay behind at home. Qiao County is our foundation, and it can't be left unattended."

Cao Ang was taken aback, then a thought struck him. He had always thought his second brother was reserved, but he hadn't expected him to be so thoughtful. Looking at Cao Pi's calm eyes now, he even saw a resemblance to his father.

He stepped forward, patted Cao Pi's head as he had when they were children, and said with a smile, "Good, Pi'er has grown up and can take on responsibilities. I'll leave the family to you. I'll be back soon."

Cao Pi nodded slightly, said nothing more, and simply watched Cao Ang lead his group of jubilant younger brothers away.

On the day of departure, the area outside Qiao County was packed with people. Cao Ang, dressed in a brocade robe, rode a white horse, followed by Xiahou Ba, Cao Shuang and other young men, and then Cao Zhi, Cao Zhang and Cao Chong, who were jumping and skipping. The procession was grand and impressive, resembling a joyous envoy.

Cao Pi stood atop the city wall, watching their departing figures until they were no longer visible, before turning and descending the wall. He did not return to his residence, but went straight to Cao Cao's study, where he usually handled military affairs. On the desk lay piles of documents he had not yet finished reading; he needed to take advantage of his elder brother's absence to sort them out.

A spring breeze swept across the city walls, carrying warmth, yet also stirring the hidden thoughts in the young man's heart. The bustling departure of Cao Ang and his group of brothers to Chang'an, contrasted with the quiet solitude of Cao Pi remaining in Qiao County, were like two parallel lines, quietly extending in different directions. No one knew what kind of mark this seemingly ordinary separation would leave on the years to come.

On the way to Chang'an, Cao Ang looked at his cheering younger brothers and was filled with anticipation. He not only wanted to marry the girl he loved, but also wanted to show his brothers that Xiliang was not as barbaric as rumored, and that Ma Chao was not the "hero" his father described.

In Chang'an, a spring breeze swept across Zhuque Street, carrying the faint fragrance of flowers and the aroma of wine. The ancient capital, still celebrating the recent events of late February when Ma Chao took Sun Shangxiang and Cai Wenji as concubines, was engulfed in jubilation by another grand wedding: Ma Yunlu, the eldest daughter of Xiliang, was about to marry Cao Cao's eldest son, Cao Ang.

Ma Chao is currently enjoying great success. He has Dong Bai as his principal wife, followed by several concubines: Zhang Fubao, Zhang Qiying, Zhen Mi, Gongsun Rou, Sun Shangxiang, and Cai Wenji. What Ma Chao did not expect was that Cai Wenji was also a virgin. After all, when she married Wei Zhongdao, it was under the pretext of bringing good luck. Wei Zhongdao was already seriously ill at the time, so they did not consummate their marriage. This made Ma Chao feel even more affection for Cai Wenji.

Inside the Liang Prince's mansion, red silk fluttered everywhere, and brocade curtains and embroidered screens exuded a festive atmosphere. Ma Yunlu sat upright in front of her dressing table, her face as beautiful as a peach blossom in her wedding robes, but she blushed with embarrassment as her sisters-in-law surrounded her.

"Your wedding dress is so beautiful, little sister. When Young Master Cao sees it, he'll be so happy he won't be able to speak," Zhang Qiying teased with a smile, reaching out to brush the gold thread embroidery on the hem of her skirt.

Sun Shangxiang, with her cheerful disposition, patted her shoulder and said, "Our Yunlu is both scholarly and martial, a perfect match for Cao Ang. Just be careful not to let them bully you when you get to the Cao family. Tell your older sister later, and I'll stand up for you!"

Cai Wenji smiled gently and handed over a mirror: "Look, sister, your eyebrows and eyes are drawn just right, both charming and heroic. No wonder the King always says that our young lady is the most beautiful woman in Chang'an."

Mentioning Ma Chao made Ma Yunlu's cheeks burn even hotter. She had been close to this elder brother since childhood, and now, seeing him surrounded by beautiful wives, she herself was about to become a wife. She felt both anticipation and a little reluctance.

"Sisters-in-law, please stop teasing me," she said reproachfully, burying her face in her handkerchief. "If you keep making a fuss, I won't get married."

"This is unacceptable!" Gongsun Rou quickly grabbed her. "The Cao family is already outside the city. If they find out that we bullied the bride, Cao Zixiu will bring his troops to demand an explanation."

Everyone burst into laughter, and even the maids serving nearby couldn't help but purse their lips.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door, and Ma Chao walked in, dressed in a brocade robe, followed by Dong Bai.

"Alright, stop teasing her." Ma Chao looked at his sister's shy expression, his eyes full of laughter. "Cao Ang's troops have already set up camp outside the city and will come to pick up the bride first thing tomorrow morning. Is everything prepared?"

Ma Yunlu stood up and bowed, saying softly, "Everything is settled. Thank you for your trouble, brother."

Dong Bai stepped forward and gently smoothed her hair: "Don't worry, sister. Once you're in the Cao family, live a good life. If you miss home, come back to Chang'an. This will always be your home."

Ma Yunlu nodded, her eyes slightly warm.

Ma Chao looked around at everyone, his tone becoming somewhat solemn: "Cao Ang is a steady man, but Cao Cao..." He changed the subject, "Never mind, let's not talk about that today. Yunlu, remember, no matter what, Xiliang will always be your support. If anyone dares to bully you, your brother will stand up for you."

Ma Yunlu nodded vigorously, her unease dissipating considerably.

At this time, Chang'an was already deserted. People crowded the streets, waiting to witness the grand wedding procession of the Cao family the next day. In restaurants and teahouses, storytellers were enthusiastically recounting the story of the "Cao-Ma marriage alliance," saying it was an omen of "stopping war and building a prosperous nation," drawing cheers from the audience.

As night fell, lights shone in Cao Ang's camp outside the city. Just after dinner, a personal guard announced from outside: "Young Master, Generals Ma Xiu and Ma Tie request an audience."

Cao Ang quickly got up to greet them, and saw the brothers Ma Xiu and Ma Tie, dressed in casual clothes, walking in with smiles on their faces.

“Brother-in-law,” Ma Xiu said with a cupped hand and a smile, “My elder brother heard that the young master has arrived outside the city, so he specially sent the two of us to deliver a message.”

"What brings you two here? Come in, come in." Cao Ang politely offered you seats.

Ma Tie continued, "My elder brother said that his current status makes it inconvenient for him to come to the camp in person, but he wants to make sure my sister's wedding is grand. A wedding hall has already been prepared in Chang'an City, so why don't you invite my brother-in-law and everyone accompanying you to enter the city tonight and rest, and hold the wedding at the Liang Prince's Mansion tomorrow? After the wedding, stay for a while before setting off back to Qiao County, so that my sister can spend more time with her family."

Cao Ang felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing this. He had already felt that his father was away fighting and it would be difficult for him to properly manage things upon returning to Qiao County, so Ma Chao's arrangement was clearly well-intentioned. He immediately cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kindness, elder brother. I will follow your arrangements."

Xun You, standing to the side, frowned slightly. He had come with the group to "welcome" the bride according to custom, but now that the wedding was to take place in the bride's home, it seemed like he was marrying into the family, which was somewhat inappropriate according to etiquette. But then he thought again, Ma Chao was the King of Liang, holding a large army in Xiliang, and Cao Cao was currently fighting against Lü Bu, so he needed to stabilize Xiliang and it was really not appropriate to worry about such details.

Furthermore, given Ma Chao's current power, a marriage alliance between the Cao family and him would indeed be seen as "marrying up." A grand wedding in Chang'an, once news of it reaches the Central Plains, would actually highlight the Cao family's close ties with Xiliang, which would be beneficial in the war effort. Besides, Cao Ang has already agreed; if he were to object further, he would appear to lack common sense.

"What does Mr. Xun think?" Cao Ang asked, noticing a slight change in his expression.

Xun You composed himself, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty's hospitality is too kind to refuse. We will follow Your Majesty's arrangement. However, we need to send someone on horseback back to Qiao County to inform your wife, so that she will not worry."

“Of course,” Matthew said with a smile. “I have already arranged for carriages and horses. Brother-in-law, why don’t you all come into the city with me? The taverns and inns in the city have all been arranged, and I guarantee that you will have a comfortable stay.”

Cao Ang nodded in agreement and turned to instruct Xiahou Ba and the others to pack their belongings. Cao Zhi, Cao Zhang, and the other young men cheered with excitement upon hearing that they were going to enter the city, their curiosity already simmering.

In the darkness of night, the city gates of Chang'an remained open, and red lanterns hung from the drawbridge, stretching into the city like a winding fire dragon. Cao Ang and his entourage followed Ma Xiu and Ma Tie through the city gates. Although it was late at night, many people still stopped to watch, pointing and whispering with smiles on their faces.

"It seems the people of Chang'an all know about this marriage," Cao Zhang whispered to Cao Ang.

As Cao Ang gazed at the city lights, a strange feeling suddenly arose in his heart. This marriage alliance between two powerful warlords might truly bring a moment of peace to this chaotic world, just as the people hoped.

The Liang Prince's residence had already vacated a side hall, refurbished it, and prepared it specifically to receive Cao Ang and his entourage. Ma Xiu and Ma Tie settled everyone in, and left a few maids to guide them before taking their leave.

Inside the tent, Xun You gazed at the moonlight outside the window and whispered to Cao Ang, "My lord, after the wedding tomorrow, we must send someone to deliver the news to our lord as soon as possible. Ma Chao's move is both a gesture of goodwill and a declaration to the world of the relationship between our two families. Our lord should make preparations as soon as possible."

Cao Ang nodded: "What you say is true, sir. I will arrange for people to set off tomorrow."

As night deepened, the hustle and bustle of Chang'an gradually subsided, leaving only the rustling of lanterns in the wind. The red silk of the Liang Prince's mansion shimmered softly in the moonlight, as if foreshadowing that tomorrow's wedding would become another starting point for shaking up the world's格局 (geju, a concept encompassing overall situation, overall dynamics, and overall destiny). Cao Ang, immersed in joy, was unaware of the unspoken calculations and expectations hidden behind this seemingly perfect marriage.