There was no trace of panic on Zhong Yao's face, "I wonder, General, how old is this year?"
"Huh?" Ma Teng was a little surprised when Zhong Yao asked him this question, but he still answered patiently, "I am sixty-seven years old this year."
Zhong Yao smiled and said, "The general is already sixty-seven. Although Xiliang's soldiers and horses are brave, but the people are poor, how many years can the general resist the imperial court?"
"Last time, you formed an alliance to attack Guanzhong, but lost your troops and generals, and rushed back in despair. Does the general think that the imperial court cannot destroy you?"
Last time? Haha, the last time I was bewitched by Yiji to attack Guanzhong, but Cao Cao didn't even come. It was just two partial armies of 100,000 people and a few generals who defeated the Xiliang princes and returned!
However, thanks to this, Ma Teng and Han Sui unanimously used troops against the small princes in Xiliang. Now they are the only two left in Xiliang!
Ma Teng's face turned ugly, "What on earth do you mean?"
"The Prime Minister intends to call the general to serve as an official in the court! The court will support the development of Xiliang and improve the livelihood of the people of Xiliang! The general's descendants can control Xiliang forever!" Zhong Yao said seriously.
"Father, no, this must be Cao Cao's conspiracy!" Ma Chao was the first to stand up and object.
Zhong Yao smiled at Ma Chao and said, "This is Mr. Ling, Ma Mengqi, who is known as Jin Ma Chao, right?"
"With such a fiery temper, after the general passes away, will the people of Xiliang still have a way to survive in his hands?"
"If even the people's support is gone, then Xiliang will collapse first without the imperial court sending troops, right?"
"It's not that the Prime Minister is incapable of killing the general, it's just that he can't bear it! When the war ends, the people will suffer after all! I hope the general will think twice!"
Zhong Yao's face was full of sincerity when he spoke. After speaking, he bowed deeply to Ma Teng.
Ma Teng moved his mouth, but finally closed it again.
Zhong Yao is right, he knows what his sons are like.
Ma Chao has a strong character and is brave in martial arts. He does not take anyone seriously. If he succeeds to the throne, he will either drive the people of Xiliang to death, or he will not be Cao Cao's opponent, or even Han Han.
Sui's opponent.
The second son, Ma Xiu, and the third son, Ma Tie, were also warriors, but their bravery was not worth mentioning.
Ma Dai has a good personality, he is calm and capable, and he can listen to advice. Unfortunately, he is just his nephew. Not to mention that Ma Xiu and Ma Tie are not convinced.
Ma Chao will never allow anyone to compete with him for his position! He is the eldest son and the bravest among his sons!
"Well, if I really go to the court, can the Prime Minister ensure that my Ma family will be rich and prosperous for the rest of my life?" Ma Teng is also a sensible person. If I go to the court, then there is no need to think about anything else.
Xiliang is definitely in Cao Cao's pocket. It would be great if the Ma family can live and enjoy wealth!
Zhong Yao was overjoyed, "The general is General Fubo. After Ma Yuan, why is it important to be rich and powerful? The prime minister still wants to reuse the general."
"If the general goes to the imperial court, he will definitely be reused by the prime minister and restore the glory of his ancestors!"
(General Fubo Ma Yuan, the founding hero of the Eastern Han Dynasty and the right-hand man of Emperor Guangwu!)
Seeing that Ma Teng really wanted to enter the imperial court, Ma Chao couldn't help but became anxious, "Father, no, if you go to the imperial court, Cao Cao will definitely kill you!"
Ma Teng pondered for a moment and said, "I brought my second son, Ma Xiu, and my third son, Ma Tie, to the court to see His Majesty and the Prime Minister. I hope the Prime Minister will not break his promise!"
Zhong Yao bowed deeply and said, "The general is wise!"
Ma Teng finally decided to join the court as an official. He felt that by joining the court, relying on his prestige in Xiliang and the bravery of his sons, he might not be unable to gain Cao Cao's important use.
Standing up and walking to Ma Chao, Ma Teng said sternly, "Meng Qi, dad is doing this for the Ma family. Don't blame dad. If the prime minister really wants to use the Ma family, I hope you can be summoned to come to court."
"Meng Qi, if something happens to my father in the Central Plains, you will inherit my father's inheritance, but don't avenge my father!"
"I leave Ma Dai and Pang De with you. They will help you wholeheartedly. Don't resort to violence, but be kind to the people you govern."
"Your character is too upright. You must learn to be diplomatic, keep your emotions and anger hidden, and think more about the causes and consequences of your actions. Otherwise, Sun Ce will serve as a warning."
After saying the last words, Ma Teng burst into tears, patted Ma Chao on the shoulder, and stared at Ma Chao fiercely, as if he was afraid that he would forget his son's appearance in the future.
Faced with Ma Teng's almost last words, and his father's care and teachings to him before he left, even a man as upright and rough as Ma Chao was so excited that it was difficult to suppress his excitement.
"Father!" Ma Chao howled sadly and knelt in front of Ma Teng, "Father, don't worry, you must take care of yourself!"
He helped Ma Chao up and looked at Ma Chao's red eyes. Ma Teng scolded, "Don't cry, a man. There is nothing to cry about. If your father is gone, you are the backbone of the family. Even if you die, you must hold on."
My Ma family!"
"My child obeys!"
Ma Teng calmed down his emotions, turned around and said to Zhong Yao, "Let me pack up. We will set off to the Central Plains today."
Zhong Yao smiled and said, "The general and his son have a deep love for each other. How dare I urge you? It's okay to stay for a few more days. I'm not in a hurry."
Ma Teng actually raised his hand to Zhong Yao and said, "Thank you very much."
On November 13, the 14th year of Jian'an, Ma Teng was conquered by Cao Cao and went to court to see the emperor!
Cao Cao made Ma Teng a Weiwei, and his son Ma Chao a partial general. He replaced Ma Teng in commanding the troops and stationed them at the same place. He also made his son Ma Xiu the Fengche Commandery and Ma Tie the Cavalry Commander, along with the rest of his family members.
Moved to Yecheng.
Liu Xie said expressionlessly, "It's exactly what the Prime Minister played."
"I thank your Majesty, long live my emperor, long live, long live!"
Cao Cao stood up, walked to Ma Teng, and helped him up personally, "Your Majesty is very pleased that Brother Shoucheng (Ma Teng's nickname is Shoucheng) can join the imperial court. The imperial court will also have a lot of help!"
"Your sons are all brave and good at fighting. The imperial court will definitely use the Ma family. In the future, Brother Shoucheng and his family will definitely be able to recreate the glory of Ma Fubo (Ma Yuan)!"
"Alas, I am nothing more than a rough border and a rogue in troubled times. How dare I be so favored by the Prime Minister." Ma Teng is more than eight feet tall (more than 1.8 meters) and has a huge body. Standing in front of Cao Cao, he bowed vigorously!
(As a side note, Cao Cao was more than seven feet tall, only about 1.6 meters tall.)
"Hahaha." Cao Cao grabbed Ma Teng's hand and laughed, "Brother Shoucheng, these words are out of context. We also formed an alliance to fight against Dong in person. I have heard before that Shoucheng has a virtuous character and is well-received by others.
Respect, it’s true.”
(Ma Teng was also on the Eighteenth Route to fight against the Dong princes, but he was far away in Xiliang and did not come to join the alliance.)
Ma Teng continued to bow and said, "The Prime Minister is truly magnanimous, and I admire him endlessly."
Cao Cao pulled Ma Teng and walked out of the palace, "Okay, brother Shoucheng, let's not compliment each other. Since you are determined to join the imperial court, I will not treat the Ma family badly."
"If there is an opportunity in the future, I will reuse your Ma family. I am not just talking to you to appease you, but I really have this idea."
"It will be good for you and me if you serve the imperial court well, restore the glory of your ancestors in the past, and help Gu Gu unify the world."
Seeing Cao Cao's serious look, Ma Teng really surrendered. He broke away from Cao Cao's hand, knelt down and knelt down and said, "I would like to thank you, Prime Minister, for your kindness!"
Cao Cao smiled and stepped forward to help Ma Teng up, "What are you doing? Get up quickly. I have prepared a banquet for you in the Prime Minister's Mansion. They are waiting for us to sit down. Let's go quickly!"
"But it depends on the Prime Minister's arrangement."