Chapter 1034: The Realization of Growth

Although everything had unfolded as planned, Ma Chao couldn’t feel happy about it. He knew very well what role he had played in the grand scheme.

Despite risking his life in battles and earning the title of Qiang King through hard effort, Ma Chao realized that every step he took had already been carefully calculated by someone else. To put it bluntly, even though Fa Xiaozhi wasn’t by his side, Ma Chao was nothing more than his puppet.

“So this is the wisdom you’re so proud of? It’s truly awe-inspiring.” Ma Chao had come to terms with his thoughts. Now that he sat in this position and reflected on past events, he could see many truths—but what did it matter? Crying and blaming the heavens like a child wouldn’t solve anything.

Understanding all this, Ma Chao’s initial joy at becoming Qiang King quickly faded. His excitement was tempered by the anger of being used as a pawn in someone else’s game.

However, this realization also brought with it maturity. Ma Chao seemed to grow all at once. At least, he wouldn’t underestimate the other heroes of the world anymore. It’s often through setbacks that a true hero is forged—smooth sailing never creates greatness.

“Indeed, only the Central Plains are the land of true strength and wisdom. I now understand the calmness behind Fa Xiaozhi’s smile.”

Ma Chao had fully grasped the path ahead. He didn’t shy away from it. Continuing forward would benefit both the Ma family and himself. He was no longer the boy who needed his family’s protection; rather, he was now the man who had to protect his family.

Heroes, at times, must lower their heads and yield. To fight back in a moment of anger and harm his family’s interests, just to prove his defiance, would be irrational.

Perhaps in the past, before encountering all these schemes, Ma Chao might have simply walked away, risking the destruction of both the Qiang tribe and the Ma family, just to save face. But now, he wouldn’t. He could see the bigger picture.

“You probably knew that I would realize this at some point. You likely anticipated my fury, and you certainly understood that when I fully grasped the burden my father carried for the family, I would make the right choice.”

A myriad of thoughts surged through Ma Chao’s mind, but in the end, just as Fa Zheng had predicted, he followed the path that had been set for him. Sometimes, the human heart leaves only one path to take.

Ma Chao smiled as he responded to the Qiang leaders, then selected several suitable Qiang nobles to accompany him to Chang’an. Whether it was to pay respects, sign treaties, or strengthen the Han Empire’s prestige—it didn’t matter. What mattered was that the outcome was already destined for success.

Xun You observed Ma Chao closely, noticing the subtle changes in his expression. After a few probing questions, it became clear to Xun You that although Ma Chao still maintained his pride, he was consciously trying to temper the sharpness that harmed both others and himself.

Though Ma Chao was still brimming with confidence, the fact that he had become aware of his tendencies—and was working to curb them—was a significant shift.

In simple terms, Ma Chao had suddenly transitioned from a reckless youth, acting only for himself, to someone beginning to carry the weight of an entire family and tribe. Though the change was slow, it was a monumental step.

Meanwhile, in Ye City, Fa Zheng sat casually flipping through a book when thoughts of Ma Chao crossed his mind. He smiled to himself. “I wonder how you feel about the gift I sent you. You’re probably furious, but I imagine you’ve also gained some new insights. The difference between us, Ma Chao, is that I can view the world from an adult’s perspective, while you still can’t think that way.”

Fa Zheng bore no grudge against Ma Chao, simply because his mindset had changed. He viewed things differently now. While there was mockery in his words, Fa Zheng had already moved past the events of the past. His current perspective made those experiences seem trivial.

While he might have felt some resentment at the time, that feeling had long since faded. Now, any actions he took were simply a matter of convenience. When Fa Zheng had seen the expression on Ma Chao’s face—so reminiscent of his own naive self from years ago—he understood exactly what Ma Chao was lacking.

“Xiaozhi, do you know how one makes a boy grow up?” Fa Zheng’s mind replayed a teasing remark from Guo Jia.

“Xiaozhi, either by giving him a heavy burden to bear, or by letting him make a grave, irreversible mistake—or by showing him that his greatest enemy is far superior to him. Any of these will cause a person to change drastically, revealing whether they are destined to be a dragon or a worm.”

Fa Zheng remembered Guo Jia’s words as he slowly raised his hand, gazing at the lines on his palm. The heaviest burden he had ever carried was the trust placed in him by others. Whether serving as Chancellor of Qi or commanding the campaigns in Yu and Xu Provinces, all were plans supported by those who had faith in him—even plans in which he himself lacked confidence.

The most significant shift in Fa Zheng’s mindset had occurred during that time. While he had acted with carefree abandon during the Yu Province campaign, it was also when he had felt the greatest pressure. He even had to use various means to relieve that burden.

“Ma Chao, after this experience, you will mature significantly. If you continue to hold onto that self-centered mindset, refusing even to make the necessary efforts to adapt, you will inevitably harm both yourself and those around you.”

Fa Zheng’s face held a mocking smile. This was the last time he would offer guidance before Ma Chao officially joined Liu Bei’s cause. Whether Ma Chao understood it or not didn’t matter to Fa Zheng. He had only felt the need to repay an old favor to the Ma family.

Thus, not long after Ma Chao ascended to the position of Qiang King, he set off under the guidance of Xun You to visit the Emperor in Chang’an. The plan was to officially sign a series of treaties with the Han court.

For Cao Cao, this was excellent news. Both he and the Emperor warmly received Ma Chao, the Qiang King, along with the leaders of the Qiang tribes. As Ma Chao had anticipated, a series of favorable agreements were signed.

The Ma family also received generous rewards, and the relationship between Cao Cao and Ma Teng improved significantly. Ma Teng’s bond with Han Sui grew even closer. Everything was developing exactly as Fa Zheng had predicted for Ma Chao.

Of course, all of this remained secret for the time being. At least until the Xianbei invasion was dealt with, Cao Cao wasn’t foolish enough to reveal all his cards.

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