Chapter 1205: Taking Advantage of the Situation

Guanyu met Ma Yunlu, who had already changed her clothes, at the post station. When they left the city, no one dared to stop them, though Sima Yi stood silently on the city wall, watching them depart. "So Guanyu went to the Ma family? Interesting," Sima Yi thought to himself.

However, this wasn’t Sima Yi’s main concern. He soon received news that the eldest daughter of the Ma family had run away, and the Chang’an magistrate was assisting in the search.

Meanwhile, Cao Ang, who was taking care of his younger siblings, also received a message from a servant of the Ma family. Cao Ang had visited the Ma family several times and had subtly planted a pawn there. The servant’s task wasn’t dangerous; they simply informed Cao Ang of public events within the Ma family.

Because the job was risk-free and earned the favor of the Cao family heir, the servant didn’t hesitate to notify Cao Ang whenever something noteworthy happened.

"Ma Yunlu ran away from home?" Cao Ang murmured after a moment of silence.

He didn’t use the formal term "Miss Ma." He and Ma Yunlu had grown to appreciate each other’s qualities, though his martial skills didn’t match hers. In most other areas, Cao Ang was considered outstanding. His knowledge of military strategy, influenced by Cao Cao’s strategists, was not exceptional but certainly above average.

"Yes, my lord. Today, General Guan came to propose a marriage between General Zhao and Miss Ma. The master of the house was displeased with the arrangement, and after sending Young General Ma to find her, they discovered that Miss Ma had already run away," the servant reported, head lowered.

"Very well, you may leave," Cao Ang said after a brief pause. He dismissed the servant, knowing that they would be rewarded later.

Once the servant had left, Cao Ang rubbed his temples, finally understanding why Ma Yunlu had always been somewhat distant with him. The reason lay here.

While Ma Yunlu’s departure didn’t exactly break Cao Ang’s heart, it left him feeling somewhat disappointed. After all, he had spent more than ten days trying to build a friendship with her.

[She’s likely gone with Guanyu to Ye City. That sounds like something Ma Yunlu would do. Since that’s the case, I might as well go see her off,] Cao Ang thought, pinching the cheek of his younger brother Cao Zhi before sending him to bed with a servant.

Cao Ang donned his armor and strapped on his sword, then rode out from the front gate of the Cao residence. Though Ma Yunlu’s departure had rendered his efforts futile, he wasn’t angry. Chasing after her was merely a way to seize an opportunity.

Riding his father’s horse, Jueying, Cao Ang galloped through the streets and out the east gate of Chang’an, just as Sima Yi descended from the city walls after watching Guanyu and his group leave.

If not for the time Cao Ang had spent changing clothes and preparing, he might have left sooner, but the timing didn’t really matter—it was all about making the gesture.

Sima Yi squinted slightly as he saw Cao Ang gallop out of the city. He recognized Cao Ang, though the young man usually kept a low profile. What could be the reason for Cao Ang’s urgent departure? Sima Yi furrowed his brow in thought.

[Is Ma Yunlu with Guanyu’s group?] Sima Yi suddenly realized. [So, is Ma Shoucheng trying to form connections with both sides, or did Ma Yunlu run away on her own?]

[I’ve heard that Cao Zixiu has been visiting the Ma family frequently lately, likely seeking Miss Ma’s hand. It seems her departure is genuine. As for Cao Zixiu, has he fallen for her, or has he simply been hiding his true feelings?] Sima Yi stood at the east gate, watching as Cao Ang became a small dot in the distance.

When Guanyu and his group had arrived in Chang’an, they had been pressed for time, so all of them were mounted soldiers—there were no infantry among them. Naturally, their departure was even faster now. With no tribute to carry, their pace was much quicker.

However, they were a group, not individuals, so their speed was limited by the slowest rider among Guanyu’s personal guards. If it had just been Guanyu and Ma Yunlu, they would have disappeared over the horizon long ago.

Cao Ang didn’t ride at top speed either. His horse was fine, and his riding skills were excellent. The reason he hadn’t caught up was simply because he didn’t want to. He was only making a gesture, and seeing Ma Yunlu one last time was just part of that.

"General, the gatekeeper says that Lord Cao left through the east gate," a private soldier from the Ma family reported to Ma Teng.

"What?" Ma Teng exclaimed, before shouting to his soldiers, "Follow me!"

Immediately, Ma Teng led several hundred men out of the east gate, charging down the main road in pursuit. This scene didn’t escape Sima Yi’s notice. After watching Ma Teng’s large force storm out of the gate, Sima Yi stood in the dust, letting out a long sigh.

[I’ve underestimated Cao Zixiu. I didn’t realize he could hide his intentions so well,] Sima Yi thought to himself, watching Ma Teng’s pursuit. He knew exactly what Cao Ang was trying to do.

[It should be about time,] Cao Ang thought as he calculated the timing. With a firm squeeze of his legs, Jueying surged forward like an arrow, galloping down the road at an astonishing speed.

In just a brief burst of speed, Cao Ang caught up with Guanyu’s group. Even before he got close, Guanyu heard the sound of approaching hoofbeats. As the sound grew nearer, Guanyu reined in his horse and turned to face the rider.

Guanyu looked at Cao Ang, who had come alone, and frowned slightly. "Lord Cao, are you here to see us off?"

"Yes, I’ve come to bid you farewell," Cao Ang said warmly. "Is Miss Ma among your group? Could I speak with her for a moment?"

Guanyu cast a cold glance at Cao Ang but said nothing, simply staring at him. Cao Ang smiled calmly in return, showing no sign of fear.

Guanyu inwardly acknowledged that Cao Ang had some skill but did not make way. However, at that moment, Ma Yunlu suddenly appeared at the front of the group.

"So, she’s really here," Cao Ang sighed quietly, as if he had only been guessing, not certain.

"Cao Zixiu..." Ma Yunlu muttered, feeling a headache coming on. She was beginning to understand why Cao Ang had come after her.

"You don’t need to look so troubled. Zhao Zilong is a better match for you, right?" Cao Ang said with a smile. "I just wanted to ask you that."

"Yes," Ma Yunlu replied in a low voice, her tone firm and unwavering.

"Then that’s that. You’ve answered the question that was on my mind. Maybe this is for the best for both of us," Cao Ang said with a smile, though for some reason, Ma Yunlu could sense a hint of sadness in his expression (though she might have imagined it).

Guanyu glanced at Cao Ang, said nothing, and turned his horse to leave. Ma Yunlu hesitated for a moment, as if wanting to say something, but after a brief pause, she followed Guanyu without a word.

"Until we meet again," Cao Ang said softly, collecting his thoughts. For him, this was nothing more than seeing off a friend on their journey.

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