Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

As they sailed along, the scenery on both banks changed constantly. Sometimes they saw verdant mountains shrouded in mist, and other times they encountered shallow beaches and reeds growing in abundance. In his spare time, Ma Chao would either discuss matters with Xu Shu and Lu Su in the cabin or lean on the railing at the bow to gaze into the distance, watching seagulls chase the waves and listening to the sound of the waves lapping against the boat, his heart filled with countless emotions.

That day, the fleet reached a wide section of the river where the current became swifter. The north bank was steep, with the words "Wujiang" carved into the riverbank in powerful strokes. Ma Chao stared at the cliff and suddenly stopped. Looking at the surging waves of the Wujiang River, he seemed to see the scene of yesteryear through the water. He turned to Gan Ning and said, "Xingba, do you remember that year in this area? Back then, we were complete strangers. You were still a chivalrous hero on the river, while I was being chased by Zhang Ying's navy with Zijing and Gongming, with nowhere to run."

"It was right then that you led your fleet out to attack." Ma Chao smiled, his eyes gleaming. "Your brocade sails shone brightly in the sun, and your iron chains swung as if they had eyes, targeting the enemy ships' vital points. Your battle cries were even fiercer than Zhang Ying's men. I thought to myself, whose hero is this, descending like a divine warrior?"

He patted Gan Ning's arm, the force neither too light nor too heavy: "Later, when I jumped onto your boat, I saw you were soaking wet, your brocade robe was torn, and you were still grinning. Back then, I never imagined that we would become brothers fighting side by side."

The river breeze lifted Ma Chao's cloak. He gazed at the receding shoreline in the distance and said softly, "Sometimes I think about it, the fate in this chaotic world is really strange. If it weren't for your 'meddling' that day, I, Ma Chao, would probably be a skeleton at the bottom of the Wujiang River long ago. There would be no King of Liang today, and no situation that we have fought our way out of."

Gan Ning was a little embarrassed by what was said, scratching his head and chuckling: "Your Majesty, what you say is true. Back then, I just felt that the scene was frustrating, and anyone in that situation would have lent a hand. Besides, you are a hero, a radiant figure, and people can't help but want to worship you!"

Ma Chao laughed loudly, his laughter mingling with the sound of the river waves and carrying far: "Get lost, get lost! Don't try to be as glib as that Xu Huang! You saved my life back then, and now we're adventuring together. I'll remember this kindness for the rest of my life."

As soon as Ma Chao finished speaking, Xu Huang, who was standing next to him, was beaming with excitement. He grinned and patted Gan Ning on the shoulder, his tone teasing: "Old Gan, you can't learn this trick of mine!"

Gan Ning's face flushed at his words, and he glared at him, deliberately putting on a stern face. "Old Xu, I think you're only mildly seasick. You've just recovered and you dare to tease me? Do you want to go back to the side of the boat and get some fresh air so you can remember how you were so nauseous this morning?"

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter. Xu Shu covered his mouth and chuckled, Lu Su shook his head and smiled, and even Dong Bai and Zhang Fubao couldn't help but cover their lips with handkerchiefs. Xu Huang choked and touched his nose, chuckling, "You win! But seriously, you really wielded that chain with incredible skill back then. I still remember how Zhang Ying's face turned as green as the reeds by the river when you smashed the enemy ship's mast with one chain."

Gan Ning then proudly raised his chin: "Of course! The skills of my Jinfan Army are not just empty words."

The laughter grew even louder, and the breeze on the river seemed to carry warmth. Ma Chao looked at his brothers joking around, and then at the shimmering waves in the distance. The lingering emotions he felt for the past had transformed into a sense of peace and joy in the present moment—in the midst of chaos and upheaval, having such a group of people by his side meant that even the greatest storms could be weathered.

Another day of sailing had passed, and dusk was approaching. The great river shimmered under the setting sun, and Wu County drew ever closer. The mountain shadows on both banks grew increasingly familiar. Ma Chao gazed at the mountains he had once traversed alongside Sun Ce, and the smile on his face gradually faded. The shouts of battle still seemed to echo in his ears. Sun Ce had fought alongside him, but now, his old friend was far away.

As he approached Wu County, the mountains and forests where the Yue people had once hidden became clearer. He remembered the woman, as bright as spring, their hasty yet sincere marriage in the Yue territory, and how she would always smile and say, "My husband, when the world is at peace, let's plant a peach orchard at the foot of the mountain." Though their time together was short, she bore him a child and even gave her life to save Sun Ce's infant son. She gave everything for him, and he… even now, it still burned a deep ache in his heart.

A river breeze carrying moisture brushed against Ma Chao's cheeks, causing his eyelashes to tremble slightly. Two clear tears silently slid down, landing on the boat deck and leaving a small wet patch.

Those around him had already noticed his melancholy and tacitly kept quiet. Even Gan Ning and Xu Huang, who were usually the most talkative, became serious. Dong Bai quietly stepped forward, gently took his arm, and said in a voice as soft as the mist on the river: "My lord, the past cannot be reconciled. If she sees you like this, she will surely feel sorry for you."

Ma Chao took a deep breath, raised his hand to wipe away his tears, and looked at the city walls gradually appearing in the distance. He said in a hoarse voice, "Let's go. There are still brothers here, and there is still a road to travel."

The river breeze remains the same, the sails flutter, carrying heavy memories and undiminished faith, as the boat continues its journey forward.

Finally, in the morning mist, the outline of Wu County gradually became clear. The city walls were faintly visible in the hazy morning light, and the outline of the dock was getting closer and closer. Ma Chao looked at that familiar waterway, his heart filled with mixed emotions—this was the most crucial base he had built when he and Sun Ce pacified Jiangdong together.

The fleet slowed down, intending to land at Wuxian Wharf as previously planned. Gan Ning had already traveled ahead by fast boat last night to send back news of his arrival today. Looking into the distance, the wharf was indeed bustling with people, clearly indicating that preparations had been made in advance.

Even before the ship had fully approached, a commotion could be heard coming from the direction of the dock, mixed with familiar laughter. Ma Chao squinted and saw many figures standing on the shore. He could vaguely recognize the outlines of the leaders; it was Zhou Yu, with Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao beside him. Behind them were Ling Cao, Jiang Qin, and other old acquaintances from Jiangdong. On the other side were Sha Moke and the four generals of the Mu family. The soldiers on the dock were busy going about their business, but there was no sign of panic, clearly indicating that they had been well taken care of.

"It seems Gongjin and the others have been waiting for a while," Xu Huang said with a smile, his tone warm and familiar.

Ma Chao nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across the dock, as if he could see again the scene when he and Sun Ce landed here years ago—the dock back then, though not as well-organized as it is now, was full of youthful vigor, the two of them standing at the bow of the boat, vowing to ensure that the people of Jiangdong would never again be ravaged by war. Many years have passed in the blink of an eye, things have changed, but the water at this dock still flows quietly.

The moment the boat touched the dock, before the gangplank was even firmly in place, Ma Chao couldn't contain himself any longer. He stepped onto the swaying edge of the boat and shouted towards the familiar figure on the shore, "Gongjin!"

Before he finished speaking, he had already leaped down, oblivious to the splashing water wetting his trousers, and strode towards Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu's eyes were already red, and he quickly stepped forward to meet him. The two brothers embraced fiercely in the middle of the dock, their strength so great that it seemed as if they wanted to meld each other into their very bones.

“Brother…” Zhou Yu’s voice trembled violently, his hands wrapped around Ma Chao’s back gripping his clothes tightly, “You’ve finally returned…”

Ma Chao loosened his grip slightly, placing his hands on Zhou Yu's shoulders. His gaze swept over Zhou Yu's thin face and noticeably sunken collarbones. His Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice tightened: "Gongjin, how did you become so thin? Is it... has it been too hard these past two years?" He raised his hand, his fingertips gently stroking the dark circles under Zhou Yu's eyes, his eyes filled with tenderness. "You've suffered so much."

Zhou Yu shook his head, then nodded, and finally couldn't hold back his tears: "You are the one... When I heard that you were in danger in Chang'an, I was restless day and night, and Bo Fu was also... This has been dragged down by the war..." He choked up and smiled, "It's good that you are alright, it's good that you are alright."

Ma Chao pulled him closer to his chest, patting his back to comfort him: "I'm tough, I won't die. But you, look at the dark circles under your eyes, have you been staying up late again?"

Mentioning the past, Zhou Yu's eyes darkened. He raised his hand to wipe away his tears and looked at Ma Chao: "Brother, do you still remember? Back then, the three of us swore brotherhood in Luoyang, promising to pacify this chaotic world together..."

“I remember.” Ma Chao’s voice also lowered, his fingertips trembling slightly. “How could I forget? Bo Fu, he…”

"Brother!" Zhou Yu took a deep breath, suppressing his surging emotions. "Bo Fu's great revenge remains unavenged; he has been watching over us from heaven, and I have been waiting for you. We two must ensure that Bo Fu's spirit can rest in peace!!!"

Ma Chao hugged Zhou Yu tighter, resting his chin on the top of his head, his voice thick with nasal tone: "Yes, I will. I have come here to find out the truth about Bo Fu's life and death. Gongjin, from now on, with me here, I will no longer let you bear it alone."

A river breeze swept by, ruffling their robes. The people on the dock silently retreated, unwilling to break the bond that mingled with longing, heartache, and ties. The two brothers' embracing figures, reflected in the shimmering water, seemed to transform back into the three spirited youths of yesteryear. Only now, one familiar figure was missing, replaced by a profound weight of experience and mutual reliance.

The two brothers embraced for a long time before Zhou Yu calmed down and patted Ma Chao on the back. At this moment, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao stepped forward. Xiao Qiao, with a smile in her eyes, spoke first, "Brother, you've had a long and tiring journey. Let's go back to the city and rest first. We can talk about everything in detail when we get back." She turned her gaze to Dong Bai and the others and said gently, "My sisters-in-law have also worked hard. The lodgings have been prepared. Please go and freshen up and settle in."

Ma Chao turned his head and saw Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao standing to the side, both dressed in simple clothes and light makeup, yet their beauty was still undeniable. Back in Chang'an and Luoyang, the group often traveled with Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, discussing poetry amidst apricot blossoms and light rain, riding horses under the willows of Ba Bridge. Those carefree days seemed like yesterday.

Da Qiao was much more silent than usual. She took a step forward, bowed slightly, and said in a voice as soft as willow catkins in the wind, "Brother." As soon as she finished speaking, her eyes were already red.

Ma Chao's heart sank. He thought of the hardship Da Qiao had endured after Sun Ce's death, and he raised his hand to support her, his voice heavy: "Da Qiao, you've suffered so much."

He stepped aside and said to Dong Bai, Zhen Mi, and the others, "These are Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, they're all family." He then introduced them to Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, "These are Dong Bai, Zhen Mi, Zhang Fubao, and Gongsun Rou."

Dong Bai and the others quickly greeted him, and Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao returned the greeting, their expressions softening.

Xiao Qiao looked at Ma Chao and asked softly, "Brother, how are Sister Lu Wan and Sister Wenji doing now? Back in Luoyang, we often went outside the city to listen to her play the zither. Do you remember?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao's face warmed: "Don't worry, they are all doing well in Chang'an. It's just that the journey is long, so I'll leave them in Chang'an to take care of my parents and save them from the hardship of the journey. We'll definitely meet again when you go to Chang'an another day."

Xiao Qiao smiled, a look of relief in the fine lines around her eyes: "That's good. I was worried about them..." She swallowed her words halfway through, only saying, "Let's hurry into the city, a bunch of children are also thinking about their brother."