Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

During his time as a student under Lu Zhi, Ma Chao worked diligently every day, rising at dawn to study classics and practice martial arts. During the day, he would practice martial arts with Lu Yu and hone his skills.

The teacher's wife was a gentle and kind woman who took great care of Ma Chao. Whenever Ma Chao encountered difficulties in his studies, the teacher's wife would always patiently give him guidance and encouragement.

The weather was getting colder, and the master's wife gave Ma Chao a warm cotton coat and told him with concern: "Ma Chao, the weather is cold, so keep warm and don't catch a cold." Ma Chao felt very warm in his heart, and he knew that the master's wife's concern was so sincere.

When Ma Chao encountered a bottleneck in his martial arts and felt depressed, his master's wife would gently pat his shoulder and comfort him, saying, "Don't be discouraged, my child. There will inevitably be setbacks on the road of cultivation. As long as you persevere, you will definitely make a breakthrough." His master's wife's encouragement helped Ma Chao to regain his spirits.

Every day, the master's wife would prepare sumptuous meals, and the family would eat and chat enthusiastically. Ma Chao could feel the master's wife's care for him like family.

Ma Chao also respected his master's wife very much. He would take the initiative to help her do things within his ability to express his gratitude.

The Master's wife was as caring and attentive as a loving mother, and although Lu Yu was only ten years old, he was a quiet, honest, and selfless young man. He was usually serious and did things in a very strict and methodical manner. It seemed that Xiao Xiao had learned a lot from the Master's demeanor.

Lu Wan, who was forced to be the senior sister, was twelve years old. She was cheerful, free-spirited and eccentric. As the daughter of Lu Zhi, a man admired by all the people in the world, she was brought up as a lady from a noble family. She was polite and well-mannered in front of others, but in private she was a little clever and always liked to tease Ma Chao and Pang De.

One day, Pang De arrived from the military camp and was practicing martial arts with Ma Chao in the courtyard. Lu Wan came up with a plan to play a trick on this honest and simple brother.

Lu Wan quietly walked behind Pang De and suddenly shouted, "There's a snake!" Pang De was so scared that he jumped up and almost dropped the sword in his hand to the ground.

Pang De turned around and saw that it was Lu Wan who was teasing him. He smiled helplessly: "Senior Sister, don't scare me."

Lu Wan winked mischievously and said, "Who made you so easy to fool?"

After a while, Lu Wan took advantage of Ma Chao's inattention and put a small insect in his teacup. When Ma Chao was thirsty and picked up the teacup to drink water, he found the small insect in the cup and was immediately surprised.

Ma Chao looked at Lu Wan's mischievous smile and knew that it was another prank of hers, so he could only shake his head helplessly.

However, Ma Chao and Pang De were not angry. They knew that Lu Wan was just having fun and had no ill intentions.

Although Lu Wan's teasing made Ma Chao feel helpless, it also brought a lot of fun to his life. Although Pang De didn't come often, he was completely subdued by Lu Wan and had no way to deal with this eccentric little sister.

……

Lu Wan: "Junior brother, how many stars are there in the sky?"

Ma Chao: "Oh, how should I know? These stars have as many questions as you do."

Lu Wan: "Haha, Junior Brother, what you say is really interesting. But I wish I could shine like a star."

Ma Chao: "You are already shining brightly, just like the brightest star."

Lu Wan: "Really? Then I have to work harder and shine even brighter."

Ma Chao: "Don't be too dazzling, or you might blind others."

Lu Wan: "Haha, then I will restrain my light a little and only illuminate my junior brother."

Ma Chao: "Stop talking so much and go practice your skills."

Lu Wan: "Junior brother, when I have mastered the peerless martial arts, I will take you to the martial arts world."

Ma Chao: "Okay, then I'll wait for you to protect me."

Lu Wan: "Don't worry, Senior Sister, I'm here, no one dares to bully you."

Ma Chao: "Then I'm counting on you, Senior Sister."

……

Ma Chao and Lu Wan often helped each other in their studies. Sometimes, when Ma Chao encountered difficulties understanding poetry or prose, Lu Wan would patiently explain the meaning to him, helping him grasp the underlying meaning. And when Lu Wan practiced her swordsmanship, Ma Chao would observe, pointing out her shortcomings and offering advice.

In daily life, Lu Wan would carefully remind Ma Chao to pay attention to some details, such as tidying up his appearance and keeping the environment clean, etc. Ma Chao would take the initiative to lend a hand when Lu Wan needed physical work, showing his strength and bravery.

Once, Lu Wan was accidentally injured and unable to walk. Ma Chao took the initiative to take care of her, bringing her food and medicine and caring about her recovery.

In the process of helping each other, Ma Chao and Lu Wan's relationship became closer. They were not only senior and junior brothers from the same school, but also each other's mentors and friends.

Since Ma Chao's arrival, the family has cared for each other and has become happier and more harmonious. Lu Zhi has devoted all his efforts to teaching Ma Chao, imparting all his life's knowledge to him. He even rarely attends gatherings with old friends.

After finishing his shift that day, Lu Zhi was anxious to go back and check on Ma Chao's studies. However, he was held tightly by his old friends Cai Yong and Guan Ning, who refused to let him go and insisted on going to the wine shop with him to drink.

Entering the tavern, I was met with a clamor of activity. The air was thick with the aroma of wine, mingled with the sounds of laughter. Lu Zhi, Cai Yong, and Guan Ning sat around a square wooden table, upon which lay several jugs of fine wine and a few dishes of appetizers.

The walls of the tavern were slightly yellowed from cooking smoke, and the floor was covered with slightly worn wooden boards that creaked underfoot. A few dim oil lamps hung from the ceiling, their flickering light illuminating the entire space.

Cai Yong was dressed in a blue shirt and had a smile on his face. His brows revealed a sense of elegance, and his voice was loud and clear, attracting the attention of those around him.

Guan Ning, dressed in plain cloth, looked calm and reserved. He sat there quietly, listening to Lu Zhi's words, occasionally interjecting a word or two, his words concise and powerful.

Cai Yong jokingly said, "Brother Lu, have you taken a new concubine? Even your old friends have become distant?" Lu Zhi's face flushed slightly, and he feigned reserve and retorted, "Brother Yong, please don't make fun of me. My heart is entirely focused on Ma Chao. How could I have the heart to take a concubine?"

Guan Ning chimed in, "Haha, Brother Lu, stop keeping us in suspense and tell us about Ma Chao!"

Lu Zhi's eyes flashed with pride, and he smiled and said, "Ma Chao is a handsome and majestic boy, with a face as beautiful as jade and eyes as bright as stars. He is not only born with supernatural strength and superb martial arts, but also diligent and studious, and possesses both wisdom and courage."

Cai Yong questioned, "Brother Lu, words alone are not enough. Is Ma Chao really as good as you say?"

Guan Ning also agreed, saying, "Yes, Brother Lu, we are very interested in meeting Ma Chao and seeing how outstanding he is."

Lu Zhi smiled confidently and said, "If the two of you meet Ma Chao, you will surely praise him highly."

They drank and talked, and the atmosphere was very lively.

Before he knew it, night fell, and Lu Zhi finally remembered that he had to go home to check on Ma Chao's studies. He said goodbye to Cai Yong and Guan Ning and left in a hurry.