Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

From that day on, whenever Ma Chao had time, he would visit Cai Yong and Guan Ning. In his interactions with them, Ma Chao constantly absorbed knowledge and broadened his horizons.

Through Cai Yong and Guan Ning's introductions, Ma Chao had the good fortune to meet several renowned Confucian scholars, including the Confucian masters Zheng Xuan and Song Zhong, and the highly respected Qiao Xuan. These scholars, rich in knowledge, were like shining stars, illuminating Ma Chao's path to knowledge.

In his interactions with these great scholars, Ma Chao actively participated in academic discussions, demonstrating his solid academic foundation and unique insights. His agility and profound understanding of the classics earned him the admiration of the scholars.

Ma Chao excelled in the examinations by the great scholars. He responded to a variety of questions with ease, his answers clear and coherent. His talent and knowledge were universally praised.

Zheng Xuan praised Ma Chao: "This boy is very talented and will become a great man in the future." Song Zhong also said: "Ma Chao has a deep understanding of the classics, which is rare." Qiao Xuan spoke highly of Ma Chao's character and personality.

Ma Chao felt deeply that his efforts had been recognized, and he was grateful for the guidance and teachings of the great scholars. He knew that this was a precious treasure on his path to growth and the driving force that kept him moving forward.

--split line--

After interacting with great scholars and promoting himself in various occasions, Ma Chao became famous in Luoyang in a short time. People in the streets and taverns were talking enthusiastically about this talented young man who came from the border of Xiliang to study.

People were buzzing with talk about Ma Chao. In the bustling market, merchants were busy going about their business while excitedly chatting with each other.

"Have you heard? That Ma Chao, despite his young age, is incredibly talented. He's truly rare!"

"That's right. It is said that he studied under Mr. Lu Zhi and was highly praised."

"I really want to meet this talented young man in person and see what makes him so extraordinary."

People on the street also expressed their envy and yearning for Ma Chao.

“It would be great if I could have such talent!”

"He came from the border of Xiliang and must have gone through a lot of hardships to achieve such success."

The students in the academy were full of admiration and envy for Ma Chao.

"He is very knowledgeable. We should learn from him!"

"It would be great if I could discuss knowledge with him!"

Even the dignitaries in the city had heard of Ma Chao's reputation and expressed their desire to make friends with this talented young man.

"If I can use such talents, they will surely achieve great things."

"Arrange a banquet and invite Ma Chao to come. I want to meet him in person."

Ma Chao's name was widely circulated in Luoyang and became a hot topic of discussion. His talent and background filled people with curiosity and anticipation.

Amidst this vibrant atmosphere of rising fame, Ma Chao remained unperturbed by the external acclaim and fanfare. He was like a tranquil lake, remaining calm in the face of the surging tide of fame.

Neither the rumors in the streets nor the gossip and envy of others could shake his unwavering determination to study. His heart was like a steady mountain, unwavering in his climb to the peak of knowledge.

In his study, he read volume after volume intently, as if the outside world had nothing to do with him. He immersed himself in the ocean of knowledge, trying to comprehend the wisdom and teachings of the ancients.

In class, he listened attentively to the teacher's explanations, actively pondered, and constantly asked questions, pursuing a deeper understanding. He was not satisfied with superficial knowledge, but longed to truly grasp the essence of it.

Ma Chao knew that fame was fleeting, and true achievement required hard work and strength. Therefore, he was unfazed by fame and instead, he persevered with determination and determination on his path to study.

He believes that only through continuous learning and accumulation can he realize his ideals and ambitions. Beneath this calm exterior lies his dedication to knowledge and his vision for the future.

I don’t know from which day on, Ma Chao has completely bid farewell to the stubborn and fiery Ma Chao in his previous life. I wonder what the ending will be for the current Ma Chao who is not surprised by fame or disgrace and is diligently learning.

--split line--

On a cold morning, Ma Chao, thirsty for knowledge, came to Cai Yong's residence. However, he was told by his servants that Cai Yong was meeting a guest and that he could go to the study to read for a while. So Ma Chao went to the study.

After entering the mansion, Ma Chao slowly walked along the snow-covered path, his feet making a crunching sound. The cold wind howled, shaking the branches and occasionally causing snow to fall.

Just as he was immersed in Cai Yong's rich collection of books, a pleasant sound of piano, like the sound of nature, came into his ears through the whistling cold wind.

Ma Chao followed the sound of the zither to the garden. Inside an exquisite pavilion, a petite woman sat at her zither. Beside her, a plum tree, its blossoms blooming proudly against the snow and frost, complemented her music beautifully.

Cai Wenji was dressed in a pristine white dress, as pure as a snowflake. Her skin was as white as snow, delicate and tender, almost radiant with a crystalline sheen. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, gently brushing against her fair skin, as smooth as silk. Her delicate face, with its picturesque eyebrows and clear, lively eyes, was like two bright stars, gleaming with intelligence and tenderness.

Ma Chao stepped forward, bowed politely to Cai Wenji, and introduced himself, "My name is Ma Chao. I have long heard of Miss Cai's superb zither skills. Today I am honored to hear them, and they truly live up to my reputation."

Cai Wenji smiled and replied, "Thank you for the compliment. Master Ma, are you here to seek advice from your father as well?"

Okay, here are some excerpts that flesh out the conversation between Cai Wenji and Ma Chao, focusing on literature and music:

Ma Chao stepped forward, bowed politely to Cai Wenji, and introduced himself, "My name is Ma Chao. I have long heard of Miss Cai's superb zither skills. Today I am honored to hear them, and they truly live up to my reputation."

Cai Wenji smiled and replied, "Thank you for the compliment, Master Ma. I only have a basic understanding of this. I wonder if you have any knowledge of music?"

Ma Chao smiled faintly and replied, "Although I am not talented, I am quite interested in music. The piece Miss Cai just played was melodious and flowing like clouds and water. It is truly a masterpiece."

Cai Wenji's eyes flashed with joy as she said, "You are absolutely right, sir. This song is one I recently composed, titled 'Snow Plum Blossom'. It evokes the purity of snow and the pride of plum blossoms, and expresses my feelings about winter."

Ma Chao nodded in praise. "Miss Cai is not only an exceptional zither player, but her talent in composition is even more admirable. I'm sure you're also quite accomplished in literature, right?"

Cai Wenji opened her red lips and said, "Wenji loves reading poetry and books, especially poetry. Those beautiful words are like the warm sun in winter, warming people's hearts."

Ma Chao interjected, "I've also read quite a bit of poetry, many of which are profound and moving. Poetry and music are both artistic forms of expressing emotion, and they complement each other."

Cai Wenji agreed, saying, "That's right. Wenji often incorporates poetic imagery into her zither music to more perfectly express her emotions."

The two of them got along better and better as they talked, ranging from ancient poetry and songs to current music styles.

Cai Wenji said: "Today's musical styles are diverse and unique. Wenji is also constantly exploring and innovating, trying to combine different elements to create a unique musical style."

Ma Chao couldn't help but sigh, "Ms. Cai's innovative spirit is truly admirable. I'm sure she'll become a master of music in the near future."

Cai Wenji smiled shyly and said, "My lord, you are too kind. I still have a lot to learn and improve."

The atmosphere of their conversation was harmonious and both of them gained a lot of inspiration from each other's words.

Before we knew it, time had passed.

After Cai Yong finished his conversation with the others, he went to the garden and was delighted to see Ma Chao and Cai Wenji getting along so well. He introduced Cai Wenji to Ma Chao and invited him to visit his mansion often.