Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The weather gradually shed the unbearable summer heat and quietly entered the refreshing autumn air. That day, Longxi County was filled with tranquility and peace. However, Xu Rong hurriedly arrived to report that an unidentified force had suddenly arrived from outside Longxi County. While their armor wasn't particularly dazzling, their marching formation seemed quite orderly. Xu Rong, cautious as he was, refrained from engaging the enemy rashly, instead hastily reporting the situation to Ma Chao.

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao was instantly intrigued and immediately led his generals to the Longxi border. The two sides faced each other from a distance, the atmosphere tense and suffocating. Ma Chao's men were on full alert, their expressions solemn, while Sun Ce's men on the other side were also on edge, daring not to slack off.

Unable to contain their anxiety, Xu Huang and other generals under Ma Chao rushed to the enemy camp, shouting, "Who are these people? How dare they invade the Longxi territory we protect?" Sun Ce's veteran general, Zu Mao, heard the shout and immediately stepped forward, responding, "Is the commander in front of the camp General Ma Chao himself?" Xu Huang angrily exclaimed, "Don't you know our general's reputation? How dare you invade this place?" Zu Mao quickly explained, "It's a misunderstanding! Generals, please wait a moment until my lord arrives to meet with you and explain." With that, Zu Mao hurried to the front of the camp and reported to Sun Ce, "My lord, Mr. Zhou, it's General Ma Chao and his generals who have arrived."

Upon hearing this news, Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu were overjoyed and thrilled. Without a second thought, they quickly emerged from their tents, mounted their steeds, and galloped to the battlefront like the wind. Sun Ce excitedly shouted, "Brother, it's me! I'm Brother Sun Ce." Zhou Yu followed suit, shouting, "Brother, Zhou Yu has arrived too." Ma Chao's generals stood by, watching, but Ma Chao, overwhelmed with joy, exclaimed, "Don't be suspicious, my two sworn brothers have arrived." Without waiting for his generals to follow, Ma Chao, overjoyed like a child, galloped off. Before they even met, each of them eagerly dismounted and strode towards the other, hugging each other tightly and babbling incoherently with excitement.

Ma Chao reunited with Sun Ce and Zhou Yu after a long separation, his eyes filled with surprise and excitement. He held their hands tightly, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke, "I miss you so much to meet you here! It's been a year or two since we parted in Luoyang. During these countless days and nights, my heart has been filled with you all. Often, in the dead of night, I recall the days when we discussed our ideals together in Luoyang and fought side by side. Those times seem so close to us, yet so far away. Now, your appearance is like a beacon in the darkness, instantly brightening my heart."

Sun Ce's face was filled with excitement, and he spoke in a loud voice, "Brother! Time has flown by since we parted in Luoyang. Over the past year or two, I've missed the days we spent together. Recalling the time we rode together, chatting and discussing everything, it feels like just yesterday. It's truly a great blessing to be reunited here with you!"

Zhou Yu also smiled, his eyes eager as he spoke: "Brother Ma, this reunion is truly a joy. This journey has made me miss the time we spent together even more. Whenever I think of the past in Luoyang, my heart is filled with warmth."

Ma Chao then led his troops back to Longxi Commandery. With a serious expression, he addressed his generals, Xu Huang and Zhang Xiu, saying, "Generals Sun and Zhou are close friends of mine. The soldiers they brought with them have endured hardships and are exhausted. You must be extremely vigilant and properly place these soldiers in the barracks. Provide them with ample food and clean tents, ensuring that every soldier feels our sincerity and care. There must be no negligence. Any mistakes will be punished by military law!"

Afterward, Ma Chao led them back to Longxi County. They arrived at the mansion and set up a banquet. The table was laden with delicious food, and the aroma of fine wine filled the air.

Ma Chao personally filled the glasses for Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, and said with emotion: "My dear brothers, I am really surprised and happy that you can come to this Xiliang land. Let's drink first to celebrate this rare reunion!" The three of them drank it all in one gulp, tears in their eyes.

Sun Ce put down his wine glass and said with a gloomy look, "To be honest, brother, we have come here for help because we are truly desperate. My father was murdered by Liu Biao. Originally, my father and I were pursued by Yuan Shao from Luoyang. We fled all the way and were in a miserable state. After finally escaping, we were ambushed by Liu Biao and our father was killed in battle. Then, filled with grief and indignation, we returned to our territory Changsha, hoping to regroup, but Changsha was stolen by that scoundrel. Now, we are homeless and drifting. In this chaotic world, we are truly at our wit's end. That's why I came to you, brother, and I hope you will take us in."

Upon hearing of Sun Jian's death, Ma Chao was overcome with grief and indignation. He slammed the table, stood up, and shouted, "Uncle Sun has suffered such a misfortune. It is truly heartbreaking! Liu Biao and Yuan Shao are both shameless men. They will pay for this blood debt sooner or later! My dear brothers, do not grieve too much. The dead are gone, and the living must strive for strength. Now that you are here, relax. I am here to protect you and will not let those evil villains go unpunished!"

Zhou Yu also raised his glass and said, "We are deeply grateful to you for your help this time, Big Brother. In the future, we will stand together through thick and thin, and share good and bad times together."

At this moment, Dong Bai, informed by Ma Chao, hurried over. As soon as he entered the room, he shouted to Ma Chao, "Brother Chao, which two are your good brothers?"

Sun Ce was stunned for a moment when he saw a woman with bright eyes and white teeth rushing in. Then he stood up and said, "I am Sun Ce. Who is this girl?"

Zhou Yu understood and bowed respectfully, saying, "Sister-in-law, I am your third brother Zhou Yu."

Dong Bai blushed at being called "sister-in-law," but she didn't deny it. She then said to the two men, "You two brothers have come from afar, so you must rest well. Don't be restrained, just stay as long as you want." Then she said to Ma Chao, "Brother Chao, you two brothers have come from afar, so you must treat them well."

Ma Chao looked at Dong Bai, his eyes full of tenderness and gratitude, and said, "Don't worry, sister Bai, I will make the arrangements."

Everyone sat down again. Dong Bai personally poured wine for Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, saying with a smile, "You've worked hard on the journey. This glass of wine is to welcome you both back home."

Sun Ce and Zhou Yu hurriedly expressed their gratitude and drank the wine.

Ma Chao said, "My dear brothers, please stay here in Longxi for now. We will make plans and find a way out."

Sun Ce nodded and replied, "With my brother here, I feel at ease."

Zhou Yu also said: "Yes, as brothers, we are united and can break iron with strength."

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Sun Ce said with emotion, "After all the hardships along the way, being able to be here with my brother and sister-in-law today is truly a blessing in disguise."

Dong Bai smiled and said, "The days ahead will definitely get better and better, as long as we unite as one."

Everyone talked happily until late at night, then went back to their rooms to rest.

In the following days, Ma Chao, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu planned for the future together, and Longxi also added more vitality and hope because of their reunion.

A few days later, Xu Rong sent another report, saying they had apprehended two men acting suspiciously at the border. They lurked in the bushes near the military camp, their heads popping out from time to time, their eyes darting around, cautiously observing every move within. Their actions were so stealthy that, had Xu Rong not led his soldiers on patrol with exceptional care, they would have likely gone unnoticed.

At the time, Xu Rong was leading a team of soldiers on a routine patrol around the military camp. His sharp eyes were observant, not missing a single unusual sign. As they approached the grass, Xu Rong keenly detected a slight movement and the faint sound of breathing. He immediately signaled the soldiers to remain silent and quietly surrounded them.

Xu Rong suddenly shouted loudly, and the two men panicked and tried to get up and run away. But Xu Rong and the soldiers quickly took action and firmly controlled them. Then they tied them up and took them to Ma Chao's house.

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao became instantly interested. He smiled and said to Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and the others, "This is quite strange. I don't know why these past few days, as if they were worried that I, Ma Chao, would be too bored. First, you brothers came together to get together, and then something else happened. Come with me to see who this person is."

Soon, the two young men were pushed and shoved into the house. Ma Chao was chatting and laughing with Sun Ce and the others at first, but when he saw their faces clearly, the smile on his face suddenly froze and he was shocked.