Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu embarked on a long journey to Xiliang. When Ma Chao returned, he was greeted by a touching scene of joy and anticipation from his entire family.

Ma Teng strode forward impatiently, grasping Ma Chao's hands tightly. His eyes were filled with excitement and concern, and he said in a trembling voice, "My son, this journey is long. I have lost my appetite and sleepless nights these past few days. I am constantly worried about you, fearing that something might happen to you."

Ma's mother was already in tears, her voice choked with sobs as she caressed Ma Chao's face lovingly: "Son, have you suffered so much out there? Your heart is always hanging in the air, hoping that you can return safely."

Ma Yunlu ran to Ma Chao like a cheerful little bird, a bright smile on his face. He said excitedly, "Brother, I knew you would return safely. I've been thinking about you every day during your absence."

Ma Xiu and Ma Tie also hurried over. Ma Xiu said with anticipation in his eyes, "Brother, we have been looking forward to your return like the stars and the moon. You don't know that without you, the family feels cold and lonely, and lifeless." Ma Tie nodded repeatedly and continued, "Yes, brother, your return has filled the family with laughter and joy again."

Ma Chao looked at the familiar, concerned faces of his family, his heart filled with warmth and emotion. He smiled and reassured them, "Father, Mother, brothers and sisters, don't worry. I'm fine. This trip, while not without its setbacks, has also been very fruitful. My sworn brothers, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, are also here."

Afterwards, Ma Chao joyfully and proudly introduced Sun Ce and Zhou Yu to his parents and family.

Sun Ce bowed, his eyes firm and sincere, and he spoke in a resonant voice, "Uncle and aunt, I am Sun Ce. My brother is brave and fearless, and a chivalrous man. It is a great honor for me to have known you. If you need me in the future, I will do my utmost to help you."

Zhou Yu smiled and said politely, "Thanks to your care and trust, I am deeply honored to meet you all today. May our friendship be as deep and enduring as the vast land of Xiliang."

Ma Teng laughed heartily and waved his hand: "Okay, okay! I heard Chao'er mention you two earlier. You are both members of my Ma family. Come in and have a rest. Let's have a good chat."

Everyone walked into the house happily and lively together, and an atmosphere of warmth and joy filled the entire courtyard.

After Ma Chao had properly arranged for Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, he turned to Ma Teng and the others and said, "Father, please, I'll trouble you and your family to accompany Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. I need to go and pay my respects to Master's wife."

Ma Teng nodded and said, "Don't worry, Chao'er, I'll take care of it here."

Ma Chao looked at his father with gratitude, then hurried away, heading towards his master's wife's residence with anticipation and a little nervousness.

With a nervous and anxious heart, Ma Chao slowly came to the door of his master's wife. He straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and then solemnly knocked on the familiar door. The door opened slightly, and the master's wife's familiar face, but with a bit of vicissitudes, appeared in front of him. The master's wife's eyes instantly burst into surprise and relief. She hurriedly welcomed him into the house, took his hand, and said with concern: "Chao'er, it's been a long time since we last met. You are finally here! You must have suffered a lot these days running around outside. You look thinner." Ma Chao hurriedly bowed respectfully, his voice gentle and respectful: "Master's wife, how are you? I am doing well, please don't worry about me. But are you still strong?"

After a warm exchange of greetings, the Master's wife's expression gradually grew sad. At the mention of Master, tears fell like beads from a broken string. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "Chao'er, I wonder how your Master is doing over there. My heart feels like it's been scratched by a cat all day long. I haven't had a moment's peace." Ma Chao felt a pang of pain at the sight of his Master's wife's grief-stricken expression. He quickly reached out and patted her on the back, softly comforting her, "Master, don't be too sad or worried. Master has always been strong and resolute, and he'll surely be able to handle any difficult situation appropriately. This disciple has come here specifically to escort your family to reunite with Master. I believe you will soon be able to reunite with him and share the joy of family."

After comforting his master's wife, Ma Chao, filled with anticipation and joy, could not wait to see his beloved Lu Wan. The moment Lu Wan saw Ma Chao, tears welled up in her eyes, and the endless pain of longing seemed to be pouring out from her tears.

The two hugged each other tightly, as if they wanted to melt all the thoughts they had since their separation into this affectionate embrace. Ma Chao did not hide his time with Dong Bai in Longxi County during his conversation with Lu Wan. When Lu Wan heard this, her body trembled slightly, and a trace of hard-to-disguise loss flashed across her face. But after just a moment, she cheered up, forced a gentle smile, and whispered: "Brother Chao, I know that you are kind-hearted, upright, and charming. It is understandable that Miss Dong Bai is in love with you. I don't want to cause jealousy because of this love affair and put you in a dilemma. As long as there is always a place for me in your heart, I will be satisfied."

Lu Wan's words were like a warm current, yet also like a heavy hammer, deeply touching Ma Chao's heart. He grasped Lu Wan's hand tightly, as if it were the most precious treasure in the world, and with a firm and affectionate gaze, he said, "Wan'er, your tolerance, generosity, and deep affection make me feel ashamed. Don't worry, I, Ma Chao, swear here that I will cherish and protect you for the rest of my life, and never let you suffer even the slightest injustice or heartache."

Ma Chao and Lu Wan spent some time alone, sharing their innermost feelings. Then he turned to his master's wife and said respectfully, "Master's wife, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu have returned to Wuwei with me this time. Back then, they studied at your house, and even Wan'er and Lu Yu studied with them. I hope you can join us. The banquet is about to begin, so please come along so they can meet you."

The Master's wife nodded slightly, a gentle smile on her face, and said, "Chao'er is so thoughtful. If that's the case, then the Master's wife will go."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao's eyes flashed with joy, and he hurriedly said, "That's great. Master's wife, please come this way."

As they spoke, they arrived at the banquet hall. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, seeing their teacher's wife approach, quickly stood up, their eyes filled with excitement and joy, and strode forward. Sun Ce's steps were eager and powerful, while Zhou Yu's posture was graceful, yet it couldn't conceal the turmoil within. They saluted together, their voices filled with deep affection: "Teacher's wife, how are you? It's been many years since we last met, and you're still as charming as ever. We miss you so much!"

The master's wife smiled and nodded, "Please sit down, everyone. Don't be so polite."

Lu Wan and Lu Yu also stepped forward. Tears glistened in Lu Wan's eyes, and her voice choked with emotion. "Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, I never thought we'd meet again here!" Her gaze darted between Sun Ce and Zhou Yu's faces, as if she were trying to instantly recapture those lost years. Lu Wan bit her lip, trying to suppress her excitement.

Lu Yu's face was also full of joy. He bowed and said, "It's been many years since we last met. How are you two brothers?" His eyes were full of nostalgia for the past and cherishment of the current reunion.

Sun Ce laughed heartily, his laughter filled with the joy of reunion: "Everything is fine with us, but I often miss the time when we studied together in your mansion. In those days, we discussed knowledge together and played together. Thinking about it now, it seems like yesterday!"

Zhou Yu was also filled with emotion. He gently waved his folding fan and said slowly, "Yes, those days were simple and beautiful. We continued to grow under the guidance of Mr. Lu Zhi. It is so exciting to meet again now. This must be fate sent by heaven, allowing us to meet again in this distant Wuwei."

For a moment, the banquet hall was filled with the joy and emotion of a long-awaited reunion. The sounds of laughter and chatter mingled, as if bringing the past back to the present moment. They immersed themselves in this warm and exciting atmosphere, their hearts filled with memories of the past and hopes for the future.

Halfway through the banquet, Ma Chao stood up solemnly and told his parents that he planned to stay for a few days. He then said goodbye to his parents and escorted his master's wife, Lu Wan and Lu Yu to Chang'an to reunite with his master.

Upon hearing this, Ma Teng frowned slightly. Although he wanted to stop him, he sighed after a moment of silence. He knew that the child had grown up and had his own opinions and ideas, and should not be restricted too much.

However, when Ma's mother heard this, she was completely unable to accept it, and tears instantly filled her eyes. Her voice trembled as she cried, "In the past few years, Chao'er has either been studying away from home, busy on the long road to study, so absorbed in learning that he has no time to take care of the family; or he has been leading troops to fight outside, fighting bravely on the battlefield, with his life and death unpredictable. He really hasn't had a good time at home. Now that we're finally reunited as a family, it's not too late to spend the Spring Festival at home before leaving. Besides, Sister Lu is here, we have a deep friendship and get along harmoniously, how can I bear to let you leave suddenly? Moreover, look at the weather outside, it's freezing cold, the wind is like a knife, there are wind, frost, rain and snow all the way, and there are many difficulties and obstacles. How can you bear it? At least we have to wait until after the Spring Festival, when spring comes and the flowers bloom, the roads are unobstructed and the weather is pleasant, then it's not too late to set off back." As Ma's mother spoke, she wiped the tears that kept rolling down her face with a handkerchief. Her eyes were filled with tears, and she looked very distressing. Her words were full of reluctance and deep concern.