Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao was absorbed in his enriching academic journey, and before he knew it, the New Year was drawing near. For the past few days, heavy snow had fallen. After a brief period of clearing, the nobles of Luoyang flocked out of the city to explore the snow and search for plum blossoms.

Lu Wan gathered a group of young women and planned to go out for a snowy outing. She thought that Ma Chao was a skilled martial artist, and that if he were to go with them, their safety would be better guaranteed. So, she approached Ma Chao.

Lu Wan smiled and said to Ma Chao, "Junior brother, the snowy scenery has been beautiful lately. My sisters and I would like to go out of town and enjoy the snow. I wonder if you could come with us and keep us safe?"

Ma Chao raised his head and looked at Lu Wan, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes. He was worried that it would affect his academic progress.

Lu Wan seemed to see through his thoughts and quickly said, "Junior brother, my good junior brother, don't worry, I won't take up too much of your time. Besides, this snow-walking trip is also a rare opportunity to relax."

Ma Chao thought for a moment, nodded, and agreed to Lu Wan's request.

He said seriously, "Okay, I will go with you, but on the way, you must obey my instructions and not act on your own."

Seeing that Ma Chao finally agreed, Lu Wan immediately cheered: "Wow, junior brother agreed! Then I will make an appointment with him, and he will come to be our guard tomorrow!" Ma Chao also smiled helplessly, shook his head and continued to read the art of war in his hand.

Lu Wan ordered the servants to arrange for the carriage and supplies for the trip. Then, she hurriedly called the sisters to gather for a lively discussion. The two daughters of the Qiao Xuan family, Xiao Qiao, chirped like a sparrow, "Haha, that's great! I really want to meet Ma Chao soon! I wonder if he's as formidable as Lu Wan says!" Da Qiao, smiling gently beside them, said, "Come on, Xiao Qiao, don't get so excited! You might damage your voice."

Hey, our Cai Wenji is a lady from a noble family, she has always been well behaved. Thinking of seeing Ma Chao again tomorrow, her face flushed, and she said softly: "I am looking forward to seeing Ma Chao too."

A group of young ladies gathered together, and the topic of discussion was Ma Chao. Lu Wan's face was filled with joy, and she playfully said to the sisters, "My junior brother is absolutely perfect! He's so good, so handsome, and so talented!" The other sisters had never met Ma Chao and were skeptical. Xiao Qiao blinked her eyes and asked, "Is he really that good? Lu Wan, you're not bragging, are you?" Da Qiao smiled and said, "Lu Wan wouldn't lie." Only Cai Wenji had met Ma Chao, and she had a very good impression of him. Cai Wenji nodded gently, agreeing with Da Qiao.

The young sisters were happily discussing and planning what clothes to wear, how to dress up, and how to look gorgeous and beautiful.

Xiao Qiao danced with joy and said, "I'm going to wear my pink dress and a cute bow. It will definitely make Ma Chao's eyes light up!"

Da Qiao smiled and said, "I still like the fresh and elegant style, so I'll wear that white long skirt."

Cai Wenji blinked her big eyes and said softly, "I want to wear that blue dress. I will look very quiet."

Lu Wan said with a smile: "Haha, we must dress up nicely and let Ma Chao see our style!"

At night, the lights in Ma Chao's room were bright. He stood tall and straight in front of the window, his eyes calm and deep, staring silently at the endless darkness outside the window, his heart full of thoughts.

Ma Chao went to look for the butler and asked, "Old man, have you prepared all the supplies for tomorrow's trip?"

The butler (replying respectfully and firmly, though with a hint of nervousness in his heart): "Young Master, rest assured! I have carefully prepared everything you need, just as you requested. Food, water, and tents are all available, ensuring a worry-free trip."

Ma Chao (nodding slightly, still a little worried, deciding to check it himself to feel at ease): "Well, well done. However, I still need to check it myself to make sure there is nothing I missed."

After saying this, Ma Chao began to meticulously inspect each item of supplies. He gently opened the bag, carefully checking the type and quantity of food, and carefully shook the water bottle to confirm it was full. He then meticulously checked the quality of the tent, not missing a single detail.

Ma Chao (after completing the inspection, a satisfied smile appeared on his face, his tone full of affirmation): "Old man, the supplies are very well prepared this time. You did a great job!"

The housekeeper (who felt relieved upon hearing the young master's praise, a pleased smile on his face) said: "Thank you for the compliment, young master. It is my honor to serve you. In the future, I will redouble my efforts to provide you with even better service."

The next morning, a bitter cold blanketed the land, creating a bleak atmosphere. Lu Wan stood in the yard, her breath quickly condensing into a white mist in the chilly air.

She arranged for the housekeeper to load all kinds of supplies onto the truck. The housekeeper was busy directing the servants and maids, who were moving back and forth in the cold wind, their steps hurried but orderly.

Early the next morning, severe cold enveloped the earth, and the whole world was shrouded in a layer of icy atmosphere.

Lu Wan was methodically arranging things in the courtyard. Ma Chao stood by, his eyes filled with doting. He gently picked up a snow-white cloak, walked over to Lu Wan, and gently put it on her.

Ma Chao said softly, "It's so cold, don't catch a cold."

Lu Wan turned to look at Ma Chao with a shy smile on her face. "I'm not cold, but you have to be careful since we have to travel soon."

Ma Chao: "Don't worry, I'm fine. In the winter in Xiliang, the heavy snow can freeze livestock to death. Xiliang men are not afraid of the cold. But you, I'm afraid you won't be able to stand going out in such cold weather."

Lu Wan looked at Ma Chao with emotion: "With you here, I'm not afraid of anything."

Ma Chao smiled and said, "Don't worry too much about this trip. I'll take care of everything."

Lu Wan nodded: "I believe you. But you need to be more careful on the way."

Ma Chao comforted him, "Don't worry, I will protect you and everyone else."

Lu Wan looked at Ma Chao and suddenly said softly, "Thank you."

The cold wind howled, making people's clothes rustle. The servants were tightly wrapped in cotton clothes, and the maids covered their faces with thick headscarves, revealing only their bright eyes.

At the city gate, the other two groups had already arrived. Lu Wan watched from afar through the carriage curtains, a surge of anticipation and excitement welling up in her heart. She urged them to move forward quickly, and Ma Chao rode his horse, leading the group toward the city gate.