Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao sat majestically atop the Horse King Aurora, his presence imposing and heroic. He stood tall, like a towering mountain. His face was handsome, his features as distinct as a sculpture. His eyebrows were thick and sharp, like ink, and when raised slightly, they exuded heroism and courage. His eyes, glittering like the brightest stars in the night sky, were deep and piercing, as if they could see through everything. His high nose bridge resembled the undulating lines of a mountain, its lines firm and flowing. His lips, slightly raised, held a hint of a smile, conveying both unbridled pride and a touch of gentleness. His broad forehead and brows revealed an innate heroic aura that captivated everyone. Clad in a magnificent brocade robe, his sleeves flowing, he looked like a celestial being descending to earth. A white jade crown, shimmering and dazzling, rested on his head. In his hand, he wielded a tiger-head spear, its sharp edge gleaming with a chilling cold. With a sword slung across his waist, he exuded a majestic and heroic air. His attire, coupled with his handsome and charming facial features, captivated the women present, their gazes fixed on him, unable to shift.

Even as Ma Chao and his team approached, the women remained stunned, the maids whispering amongst themselves. Lu Wan lifted the carriage curtain and giggled, "Look at you, you crazy idiots! Your eyes are almost popping out of your heads!" The young women blushed with embarrassment and quickly closed the curtains. The convoys merged into one team and set off.

Even though he went outside Luoyang City, Ma Chao was still worried. After agreeing to Lu Wan, he informed Pang De, and Pang De was already waiting outside Luoyang City in the early morning.

The destination of this journey was Mount Zhou, twenty miles west of Luoyang. While not very high, the scenery was exceptionally beautiful. According to legend, King Ling of Zhou was buried there.

This trip was exclusively for women, so we chose this mountain, as we couldn't have chosen a higher peak. As we walked, snowflakes fluttered down like dancing silver butterflies. The ground, blanketed in snow, was a pristine white, like a fairytale world.

The legend surrounding Mount Zhou is also fascinating. Legend has it that during the reign of King Ling of Zhou, the country prospered and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment. After King Ling's death, the people chose the scenic Mount Zhou as their burial site, hoping to give him a peaceful and tranquil rest.

While admiring the beautiful snow scene, the women listened to the legend of Mount Zhou, their hearts filled with respect and curiosity for the mountain.

After leaving the city, the carriages and horses slowly advanced, and the roads were now deserted. By the foot of Zhou Mountain, the number of carriages along the road had suddenly increased. It turned out to be the nobles of Luoyang, taking advantage of the beautiful moment after the heavy snow had cleared, specially coming to enjoy the snow. The nobles strolled leisurely in groups of three or four, their demeanor remarkably relaxed and at ease. Meanwhile, the servants and maids were bustling about, setting up tents and preparing food.

Ma Chao arrived, escorted by a group of carriages and horses. His handsome and heroic presence instantly captivated the surrounding women. Their gazes seemed fixed on him, unable to shift. Some of the more daring women, unable to contain their excitement, spoke loudly and flirtatiously.

A woman in brocade clothes appeared, her face as rosy as a peach, her cheeks rosy. She raised her willow-shaped eyebrows slightly, and said with her red lips: "Oh, this young man has sword-like eyebrows, star-like eyes, a nose like a hanging gallbladder, and a face like a jade crown. He is so handsome, could he have walked out of a painting?" Hearing this, Ma Chao frowned slightly and thought to himself: "These women only care about appearances, how superficial."

Another woman, dressed in gorgeous clothes, gently waved a folding fan in her hand, her eyes flickering as she smiled sweetly, "Wow, such a majestic and extraordinary man, so handsome, like an immortal. Are you married yet?" Ma Chao remained expressionless, staring straight ahead, thinking disdainfully, "What business has marriage had with you?"

There was also a charming woman, blinking her bright eyes, tilting her head slightly, her face filled with a bright smile, and she said crisply, "Excuse me, young man, would you be willing to enjoy this snowy scene with me?" Ma Chao's mouth twitched slightly, and he sighed helplessly in his heart, "How unreasonable! I have important things to do, how can I have the leisure to enjoy the snow with you?"

A bold and uninhibited woman, with her hands on her hips, exclaimed with great joy, "Such a dignified appearance! I am truly captivated by it!" Ma Chao gave her a cold glance, thinking to himself, "All show, no substance."

Another charming woman, with seductive eyes and a gentle touch of hair, said in a coquettish voice, "Hey, my dear, you have red lips and white teeth, and are as handsome as Pan An. You are even more beautiful than the flowers in Luoyang City!" Ma Chao's face became increasingly gloomy. He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, and a trace of annoyance rose in his heart. "Don't bother me! Don't interfere with my mission."

"Look at his eyes and eyebrows, so handsome, I wonder if he is married?" An elegant woman, standing tall and graceful, said softly: "If I can marry a man like this, I will have no regrets in my life!" Ma Chao was indifferent, his eyes were firm and cold.

Ma Chao dismounted with graceful, swift movements, carefully assisting Lu Wan out of the carriage. Lu Wan, dressed in a pale pink dress draped over a snow-white cloak, was as delicate and captivating as a plum blossom in full bloom on a winter's day. Her skin was as white as snow, delicate as silk, and as soft as mutton-fat jade. Her eyebrows were as radiant as distant black, gently outlining a beautiful arc; her eyes were bright as stars, gleaming with intelligence and cunning. Her lips were naturally red, and the corners of her mouth were slightly raised in a playful smile. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, fluttering gently in the breeze, exuding a delicate fragrance.

Lu Wan had a sly smile on her lips as she thought to herself, "Hehe, this junior brother is really popular. So many women are attracted to him. But seeing him so embarrassed is really interesting. Well, I want to see how he will deal with these women's teasing." So, she blinked her smart eyes and joked, "Junior brother, look at so many women who are attracted to you. Aren't you very proud? Hehe, if you have someone you like, I can introduce you to someone!"

Xiao Qiao also got off the carriage. Her big, watery eyes sparkled with mischief. She covered her mouth with her hands and chuckled softly, her voice as clear and melodious as a silver bell: "Brother Ma Chao, you must choose carefully. We sisters are all waiting!"

Da Qiao smiled gently, her eyes filled with warmth as she softly said, "Master Ma Chao, if you have someone you like, don't be shy, just speak up."

Cai Wenji seemed to have thought of something, looked at Ma Chao shyly without saying anything.

Ma Chao's face flushed slightly at the teasing. He shook his head helplessly, grinning bitterly. He thought to himself, "These women are so difficult to deal with! I'm just doing my job as an escort. I don't have any reason to dwell on this." However, a subtle embarrassment flickered in his eyes.

When the other women saw these beautiful women getting off the accompanying carriage, they stopped teasing them and just silently sent their maids to find out which families these men were from.

The maids received orders from their master and gathered together, whispering to each other.

They gathered in a circle, heads bowed, whispering softly, their faces filled with curiosity and excitement. Some of the maids covered their mouths with their hands, afraid of making too much noise; others blinked and glanced in the direction of their masters from time to time.

In this lively atmosphere, the young lady from the Lu Mansion was particularly eye-catching. She stood in front of everyone with a proud look on her face, introducing Ma Chao's identity to the other maids in a clear and loud voice.

She raised her head slightly with a proud smile on her face, as if Ma Chao's identity was her most precious treasure.

"Do you know that the young man's name is Ma Chao? He is now a very famous figure in Luoyang! He is our master's direct disciple!" The little girl's words were full of respect and admiration for Ma Chao.

The other maids listened attentively, their eyes gleaming with envy.

"Is he really as powerful as the legend says?" a maid couldn't help but interrupt.

The little girl nodded proudly and continued, "Of course he is amazing! His talent is unmatched!"

The maids all exclaimed in surprise and said that they had heard of Ma Chao's name.

With the little girl's introduction, Ma Chao's image became even more prestigious in the maids' hearts.

The maids hurried to their respective mistresses and began to report impatiently.

"Miss, Miss, do you know? That is the legendary figure of Luoyang, Ma Chao! I finally got to see him today. He is so handsome and extraordinary!" A maid said excitedly.

"Yes, Miss. I have heard that Ma Chao is very talented, but I didn't expect him to be so handsome. He is truly a man of both talent and beauty!" another maid echoed.

"Moreover, Miss, he has an elegant temperament and exudes charming charm in his every move. We servants are deeply attracted to him!" Another maid interrupted.

The ladies all silently remembered this handsome and talented Ma Chao. For a time, the talented and handsome Ma Chao reached a new height in public opinion.