Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

After Ma Chao left, Cai Wenji slowly walked to the bedroom, her eyes fixed on the sword Ma Chao had hung there. She extended her slender fingers and gently stroked the sword, her gentle movements as if she were caressing Ma Chao himself.

Her heart was in a mess as she thought secretly: It seems that Ma Chao really loves her sincerely. Every word and every look of his is full of affection, which is worth her long-term thinking in countless lonely nights, as well as the endless longing that is as surging as the tide.

But now, with so many obstacles standing between them, what should she do? Her position was truly awkward. Ma Chao was so noble, so high and mighty in the eyes of everyone, possessing a respected status. And she, a mere woman with a wandering life and a difficult life, how could she overcome these obstacles and stay with him forever? If her father knew about her current situation, would he blame her for disregarding etiquette and failing to uphold the virtues of a woman?

Furthermore, Wan'er presented an unavoidable dilemma. Lu Wan and she had been close friends since childhood, as close as sisters, as close as siblings. If he were to end up with Ma Chao, wouldn't he be forcibly taking away the man his sister loved most? How would he handle meeting Wan'er in the future? How would he face her sorrowful gaze and hurt heart?

Cai Wenji could completely ignore the reputation the world had bestowed upon her, and those rumors were nothing but passing clouds to her. But she couldn't help but consider Ma Chao's status. He was a hero, admired by all. How could she allow him to suffer the criticism and blame of the world because of this relationship? And how could she completely disregard Lu Ban, her best and closest friend since childhood, and jeopardize this precious friendship for her own love?

Cai Wenji was so conflicted that she stroked the sword infatuatedly, her thoughts wandering among all kinds of worries and contradictions. Before she knew it, she had sat there for a whole night.

Early that morning, Lu Wan, worried about her good friend and wondering how she was doing, hurried to accompany Wen Ji to the courtyard. She saw meat and food on the table. Cai Wen Ji, the young Wei Guan, and their maid were dining there. Cai Wen Ji warmly invited Lu Wan to join them. Lu Wan smiled and waved, saying, "I've already eaten," then leaned over to tease Wei Guan.

Lu Wan gently tapped Wei Guan's forehead and said softly, "Little darling, come and play with your sister." But Wei Guan looked at her seriously, without any expression. Lu Wan took a small stuffed doll and shook it in front of Wei Guan, and told a little story in a soft voice. Wei Guan just blinked his eyes and still didn't show much interest. Lu Wan was unwilling to give up, so she took out a colorful windmill and blew it gently in front of Wei Guan, saying, "Little darling, look at this, is it beautiful?" Wei Guan pursed his lips and said obediently, "Sister, I don't want to play now." His well-behaved and sensible look was really adorable.

The two of them teased Wei Guan for a while, and the atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful. After a while, the topic somehow turned to Ma Chao.

Lu Wan's eyes held a subtle hint of inquiry as she carefully considered her words and said, "Wen Ji, um... I think Brother Chao seems to have a special affection for you. Do you... have any thoughts?"

Cai Wenji's face flushed instantly. She lowered her head slightly and said softly and hesitantly, "Wan'er, this matter... I don't know how to say it right now. After all... there are too many things to consider."

Lu Wan bit her lip lightly and continued, "Wen Ji, I'm not trying to force you. I just think... Brother Chao is a really good person. If you can... that would be great. But I also know the difficulties involved."

Cai Wenji sighed softly and said slowly, "Wan'er, I understand your feelings. But I'm afraid... I'm afraid that if this doesn't work out, it will hurt our relationship. Besides, there are many practical problems before us."

Lu Wan quickly said, "Wen Ji, don't think like that. Why would I be angry with you for this? I just want you to be happy."

Cai Wenji raised her head, looked at Lu Wan with gratitude, and said, "Wan'er, your words warm my heart. But this matter still needs to be considered in the long run."

The two of them chatted back and forth in a somewhat subtle atmosphere. They were both carefully trying to guess each other's thoughts, fearing that this incident would create a rift between them.

The two chatted more and more deeply, and unknowingly talked about Cai Yong's death. They mentioned the past events when Ma Chao worked tirelessly to help with the funeral and return the relics. Recalling those past events that were a mixture of sadness and warmth, their eyes couldn't help but become moist again, and tears rolled down uncontrollably.

Lu Wan whispered, "Wenji, I'd like to see the rare copy left by Lord Cai Yong." Cai Wenji nodded and led Lu Wan into the inner chamber. Cai Wenji frantically rummaged through the pile of books and other items, her expression slightly anxious. Lu Wan, on the other hand, surveyed the bedroom's furnishings with great interest.

Her eyes were first drawn to Ma Chao's heroic portrait, and then the gleaming sword caught her eye. Lu Wan's heart suddenly cleared, knowing full well that Cai Wenji was still deeply attached to Ma Chao. Her attachment and reluctance to part with him seemed to overflow from her heart, filling the entire room.

Ma Chao's sword, which had been securely dangling from his waist yesterday, had appeared in the bedroom today. Without a doubt, Ma Chao had been there last night. Lu Wan felt a surge of mixed emotions: three parts bitterness stemming from her admiration for Ma Chao, and seven parts joy and relief that her sister might have a good future.

Cai Wenji caught a glimpse of the sword and couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh, this sword looks very familiar to me! Isn't it the one Brother Chao wore around his waist yesterday?" Her words seemed to have been ruthlessly exposed. A blush crept into Cai Wenji's face, and she quickly said, "Brother Chao was here last night."

When Lu Wan heard this, she was not willing to let this opportunity go. Naturally, she was not willing to give in. She teased, "Oh my, Brother Chao is really considerate! But Wan'er, this portrait was not painted by Brother Chao himself, was it?" Cai Wenji's face instantly turned red like a ripe apple. She said coquettishly, "Hey, this was painted by Brother Chao when he returned my father's belongings to me."

Lu Wan said, "Sister, you are a brilliant painter and a gifted artist. I have always known this. The wonderful times we spent together in those years are still vivid in my mind and are truly unforgettable. To be honest, sister, let's be frank today. Brother Chao's excellence is well known to everyone. He is not only a man of both civil and military talents, but also brave and fearless on the battlefield. In daily life, he treats us with care, consideration, and patience. Moreover, Brother Chao's appearance is rare in the world. With his sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, he is dignified and outstanding. I am afraid that it is difficult to find anyone in the world who can match him. Anyway, I see it clearly. Sister, what do you think? Why don't you tell me the truth?"

Cai Wenji was shocked by Lu Wan's sudden and blunt words, and her heart skipped a beat. However, she also knew that these were sincere words from her sister. She calmed down and said, "Brother Chao's appearance is indeed very handsome. Brother Chao was once famous in the capital and Luoyang. His talent was so great that he even won the admiration of the great scholar Zheng Xuan. My father also often praised him highly. Brother Chao is also a calm and generous person. He cares about us and treats us sincerely. He also worked tirelessly to help with my father's funeral arrangements. And when I was in the Wei family, it was Brother Chao who stood up for me and supported me, which made my life easier."

Lu Wan chuckled and said: "Sister, you are still being stubborn. Your heart is all with Brother Chao."

Cai Wenji then said, "Sister, please stop teasing me."

Lu Wan chuckled and said, "Wenji, don't hide it from me. I saw the way Brother Chao looked at you. You've completely captivated me. His heart and eyes are filled with you."

Wen Ji said shyly, "Sister, you are talking nonsense."

Lu Wan said, "Wenji, please listen to me. To be honest, although Brother Chao and I have long been secretly committed to each other, I know it's impossible for me to keep such an outstanding person by my side. Let's not talk about you, Sister Wenji, there's also Miss Dong Bai. I've met Miss Dong Bai many times. She is as beautiful as a flower, with curved eyebrows, affectionate almond eyes, skin as white as snow, and a graceful figure. She is truly a beauty that can captivate the whole country. She is also a prominent figure in the Xiliang family and the jewel in the crown of Prime Minister Dong. Before, because Dong Bai and I made Brother Chao make a choice, Brother Chao had a big fight with his father. Now Uncle Ma also means to comply with Brother Chao's wishes. So don't worry too much, sister. As long as you and Brother Chao truly want to be together, Brother Chao will definitely make appropriate arrangements for the rest of the family."

When Cai Wenji heard that Dong Bai was so outstanding, she couldn't help but feel a little worried. She said, "Sister, Miss Dong Bai is so outstanding. I'm afraid I..."