Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao and Pang De arranged for people to light the charcoal brazier first, and then quickly set up a tent so that the women would have a warm place to rest.

Not far away, several young men in brocade robes were walking towards them, clearly drawn to Ma Chao's exceptional character and intent on making his friends. The leader, walking in front, was the first to speak, introducing himself: "I am Sun Ce."

Sun Ce was a man of great stature and handsome appearance, with a face that was clearly defined and full of masculinity. His sharp eyes shone like stars, revealing his determination and courage.

After introducing his name, Sun Ce enthusiastically said, "Brother Ma Chao, I've long heard of your renown. It's truly an honor for me to meet you today! I deeply admire your demeanor."

Ma Chao humbly replied, "Brother Sun, you are too kind. I am only a little famous, how can I compare with you all?"

Sun Ce laughed heartily and continued, "Brother Ma Chao, why be so modest? Your reputation has spread far and wide. Seeing you today, I can see that it's truly well-deserved. It would be a joy to fight alongside you on the battlefield!"

Ma Chao smiled and replied, "Brother Sun, you are so courageous! If I have the chance, I will fight alongside you."

After Sun Ce finished his greetings, he introduced Ma Chao:

Standing next to Sun Ce was Zhou Yu. He was tall and handsome, with a face as beautiful as jade and brows as bright as stars. A gentle smile always played on his lips, giving off a friendly and confident vibe.

Xun Yu, on the other hand, possesses a refined demeanor, his azure shirt accentuating his elegance. His features are delicate, his eyes deep and intelligent, and his every move exudes a calm and reserved demeanor.

The last one is Lu Su, who is tall and honest. His broad face has a pair of eyes that show sincerity and kindness.

Ma Chao smiled and bowed to them, saying, "So it's Brother Sun, Brother Zhou, Brother Xun, and Brother Lu. Nice to meet you!"

Sun Ce laughed heartily and said, "I have long heard of Brother Ma Chao's brilliance. Seeing him today, I can see that he is indeed an extraordinary person."

Zhou Yu also smiled and agreed: "It is fate that I can meet Brother Ma Chao here."

Xun Yu nodded slightly and said politely, "Brother Ma Chao, we have long admired you and have come here today to make your acquaintance."

Lu Su smiled innocently and said, "Brother Ma Chao, if you need any help in the future, please feel free to ask."

Ma Chao said gratefully, "Thank you all for your kindness. I am deeply honored. If there is a chance in the future, I will definitely drink and chat with you all."

Sun Ce laughed heartily and said, "Great! Brother Ma Chao is indeed a straightforward person. We must make good friends with him."

Zhou Yu smiled and said, "It is truly a great pleasure in life to meet Brother Ma Chao today."

Xun Yu nodded and said, "Brother Ma Chao is an extraordinary warrior. I'm sure he will achieve great things."

Lu Su patted Ma Chao on the shoulder and said, "Brother Ma Chao, we should move around more often in the future."

Ma Chao responded to each of them and had a very pleasant conversation with them.

Several people described their ages. Xun Yu was the oldest, 25 years old, having already been crowned, and given the courtesy name Wenruo. The remaining four had not yet been crowned and did not have courtesy names. Lu Su was the second oldest, at 16 years old, while Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu were all 13 years old.

Zhou Yu then explained to Ma Chao their relationship in detail: "Sun Ce and I are of the same age. We share similar interests and have long been close friends. Sun Ce is a man of integrity, bravery, and skill in battle. I am very fortunate to have made his friendship.

Xun Yu's father and my father were fellow apprentices, so Xun Yu and I are considered old friends. He is a man of profound knowledge and extraordinary wisdom, a rare talent.

As for Lu Su, he and I once studied together under the famous scholar Li Xianlong. We were classmates and good friends, and we had a deep friendship with each other.

Our trip to Luoyang this time was a matter of chance. My father, Zhou Yi, was appointed magistrate of Luoyang, and I came to fulfill my filial duty. Coincidentally, Sun Ce was also traveling with us, and as we passed through Dongcheng County, we visited Lu Su together, and he gladly joined us.

(Xun Yu's father and Zhou Yu's father were fellow apprentices. Zhou Yu's father was Zhou Yi, the magistrate of Luoyang, so he and Xun Yu were good friends. When Zhou Yu was young, he grew up in his ancestral home, Lujiang Shu County. Sun Jian was stationed in Shouchun. Zhou Yu heard of Sun Ce's reputation and made a special trip from Lujiang Shu County to visit Sun Ce. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were the same age, and Sun Ce was particularly friendly to Zhou Yu. They became close friends and had a close relationship from then on. Zhou Yu and Lu Su once studied together under the famous scholar Li Xianlong. This is the relationship line between the several people. Dear readers, the novel should be a novel, but it should also have a certain logic and should not make people feel that it is forced together.)

Ma Chao suddenly understood, and a glimmer of enlightenment flashed in his eyes.

Several people then commented on the manager's article, expressing their own opinions and engaging in a heated discussion.

However, Sun Ce seemed uninterested in the discussion. He suddenly stood up, pulled Pang De, and said cheerfully, "Come on, Pang De, let's have a martial arts competition and stretch our muscles!" Then he pulled Pang De to the competition.

The several people had different levels of literary attainments and talked endlessly. Before they knew it, an hour had passed and Sun Ce and Pang De had already finished their competition. Sun Ce sat back down and felt drowsy again.

It wasn't until everyone started talking about the current situation that Sun Ce's attention was drawn in. His originally absent-minded expression instantly became focused, his eyes sparkling as he listened attentively to everyone's speeches.

Later, the topic turned to military strategy, and Sun Ce was even more enthusiastic, actively participating in the discussion and expressing his own opinions. His voice was loud and firm, as if he was on the battlefield.

Everyone spoke freely, each with their own opinions. Some focused on strategic planning, some on tactical application, and some on the training and morale of the soldiers.

The whole scene was very lively, and everyone was immersed in discussions on military strategies.

Over there, a group of young people were passionately planning their future and making bold statements.

Xiao Qiao excitedly spoke first, "Wow, look at Sun Ce! He's so handsome! His bold expression makes people feel he's full of justice!"

Da Qiao then said softly, "Well, I think Zhou Yu is more refined. His smile is very gentle and gives people a warm and friendly feeling."

Cai Wenji blinked her bright eyes and said with a smile, "Have you noticed Lu Su? He looks dull, but when it comes to the strategy of governing a country, he has his own opinions."

Lu Wan chuckled and said, "Haha, don't just stare at their looks. I think each of them has their own unique characteristics!"

Xiao Qiao chuckled and said, "Sister Wenji is right. Lu Su looks honest, but I didn't expect him to be quite knowledgeable."

Da Qiao smiled and nodded, agreeing, "Yeah, it seems you can't judge a person by their appearance."

Cai Wenji asked curiously, "So what do you think they are doing when they get together?"

Lu Wan thought for a moment and said, "Maybe there's something important to discuss."

Xiao Qiao's eyes lit up and he said, "Why don't we go and listen to what they are saying?"

Da Qiao hesitated and said, "This isn't a good idea. After all, we are girls and it's not convenient for us to go over there."

Xiao Qiao took Lu Wan's hand and said, "It's okay. We can hide nearby and listen. We won't be discovered."

Lu Wan smiled helplessly and said, "Okay, but we have to be careful not to get discovered."

So, a few girls quietly walked to a place not far away from the group of teenagers, hid aside and eavesdropped on their conversation.

Just as they were listening intently, Sun Ce suddenly turned around and his eyes met theirs. For a moment, the air seemed to freeze and time stopped.

Several girls were suddenly a little flustered. Xiao Qiao's face turned red. She lowered her head, her small hands tightly grasping the corner of her clothes, not daring to look up again.

Da Qiao was also a little embarrassed, her smile froze on her face, and she didn't know what to do.

Cai Wenji was so frightened that she almost screamed. She quickly covered her mouth with her hands and her eyes widened.

Lu Wan's heartbeat accelerated instantly. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.

When Sun Ce saw their reactions, he was stunned at first, then he smiled brightly and said, "Ladies, since you are here, come and chat with us." His voice was full of magnetism, making it impossible to refuse.