Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Today, Concubine Gongsun behaved extremely docilely and well-behaved, cooperating well with the situation. After all, she knew full well that Liu Bei had previously served under her father, and now, with the emperor's deep reliance, was someone her father needed to focus on winning over.

She then bowed respectfully to Liu Bei and said softly, "Since you are both the Emperor's uncle and my uncle, our relationship is so close. Please don't bow to me. We are family. The future of the Han Dynasty will depend greatly on the Emperor's uncle's efforts."

Liu Bei, however, remained calm and respectful, saying in a neither servile nor arrogant manner, "Your Majesty, your words are too kind. A minister is still a minister after all. The title of Imperial Uncle is merely a favor from Your Majesty. You must not lose the respect between the superior and the inferior because of this."

Upon hearing this, Princess Gongsun gently scolded him, "Oh, uncle, why are you so distant?" She looked both coquettish and helpless.

However, at this moment, Liu Bei still maintained his respectful attitude, but he stopped responding to Concubine Gongsun. He knew in his heart how domineering and arrogant Concubine Gongsun was in front of the emperor. Now, seeing the affection between them, Liu Bei secretly thought that this was probably just another trick played by the emperor. Liu Bei couldn't help but sigh inwardly: "Oh, this Senior Brother Gongsun is really something. He has been blinded by power and is so easily manipulated by the emperor. I don't know whether the future will be a blessing or a curse for him."

Princess Gongsun, however, was less preoccupied than Liu Bei. She cast her gaze towards Generals Guan Yu and Zhang Fei standing behind Liu Bei. Although her tone was somewhat perfunctory and nonchalant, she still spoke, "Generals, please don't bow. Looking at your tall and powerful figures, you must be men of unparalleled bravery. I seem to have seen you both before, in my father's tent. Drink some good wine today, and serve Your Majesty well in the future."

At first glance, these words seemed perfectly reasonable, but upon closer inspection, they specifically pointed out that the two men and their eldest brother, Liu Bei, had once served under Gongsun Zan, and the tone was far too perfunctory. Zhang Fei, a man of straightforward character, didn't dwell on them, but Guan Yu felt a pang of displeasure. He thought the words were meant to emphasize their former vassalage under the Gongsun family, but due to the noble status of the Gongsun Imperial Concubine, he could only remain silent and endure the situation silently.

Princess Gongsun didn't care about what these people were thinking. She turned around leisurely at this moment, and walked towards Ma Chao with an expression of three parts dissatisfaction and seven parts provocation.

Ma Chao and Xu Shu, standing behind him, saw Consort Gongsun approaching and bowed politely. Ma Chao said nothing more, simply saying, "Ma Chao of Xiliang, greetings to the Consort."

Concubine Gongsun deliberately raised her chin, her eyes revealing an indescribable strength as she said slowly, "Oh, the general is the brave and unrivaled Ma Chao of Xiliang."

Although Princess Gongsun was full of hostility towards Ma Chao, she couldn't help but be dazed when she saw his handsome appearance and upright figure.

Ma Chao quickly responded, "I don't deserve such a high honor from the Empress. Ma Chao is just a warrior."

Princess Gongsun came back to her senses at this point, and couldn't help but feel annoyed at her own loss of focus. She secretly complained: "So what if he's handsome? He's still that bitch's former lover."

Thinking of this, a look of shame and annoyance appeared on the face of Empress Gongsun. She deliberately raised her voice and said with a hint of sarcasm: "I've heard that Ma Chao of Xiliang is extremely brave and his appearance is unparalleled. Now that I see him, he is as handsome as Pan An. No wonder Empress Lu and General are childhood sweethearts and have a lot in love with each other." After saying that, she covered her mouth and laughed softly, and the laughter was particularly harsh in the hall.

Her words were like a sharp knife, piercing Ma Chao's sore spot, piercing his heart. Ma Chao's face darkened with anger, but due to her noble status as the imperial concubine, he couldn't lose his temper on the spot. He could only suppress his anger and clench his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

But Empress Gongsun remained unyielding. She narrowed her eyes slightly, a hint of pride in her voice as she continued, "Alas, General, your handsome face is now ruined by that streak of white hair at your temple. I wonder what could have caused you, at such a young age, to be so distressed?"

When Ma Chao heard this, he suddenly looked up, with fire flashing in his eyes. His gaze was as solid as substance, revealing deep anger.

Just as the atmosphere was about to freeze, Xu Shu hurried forward, gently pulled Ma Chao by the arm, and then spoke calmly, "Your Highness, His Majesty just said clearly that Uncle Liu and your father were brothers from the same school, and you have already acknowledged this relationship. But you don't know that my general is also a fellow disciple of your father. We all come from the same school and can be considered brothers. In this situation, according to our seniority, how can my general also be your uncle? Your Highness also said that today is a family dinner. If it is a family dinner, how can you, as the daughter of Lord Gongsun Zan, the Marquis of Ji, speak to your uncle like this? This is not in accordance with etiquette."

Princess Gongsun was stunned by this retort. She looked back at her father, Gongsun Zan, somewhat bewildered. She wasn't sure if they had really said such things today.

At this time, the emperor was watching this scene quietly, with the corners of his mouth slightly raised, clearly adding fuel to the fire. He also nodded slightly, as if agreeing with what Xu Shu said.

Gongsun Zan and the general Yan Gang behind him gave Consort Gongsun a look, which clearly told her not to pay any attention and not to be intimidated by these words.

With her father's support behind her and seeing that the emperor did not seem to intend to blame her, Princess Gongsun became presumptuous again. She raised her chin and said arrogantly: "Who are you? How dare you interrupt me? It's totally rude! Does General Ma Chao like to bring such rude people into Your Majesty's banquet?" Her tone was full of contempt and disdain, and she did not take Xu Shu seriously at all.

Because of the clear distinction in status, Xu Shu was unable to continue arguing after being retorted by Empress Gongsun.

Ma Chao could only suppress the rage that threatened to erupt. He took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "It's not that we came here on purpose. It's Your Majesty's gracious invitation, and how could we refuse? Furthermore, Mr. Xu Shu often advises me, and I rely heavily on him. He's definitely not the rude person Your Majesty describes. If Your Majesty finds me, a warrior from Xiliang, ignorant of etiquette, then I won't attend this banquet." He turned to face the Emperor, his expression slightly stern, and continued, "Your Majesty, if it's truly as Your Majesty says, then Yuan Zhi and I will take our leave."

Ma Chao's behavior undoubtedly revealed his dissatisfaction with Princess Gongsun, but due to his status, he could only resign from the emperor to turn the tables.

The emperor, on his side, was watching the show getting better and better, so how could he bear to let Ma Chao go so easily? He spoke quickly, his tone full of comfort: "Oh, my beloved, this General Ma Chao is my right-hand man. I always regard him as my right-hand man. He is also a Marquis of Wei who was personally appointed by me. He is extremely noble. And Mr. Xu Shu is also a man of wisdom and strategy. How could he be rude? My beloved, please don't say that. If there are one or two arguments between us occasionally, they are just jokes. How can we take them seriously? Come on, my beloved, come and sit next to me." After that, the emperor's fair finger pointed to the position on the left hand side of the main seat.

After hearing what the emperor said, Empress Gongsun just snorted softly and ignored Ma Chao and Xu Shu. She walked arrogantly towards the seat on the emperor's left, and then sat down leisurely.

The emperor saw this and said with a smile, "Ah, all the nobles, please take your seats. Let's continue the banquet."

At this moment, Ma Chao, seeing the emperor placing Concubine Gongsun in the high seat on the left, felt rather furious. You know, in such situations, the left was always considered the most honorable. The emperor's arrangement clearly meant that the two concubines would each occupy a seat on the left and right. By giving the high seat on the left to Concubine Gongsun, Lu Wan would be placed on the right. While this might seem like a minor detail, Ma Chao felt incredibly angry. He felt the emperor's intentions were too obvious, and he was too skilled at manipulating things.

The banquet continued, and in this lively yet somewhat subtle atmosphere, a eunuch hurried forward to report to the emperor. After bowing respectfully, the eunuch spoke, "Your Majesty, I just went to invite Consort Lu to the banquet, but she replied that she was tired today and would not come."

Upon hearing this, the emperor's expression changed slightly. He first showed concern and said softly, "Oh? I wonder what happened to Concubine Lu today? Sigh, I am quite worried."

After a brief pause, the emperor continued, "Let's go and invite her again. Although she's a little unwell, today's banquet is attended by all my most trusted ministers, and it's of great significance. Moreover, there's another important reason for this banquet. General Gongsun Zan has traveled a thousand miles to Chang'an to pay his respects to Master Lu. As Master Lu's biological daughter, how could she not come and meet everyone? If she doesn't come, wouldn't it be a breach of royal etiquette? Besides, Concubine Lu comes from a family of scholars and has always been well-educated and well-mannered. How could she fail to show such proper courtesy? If she doesn't come, wouldn't it be a disgrace to Master Lu?"

After saying this, the emperor looked at the eunuch and ordered him seriously, "Go and report this quickly. Tell Her Majesty exactly what I just said. I beg you to come and see me."

After hearing the emperor's order, the eunuch knew the importance of the matter and did not dare to be negligent. He hurriedly left nervously. Everyone in the hall had different expressions, and Ma Chao looked even more worried.