Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao and Zhang Xiu rode side by side, letting their horses run free, chatting and laughing along the way. A gentle breeze rippled their hair and clothes, as if the scenery along the way only added color to their friendship. Before they knew it, they had arrived at Wancheng.

The towering walls of Wancheng looked especially majestic in the sunlight. Even before approaching, Zhang Xiu spotted a familiar figure in the distance. It was his uncle, Zhang Ji. Though Zhang Ji wore armor, his appearance was unmistakable. Beneath the armor, he appeared thin, his former heroic spirit eroded by fatigue. He struggled to stand before the city gate, his soldiers braced for battle behind him. Startled, Zhang Xiu hurriedly addressed Ma Chao, "General, my uncle has come to greet you personally! I didn't expect him to be here." Ma Chao's expression froze, and he said, "General Zhang Ji's generous gesture is truly unfortunate. Now that he's there, we must hurry."

With that, several men urged their horses to speed, their hooves kicking up clouds of dust. Zhang Xiu, anxious, dismounted as soon as he reached the Wancheng city gate and raced to Zhang Ji. He held Zhang Ji tightly with both hands, his eyes filled with worry and concern, as he complained, "Uncle, you're not feeling well right now. You should be resting at home. Look at you, still wearing your helmet and armor. If anything were to happen to you, what would I, your nephew, do?"

Zhang Ji looked at Zhang Xiu, his eyes filled with fondness. He reached out and gently stroked Zhang Xiu's head, a gentle smile on his face, though it couldn't conceal his weakness. He said, "You, boy, are always so reckless. You're already a grown man, and yet you still worry me. You acted so suddenly this time, wasn't I afraid you might be in danger?" Zhang Xiu's nose felt sore, and his eyes welled up. He said, "Uncle, what danger could there be? You know, General Ma came to see me, and that's a good thing. Don't worry about me, take care of yourself." With that, he excitedly turned his head to watch Ma Chao and his group approaching leisurely from behind. The smile on his face was pure and sincere, like that of a carefree teenager, his eyes filled with gratitude for his uncle's care and joy at his friends' arrival. Zhang Ji couldn't help but smile at Zhang Xiu's appearance, a smile filled with love for him.

Ma Chao approached Zhang Ji with a solemn expression, clasped his hands together, and said respectfully, "General Zhang Ji, it is a joy to meet you again after such a long absence. It has been many years since we last met. You have established a strong foothold in Wancheng, Central Plains, and have gained a great reputation and success. You are truly a hero of our time."

Zhang Ji, however, had a smile on his face. He looked at Ma Chao, his eyes full of nostalgia for the past, and said, "General Shenwei is still as graceful as an eagle soaring in the sky, with extraordinary momentum. But I can't do that. Look at my body, it's like a rotten dead tree, getting worse day by day, and getting old. Now that the world is in chaos, it is the time for heroes to emerge. In the future, this vast world will be a place for young talents like you to make your ambitions." After that, he sighed softly, but his eyes still showed expectations for Ma Chao and others.

Ma Chao said, "General Zhang Ji, you are exaggerating. It's just a temporary illness. With the help of a good doctor, you will gradually get better. Why are you complaining so much?"

Zhang Ji waved his hand and said with a wry smile: "General Ma, please don't comfort an old man like me. I followed Lord Dong in my early years, and I got many hidden diseases during the battles in the south and the north. I have enjoyed wealth and glory in Wancheng over the years. Compared with Lord Dong, I am much luckier, so even when facing life and death, I have no regrets. I am not afraid of death, but the war was not going well that year, and I felt that I had failed Lord Dong's earnest expectations. Death may not be something to be afraid of, but I don't know how to meet Lord Dong after I die." After that, he fell into deep thought, scenes from the past emerged in his mind, and the corners of his eyes were unconsciously moist.

Ma Chao hastened to console him, "General, you are too kind. I can only imagine the hardships you have endured in bringing these fine men of Xiliang to establish themselves in Wancheng. I believe that even if Lord Dong were still alive, he wouldn't blame you for this."

Zhang Xiu, supporting Zhang Ji, quickly interjected, "Ah, uncle, look at you! What have you been talking about? General Ma has finally come to visit me. We can't let him spend his time reminiscing about the past right here at the city gate." Zhang Ji, hearing this, gently patted his nephew's shoulder, his eyes full of affection as he feigned a scolding, "Alright, alright, kid, you're so disrespectful now, you're actually bossing me around." He turned to Ma Chao with a warm smile. "Come on, General Ma, come back with me. The banquet is already arranged. Since you're here today, you must stay in the city for a few days so we can catch up on the past."

Everyone was already acquainted, and Ma Chao, along with Zhang Ji and the others, hurried to the City Lord's Mansion. As word spread, the Xiliang soldiers, upon learning of the arrival of the mighty General Ma Chao, were overjoyed. Along the way, the road was lined with Xiliang soldiers. Since following Zhang Ji—or, more precisely, Dong Gong—out of Xiliang, they had never returned home.

The soldiers were overjoyed to see Ma Chao, the Xiliang leader who had already been renowned during the reign of Dong Gong. They stood tall and proud on both sides of the road, weapons in hand, excitedly calling out "Heavenly General" and "Mighty Heavenly General." Some asked, "Heavenly General, how are things in Xiliang these days?" A flurry of greetings followed. Ma Chao, advancing slowly, nodded to each of them with a smile, occasionally responding, "Very well, if you have time, you can come back to Xiliang." These soldiers, so far from home, wept tears as they gazed at him. A fire burned in their hearts, a deep longing for their homeland and a profound admiration for him.

Zhang Ji looked at the soldiers on either side, a wave of sadness welling up in his heart. Back then, he'd been forced by circumstances to choose this difficult path. Now, in his twilight years, he looked at his nephew Zhang Xiu beside him, filled with worry, wondering if he could hold on to Wancheng. Every glance at the soldiers who had come with him filled his heart with shame. These were his brothers who had fought with him for years, their loyalty evident. He had brought them here, and though they had all survived, the hardships they had endured, the pain of leaving their homes—even if they had never complained to him, how could he conceal the scars, deep and shallow, and the erosion of time on their faces?

Jia Xu quietly observed Ma Chao and his companions, then observed the excited actions of the Xiliang soldiers. He couldn't help but ponder. Wancheng may be a good place, but in these turbulent times, it's not a place where one can maintain a permanent foothold. Judging from the current situation, it's highly likely that Zhang Xiu will return to Xiliang with these soldiers and serve Ma Chao again. Jia Xu pondered this all the way as the group walked, stopping and starting, slowly heading towards the City Lord's Mansion.

Zou was carefully instructing the servants to arrange the banquet in the mansion, but her heart was always on Zhang Xiu's mind. After the banquet was properly arranged, she could not wait to go to the mansion gate, looking forward to it.

Soon, they saw Zhang Xiu supporting Zhang Ji and slowly approaching, followed by a group of imposing people. The moment she saw Zhang Xiu, Zou was overjoyed, and the stone that had been hanging in her heart finally fell to the ground. But she was Zhang Xiu's aunt in name only, and even though she was overjoyed, she dared not show it too much. She could only suppress her emotions, took two quick steps to Zhang Ji, extended her hand to support him, and pretended to glance at Zhang Xiu casually. However, the deep affection in her eyes could not be hidden, and she said softly: "A Xiu, don't be so reckless in the future. Your uncle is worried sick."

Zhang Xiu raised his eyes to look at Zou who came out of the mansion gate quickly. That look was also mixed with many unspeakable emotions, but he couldn't express them fully. He just replied in a muffled voice, "I understand. From now on, I will listen to my aunt and not let my uncle worry."

Ma Chao and the others observing this scene remained silent. Ma Chao's gaze lingered on Zou, who was remarkably beautiful, her skin smooth as cream, radiant with a soft sheen like mutton-fat jade, delicate enough to be broken by a touch. Her eyebrows, like distant black ink, resembled the mountains looming in the mist, a subtle frown that held a unique charm. Her eyes, like autumn water, were clear and deep, their gaze shimmering with starlight, captivating even the most casual glance. Her nose was straight, her lips naturally rosy, like cherry blossoms in bloom on a spring day, delicate and alluring. Her dark hair flowed like a waterfall, adorned only with simple accessories, further accentuating her elegance. Her figure was graceful, her movements like a willow swaying in the wind, yet dignified. Her clothing, while unostentatious, perfectly highlighted her graceful figure and unique charm.

At this time, Zhang Ji said to Zou, "Come, come, meet General Ma Chao and his party." Then he introduced her to Ma Chao, "This is my new wife, Zou." Upon hearing this, Ma Chao and others hurriedly treated her with courtesy and were very respectful. They stepped forward one by one to greet Zou and called her "Madam."

Zou bowed slightly, her manners graceful. She parted her rosy lips and said to Ma Chao and the others, "General Tian, ​​you've come a long way and must be very tired from the journey. The banquet at the mansion is already prepared. General, you must have a few more drinks with Ah Xiu today to make the most of this long-awaited reunion." Ma Chao smiled and clasped his fists in response, "Thank you, Madam, for your kindness. I will definitely get drunk with you all today."

Led by Madam Zou, the group arrived at the banquet hall. Inside, candles shone brightly, a dazzling array of delicacies graced the tables, and the aroma of fine wine filled the air. After everyone took their seats, Zhang Ji insisted that Ma Chao take the seat at the head, his eyes filled with respect. Ma Chao repeatedly declined, earnestly stating, "The General is above me. How dare I, a junior, overstep my bounds?" After several rounds of push and pull, Zhang Ji finally gave in and took the seat himself.

Zhang Ji raised his wine glass, cleared his throat, and said simply, "General, you've come a long way and must have endured a difficult journey." He then toasted Ma Chao. Ma Chao quickly stood up, respectfully accepted the glass with both hands, and emptied it. After three glasses of wine, Zhang Ji couldn't help but cough violently. His body was already weakened, and he was barely holding on. He paused, then said with a look of resignation, "General, it's not that I'm being negligent, it's simply that my health is failing. Ah Xiu, please treat the General well. You can have a few more drinks. I'll go back to my inner chambers to rest." Ma Chao said with concern, "General, your health is paramount. Go and rest." Zou Shi hurriedly stood up and helped Zhang Ji to the inner chambers. As she turned, she glanced at Zhang Xiu, who was sitting at the table, a complex expression flashing in her eyes. Then, she helped Zhang Ji slowly leave.