Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao stood tall and straight, with an imposing heroic air. His eyes were sincere and firm, and he said in a loud voice: "Today's misunderstanding has finally been cleared up, as if the haze has dissipated, and everyone's hearts are relaxed and happy. It is truly a blessing from God and a great joy." After speaking, he glanced around and saw that the originally tense faces of his soldiers gradually relaxed, and some of them even smiled with relief.

Ma Chao then turned to Zhang Ji, clasped his fists, and said, "General Zhang Ji, I know you brothers, far from Xiliang, must be homesick. If you wish to return to your homeland, I, Ma Chao, will not stop you. However, now that Xiliang is under the rule of the imperial court, please do not even mention surrendering to me." At this point, Ma Chao paused, his expression solemn. "Right now, the world is in turmoil, and the people are suffering. No matter how thorny and difficult the road ahead may be, we should prioritize peace and strive to reduce the intensity of fighting so that the people of the world can have a moment to breathe and enjoy a little more peace and tranquility."

Zhang Ji's thick brows furrowed, his face etched with anxiety. At that moment, Jia Xu moved. His sharp eyes, perceptive as if he could see everything, gently grasped Zhang Ji's arm, applying a slight pressure, as if to remind him, yet also to dissuade him. At the same time, Jia Xu gently shook his head at Zhang Ji, his eyes revealing a deep and resolute look. Jia Xu, a veteran of the political arena, had a deep understanding of Ma Chao's character, as well as the influence of his mentor, Lu Zhi, through his years of teaching and practice. He knew that Ma Chao was a steady and righteous man, not one to easily rebel against the court. He would only make a decision when faced with a crucial opportunity.

Zhang Ji, a straightforward, tough warrior accustomed to charging into battle amidst the glare of swords and spears, struggled to grasp such complex thoughts. Confusion and reluctance filled him, his eyes asking why he should give up. But when his gaze met Jia Xu's, and he saw the unmistakable, suggestive look, he suppressed his impulse and swallowed the words that were on his lips.

Jia Xu straightened his sleeves, his expression respectful and sincere. He spoke slowly, "General Ma Chao, you have the world at heart and a noble character. Such a heart is admirable. No matter how the situation changes in the future, the friendship between you and me will last forever. We will definitely be friends, not enemies. Perhaps the opportunity is not yet ripe, but please rest assured, General, we will never be a burden to you. Just like this time when you want to conquer Yangzhou, the entire Wancheng will assist you with all our strength and give our all. When time passes and the opportunity arises, we will sincerely join you and work together for a great cause."

Zhang Ji, having recovered from Jia Xu's words, nodded quickly, saying, "Yes, yes, General, you are absolutely right. No matter how the situation evolves, we are on the same side with you, sharing life and death." He paused briefly, a look of concern and anticipation crossing his face. "In the future, Ah Xiu will need your continued care and nurturing."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao threw his head back and laughed heartily. His laughter was so hearty and heroic that it seemed to dispel the gloom in the air. "Haha, what happens in the future will only become clear after time has settled. I only hope that I can act in a way that is true to the conscience of heaven and earth. But in this expedition to Yangzhou, I will never let you brothers get into danger." He turned and looked at the group of iron-blooded men from Xiliang behind him, his eyes full of affection and pity, "These old brothers in Wancheng have been through life and death with you, and have fought side by side all the way from Xiliang to Wancheng. During this time, they have experienced countless brutal battles and bloody storms. My greatest hope is to protect them and let them return to their homeland in Xiliang unscathed to reunite with their families. Yangzhou is now like a deep quagmire, extremely dangerous. How can I bear to let my brothers die in vain?" When the generals heard Ma Chao's heartfelt words, they were all moved. Some had red eyes, and some nodded slightly. The scene was solemn but full of warmth.

Zhang Ji lowered his head slightly, a faint blush of shame spreading across his face. He clasped his fists and addressed Ma Chao, saying, "General, a man's word is as good as gold, and a spit is as sure as a nail. Since Wancheng has declared its allegiance to you, I will never waver, and this resolve is clear as day and night. Everything that happened today was deliberately planned by me. You also know Ah Xiu's deep affection for Zou. I personally poured Ah Xiu's wine yesterday, and I deliberately arranged for Zou to enter. Although Ah Xiu made this mistake, he is not a frivolous and ungrateful person. I acted this way only to help them both. General, I hope you will remember our deep friendship in the past and not look down on Ah Xiu because of this incident in the future. You will continue to treat him as your own brother."

Ma Chao's expression was deeply moved. He reached out one hand and firmly grasped Zhang Ji's slightly trembling, struggling hand. With his other hand, he patted Zhang Xiu's shoulder firmly and spoke earnestly, "General Zhang Ji, from now on, I, Ma Chao, will treat you as my uncle. Uncle, ever since Master Dong was still alive, Ah Xiu has fought alongside me on numerous campaigns, charging into battle. While he may be my subordinate in military terms, deep down, I have always considered him my own brother. How could such a small matter alter our bond? Admittedly, today's incident has led to some misunderstandings and setbacks, but I, Ma Chao, see your sincere and caring heart and am deeply impressed. You have gone to such lengths for Ah Xiu. Such deep affection and courageous decision-making are truly admired by me. I, Ma Chao, sincerely admire you. Calling you uncle is truly my duty, without the slightest reluctance."

Ma Chao paused briefly before continuing, "Although it's common for a man to have three wives and four concubines, only those who value loyalty and righteousness can earn the respect and genuine friendship of others. Although I, Ma Chao, am not talented, I have always based my life on this principle and consider myself a man who values ​​loyalty. Therefore, the fact that Ah Xiu and Zou have finally achieved their wish and are now together is truly the best outcome. Uncle, you are so magnanimous, not only finding a stable home for Zou, but also fulfilling Ah Xiu's unwavering love. This tolerance and extraordinary spirit alone are far beyond the reach of the ordinary, reckless men who only care about fighting on the battlefield."

Jia Xu, standing nearby, a meaningful smile on his face, spoke at the perfect moment, "Every word General Ma Chao said is true. There's absolutely no falsehood. Back then, the general was willing to openly defy the Emperor for Concubine Lu. Everyone in the world witnessed his courage and deep affection." With that, Jia Xu's lips curled up slightly, revealing a hint of irony. Ma Chao blushed, a faint blush forming on his face. Suddenly, the subtle atmosphere seemed infectious. Everyone paused, then bursts of hearty laughter echoed around them, seemingly dispelling all the misunderstandings and gloom that had previously surrounded them.

Ma Chao turned and gently waved toward the graceful Zou in the distance, signaling her to come forward. Zou moved lightly, though with a certain shyness. After all, on one side stood her lover, Zhang Xiu, and on the other, her nominal husband, Zhang Ji. Furthermore, Zhang Ji and Zhang Xiu were uncle and nephew. With the misunderstanding now resolved, her initial resolute willingness to accept death had faded, and now, facing this situation, a touch of shame and embarrassment washed over her.

Ma Chao looked at Zou and spoke gently, "You are willing to sacrifice your life for Ah Xiu. Such deep affection is sufficient to prove the sincerity and intensity of your love for him. Although General Zhang Ji forced you to marry him, he also provided you with a safe place and protected you in these turbulent times. Now, he has reluctantly let you go, even at the cost of ethical principles, to fully support you and Ah Xiu. From now on, this matter will be put behind us, and all past disputes will not be mentioned again."

After saying that, Ma Chao turned to Zhang Xiu and joked, "You are really lucky, boy. Zou loves you so much that she is willing to sacrifice her own life for you. In the future, you must not let her down and must cherish her love and friendship." Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiu couldn't help scratching his head, his face flushed red, and he looked shy and timid.

Ma Chao's heart suddenly stirred. He knew that Zhang Ji was worried that he could no longer treat Zhang Xiu sincerely because of this matter. Although Zou and Zhang Xiu were already husband and wife, the complicated relationship between the three of them would inevitably cause many inconveniences and embarrassments in their future interactions. Moreover, such an unclear situation made it difficult to give Zou a legitimate status, nor for the two of them to face each other openly in public. Thinking of Zou's courageous spirit of daring to love and hate, and willing to sacrifice for her lover, Ma Chao pondered for a moment and said to Zhang Ji, "Uncle Zhang Ji, I have a humble request. What do you think?" Zhang Ji was slightly stunned and quickly replied, "General, please feel free to speak up. I, Zhang Ji, will fully cooperate without hesitation."

Ma Chao clasped his hands together and addressed Zhang Ji respectfully, "Uncle, you possess such a noble heart to help others achieve their goals, but the three of you are now in a rather awkward and awkward position. Therefore, Uncle, please sever all ties with Zou and publicly announce her passing due to illness. I, Ma Chao, sincerely admire this woman, Zou. She is so fearless of life and death for true love. Such a remarkable woman should not spend the rest of her life accompanying Ah Xiu in obscurity. Therefore, I am considering marrying Zou to her as brother and sister. From now on, there will be no Zou in this world, but only my sister, Ma Chao. When the time is right, we can hold a grand wedding for the two of them. This way, we can legitimately bring this pair of lovers together. Uncle, what are your thoughts on this?"

Zhang Ji's heart was pounding with emotion. He truly felt Ma Chao's sincerity and was completely convinced that Ma Chao would never harbor any resentment towards Zhang Xiu because of this incident. Ma Chao's meticulous planning and consideration for Zhang Xiu and Zou Shi demonstrated the depth of his friendship and thoughtfulness. Zhang Ji exclaimed repeatedly, "Excellent, excellent, General Ma Chao, this is a brilliant plan, and the arrangements are so perfect. I am extremely delighted. General, there is no need to worry too much. There is no need to euphemistically mention waiting for the right time. By "right time," do you mean waiting until I, an old man, pass away, so that I won't feel uncomfortable watching? In fact, there is no need. In my opinion, since you have this intention, why not choose an auspicious date nearby to hold the wedding for the two of them? Let's not mention Zou Shi again. I am a rough and tumble man who has fought on the battlefield, and I don't have so many rules and taboos."

Zhang Xiu, standing nearby, eyes welled with gratitude. He knew Ma Chao's arrangement was all for his and Zou's future. Zhang Xiu's lips trembled slightly, his heart choking with emotion. After a long pause, he choked out his words, "General, I will forever remember this great favor. I will stay with Zou and live up to your kindness."