Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao looked at Zou gently, his tone gentle and sincere, "Zou, I'm not doing this out of a desire for wealth and fame, nor am I trying to win people's hearts. I'm simply moved by your deep affection for Ah Xiu, who was willing to sacrifice her life for you. I'm proposing this. I just don't know if you agree to this."

Upon hearing this, Zou was overcome with emotion, tears welling up in her eyes. She wept bitterly, her tears streaming down her face. She slowly knelt on the ground, her voice trembling but firm, "Brother, I am delighted and willing to follow your instructions."

How could Zou find peace? She was like a rootless duckweed drifting in turbulent times. The fall of Luoyang City and the subsequent demise of her family led to her being forced into marriage by Zhang Ji, who had followed her on a journey across vast distances. Zhang Ji had been a constant nightmare for her, a nightmare she could never escape. Had anything happened to him, she would have been left without support. Who could have foreseen the unexpected turn of events? The once demonic man would willingly let go for the sake of his nephew, Zhang Xiu. Zhang Xiu was young, valiant, and a true talent. Previously, Zou could only secretly harbor feelings for him, never daring to raise any hopes. Now, with the support of a peerless hero like Ma Chao, Zou saw Ma Chao's offer of her as a sister as more than a simple change of status. Instead, she secured a solid foundation for the rest of her life. Once lonely and alone, she now found the companionship of her beloved and the backing of the powerful forces of Western Liang. The shameful past of being forced into marriage by Zhang Ji would be forever buried, never to be mentioned again. She was no longer the weak, scorned woman at the mercy of others, but the sworn sister of the Young Lord of Xiliang, personally promised protection by the Marquis of Han. Zou might be slightly older than Ma Chao, but in the eyes of everyone, and even Zou herself, this gesture was a mark of honor. Becoming Ma Chao's sworn sister was a true step up. After all, as the Young Lord of the Xiliang Legion and Ma Teng's eldest son, Ma Chao held an unparalleled position. It only made sense for him to take in a younger sister, not his father's older sister. Therefore, even without discussing age, Zou accepted the marriage without objection.

Ma Chao quickly stepped forward and steadily helped Zou to her feet. Having decided to include Zou among his siblings, his behavior became less restrained. Even a slight physical contact, such as a touch of the arm, would be considered normal, and others would not misunderstand that Ma Chao was being disrespectful to Zou.

Ma Chao gently helped Zou to her feet and asked, "Now that you're my sister, Ma Chao, you shouldn't use the name Zou anymore. Did you have a real name when you were a boudoir girl? I can officially change your name for you." Zou's cheeks flushed as she shyly replied, "My name at home was Ying'er." Ma Chao paused for a moment before saying, "Since you're my Ma family's little sister, there will no longer be a Zou Ying'er. From now on, you'll take my surname, Ma, and be named Yunying, before your sister Yunlu. What do you think?" Zou nodded happily and said yes repeatedly. Then she bowed to Ma Chao again, saying excitedly, "My sister Ma Yunying greets you, brother. I will never forget your kindness. I wish you great fortune and great prestige."

Ma Chao lifted Ma Yunying up again, turned to Zhang Ji, and said, "Uncle, in this way, my little sister, Ma Yunying, will marry your nephew, Zhang Xiu. We will choose an auspicious date for the wedding. Is this acceptable to you?" Zhang Ji laughed heartily, his voice shaking the room. "Very good, very good! With such sincere care from my nephew, I, Zhang Ji, have nothing to worry about. Even if I die immediately, I will have no regrets." With this, Zhang Ji burst into laughter, but his laughter was so intense that he broke into a violent coughing fit. Zhang Xiu hurried forward to support him, gently stroking his back. Zhang Ji's coughing was so severe that his words were broken, but his eyes shifted between Zhang Xiu and Ma Chao, his heart filled with relief and peace. While coughing, he struggled to instruct Jia Xu to quickly find an auspicious date, the sooner the better, to arrange the wedding of Zhang Xiu and Ma Yunying.

Jia Xu was a perceptive man, and he understood Zhang Ji's intentions perfectly. First, a swift marriage would prevent Ma Chao from regretting his decision later. Second, Ma Chao was about to leave for war, and time was running out; delay was unacceptable. Third, Zhang Ji was already terminally ill and near death, and he naturally hoped to witness Zhang Xiu's wedding before he died. Otherwise, if he passed away, Zhang Xiu, as his nephew, would be obliged to observe proper mourning and funeral arrangements, which would inevitably delay the marriage for a considerable period.

After a moment's thought, Jia Xu spoke up, "General Ma Chao, in my opinion, it's better to do it now than to choose a date. I see that five days from now is an auspicious day, so we can arrange for them to get married that day. What do you think? You're about to go off to war, and it's difficult to attend to all the formalities. Besides, Xiliang is far from Chang'an, and the journey is long, so there won't be enough time to inform General Ma Teng and Madam Ma. For this wedding, let's keep it simple. Is that okay with you, General?" Ma Chao laughed out loud. "Very good, very good. We just want everything to be quick and convenient."

The wedding was thus firmly settled. Ma Chao, beaming with joy, returned to the military camp with his newfound sister, Ma Yunying, in high spirits.

Upon entering the camp, Ma Chao immediately summoned Xu Shu and other important figures in the army. With a solemn yet somewhat joyful expression, he announced loudly, "Everyone, I have taken in a new sister today. Her name is Ma Yunying, and she will be marrying General Zhang Xiu in five days!"

At that time, the year was drawing to a close, and it was already winter. The hardships of the journey loomed large over every soldier. However, this unexpected good news, like the warm sun on a winter's day, instantly dispelled the endless gloom and set the entire camp ablaze with excitement.

The soldiers rushed to tell each other, their excited shouts echoing in every corner of the barracks. Xu Shu, on the other hand, understood the situation perfectly and, intentionally or unintentionally, vigorously promoted this happy event among the troops, not forgetting to mention the crucial point: the veteran soldiers in Wancheng would one day return to their homeland of Xiliang with them!

This news was undoubtedly great news for these soldiers. Many of them were originally from Xiliang, having once served under Dong Zhuo. Those were the days of comrades, fighting side by side! On the battlefield, they supported each other, bravely fighting for a common goal. That friendship was as deep as a thousand-year-old wine, becoming more fragrant with each sip.

But the world is unpredictable, and the vicissitudes of the years, like the surging tide, have swept them apart, and the friendship they once shared can only be hidden silently in the depths of their hearts in the dead of night, turning into endless longing.

And now, amidst the already tense atmosphere, this unexpected and joyous event suddenly transformed the place into a vibrant and lively one. Upon hearing the news, the soldiers of the Western Liang army, led by Ma Chao, flushed with excitement, rubbing their hands in anticipation, and rushed to prepare for the wedding. They draped festive red silk throughout the tents and hung large red lanterns high, adorning the entire camp with a festive atmosphere, as if what was about to unfold wasn't a wedding, but a grand homecoming celebration.

Look at the veteran soldiers in Wancheng, who had been stationed here with General Zhang Xiu. For so long, they had been like rootless duckweed, drifting aimlessly in this chaotic world. The land of their hometown, Xiliang, the familiar mountains and rivers, and the familiar local accent lingered in their hearts all the time. It was the place they yearned for.

However, despite their duties in Wancheng, they could not hide their deep homesickness. Whenever they looked towards Xiliang, tears would well up in their eyes. The longing for their homeland burned like a raging fire.

Now, upon hearing the news that the young master was going to marry Ma Chao's sister, the soldiers couldn't care less about the complexities involved. In their simple, pure hearts, they simply knew that if the young master could marry Ma Chao of Xiliang, their return to Xiliang would be legitimate! This meant they were one step closer to their longed-for homeland, a hope of returning home!

For a moment, the soldiers' emotions erupted completely. Many couldn't contain the surging excitement in their hearts, and they rushed through the streets and alleys of Wancheng to tell each other the news. Their eyes were red, their voices trembling with excitement, and they burst into tears as they shared this exciting news. Those tears were filled not only with the excitement of the moment, but also with the deep attachment to their homeland that had been suppressed for many years, and the inexpressible joy of finally being able to return home.

The entire Wancheng was immersed in excitement and joy because of this good news, as if the horn of homecoming had already sounded in this troubled world, leading them towards their long-cherished homeland of Xiliang.

Five days passed by like a fleeting moment. Although the wedding adhered to the principle of simplicity and Ma Chao did not demand many complicated formalities, Zhang Ji was extremely concerned about his nephew Zhang Xiu's marriage and still asked Jia Xu to follow the traditional wedding ceremony, including the offer of betrothal gifts and the asking for the bride's name.

Finally, the wedding day arrived. The sun shone brightly, as if the heavens were blessing the newlyweds. Soldiers from both sides gathered, laughter and joy echoing in every corner. The barriers that had once arisen from their differing positions had long since vanished, and everyone was united, as close as a family.

Zhang Ji, who was originally terminally ill and haggard, was also deeply moved by the joyful atmosphere. He forced himself to cheer up and sat upright on the high seat. He looked at Zhang Xiu and Ma Yunying with his eyes full of relief and love.

The wedding scene was ablaze with lights and colorful decorations, and red silks fluttered in the wind. Zhang Xiu, dressed in a vibrant red wedding gown, looked dashing yet tinged with shyness and joy. Ma Yunying, adorned with a phoenix crown and a bridal robe, her face rosy, her eyes filled with happiness and sweetness.

Amidst the cheers and blessings of the crowd, the newlyweds performed three bows according to etiquette. First, they bowed to Heaven and Earth, expressing gratitude for the heavens' favor and blessing of this happy marriage. Second, they bowed to their parents. Zhang Xiu bid farewell to his uncle Zhang Ji, expressing gratitude for his upbringing. Ma Yunying, though without biological parents, also bowed with respect from afar. Finally, the couple bowed to each other, their eyes locked in a deep, affectionate embrace, and they pledged a lifelong commitment.

After the ceremony, a grand wedding banquet ensued. The soldiers toasted each other, drinking to their heart's content. After three rounds of drinks, talented singers and dancers took to their feet, adding a touch of joy and excitement to the festive occasion.

Ma Chao sat at the banquet, watching this lively scene, his heart filled with emotion. He knew that this wedding was not only a major event in the lives of Zhang Xiu and Ma Yunying, but also a crucial opportunity for the two sides to unite and become one, laying a solid foundation for their future cooperation.