Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

After hearing Ma Chao's explanation, Sun Shangxiang curled her lips in disapproval and said nonchalantly, "Brother Ma Chao is such a good man—eloquent in literature, a warrior on the battlefield, and so handsome—and yet there's still a woman who doesn't know how to cherish and choose you. Well, if she doesn't choose you, forget it. I'll marry you later! That way, those blind people will see how much they missed out on Brother Ma Chao." Sun's mother was both angry and amused. She quickly reached out and pulled Sun Shangxiang over, gently pulling her hair. Then, she covered her mouth with her hand and laughed and scolded, "You damned girl, you're just talking such shameless nonsense. You dare to say anything out loud. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at by your brother Ma Chao?"

Sun Shangxiang twisted and thrashed, her face flushing red as she continued loudly, "Brother Ma Chao hasn't spoken yet, mother. What are you worrying about? There's nothing to be shy about! Brother Ma Chao is even more powerful than my eldest brother! When I grow up, I'm going to marry him." Ma Chao was delighted by Sun Shangxiang's quirky, innocent, and adorable appearance. He couldn't help but coax her, "Okay, okay, then you must grow up quickly and marry me when you do." Sun Shangxiang's face instantly broke into a brilliant smile, and she said seriously, "Okay, Brother Ma Chao, it's a deal. I'm going to grow up quickly and marry you when the time comes."

Just then, a hearty laugh echoed clearly from the distance: "Hahahaha, little sister, who are you so eager to marry? You haven't even asked me, your dear brother, if I agree?" Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and Ma Dai hurrying over. Sun Ce walked briskly, a smile on his face, his eyes filled with fondness for his little sister. Zhou Yu, on the other hand, had a gentle expression, a faint smile on his lips, and was very graceful. Ma Dai followed behind them, his expression calm, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

In a fierce battle with the Shanyue, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu successfully defeated them with brilliant strategy and valiant fighting. However, their pursuit was hampered by the Shanyue's familiarity with the terrain, which they exploited to their utmost strength. After weighing the pros and cons, the two men decided not to pursue them relentlessly, choosing instead to return.

Upon hearing the news that his elder brother, Ma Chao, had arrived, Sun Ce didn't dare delay a moment and immediately hurried back with Zhou Yu and Ma Dai. Before even entering the courtyard, he heard the crisp and willful words of his younger sister, Sun Shangxiang, and Sun Ce couldn't help but laugh and make a playful remark.

Sun Shangxiang instantly transformed upon hearing her eldest brother's voice. Her earlier willfulness vanished, and she quickly hid behind her mother like a frightened little rabbit. It seemed that despite her usual lively and bold demeanor, she was still quite in awe of her eldest brother.

Sun Ce entered the courtyard and immediately spotted Ma Chao. A man of great filial piety, he quickly stepped forward, knelt respectfully before his mother, and said sincerely, "Mother, I have returned from the campaign against the Shanyue. Is everything alright, Mother?" His mother beamed, saying repeatedly, "Very well, Mother, everything is fine. Your brother Mengqi has arrived. Hurry and greet him."

As soon as he finished speaking, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu's eyes welled with excitement. Almost simultaneously, they strode towards Ma Chao, and the three of them embraced tightly. Sun Ce's arms tightly wrapped around Ma Chao, his voice filled with the joy of reunion: "Brother, I've been waiting for you!" Zhou Yu was also beside him, unable to contain his excitement: "Brother, how are you?" Ma Chao hugged them both back, feeling overwhelmed: "My dear brothers, I missed you so much, too!" The three of them embraced like this, as if time had stopped for the joy of reunion, and thousands of words were conveyed in this tight embrace.

Sun Ce held Ma Chao's hand tightly, his eyes reddening. His voice was filled with affection and gratitude, and he almost trembled as he spoke: "Brother, looking back on the past, if you hadn't generously donated money without hesitation and helped me with all your strength, how could I, Sun Ce, have achieved what I have today! Back then, I was alone and weak, facing setbacks everywhere, struggling in adversity. It was the money and food you sent that kept my soldiers well fed, and it was your troops and horses that helped me lay this foundation. What you gave me was more than just material support, it was a bright light that lit up for me in the darkness, and the hope that allowed me to be reborn in despair! This kindness is as heavy as Mount Tai, and I, Sun Ce, will remember it in my heart and will never forget it!"

Ma Chao gripped Sun Ce's hand tightly, his eyes filled with brotherly concern and relief. He quickly said, "Brother, please don't say that. Your success today is your own achievement, achieved step by step, through your extraordinary courage, wisdom, and perseverance. Your bravery on the battlefield and your thoughtful strategies are witnessed by all. I was simply fulfilling my brotherly duties in your difficult times. If you need me at any time, I will stand by you without hesitation."

At this moment, Ma Chao turned to look to the side, his gaze landing on Ma Dai, who had been following silently behind him. His eyes were filled with a mixture of brotherly love and admonition. He smiled and waved, "Bozhan, why are you so reserved and acting like a stranger when you see me, big brother?" Ma Dai's eyes instantly welled up with excited tears. The longing and emotion he felt after parting with his big brother surged into his heart like a flood. He rushed to Ma Chao and fell to his knees with a plop. His voice trembled slightly with emotion. "Big brother, my thoughts of you are like a torrent of water, never ceasing for a moment. But after several years apart, we've experienced so much, and my heart is filled with so much emotion that I was so nervous that I didn't know what to do. Big brother, do you know that I look forward to seeing you again day and night?"

Ma Chao looked at the young man who had grown into a resolute man, and his heart was filled with love and comfort. He quickly used both hands to help Ma Dai up, holding his shoulders tightly, gazing into his eyes, and said affectionately: "Well done, Bozhan, you have really grown up and become a man of integrity!"

Over the past year, Ma Dai has followed Sun Ce in his campaigns across the country, going through countless hardships and dangers. The cavalry he led always charged into the enemy formations like sharp blades on the battlefield, and he never flinched from those tough and fierce battles. The years have tempered his originally immature face, and his eyes are full of fearlessness and courage. Ma Chao looked at his younger brother in front of him, his heart full of pride and expectations, and encouraged Ma Dai a few more words: "Bozhan, I have seen all the hardships you have gone through, and it hurts in my heart. You have used your actions to prove the bravery and responsibility of the men of our Ma family. In the future, you must forge ahead bravely, carve out a world of your own in this troubled time, and bring honor to our Ma family. I believe that you will achieve great things!"

Ma Dai felt a surge of warmth in his heart as he listened to his elder brother's words, his eyes moistening once again. He scratched his head sheepishly, a blush spreading across his face. Just like when he was a child, he smiled shyly at his brother. That smile was filled with respect and reliance for his brother, as well as a longing and determination for the future.

The brothers caught a glimpse of the two striking strands of white hair at Ma Chao's temples. The silver strands shimmered in the sunlight, like the heavy marks quietly carved by time. They knew in their hearts that behind these white strands lay a heartbreaking story.

At this moment, the brothers finally reunited, their hearts filled with joy and excitement after a long separation. Each cherished this hard-earned reunion, savoring the peaceful atmosphere after weathering so many storms. No one had the heart, nor the will, to disrupt this precious tranquility with questions that might bring back painful memories. So, they all tacitly suppressed their doubts, willing only to immerse themselves in this heartwarming reunion, letting the brotherly bond flow gently in this unspoken understanding.

Here, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu turned their attention to Lu Su, who had been brought by Ma Chao, and with warm smiles on their faces, they greeted him warmly. After all, they were all old acquaintances from Luoyang, and the long-awaited reunion was filled with emotion.

Sun Ce said curiously, "I didn't expect that Zijing would come here with my brother. I wonder what happened?" Zhou Yu also nodded, his eyes full of confusion.

Seeing this, Ma Chao smiled and recounted the story of his encounter with Lu Su and their journey together. Everyone, hearing this, could not help but sigh at the wonder of fate. In these turbulent times, old acquaintances, once thought scattered, were reunited in this way, a reunion orchestrated by fate, allowing this friendship to flourish and grow stronger over the years.

Mother Sun looked at everyone with satisfaction, and said with a smile: "It's a rare occasion for you brothers to get together, so you should have a few drinks. I'll take your brothers and sisters downstairs first. Bofu, the wine and food here have been carefully arranged. You all should go to the banquet together and accompany your brother Mengqi and have a few drinks." Ma Chao, Sun Ce and others hurriedly and respectfully saw Mother Sun off from the Mu family's inner house, and then went to the banquet together.

The atmosphere at the banquet was warm and harmonious. Ma Chao, filled with concern, inquired about Sun Ce's experiences since their separation and how he had built his current empire. Sun Ce enthusiastically recounted his past, filled with hardships and courageous struggles. Ma Chao exclaimed in admiration, "Bofu, you've truly grown a lot! With Gongjin by your side, and with you two working together, I'm truly delighted to see what you've achieved." Sun Ce and Zhou Yu exchanged a smile, then burst into hearty laughter, their laughter filled with ambition and ambition for the future.

Sun Ce had a mysterious smile on his face and said to Ma Chao, "Brother, you have come here this time for a great reason! Gongjin and I have married Xiao Qiao and Da Qiao as our wives." Ma Chao was stunned at first when he heard this, then his face was full of surprise, and he said happily, "When we were in Luoyang in the past, I saw the affection between you two and Xiao Qiao and Da Qiao, and we had a secret crush on each other. I knew that this day would come sooner or later. Now it has finally come true, it's really great! Such a happy event, we should have another drink together!" Upon hearing this, everyone raised their glasses and drank another glass amid laughter.

Ma Chao then spoke, "Da Qiao and Da Qiao are now my sister-in-law's wives. We are not strangers, and we are old acquaintances from Luoyang. They deserve to meet me, their brother. I wonder if you could invite them to the banquet so that we old friends can reminisce." Sun Ce and Zhou Yu quickly responded, "We came here this time so that Mother can meet them. And since you are coming too, we must reunite. Since you say so, please invite them out and offer a toast to you as an apology. I beg you not to hold us accountable for our secret marriage."