Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Upon hearing the invitation, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao walked gracefully and walked into the hall in a short while.

At the banquet, many old acquaintances gathered. Ma Chao, the man of heroic spirit and reserved demeanor, and Lu Su, the refined and dignified scholar, were among them. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, one bold and forthright, the other elegant and graceful, accompanied Ma Dai.

While the banquet was modest in scale, it was nonetheless exceptionally well-organized. Ma Chao had come from afar, and everyone treated him with respect, offering him the first seat. Ma Chao, a naturally generous man, didn't refuse; after all, his companions weren't strangers, but old friends with whom he held a close friendship. Lu Su, his advisor, also attended.

Ma Chao then calmly sat in the main seat, with the high-spirited Sun Ce to his left and the elegant Zhou Yu to his right. Moving down, next to Sun Ce sat Ma Chao's younger brother Ma Dai, and across from Ma Dai was the exceptionally resourceful Lu Su.

Although there were only five people at the banquet, they were all close friends from Ma Chao's new circle. There was no need for excessive formalities or false formalities, and the atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious, as if returning to the days of openness and confiding in each other.

Although hastily prepared, the banquet was meticulously planned. Since they had already met with Sun's mother in the backyard, they were both accompanied by their families, so this banquet focused on family bonding, not official business. The generals had scheduled a formal gathering for tomorrow. Gan Ning, Pan Feng, Wu Anguo, and others had all been properly accommodated. Therefore, upon their arrival, Xiao Qiao and Da Qiao were not shy and strode into the table with grace.

Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao approached hand in hand, their eyes fixed on Ma Chao, who sat at the head of the table. Recalling their youth in Luoyang, the joyful and carefree times they had shared together, memories flooded back like a tide, and a shy blush crept across their cheeks.

They instinctively turned to look at their respective husbands—Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. Their eyes were filled with love and encouragement, and they nodded slightly, as if silently offering comfort. After all, when Xiao Qiao and Da Qiao married Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, Ma Chao and the others were not present. Ma Chao, in his small circle of friends, had always been an indispensable figure, and he was also Sun Ce and Zhou Yu's sworn brother.

At this moment, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao took a deep breath, suppressed their shyness, and walked forward to greet Ma Chao.

Seeing this, Ma Chao hurriedly stood up to greet her. Da Qiao, a reserved and gentle woman, behaved gracefully, bowing gracefully and softly, greeting her softly, "Brother Ma Chao, it's been a long time since we parted in Luoyang. I wonder how you've been doing?" Ma Chao smiled gently and responded to Da Qiao's greeting. Then, with a touch of emotion in his eyes, he said, "I heard you and Brother Sun are happily married. While this is somewhat unexpected, it's also perfectly reasonable." He couldn't help but tease, "You've always preferred quietness, yet you've fallen for the heroic Sun Ce. Meanwhile, Xiao Qiao, with her lively nature, has found a perfect match with the gentle Zhou Yu. I have to admire this truly remarkable fate."

Ma Chao's friendly teasing was like a spring breeze, and Da Qiao's fair cheeks instantly flushed like a rosy rosy cloud. She was naturally reserved and gentle, and only nodded slightly, a shy smile playing at the corner of her lips. After the greeting, she lightly walked to Sun Ce's side, like a quietly blooming orchid.

Xiao Qiao was not as reserved as her sister. She came to Ma Chao skipping and dancing like a cheerful bird, her bright eyes full of smiles, and her clear voice was like pearls falling on a plate: "Oh hey, brother Ma Chao, look, it's been such a short time since we last met, and you've become more and more heroic, as elegant as a character walking out of a painting. Your character is beyond words, and one cannot help but admire you!" Her words were full of ridicule for Ma Chao's joke on Da Qiao.

Ma Chao laughed heartily, his eyes full of teasing, and said jokingly: "Hey, Xiao Qiao, my third brother Zhou Yu is the world-famous handsome Zhou Yu. This reputation has spread to all directions along the rivers and lakes! You wait for such a handsome husband who is as handsome as Pan An every day. What are you not satisfied with? You even come to praise me?" All of them were old acquaintances who had played together since they were teenagers. Of course, they would not take the joke seriously.

Xiao Qiao feigned anger and stamped her foot lightly. Then her expression gradually softened, a hint of melancholy in her eyes, and she sighed softly, "Alas, brother, you don't know. Since we parted ways in Luoyang, these days have been like a kite with its string cut, drifting everywhere, each in his own way. My sister and I were fortunate to have Brother Bofu and Gongjin's heartfelt help in our time of need, and to have them marry us. We are truly blessed. Reuniting with all of you old friends today is like a dream, and I am so overwhelmed with joy that I can't express it in words."

She paused briefly, her eyes filled with deep longing, and her voice softened unconsciously. "Whenever I think of those days in Luoyang, I can't help but think of Sister Wan'er and Sister Wenji. Back then, we spent all day together, in the Luoyang courtyard, surrounded by the chirping of birds and the fragrance of flowers, delving into our studies together, arguing over the subtleties of a poem, and leaping with joy at solving a difficult problem. Those days were like dazzling pearls, strung together, one by one, to celebrate our youth. I wonder where Sister Wan'er and Sister Wenji are now, and how they're doing. I truly hope we can still sit together like we used to, chatting and reminiscing about everything, and reminiscing about those wonderful times."

Xiao Qiao's words, tinged with longing, were like a boulder dropped into a tranquil lake, instantly causing Zhou Yu and Sun Ce's hearts to tighten. Living at the intersection of various powers, they were naturally far more informed than Xiao Qiao and Xiao Qiao. They had long known of the complexities of Lu Wan's marriage to the Emperor and her enthronement as Empress. Though they hadn't personally witnessed them, they knew of the deep bond between Lu Wan and Ma Chao, and how could they not understand that this might conceal a past event that would provoke a deep pain in Ma Chao's heart.

As for Cai Wenji, she had married far away in Hedong, unwilling to allow the Xiongnu to wreak havoc there. They knew that Cai Wenji later suffered many hardships in that chaotic region. Sun Ce knew even more, that Cai Wenji later made her way to Ma Chao's Western Liang. However, these were not pleasant news. They feared their wives would be distressed and regretful upon hearing about them. After all, Xiao Qiao and Da Qiao were as close as sisters to Cai Wenji, so they kept these details secret.

At this moment, Xiao Qiao's words had barely left her lips when the two of them glanced nervously at Ma Chao, fearing he might be upset by what they had heard. However, Ma Chao remained composed, and despite a tinge of sadness, he slowly recounted the two women's recent circumstances: "Wen Ji had a tragic fate. She was married to the Wei family of Hedong by Cai Yong. Who could have foreseen that when the Xiongnu invaded, the entire Wei family, loyal and valiant, perished fighting the Xiongnu, leaving only Wen Ji and the orphan of the Wei family, tragically taken captive by the Xiongnu."

At these words, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao's eyes instantly filled with anxiety. Da Qiao, though naturally quiet, couldn't help but ask anxiously, "Brother, brother, what happened?" Xiao Qiao couldn't hide her sorrow, and cried, "Sister Wenji, why is your life so miserable?"

Seeing this, Ma Chao hurried to comfort her, saying, "Alas, my two sisters, there's no need to worry. Previously, the Xiongnu invaded Xiliang, but I led my army to defeat them. They fear me. Wen Ji was always unwelcome and isolated while in the Wei clan. When I went to deliver Cai Yong's relics, I supported Wen Ji. Fortunately, she had been hiding my portrait, and the Xiongnu were wary of her and didn't dare to act recklessly. They eventually sent her to Xiliang, where she has lived ever since. While I truly despise the Wei clan's treatment of Wen Ji, the entire Wei clan fought bravely against the foreign invasion, even dying in battle. Their loyalty is worthy of their ancestors. Therefore, I have adopted the Wei clan's orphan as my son, to be raised together in Xiliang."

Upon hearing this, the two women were overcome with mixed emotions. They felt sorrow for Cai Wenji's difficult life, yet secretly grateful that she had finally returned to Ma Chao's side—a blessing in disguise. Xiao Qiao, quick-witted, instantly understood the complexities. Cai Wenji's current stable life in Xiliang was undoubtedly due to Ma Chao's protection. Furthermore, Cai Wenji had secretly preserved Ma Chao's portrait even before the fall of the Wei Palace, demonstrating the depth of their friendship. Ma Chao's open support for Cai Wenji with her husband's family further cemented their friendship.

Xiao Qiao couldn't help but say to Ma Chao, "Although Sister Wenji has endured so many hardships over the years, she's fortunate to have Brother Ma protecting her. I'm sure she's living a happy life now." While seemingly ordinary, these words hinted at Ma Chao's relationship with Cai Wenji. Ma Chao, with a calm expression, nodded and said, "I'm sure Wenji is happy. It's better than being bound by worldly rules and suffering all day. In Xiliang, with me, Ma Chao, here, I will never let her endure those hardships again."

Xiao Qiao and Xiao Qiao exchanged a glance, both understanding what she meant. They both knew that Cai Wenji had found a good home. Xiao Qiao, speaking her mind, said with a smile, "So, if that's the case, I'm afraid we'll have to address her as sister-in-law when we meet her again in the future."

Ma Chao was not at all embarrassed or offended by her teasing. Instead, he looked calm and said with a natural look, "That's right. When we meet in the future, you should really change your address to sister-in-law."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall couldn't help but sigh, their hearts filled with sadness as they recalled Cai Wenji's difficult life. But at the same time, they were genuinely happy to know that she now had a stable home with Ma Chao. For a moment, everyone was filled with mixed emotions, yet also relieved by this happy ending after so many setbacks.

Da Qiao's beautiful eyes were filled with concern. She sighed softly and said with emotion, "Alas, I never expected Sister Wenji to have gone through so many hardships. Fortunately, she is now in harmony with you, brother. It can be considered a blessing in disguise. But brother, I wonder how Sister Lu Wan is doing now? Back then, you and Sister Lu Wan grew up together and were inseparable. We all saw that your friendship was deep and extraordinary. Now that the world situation has changed, Sister Wenji has found this connection with you again. If Sister Lu Wan knew about this, wouldn't she be unhappy?"

Xiao Qiao blinked her bright eyes, with a playful smile on her lips, and quickly took over the conversation: "Sister, your worry is unnecessary. Sister Lu Wan has always been kind-hearted, like the warm spring sun. Besides, she and Sister Wen Ji have a deep sisterly love and are as close as a family. How could she interfere? In my opinion, brother is going to enjoy the blessing of having two wives." Xiao Qiao said, while covering her mouth with her hands and laughing, her eyes full of teasing.