Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The next morning, the warm sun rose, casting a soft glow upon the army. After lunch, Ma Chao, Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and the others headed for the barracks. Sun Ce, now unified Kuaiji County, had dramatically transformed the size and strength of his army. Hearing of Sun Ce's reputation, heroes flocked to join him, enriching his command with a wealth of talented individuals. The Battle of Kuaiji had significantly strengthened his army, now numbering forty to fifty thousand men. These soldiers, nearly all seasoned in battle, were veterans of countless battles. While not veterans, they had been tempered in the flames of war, making them all capable and useful.

Everyone arrived at the Generals' Assembly Platform to review Sun Ce's army. Sun Ce had specially brought 30,000 soldiers, including the Loyalty Battalion that Ma Chao had previously assigned to Ma Dai. Standing on the platform, the soldiers were neatly arrayed and their morale high. Although Ma Chao, a veteran, considered these troops not yet battle-hardened, their neat appearance was impressive enough.

Sun Ce warmly welcomed Ma Chao to the assembly platform, his gaze gleaming with pride and grandeur. He gazed down at the generals and soldiers below and declared, "Brother, I have lived up to your expectations. After enduring hardships, I have finally assembled these armies. Now, we have established a firm foothold in these turbulent times. I hope you will carefully review our troops and offer us your guidance." Ma Chao smiled, also gazing at the orderly troops below. He patted Sun Ce on the shoulder and said sincerely, "Bofu, this is far more than just establishing a firm foothold. Now you command an army of your own, a true lord. We are like brothers. This is how we should be: commanding the military power of the world and navigating these turbulent times!"

Sun Ce waved his hand with a flourish of heroic energy, igniting a fiery flame. Instantly, the soldiers below, like a surging wave, erupted in an overwhelming response. "General Sun! General Sun!" The uniform shouts resounded like rolling thunder, resounding through the clouds and shattering the clear morning sky. Every word was filled with reverence and love for Sun Ce, and the sound felt like substance, stirring up waves of passionate ripples in the air.

Sun Ce's face was brimming with pride. He smiled triumphantly and waved his hand, signaling his soldiers to be quiet. Then, with a fierce expression, he shouted with a powerful voice, "Do you know who is standing next to me?"

At the front of the column stood Huang Gai, Zu Mao, Cheng Pu, and Han Dang, their figures erect as pine trees, their swords drawn. Their gazes blazed as they gazed towards the stage from afar, their eyes flashing with surprise and excitement. Almost in unison, they blurted out, "But General Tian is here?" Ma Chao wore a gentle and kind smile, his eyes filled with admiration as he praised them sincerely, "The four generals have devoted their lives and minds to Bo Fu. They are all extraordinary talents, unmatched by even the best generals of old!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the four generals immediately stepped out of line, their movements in perfect unison, and they knelt on one knee. Their faces were filled with excitement and eagerness, their eyes gleaming with reverence. They shouted in unison, "Sir, it is truly Your Majesty who has graced us! We are so grateful for Your immense grace that even if we were to be torn to pieces or die, we could never repay even one ten-thousandth of it. To witness Your Majesty's grace today is truly a great honor for us, a blessing earned through countless lifetimes!"

Huang Gai turned abruptly, facing the soldiers who formed a forest behind him. His expression was almost frantic with excitement, and he waved his hands vigorously, shouting at the top of his lungs, "My men, this is the world-renowned and feared General Xiliang, the mighty Marquis of Han! He roamed the Eastern Qiang like an untamed force, and he defeated the fierce Xiongnu until they were completely defeated. He is a hero known throughout the world, a hero known as great as thunder!"

In the audience, Ma Dai and his fellow Loyalty Battalion soldiers had been unable to contain their excitement from the moment Ma Chao appeared. However, Ma Dai, always calm, had managed to suppress his voice. Meanwhile, the young soldiers, their faces flushed red, their excitement like a volcano about to erupt. At this moment, Huang Gai's shout ignited their passion, making it impossible to contain it any longer.

"It's General Tian! General Tian!" Instantly, the audience erupted like a powder keg, agitated and boiling. Cheers and shouts mingled into a passionate melody, echoing lingeringly throughout the entire military camp. The soldiers' eyes gleamed with enthusiasm as they brandished their weapons and stamped their feet, seemingly expressing their deepest admiration and love for Ma Chao. The entire camp was engulfed in a sea of ​​boiling passion, a passionate atmosphere that seemed to melt the chill of the morning.

Gan Ning, accompanied by his troops, all dressed in chic and impressive brocade sails, witnessed Ma Chao being so beloved and adored by the crowd, and a strong sense of honor welled up in his heart. His eyes were fixed on Ma Chao, standing in the center of the field, radiating a dazzling brilliance like the moon surrounded by stars, his eyes filled with admiration and yearning.

At this moment, Ma Chao seemed to radiate his own light, his every move and every word drawing cheers and applause from the crowd. Gan Ning could not help but secretly resolve to unwaveringly follow his lord's footsteps, emulating Ma Chao's example and striving for progress. He longed for the day when he could emulate Ma Chao, enjoying the admiration and adoration of the crowd, achieving extraordinary feats. In his eyes, Ma Chao had become a powerful driving force, guiding him in the pursuit of his dreams in these turbulent times.

Amidst this passionate, almost boiling atmosphere, Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu advanced steadily, reviewing the troops one by one. Among them, Gan Ning's troops, led by the brocade sails, stood out with their distinctive attire and impressive presence.

Sun Ce gazed upon the mighty, orderly army, his heart awash with pride. After the Battle of Kuaiji, he had finally established himself in this region. However, up until then, he had always felt his efforts lacked the full recognition of his elder brother, Ma Chao, which had simmered within him. Now, Ma Chao personally came to review the troops and acknowledge his achievements, leaving Sun Ce feeling elated and overjoyed.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Sun Ce waved his hand and decided to reward the three armies generously. Upon hearing this, the soldiers immediately erupted in a thunderous cheer, their excitement beyond words.

After the rewards were given and the heated atmosphere within the army had subsided, Sun Ce gathered his newly joined generals and his longtime veterans in his tent. The atmosphere was warm and solemn. Everyone sat together, discussing the next steps, their gazes filled with hope and determination for the future.

Inside the spacious military tent, candlelight flickered, its dim light dancing across the faces of the assembled troops, illuminating each one with a resolute expression. Ma Chao stood tall and straight, his movements steady and powerful. He raised his hand in Gan Ning's direction, introducing him in a loud, clear voice: "Everyone, this is Gan Ning, the renowned hero of the Jiang River, Gan Xingba!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Ce's gaze instantly blazed towards Gan Ning, a smile spreading across his face as he asked, "Is this the heroic hero sailing across the river?"

Gan Ning's face flushed softly at these words, his expression thick with shame. He lowered his head slightly, looking at Sun Ce, who had become a powerful lord and exuded an extraordinary aura, with a look of guilt on his face. He said sincerely, "Gan Ning and his brothers joined the army, hoping to serve on the battlefield, but they were ostracized and oppressed. With nowhere else to turn, I was forced to resort to such dishonorable activities as looting on the river. This truly brings disgrace upon my reputation and I do not deserve such praise from the general."

Upon hearing this, Sun Ce laughed heartily, his laughter echoing throughout the military tent. He waved his hand and said in a cheerful tone, "That's all right! I've seen that General Gan is awe-inspiring and dignified, exuding a heroic spirit. Now that I've followed you, brother, I've abandoned evil and joined the good, embarking on the righteous path. From now on, I just need to do my best under your command, and I will surely achieve unparalleled achievements and leave my name in history!"

Gan Ning was deeply moved upon hearing this, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart. He immediately turned around and saluted each of the generals present, his hands clasped together ...

Sun Ce then enthusiastically introduced his civil and military officials one by one to Ma Chao. First, he gestured to Generals Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and Zu Mao, addressing them respectfully: "Brother, these four generals have served me throughout countless battles, serving me with unwavering loyalty and making invaluable contributions." Upon hearing this, the four generals stepped forward and saluted with solemn expressions.

Then, Sun Ce pointed to Jiang Qin, Zhou Tai, Ling Cao, Pan Zhang and others and introduced them, "These are all brave generals who have just joined our army. They are all highly skilled in martial arts and extremely brave." Several generals stepped forward one by one, saluted with fists, their eyes revealing confidence and enthusiasm.

As for the civil officials, Sun Ce smiled and said, "This is Yu Fan, who is knowledgeable and wise; this is Gu Yong, who is calm and steady, and has a good way of governing; and there is Lu Kai, who is upright and loyal." Yu Fan, Gu Yong, and Lu Kai all stepped forward and saluted respectfully.

Ma Chao smiled, returned each greeting, and then engaged in lively conversation with the group. He engaged in in-depth discussions with each general and advisor, discussing military strategy and tactics, as well as daily military life. Throughout the conversation, Ma Chao keenly sensed the respect and devotion they showed to Sun Ce—a genuine recognition that deeply impressed him. He felt the vibrant energy and strong cohesion of the group.

Ma Chao glanced around, his gaze settling on the high-spirited Sun Ce before him. Seeing Sun Ce now, Ma Chao couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. He recalled two years ago, when Sun Ce, though showing his potential, had been impulsive and reckless, driven by his father's hatred, and his actions were somewhat immature. But now, Sun Ce had managed his subordinates in an orderly manner, his words and actions were calm and measured, and his every gesture exuded the demeanor of a leader. He had truly grown tremendously. Ma Chao was filled with satisfaction, silently rejoicing in Sun Ce's transformation.

Sun Ce had keenly sensed that his elder brother, Ma Chao, was quite pleased with his recent progress, and he felt a surge of joy, as if all his efforts had been recognized. Immediately, Sun Ce enthusiastically ordered a sumptuous banquet, warmly inviting Ma Chao and his generals to join him.

Soon, the tent was filled with fine wine and delicious food. The aroma of wine and food instantly filled the entire tent. Everyone took their seats and toasted to celebrate. Throughout the meal, everyone toasted each other, laughing and chatting.