Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Lu Su felt something was amiss. After scanning the tent, he turned to the beautiful woman standing quietly by his side and asked, "Who is that girl pouring wine for Ma Chao?" A hint of pride crossed the woman's face as she smiled and said, "She's our leader's sister. In Shanyue, she's a true princess, known as Shali'er."

Upon hearing this, Lu Su's uneasiness grew even stronger. However, Gan Ning, Wu Anguo, and the others didn't notice anything wrong. Instead, they thought it was a blessing that their lord was favored by such a beauty, and they all smiled.

Lu Su knew that these mountain people always had some strange rules, and he was still suspicious, so he asked the girl again. But the girl just smiled and did not respond to his question.

Seeing Ma Chao drink the wine Shali'er had personally served him, Shamoko burst into laughter with delight. He bowed to Ma Chao and said, "Chief Ma, you are truly a true hero among the Han people! Although we Shanyue people have lived in the mountains for a long time, we often come into contact with the Han people. However, I have never seen a man as brave and heroic as General Ma Chao! You led your Jinfan tribe across the Yangtze River, often robbing the rich and helping the poor. This is truly admirable. Moreover, your archery skills are outstanding and unparalleled. I am truly impressed!"

Ma Chao hurriedly waved his hands humbly and said, "I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it." He wanted to guide the topic to the actual situation of the Shanyue people and try to learn more about the people's livelihood in the Shanyue area in order to lay the foundation for subsequent cooperation.

But Shamoke cleverly changed the subject and said with a smile: "Tonight, let's just talk about our welcome and admiration for Chief Tsushima. As for the real business, we can discuss it in detail tomorrow." After that, he kept raising his glass and drinking, prompting everyone in the tent to respond.

Lu Su was secretly worried. While everyone was drinking happily, he quietly approached Ma Chao's guards and whispered, "Don't let your lord drink too much. Now you are in someone else's camp, and they keep inviting you to drink according to local customs, and you can't refuse too much. But after all, we are on someone else's territory, so we still have to be more careful, just in case." Upon hearing this, the guards all nodded solemnly.

The aroma of wine filled the tent. Although Ma Chao was concerned about something important, he couldn't ask directly, so he could only hint at it. With a well-placed smile on his face, he raised his glass and gestured to Shamoke. He said, "Chief Sha, I've long heard that the customs and people of the Shanyue region are unique and exotic, like a mysterious painting shrouded in mist. I have always been fascinated and curious. Today, I am honored to drink with you. I wonder if you can help me understand how your region is governed? I hope you will be generous with your guidance."

Upon hearing this, Shamoke threw back his head and laughed heartily, taking a generous gulp of wine. The wine dripped from the corners of his mouth, soaking the front of his shirt, but it did not diminish his generosity in the slightest. He waved his hand and said, "General Ma, you are too polite! We Shanyue are not like you Han people, with a centralized government. We are just tribes scattered throughout this vast mountain forest. A large tribe like ours, relying on the protection of our ancestors and the strength accumulated over the years, does have a certain prestige in this mountainous area, and it makes the surrounding tribes look up to us."

Ma Chao's eyes flashed with a subtle concentration, and he quickly asked, "Chief Sha, you're so modest. But I'm thinking, with so many tribes scattered across the land, they must be able to look after each other on a daily basis. How do you do that?"

Shamoke put down his wine glass, his expression becoming serious. A simple determination shone through his eyes as he slowly spoke, "Every year, when the azaleas in the mountains are in full bloom, our tribes gather in a spacious valley. The tribal leaders sit in a circle and discuss important matters with me. If any tribe encounters difficulties, whether it's the Han court sending troops to encircle and suppress them, or a disaster that wipes out the crops, everyone will share what they have. Those who have the strength will contribute labor, and those who have food will donate food. Take those weak tribes, for example. They are too weak to handle the difficulties, so we naturally have to help them. We can't just watch them get bullied or starve to death in a disaster."

Ma Chao nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then asked tentatively, "Chief Sha, I've heard that at some point, you Shanyue people will rise up against the imperial court and even attack the county seat. Is this rumor true?"

Upon hearing this, Shamoke's face darkened. He snorted coldly, a trace of indignation flashing in his eyes. He said, "Hmph, if it weren't for those corrupt officials in the court who imposed heavy taxes and forced us Shanyue people to live, how could we easily resist? When the way to survive is blocked, everyone naturally gathers together to fight for a chance to survive. Attacking the county town is also a helpless act!"

Ma Chao's face was filled with admiration. He raised his glass and said sincerely, "Chief Sha, you are so chivalrous and brave. As the leader of a large tribe, you must be highly respected in the Shanyue and deeply respected by everyone!"

When the people around heard Ma Chao's words, they all echoed him. A sturdy man shouted, "Of course! Chief Sha is a skilled warrior. On the battlefield, he's a one-man army that can hold a thousand men at bay! And he treats all our tribes equally, never showing favoritism. In our Shanyue, Chief Sha is the uncrowned king!" The others followed suit, praising him in unison, "That's right, Chief Sha has led us through so many hardships, and we all remember him!"

Shamoke smiled and waved his hands, saying, "You all are too kind to me. I'm just a Shanyue man, and the brothers from the various tribes respect me and give me some face. This is all so that everyone can survive in this chaotic world and have something to eat."

Ma Chao listened quietly to the chorus of praise, realizing that Shamoke's revered position among the Shanyue tribes was no exaggeration. While the Shanyue might seem disunited, Shamoke held them together, creating a force to be reckoned with.

Ma Chao was about to follow up on the conversation, discussing future cooperation between the Shanyue and his side, when Shamoke raised his hand and interrupted him. Shamoke, a warm smile on his face, said, "General Ma, today we are solely focused on welcoming you, our distinguished guests from afar, and not discussing military matters. Look, there's a bonfire lit outside, a blazing flame awaiting us. To celebrate your arrival and this rare occasion, let's go outside and have some fun!"

Everyone walked out of the tent and onto the square. In the center, a huge bonfire had already been lit. The flames shot up into the sky, illuminating the surrounding area as bright as day. The young men and women of Shanyue were happily singing and dancing around the bonfire.

The most eye-catching figure in the crowd was undoubtedly the woman who had earlier poured wine for Ma Chao. Her figure was lithe, and every dance move seemed natural. Her waist swayed like a willow swaying in the wind, radiating a vibrant energy. Her radiant beauty, like the brightest star in the night sky, captivated the Shanyue youths gathered around the campfire. Their eyes gleamed with eagerness, and they stared intently at her, as if the entire world was filled with only that graceful figure.

At this moment, Lu Su seized an opportunity and hurriedly approached Ma Chao, lowering his voice to say, "My lord, the Shanyue people have lived in the mountains for a long time, and their customs and practices are likely very different from ours. The woman who just poured you wine was none other than Chief Shamoke's sister, Sariel. I wonder what her intention was in personally pouring the wine. You must be more careful in the future, and be sure not to inadvertently violate their hidden taboos or customs. If you unwittingly get yourself into trouble, we'll be left with no excuse."

Ma Chao nodded slightly and responded quietly, "Alas, she toasted me so enthusiastically. I really feel uncomfortable. I didn't want to drink, but in front of everyone, she is so enthusiastic. If we don't comply, it will seem very unkind of us."

Lu Su agreed deeply: "Indeed, my lord, you can only pay more attention to it."

Just when the two men were distracted by their conversation, Shamoke called out to Ma Chao again: "Chief Ma, come here!" Ma Chao quickly responded: "Hey, I'm here, I'm here." Then he came to Shamoke's side.

At this moment, the charming and beautiful woman, Sariel, was standing beside Shamoko. Shamoko, beaming with pride, introduced her with a bold voice, "Chief Ma, this is my sister, Sariel. She's the jewel of our Shanyue people! She's always admired the heroes of the Han people. I just poured you some wine, so I guess you haven't officially met yet."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao politely stepped forward, ready to formally meet Sariel. Sariel raised her eyes and gazed at Ma Chao lovingly, her eyes almost overflowing with love and admiration.

Sariel's cheeks flushed, her eyes filled with admiration. She said in a sweet voice, "Captain Ma, your archery skills that day truly captivated me. I'm really curious if you're equally gifted in dancing. Would you be so kind as to dance with Sariel?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao's smile faltered. He secretly groaned inwardly, but it was difficult to refuse directly. He could only smile helplessly and said, "Miss Sariel, I am just a warrior on the battlefield. I only know how to wield swords every day. How can I understand the intricacies of dancing? Miss, you dance gracefully. Why don't you perform a wonderful dance for us with a familiar partner? Let us feast our eyes."

Upon hearing this, Sariel couldn't help but frown slightly, stamping her lotus feet lightly and saying, "What are you talking about, Chief Ma? I grew up in Shanyue, surrounded by Shanyue people. Where have I ever seen a hero as majestic and outstanding as Chief Ma?"

The Shanyue young men, who had originally been delighted by Sariel's dance, now saw her chatting happily with Ma Chao. Sariel looked at Ma Chao with even more affection, as if he was the only one in their eyes. Jealousy suddenly surged in the young men, their eyes red and blazing with envy towards Ma Chao.

Sariel persisted, her eyes filled with anticipation. She tugged at Ma Chao's sleeve and gently shook him, "Captain Ma, you always say you're only good at wielding a sword or a spear, but in my eyes, men on the battlefield are truly heroic. That's why I'm looking forward to dancing with you. I want to see you display your unique style by this bonfire."

Ma Chao was helpless. Although he still wore a smile, a flicker of embarrassment flashed in his eyes. He spread his hands and said apologetically, "Miss Sariel is so kind, but I know nothing about dancing. How about this, I'll perform a sword dance for everyone to liven up the atmosphere and share this rare occasion with you all."