Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Pan Feng and Wu Anguo took the order and left, soon gathering their guards in the courtyard. Everyone looked at Gan Ning, who was being held in the center, and understood that this was their lord enforcing strict military discipline.

The guards formed neat lines, the atmosphere solemn and subdued. One guard, holding a military staff, approached Gan Ning. Ma Chao looked around and declared, "Men, listen! Military law is as strong as a mountain; no one who violates it will be tolerated. While Gan Ning's actions today were extenuating, the rules must not be abandoned. These thirty military staff blows are to make it clear to everyone that military discipline is inviolable!"

With that, the execution began. The military clubs fell, the "slap" sound echoing throughout the courtyard, each blow a solid blow. Gan Ning gritted his teeth, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead, but he never uttered a word. Ma Chao watched Gan Ning being tortured, his face stern despite his reluctance.

After thirty blows with the military club, Gan Ning's back was already covered in flesh and blood. Ma Chao stepped forward, looked at Gan Ning and said, "Xingba, remember the pain you suffered today. Never act so recklessly in the future." Gan Ning clasped his fists weakly and said, "Don't worry, my lord. I will never do it again."

Later, with Ma Chao leading the way, Pan Feng and Wu Anguo carefully escorted Gan Ning towards Shamoke's tent. Along the way, Gan Ning endured the pain and secretly made up his mind that when he met the Shanyue leader, he would sincerely apologize and save the situation.

Ma Chao knew that the road to peace talks was full of challenges. Only by enforcing military discipline could he take the initiative in dealing with the Shanyue and successfully achieve the purpose of the peace talks.

When Ma Chao, Pan Feng, and Wu Anguo, escorting the gravely wounded Gan Ning, arrived at Shamoke's tent, the Shanyue soldiers guarding the camp were stunned by Gan Ning's shabby appearance—his clothes torn and bloodstained. Their faces were filled with surprise and confusion. Without delay, they hurried inside to report.

Shamoke had previously known about Gan Ning's relationship with the Shanyue woman. Such interactions between men and women were not uncommon in Shanyue customs, so he wasn't surprised. However, in his understanding, a commander of a disciplined and unyielding army wouldn't behave in such a way. Therefore, Shamoke felt that Ma Chao's commanders were acting so recklessly and unintentionally, and he couldn't help but feel a hint of contempt.

Soon, Shamoke strode out of the tent with steady, powerful strides. Tall and imposing, he swept his gaze over Ma Chao and the others, finally settling on Gan Ning, who was kneeling on one knee, covered in wounds. His eyes were scrutinizing and probing, as if he wanted to see something special about Gan Ning.

Gan Ning, enduring the excruciating pain in his back, looked slightly pale, but his expression was remarkably resolute. He cupped his fists to his chest, knelt firmly on one knee, and though his voice was slightly hoarse from the pain, he spoke clearly and forcefully, "Chief Shamoke, Gan Ning lost his composure yesterday after drinking and behaved disrespectfully, seriously offending the customs of your land. I have come to apologize today." His words were filled with remorse and guilt.

Seeing this, Ma Chao stepped forward, his expression solemn and dignified, like a steady mountain, conveying an unquestionable sense of authority. He bowed slightly and spoke earnestly, "Captain Shamoke, it was my poor military management that led to my men's misdeeds. I have personally brought him here to offer my sincere apology. Gan Ning has already received thirty blows of the military staff. Each one serves as a punishment for his mistakes and demonstrates our sincerity in addressing this matter and our unwavering resolve to rectify military discipline." Ma Chao's words resonated deeply, resonating in the air with an invisible force.

Shamoke watched the scene unfolding silently, his lingering disdain vanishing without a trace. Instead, a surge of admiration emerged. He had long known Ma Chao's reputation for discipline and discipline, but he hadn't anticipated his ruthless and uncompromising approach to rewards and punishments. To maintain relations with the Shanyue and solidify their bond, he unapologetically punished his own general. This boldness and commitment moved Shamoke deeply.

A flicker of admiration flashed in Shamoke's eyes, and he quickly stepped forward, extending his broad, strong hand and steadily lifting Gan Ning to his feet. His movements were filled with boldness and sincerity. Then, turning his gaze to Ma Chao, a sincere smile appeared on his face, and he said, "General Ma Chao, I truly admire your actions. Although such things are common customs in our Shanyue people, your solemnity in treating them shows your respect and importance for us. I, Shamoke, deeply appreciate this gesture." Shamoke's voice was rich and resounding, like a bell, echoing in the ears of everyone.

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao quickly clasped his fists in return, and said in a humble and sincere manner: "Thank you, Chief, for your magnanimity. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. This is what we should do. This incident has also made me deeply realize that military management needs to be more rigorous. In the future, I will strictly discipline my subordinates and never let such things happen again." Ma Chao's words were firm and powerful, and his eyes revealed an unquestionable determination.

Gan Ning looked at Shamoke with gratitude, his eyes flashing with emotion, and said with a slightly trembling voice: "Thank you for your understanding and tolerance, Chief. Gan Ning will definitely remember this lesson in mind and will think twice before doing anything in the future." Gan Ning knew very well that if it were not for Shamoke's magnanimity, he would not have been able to get away with it so easily.

Shamoke smiled and waved his hand, saying cheerfully: "It's okay, it's okay. General Ma Chao is clear about rewards and punishments and is strict in managing the army. He is truly a great general and is convincing. Let's put this little misunderstanding aside. The peace talks are related to the vital interests of both sides. We might as well take a long-term view and jointly seek a result that is beneficial to both sides." Shamoke's smile was as bright as the sun, and his words were full of expectations for future peace talks.

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao thanked him again and said, "It is a great honor for us to have such understanding from the leader. Peace talks are related to the well-being of both sides. I am willing to work hand in hand with the leader to promote it and achieve a win-win situation for both sides." Ma Chao's eyes were full of expectation and determination, as if he had already seen the beautiful scene of friendly cooperation between the two sides after the successful peace talks.

Ma Chao looked at Shamoke and said seriously, "Chief Shamoke, since Gan Ning and that woman are in love, and what happened last night was quite offensive, I would like to have Gan Ning marry her to your Shanyue tribe. This would give an explanation to both parties and allow them both to have a happy ending. What do you think, Chief?"

Upon hearing this, Shamoke was slightly taken aback, then a smile of approval flashed across his face. He nodded and said, "General Ma Chao's suggestion is excellent. This way, we can have a happy ending for everyone involved." He then turned and called over the Mu brothers, instructing them, "Mu Jin, lead them to discuss this matter with the woman's family. Make sure it's handled properly."

Mu Jin accepted the order and said respectfully, "Don't worry, Chief, Mu Jin will definitely fulfill the mission."

Ma Chao clasped his fists towards Shamoke and said, "Thank you, Chief, for your help. I feel relieved now."

Shamoke returned the greeting with a fist-clasp and said with a smile, "General, you are too polite. The road to peace talks is still long. I hope we can work together to move forward."

Afterwards, Mu Jin took Ma Chao and others to the woman's tribe to negotiate the marriage arrangements.

After they left, Mu Yin and Mu Tong were both in deep thought. Mu Tie had a look of doubt and puzzlement on his face, and couldn't help asking, "Chief, are you going to let them go so easily? Isn't this a bit too lenient?" Mu Tie's eyes revealed a hint of worry, as if he didn't quite understand Shamoke's decision.

Shamoke laughed heartily and heartily, like a gust of wind, dispelling the gloomy atmosphere. He patted Mu Tie on the shoulder and said confidently and firmly, "You may not know that Ma Chao is a man of clear rewards and punishments, and he maintains strict discipline over his subordinates. He's a man worth befriending. Gan Ning may have made mistakes, but he's brave enough to admit them and take responsibility, making him a promising talent. Negotiating peace with them might bring unprecedented development opportunities to our Shanyue people. Why not?"

In Shamoke's heart, the scale that measured the power of all parties was tilting quietly and involuntarily.

In the Gan Ning incident, he witnessed Ma Chao's proper handling of the situation, clear rewards and punishments, and his devout defense of military discipline, which fully demonstrated his rigorous style of military management.

Due to the remote location and lack of information, Shamoke's understanding of Ma Chao remained superficial, always thinking that Ma Chao was just an unknown figure in troubled times, weak and powerless, and not worth fearing at all. However, when he saw Ma Chao's extraordinary martial arts and bravery, and thought of his outstanding military management, Shamoke's heart was struck, knowing that Ma Chao was no ordinary person, and it was only a matter of time before he would rise in these troubled times.

Moreover, his sister Sally's eyes, when she looked at Ma Chao, were filled with love. Shamoko wondered to himself, why should he be the heartless one to break up a couple? Ma Chao's current foundation was indeed shallow compared to many other princes, and he had started late in the quest for supremacy. But if the Shanyue tribe offered a helping hand, and with Ma Chao's own abilities and ambitions, he would surely achieve great success in these turbulent times.

Shamoke stood there, his thoughts drifting far away. He secretly imagined the beautiful vision of joining hands with Ma Chao to create a great cause, as if he could already see the glorious future of the Shanyue people rising in troubled times. Immersed in this reverie filled with hope and longing, the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up, revealing a hint of complacency.

Meanwhile, Ma Chao had already made his arrangements and was heading straight for the woman's home with Gan Ning. Along the way, Gan Ning felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement, his steps hurried yet cautious. Ma Chao, on the other hand, remained calm, occasionally speaking to Gan Ning, his words filled with comfort and encouragement, gradually settling Gan Ning's previously uneasy heart. The two men passed through scattered tents and followed a winding path, and soon arrived at the woman's house.

The marriage went smoothly, needless to say. The Shanyue woman and Gan Ning were already quite fond of each other, and their eyes met with a tender affection. The woman's parents, seeing that Gan Ning, though a Han Chinese general, was exceptionally brave and courageous, and his conversation was full of generosity and sincerity, were delighted with him.

Furthermore, Ma Chao and his companions were generous and forthright in their spending during the negotiations. Gan Ning, having amassed considerable wealth from his years of navigating the Yangtze River, offered a generous gift in terms of betrothal gifts and other items. With smooth back-and-forth communication, the two sides quickly finalized all matters, and the marriage was settled.

Gan Ning looked at Ma Chao, his eyes filled with gratitude. He recalled the time when Ma Chao had ordered him to be beaten with thirty military sticks, which had truly embarrassed him. But now, his lord was personally arranging his marriage—a favor not often afforded to any general. For Gan Ning, it was an unparalleled honor. He secretly vowed to repay his lord's kindness by dedicating himself to his service.