Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao's expression was sincere, his eyes fixed on Shamoke, his words filled with enthusiasm and earnestness. "Brother, it's too early to worry about those things right now. Let's focus on the cooperation at hand. You and I both know that for a long time, you Shanyue have suffered oppression from the Wujun government. Your life has been unbearable, and you have been forced to rebel. Now is a perfect opportunity. We are planning to attack Wujun. If we work together, we will surely conquer Wujun in one fell swoop.

Once you capture Wujun, you will be free from this oppressive pressure that lingers around you, and enjoy a more expansive living space. As for what policies Sun Ce will implement in the future, brother, rest assured. I've known Sun Ce for a long time, and I know he cares deeply about the people and the people. While the future is difficult to fully control, at least for now, working together can help us address this pressing need.

Even if disagreements arise in the future, I will be there to mediate. I will do my utmost to find a balance between you and Sun Ce, fully safeguarding the interests of Shanyue. This will undoubtedly be a thousand times better than your current situation of being isolated and trapped. Brother, this opportunity cannot be missed. I hope you will join me in seizing this rare opportunity."

Shamoke bowed his head in thought for a long time, his brow furrowed, as if weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he raised his head, a hint of hesitation in his eyes, and said slowly, "Brother Ma, what you say is not without reason, but we, the Shanyue people, have fought desperately for our mountain home for years, and we are truly afraid of repeating the same mistakes. If we put all our strength into this cooperation, but after the war, we do not receive the protection we deserve, how can I explain this to the elders of my tribe?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao nodded heavily, his expression solemn and resolute. "Brother, I fully understand your concerns. So, let's draw up a contract. In this cooperation, the Shanyue will contribute troops and manpower. After the war, Sun Ce will set aside a special area for the Shanyue people to live and work in peace and contentment, and promise never to invade without cause. At the same time, preferential policies will be provided in terms of taxation and people's livelihood. And I, in the name of the Xiliang Ma family, will guarantee it. If Sun Ce violates this agreement, I, Ma Chao, will be the first to disagree."

A flicker of emotion flashed in Shamoke's eyes, but he still had concerns: "That being said, how can this contract be guaranteed to be foolproof? People's hearts are fickle. If Sun Ce grows in power in the future and turns his back on us, what good will a contract do?"

Ma Chao narrowed his eyes slightly, a glint of wisdom flashing in them. "Brother, this contract isn't just a written agreement; it also concerns the credibility of all parties involved. Once word gets out, the world will know. If Sun Ce breaks his promise, he will be universally scorned, an unbearable burden for his ambitions. Furthermore, I will mediate and maintain close ties with the Shanyue. If anything unforeseen happens, our Xiliang Iron Cavalry, though far away in the northwest, will not sit idly by."

Shamoke was silent for a moment, then a relieved smile gradually appeared on his face. He stood up suddenly, tightly grasped Ma Chao's hand with both hands, and shook it vigorously. "Okay! Brother Ma, for your sincerity and sense of responsibility, I trust you this time! I will gather all the Shanyue tribes and plan an attack on Wujun with you!"

Ma Chao smiled with satisfaction, shook Shamoke's hand tightly, and said emphatically, "Don't worry, brother. This cooperation will surely bring new vitality to Shanyue. Together, we will surely create great achievements!"

With the peace talks now settled, Shamoke beamed with joy and extended a sincere invitation to Ma Chao: "Brother Ma, it is truly a great honor for our Shanyue people to be able to reach such a cooperation with you today. I hope you will come tonight. We will prepare the most sumptuous banquet and enjoy a good drink!" Upon hearing this, Ma Chao immediately agreed with a bright smile on his face: "Brother, how can I refuse such a kind invitation? I will definitely attend the banquet tonight on time!"

Ma Chao then turned to look at Gan Ning, his expression straightening as he instructed, "Xingba, immediately have Chief Shamoke send a guide familiar with the terrain to Sun Ce. We have now reached a cooperation agreement with the Shanyue. We must discuss with them as soon as possible how to coordinate all parties and successfully capture Wujun. This battle for Wujun involves many parties, and only close cooperation can ensure success."

Gan Ning took the order and quickly made arrangements. Soon, a guide arrived, leading Gan Ning at full speed, towards Sun Ce's location. Meanwhile, Ma Chao, anticipating the prospect of cooperation, quietly awaited the evening banquet while pondering his upcoming strategy for the conquest of Wujun.

As soon as the peace talks ended, Shamoke looked hurried and immediately gathered his trusted subordinates to gather in the tent. Torches in the tent were swaying, and the light and shadows were flickering. Everyone's faces looked solemn and anxious along with the swaying firelight.

Shamoke was the first to break the silence. He slowly glanced at the crowd and said in a deep voice, "We have reached a cooperation with Lord Ma Chao, but this matter is of great importance. It concerns the life and death of our entire Shanyue tribe. Everyone, speak openly and don't hide your thoughts."

A white-haired old man, leaning on a cane, stood up shakily, his brow furrowed in the shape of a "川" character. He said worriedly, "Chief Shamoke, Lord Ma Chao appears to be a truly heroic figure, and we trust him. But he's far away in the northwest, with deep roots, and it's likely that his sworn brother, General Sun Ce, will take over Yangzhou in the future. Tell me, if they disagree, which will matter more to Lord Ma Chao, the safety of the Shanyue or his brotherly bond with General Sun Ce? We must be on guard against this. If anything goes wrong, I'm afraid the Shanyue will be plunged into irretrievable ruin."

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd erupted in excitement, whispering among themselves, their faces filled with worry. At this moment, a young and energetic leader suddenly stood up, clenched his fists, and shouted, "If Lord Ma Chao could stay and personally take charge of Yangzhou, wouldn't all these concerns disappear? We Shanyue people would also benefit from this and live a stable life."

Before he finished speaking, a middle-aged man sneered and retorted, "Brother, you are dreaming! Lord Ma Chao is the lord of Xiliang and has heavy responsibilities. He has thousands of people under his command and the vast land of Xiliang waiting for him to govern. How could he easily stay in our remote Yangzhou? What you said is simply an unrealistic fantasy." After hearing this, everyone burst into laughter at first, but then fell silent, and the atmosphere became more depressing and dull.

Just as everyone was arguing, faces red and clueless, a leader, usually resourceful, stood up slowly, cleared his throat, and said slowly, "In my humble opinion, we must find a way to improve our relationship with Lord Ma Chao. If we can be like him and Lord Sun Ce, a close brother, sharing life and death together, then even if they want to harm us Shanyue in the future, they will have to carefully consider Lord Ma Chao's reputation. After all, with Lord Ma Chao's prestige and influence, if he firmly defends us, General Sun Ce will probably not act rashly."

Everyone was stunned at first, then their eyes lit up, as if they had found a ray of light in the darkness. Shamoke nodded slightly, a flicker of admiration in his eyes, and thought to himself, "This is a brilliant plan, but how can we implement it to further strengthen the relationship between Lord Ma Chao and the Shanyue people?" Inside the tent, everyone began a heated discussion, plotting a viable path for the future of the Shanyue.

Inside the tent, everyone was arguing endlessly about how to build a closer relationship with Ma Chao. At this moment, Mu Jin's eyes suddenly lit up, and he slapped his thigh excitedly and said, "Everyone, I have an idea! This Lord Ma Chao is young, promising, and full of vigor. In these troubled times, he is a hero who stands tall and proud. If we can marry him, we will be family from now on. What's the point of worrying about not having a close relationship?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone fell silent, and then they began to discuss. "Yes, yes, Lord Ma Chao is a powerful figure, commanding a large number of troops from Xiliang, and he's also young and handsome. If he could marry into the Shanyue clan, that would be a great opportunity." "That's right, if it goes through, the Shanyue clan will have a strong backer in the future."

As Shamoke listened to the crowd's discussion, his sister, Sariel, suddenly appeared in his mind. Remembering the faint glint of admiration in her eyes when she looked at Ma Chao, he thought to himself, "Mu Jin's idea is a brilliant one. If Sariel could be married to Ma Chao, it would not only fulfill my sister's wish, but also make us Shanyue and Ma Chao close relatives, and so many problems would be easily solved in the future."

Thinking of this, Shamoke nodded heavily and said loudly, "Everyone is right. This marriage is feasible! I suggest that my sister Sariel betrothed to Lord Ma Chao. From what I know about my sister, she also has a good impression of Lord Ma Chao. If this is accomplished, the friendship between us Shanyue and Lord Ma Chao will surely be as solid as a rock."

Everyone cheered loudly upon hearing this, and the tent erupted in jubilation. They all seemed to see the Shanyue and Ma Chao working hand in hand towards a bright future of prosperity.

Dusk enveloped the Shanyue camp. Shamoke hurried, his expression anxious, as he moved from tent to tent, finally stopping before a quiet one. He parted the curtains and saw Sariel sitting on a felt rug, fiddling with a bouquet of wildflowers. Upon seeing her brother enter, her eyes lit up like stars, and she excitedly asked, "Brother, how was your conversation with Chief Ma today? Tell me!"

Shamoke sighed, sat down beside his sister, and recounted his meeting with Ma Chao in detail, from his vast forces and outstanding military achievements to his ambitions to conquer the world. When he finished, his face was filled with emotion, and he shook his head and said, "Sister, we were really like sitting in a well, looking at the world. We never imagined that General Ma Chao was such a prominent figure, commanding a large army, and having such a far-reaching reputation. I originally wanted to betroth you to him, but now it seems that this will not be so easy."

Upon hearing this, Sariel's smile froze, her once bright eyes shrouded in a layer of sadness. She bit her lower lip and remained silent for a moment. As a Shanyue woman, the innate courage to love and hate suddenly surged within her. She raised her head, her gaze firm, and said softly but resolutely, "Brother, even if he holds a high position and power, even if I cannot be his wife, as long as I can be by his side, I will be content."

Shamoke looked at his sister, his heart filled with heartache and helplessness. He raised his hand and gently stroked Sariel's hair, comforting her, "Don't worry, sister. I will do my best to handle this matter. General Ma Chao is a generous and compassionate man. Perhaps there is a chance of recovery." The tent fell into a brief silence, with only the flickering candlelight illuminating Sariel's eyes, reflecting her hope and determination for the future.