Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The night, as dark as ink, slowly spread over the Shanyue camp. Stars dotted the sky like gems inlaid in the night sky. Inside, a bonfire burned brightly, its dancing flames illuminating the surroundings in a crimson glow. Before a long table laden with delicious food, Shamoke stood tall and straight, his face brimming with enthusiasm, inviting Ma Chao to take a seat with the utmost sincerity.

This time, Shamoke was remarkably resolute. He strode over to the main seat, used both hands to straighten it, and then turned sideways to face Ma Chao, his eyes filled with unquestionable expectation. He said loudly, "Brother Ma, this main seat today belongs to you! I've made up my mind, so don't refuse it anymore."

Seeing this, Ma Chao hurriedly took a few quick steps, waving his hands in the air, his words filled with earnestness: "No, no! Brother Sha, in this world, you Shanyue people are the true masters. I am merely a guest who has come all the way from distant Xiliang. How could I do something so rude as to usurp the throne? This seat of honor must belong to you. Please don't embarrass me any further."

Shamoke remained unmoved. He stepped forward and grasped Ma Chao's hand tightly. His palm was broad and strong, his expression growing increasingly anxious, and his voice unconsciously rose a few degrees. "Brother! I have the audacity to call you brother, and I feel I'm climbing above my station. You come from a prominent family in Xiliang, of unparalleled status. You command countless brave generals and countless cavalrymen, and you are renowned in these troubled times. Yet you are willing to humble yourself and come to our remote and isolated Shanyue land. Your friendship alone, your regard for us Shanyue, is a great honor to us. This banquet today is an opportunity for our entire Shanyue tribe to express our gratitude. If you don't take the seat of honor, you'll be denying me, Shamoke, respect. I'll feel like a huge rock is weighing on my heart, and I'll never be able to get over it! Brother, please fulfill my wish."

Ma Chao sat firmly on the main seat, his posture erect and his demeanor extraordinary. Shamoke accompanied him respectfully, his eyes always filled with respect, and from time to time he poured wine and added dishes for Ma Chao.

Ever since word of Ma Chao's identity spread, leaders from other Shanyue tribes flocked to the camp from all directions. Dressed in distinctive attire and with simple smiles, they filed into the camp. Upon seeing Ma Chao, their eyes were filled with awe and curiosity, and they hurried forward to pay their respects.

"We have long heard of Lord Ma Chao's great name. It is our great honor to meet him today!" A burly leader spoke first in a loud voice, with a blush on his face, perhaps due to excitement or the haste of the journey.

"Yes, yes, your lordship's reputation spreads far and wide. We in these mountains and forests often hear of your glorious military exploits." Another thinner leader echoed, his words full of compliments.

Although the Shanyue people were mostly simple by nature, this matter concerned the future of the entire Shanyue people, so they all mustered their courage, blushing and racking their brains to speak words of loyalty. Each simple yet passionate word echoed continuously in the tent.

In this warm and welcoming atmosphere, after three rounds of drinks, Ma Chao felt a surge of warmth in his cheeks, and he was already a little tipsy. He raised his hand and waved it slightly, then smiled and said to Shamoke beside him, "Brother, it is a pleasure to be able to gather with you all today. I, Ma Chao, am deeply honored by your warmth."

Shamoke smiled and nodded, his eyes full of relief.

Having reached a preliminary peace agreement, Ma Chao was in a particularly good mood. He turned to Pan Feng, Wu Anguo, and his personal guards, waved his hand, and said boldly, "We're having a great time today, so drink as much as you can! No need to be so reserved!" Everyone cheered and raised their glasses. The Shanyue people also enthusiastically joined in, constantly circling the table to urge them to drink.

For a moment, the tent was filled with laughter and the clinking of wine cups. Pan Feng, his face flushed from drinking, slurred his words, saying, "Today's wine is truly delightful!" Wu Anguo nodded in agreement, his eyes already a little hazy. The guards were even more drunk, yet their laughter continued. The entire banquet was immersed in a joyous and lively atmosphere.

As the atmosphere within the tent reached its climax, suffused with the aroma of wine and the bustle of clamor, the heavy curtains were suddenly gently lifted, letting in a fresh breeze carrying silvery laughter. Like an elf emerging from the forest, Sally led a group of Shanyue women into the tent. They adorned themselves in vibrant, colorful attire, the intricately embroidered fabrics adorned with mystical totems symbolizing the ancient Shanyue culture. Their steps gently swayed, as if telling a story of the ages. The silver ornaments around their necks and wrists gleamed coolly in the light of the campfire, and with each step, a crisp, melodious sound, like the sound of nature, instantly captivated the attention of everyone in the tent.

Sally walked at the front, her fair cheeks flushed with excitement and shyness, her eyes like twinkling stars in the night sky, filled with admiration and anticipation. She sauntered before Ma Chao, bowed her head slightly, and whispered, "Sir, it is truly a great honor for us to have you visit our land of Shanyue today. On behalf of the women of Shanyue, I offer you a toast. May all be well with you." Her voice was soft and melodious, like the gurgling of a mountain stream. She then lifted the exquisite wine glass, raised her arm, and bowed gracefully, her every gesture revealing the gentleness and generosity of a Shanyue woman.

Inside the tent, the clamor and bustle threatened to overturn the roof, with laughter and the clinking of cups mingling in one cacophony. Although Ma Chao was a bit tipsy from the combined effects of the wine and the lively atmosphere, he still managed to maintain a degree of sobriety.

When Sally walked towards him gracefully, wine glass in hand, with a hint of shyness and anticipation, Ma Chao's heart was alarmed and he instinctively wanted to decline. But before he could open his mouth, a figure flashed by and Shamoke strode up to Ma Chao.

Shamoke knelt on one knee with a steady, solemn gesture, his face filled with respect and earnestness. He abandoned his usual familiarity with addressing him, speaking in a resonant voice filled with undeniable sincerity: "Lord! If you continue to refuse, how can we, the people of Shanyue, cope with our affairs? How can we find peace? Your presence has brought hope and opportunity to our Shanyue people. This is our chance to repay you."

As he spoke, Shamoke raised his head slightly, looked at Ma Chao sincerely, and continued, "What's more, if you insist on not accepting it, do you think that my little sister Sally's appearance is mediocre and not pleasing to your eyes?" There was a hint of subtle tension and worry in his tone.

Hearing this, Ma Chao felt a surge of embarrassment. Just as he was about to explain, he caught sight of Sally beside him. Her eyes, brimming with tears, were like flowers drenched in spring dew, a delicate sight. Her tears, etched with the sting of her brother's words and filled with deep expectations for Ma Chao, were a sight to behold.

Ma Chao's heart softened, and he was momentarily speechless. He looked around, seeing everyone staring at him intently, their eyes filled with anticipation. Helplessly, he leaned forward slightly, slowly approaching the wine glass. Seeing this, Sally's eyes flashed with surprise. With slightly trembling hands, she steadily held the glass to Ma Chao's lips. Ma Chao took a deep breath, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp. The spicy wine flowed down his throat, igniting the blood in his body.

"Great!" "Great!" Everyone cheered in unison, their applause instantly resounding throughout the tent. The cheers and applause intertwined like a surging wave, pushing the atmosphere of the banquet to a new climax.

At the same time, the other women scattered like fluttering butterflies, gracefully moving towards Ma Chao's guards and generals. For a moment, the tent was filled with the sounds of laughter and a lively atmosphere. The woman who had previously been friends with Gan Ning was now surrounded by a group of young women, her face beaming with happiness and pride, as if she owned the world. The still-unmarried women, however, saw this opportunity as a godsend, summoning their courage and boldly showcasing their charms.

A tall, graceful woman approached Pan Feng with graceful steps. She held a delicate, antique wine jug, her eyes gleaming with a playful, alluring expression. A smile played on her lips, her voice soft yet alluring. "General Pan, I've long heard of your immense strength, your awe-inspiring bravery on the battlefield, and I'm truly awed by the privilege of meeting you today. This glass of wine is for you. You must savor it thoroughly, to truly appreciate this fine wine." Before she finished speaking, she twisted her wrist, tilting the jug slightly, and the clear liquor traced a crystalline arc through the air, slowly falling towards Pan Feng's lips.

On the other side, a beautiful woman stood before Wu Anguo. Her cheeks were rosy, like a delicate flower in full bloom in spring, brimming with youthful vitality. She raised her head with a hint of shyness, her voice soft and velvety like a spring breeze, "General Wu, your name is known to countless ears. It's my honor to pour wine for you today. Please do me the honor." Then, she followed her companion's lead and, with a slightly ambiguous gesture, poured wine for Wu Anguo.

Ma Chao's personal guards had followed him throughout the years, experiencing countless battles across the country, most of whom had lost their lives due to the fighting. Seeing that Gan Ning had made peace with the Shanyue women without punishment, coupled with Ma Chao's permission for everyone to drink freely today, and the Shanyue women's passionate and unabashed advances, their long-suppressed emotions were instantly ignited. They dropped their inhibitions and began to joke and play with the women, thoroughly enjoying this rare moment of joy.

The atmosphere in the tent intensified, everyone lost in the joy and bustle. Lu Su, however, frowned, his eyes filled with worry. He looked at the scene before him, sensing something was amiss. To him, the Shanyue people's hospitality, their fine wine and women, seemed like hospitality, but in reality, it looked more like a trap wrapped in sweetness. Hadn't he fallen for the Shanyue people's sugarcoated tactics?

Lu Su was terribly anxious and wanted to speak up to stop them. He knew that Ma Chao and the others shouldered a heavy responsibility, and that their reckless indulgence in drinking would only lead to the loss of important matters. But just as he was about to stand, he found himself surrounded by the other Shanyue leaders. These leaders, with smiles on their faces, raised their glasses, offered him warm compliments, and toasted him enthusiastically.

"Mr. Lu, since you are so happy today, you must have a few more drinks!" A burly leader said with a smile, his voice loud and full of enthusiasm that could not be refused.

"Yes, Mr. Lu, you work hard for important matters every day. It's a rare opportunity for you to relax today, so you must enjoy yourself." Another leader also echoed, with a smile on his face.