Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Lu Su was terribly anxious, yet he couldn't escape. He tried to swerve around them, but was enthusiastically stopped each time. Helplessly, he could only watch as Ma Chao, Pan Feng, and other generals and guards, all drunkenly, were jeered at by the crowd.

Soon, the crowd's noise grew louder. Someone started the clamor, clamoring to go out and dance around the bonfire. Ma Chao and the others, drunken, joined in the commotion. Soon, the crowd surrounded Ma Chao and the others and arrived in the square.

In the square, a bonfire burned brightly, its flames dancing wildly in the night sky, illuminating the flushed faces of the crowd. Surrounded by Shanyue men, women, and children, Ma Chao, Pan Feng, and the others, led by the crowd, began a joyful dance to the rhythm. Their steps were unsteady, their movements somewhat comical, but in this warm atmosphere, everyone was immersed in it, and laughter and joy echoed throughout the camp. Lu Su stood by, watching this scene, sighing inwardly. He knew full well that tonight's events might bring unexpected consequences.

In the square, a bonfire burned brightly, illuminating the laughing faces of the crowd. The aroma of wine, laughter, and a touch of ambiguity intertwined, pushing the atmosphere to an unprecedented climax. Laughter and banter rose and fell, threatening to break through the clouds, drifting into the silent night sky and blending with the twinkling stars.

Shamoke walked briskly to Lu Su's side with a smile on his face, holding the wine jug steadily in his hand. His tone was full of warmth: "Lu Su, Mr. Zijing, everyone is in high spirits. Why don't you come dance with us and spend this wonderful night with us?"

Lu Su's face darkened, his gaze piercing as he stared at Shamoke. His voice was cold and hard: "Chief Shamoke, I have always respected you, but I never imagined you would resort to such tactics. The peace talks have already begun, so why resort to the beauty trap? This is a stark contrast to the simple and honest impression you Shanyue have given people in the past!"

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Shamoke's face, and then, with a tone thick with pleading, he explained, "Mr. Zijing, please put yourself in our shoes. Although we've just reached a cooperation agreement with you, we respect Lord Ma Chao as a person and are not familiar with General Sun Ce. Although we currently share a common interest in dealing with Wang Lang and Xu Gong of Wu Commandery, if General Sun Ce were to lead us in the future and we disagree, what would we do?"

Lu Su frowned and responded, "Didn't we agree that my master would sign a contract with you as a guarantee?"

Shamoke, still looking worried, sighed, "Mr. Zijing, do you really think this piece of paper can have an absolute binding effect? ​​In terms of our closeness to Lord Ma Chao, how can we, the Shanyue people, even compare with General Sun Ce? We have no other options, so we're trying to find a balance with this attentive approach. We also hope that General Sun Ce will be magnanimous in the future."

Upon hearing this, Lu Su fell into deep thought. After a moment, he said, "Does this really have to be done this way? This would be bad for my general's reputation. How can I come to your Shanyue land and then let everyone go back with their women?"

Shamoko waved his hand and said seriously, "We Shanyue people don't have so many complicated ideas. Survival in these mountains is difficult, and we have always respected the strong. Moreover, General Ma Chao is of noble status, and these women are willing to follow him. How can this tarnish General Ma Chao's reputation as a commander of the army? Besides, these are his subordinates who have followed him for many days. Giving them a home will also relieve your worries, and they will be more willing to serve you wholeheartedly in the future."

Looking at the bustling and irreversible scene before him, Lu Su knew that the matter was done and it would be futile for him to try to stop it. He could only sigh helplessly, his eyes full of worry and helplessness.

Joyful songs and laughter echoed through the night, only to gradually die down around midnight, like weary birds returning to their nests. By then, Ma Chao's personal guards, all rosy-faced, tipsy, and beaming with happiness, were each supported by their beloved Shanyue women, who carefully supported them like rare treasures. Though their steps were unsteady, their hearts were filled with sweetness as they leisurely returned to camp.

Ma Chao, already drunk to the point of swaying, his steps unsteady, as if treading on clouds. Beside him, Sally's fair cheeks flushed like a ripe apple, her eyes a mixture of shyness and concern. She extended her slender yet powerful arm, firmly wrapping it around Ma Chao's, supporting his heavy frame. The Shanyue leaders and elders, solemn in expression, their eyes filled with awe and anticipation, gathered around them like loyal guards, escorting them all the way to Ma Chao's room.

When they reached the door, everyone stopped in their tracks. As if drawn by a magnet, their gazes were fixed on Sally. Their expressions held an almost religious anticipation. Sally's cheeks flushed even more red under the intense gazes. She nodded slightly, her hair swaying softly. In an instant, the Shanyue people present all knelt on one knee in unison. Their movements were steady and solemn, the sound of their knees hitting the ground muffled and powerful as they bowed deeply to Sally.

In the eyes of the Shanyue people, Sally was like the bright, flawless moon hanging high in the sky, a revered little princess of unparalleled nobility. Yet, now, she resolutely lowered her status and, without a grand and solemn wedding, decided to serve Ma Chao. In the eyes of the people, this act undoubtedly constituted an immeasurable sacrifice for the future and destiny of the Shanyue people.

Sally's cheeks burned, as if igniting the air around them. She nodded once more, then slowly reached out and gently closed the door. As it closed with a soft creak, everyone, filled with a complex mix of relief and emotion, gradually dissipated like receding waves, leaving only the tranquility of the night, silently enveloping everything.

Sally finally helped Ma Chao to the bed. She was already panting, beads of sweat covering her forehead. Ma Chao's tall body weighed heavily on her, and every step she took required all her strength. But her eyes were filled with tenderness and concern, without a trace of complaint.

Once Ma Chao was comfortably tucked into bed, Sally meticulously and painstakingly removed his elaborate clothing. Her movements were gentle, fearing to hurt the drunken, slumbering Ma Chao. Afterward, Sally sat quietly beside the bed, gazing intently at Ma Chao's handsome face. The flickering candlelight danced across Ma Chao's features, outlining his deep features. Sally's eyes were filled with admiration and love.

Ma Chao's expression gradually grew more painful as he drifted into a drunken dream. His brow furrowed, as if trapped in a terrifying nightmare. In his dream, the figure he couldn't let go of—Lu Wan—slowly emerged, her eyes tinged with resentment. Lu Wan's appearance was so clear, her eyes filled with a thousand words, filled with helplessness and resentment, which made Ma Chao's brow furrow even deeper.

Seeing Ma Chao in such agony, Sally's heart twisted into a knot, aching with pain. She wondered what kind of past, what kind of woman, could have caused Ma Chao such pain even in his dreams. She raised her hand, pale and slender, and gently touched Ma Chao's brow with her fingertips, trying to smooth out the wrinkles.

In his sleep, Ma Chao felt a chill on his face and subconsciously reached out to grasp Sally's hand. The small hand was soft and boneless, delicate to the touch. Ma Chao seemed to mistake Sally for Lu Wan in his dream, holding her tightly, unwilling to let go. Sally tried to pull her hand away, but found Ma Chao's strength too great to break free.

Ma Chao cried out in agony in his sleep, "Wan'er, is that you? Wan'er, please don't leave me." His voice was filled with endless pain and pleading, and every word seemed to be torn from the depths of his heart. This cry almost broke Sally's heart, and her eyes instantly filled with tears.

Sally caressed Ma Chao's face, her voice soft but firm, "My Lord, no matter who this Wan'er is, I am willing to stay with you. I will not leave. I am your Wan'er." As she spoke, she gently wiped away a tear that slipped from Ma Chao's eye. In the silent night, her vows echoed softly in the room, like the most heartfelt promise to Ma Chao.

Ma Chao, half asleep and half awake, pulled Sally into a tight embrace, his strength undeniable. Sally felt as if she were being encircled by an iron arm, unable to break free. She subconsciously struggled a few times, but it was in vain, only drawing her closer to Ma Chao.

Helplessly, Sally slowly leaned over Ma Chao's muscular chest. She could clearly feel his pounding heartbeat, beating again and again like a war drum beating in her ears. Ma Chao exuded a faint scent of alcohol, mixed with his unique masculine aura, lingering in Sally's nose.

Sally's cheeks burned, her heart beating faster and faster. She had never been this close to a man before, let alone Ma Chao, whom she had long admired. Her mind was in a turmoil. Her mind told her to continue trying to break free, but her emotions made her cling to the warmth and peace of the moment.

In the quiet night, the flickering candlelight within the tent illuminated the two figures. Ma Chao's breathing gradually steadied, as if he had found some solace in the embrace. However, Sally remained restless for a long time. Her eyes were filled with panic and shyness, yet also held a hint of sweet anticipation. She didn't know how to handle this sudden intimacy.

When the first ray of sunlight in the early morning penetrated the mist and gently fell on the Shanyue camp, the whole world gradually woke up from its slumber.

Ma Chao suddenly woke up from his chaotic hangover, feeling his head was extremely dizzy and his temples were throbbing with pain. He was eager to get up to dispel this annoying discomfort, but as soon as he supported himself with his hands, he was shocked to find that he was not wearing any clothes.

In an instant, his consciousness cleared a little, and his movements froze in place. Before he could recover, he subconsciously lifted the quilt, only to see a shocking scarlet on the bed sheet.

Ma Chao felt as if struck by a thunderbolt. He froze in place, his mind blank. His eyes were fixed on the bloodstain, filled with shock and bewilderment. It took a long time before he found his voice. His lips trembled slightly, but no sound came out.