Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Fragmented images of last night flashed through his mind like a kaleidoscope: the clinking of glasses at the banquet, Sally's shy look as she handed over the wine, the cheers and noise of the crowd... But even when he pieced these fragments together, he still couldn't figure out what had happened.

"What the hell is going on..." Ma Chao finally found his voice and muttered to himself, a hint of bewilderment in his voice. He was filled with regret, hating himself for getting so drunk last night that he had no memory of such an important event.

His gaze slowly shifted from the bloodstain to Sally, who was still sleeping beside him. Her face was serene, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her cheeks, as if she were lost in a sweet dream. Ma Chao's eyes were filled with a complex mix of emotions: guilt, self-reproach, and a hint of indescribable tenderness.

Ma Chao sighed softly and gently tucked Sally back into bed, fearing to disturb her. He felt a mixture of emotions, unsure how to face all this, much less how to explain it to Sally. But at this moment, the only thing he knew for sure was that he had to be responsible for the woman before him, no matter what lay ahead.

Ma Chao quickly stood up and hurriedly put on his clothes, his mind a tangle of confusion. He took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The scene before him stunned him. He saw a group of generals and guards, all of them terrified and disheveled, kneeling on the ground in unison. Their hair was disheveled, some of their shirts were unbuttoned, and some even had their shirts unbuttoned. They looked both embarrassed and ridiculous.

Lu Su stood quietly aside with a solemn expression. Seeing Ma Chao coming out, he hurriedly stepped forward, his eyes full of worry and helplessness: "My lord, you are finally awake."

Ma Chao felt dizzy, the hangover still lingering. He put his hand to his forehead, frowning, and looked at everyone with a puzzled look on his face. He asked, "Zijing, what are they doing?"

Lu Su sighed, his face showing difficulty, and his heart was also in pain: "My lord, what happened last night, they were in a similar situation as you, I don't need to say more about what happened."

Ma Chao didn't react for a moment, and stood there in a daze, his eyes sweeping over everyone, muttering: "This...you..."

At this time, Pan Feng and Wu Anguo took the lead, kneeling in the front, and said in a trembling voice: "Please punish us, my lord!"

Ma Chao looked at his brothers, who had served him for years, with mixed emotions. Pan Feng and Wu Anguo, his right-hand men, had fought alongside him through thick and thin, countless military exploits. And these personal guards, too, had been with him day and night, campaigning north and south, enduring countless life-and-death trials. Now, they knelt on the ground in fear, like children at fault. Some, in their haste, hadn't even dressed properly.

Ma Chao couldn't help but recall the banquet last night, where he had waved his hand and let everyone drink freely. As the commander of the army, he should have set an example, but he couldn't resist the temptation of fine wine and beautiful women. How could he blame these hot-blooded men?

His eyes gradually softened. He stepped forward, helped Pan Feng and Wu Anguo to their feet, and gestured for the others to stand. His voice was gentle but commanding: "Everyone, get up. You are not to blame for this. It was my inconsiderateness. Last night, I allowed everyone to drink to their heart's content. Now that this has happened, as the commander-in-chief, I cannot escape the blame."

After hearing this, everyone's hearts finally settled down. They all stood up, heads bowed, faces filled with shame. Ma Chao looked around and continued, "But this incident also serves as a warning to us. We must never be so lax in the future. Now that it has happened, we must handle it properly." He turned to look at Lu Su, his eyes filled with questioning and expectation.

Lu Su's expression was solemn, his eyes piercing as he spoke bluntly, "My Lord, this matter must not be so easily brushed aside. Think about it, Gan Xingba received a severe beating for a similar incident before. As commanders, the most important thing is to clearly distinguish between rewards and punishments. Only in this way can we enforce military law and ensure that orders are carried out."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao nodded emphatically, his eyes gleaming with determination and resolve. "Zi Jing is absolutely right. That is exactly what should be done." He straightened his body, raised his voice, and swept his gaze across the room like a torch. "Brothers, since that is the case, we will all be treated equally today. You will receive thirty military sticks to begin with. Afterwards, I will personally make proper arrangements with the Shanyue people. I will certainly not allow you to become ungrateful and disloyal."

The crowd suddenly realized what was happening, clasping their fists and shouting, "We obey the general's orders!" With that, they quickly stood up, each fetching their own military clubs. They faced each other, ready to carry out the execution. Although the pain from the clubs was unbearable, strangely, each of them wore a smile of happiness. After all, for these men who had spent years on the battlefield, having a family was a dream come true.

Ma Chao, setting an example himself, insisted on being punished along with the others, upholding military law. After Pan Feng and Wu Anguo had each struck each other with thirty military sticks, they exchanged a glance, their faces etched with hesitation, and slowly approached Ma Chao. They knew full well that the blows from the military sticks to their lord were like blows to their own hearts.

Ma Chao saw their hesitation and said in a deep voice, "Use harder! We are all men fighting on the battlefield. If we can't even withstand a mere thirty military sticks, how can we make up for the mistakes we made yesterday?" Pan Feng and Wu Anguo gritted their teeth, hardened their hearts, and gradually used all their strength in their hands.

Every time the stick landed, it made a dull thud, and Ma Chao's back instantly became covered with red and swollen marks. But he gritted his teeth and remained silent, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead, soaking the ground beneath his feet.

After the punishment, the backs of the twenty or so men, including Ma Chao, were covered in a crisscross pattern of stick marks. Looking at the wounded and exposed backs of his brothers, Ma Chao felt a surge of heroic pride and burst into laughter. "Alright, the punishment's done. Now, it's time to go find the Shanyue and see how this matter ends."

Ma Chao turned and looked at Lu Su, his eyes filled with worry and inquiry. He asked, "Zijing, the situation has been resolved. How do you think we can remedy this? And how will the Shanyue react?"

Lu Su frowned slightly, then pondered for a moment before saying, "My Lord, in my opinion, they won't overreact. After all, this is simply a honey trap they're using to win you over, using this sugar-coated tactic to increase your influence in our hearts and make them feel more comfortable working with us. After all, if you're asking them to gamble the future of the Shanyue tribe with just a few lofty words, anyone would be filled with trepidation."

After hearing this, Ma Chao sighed helplessly, a wry smile on his face, and shook his head. "Alas, why should they do this? By acting this way, we are made to look like a bunch of evil spirits lusting after beauty. Never mind, since it has already happened, let's go and discuss the follow-up matters with them. The most urgent thing is to make sure that the brothers' affairs are properly arranged. We can't let them fall into this dilemma, nor can we let down the Shanyue woman's sincerity."

Ma Chao and Lu Su, along with their generals, marched towards the Shanyue camp's meeting tent. Along the way, Ma Chao pondered how to approach Shamoke and the others, how to resolve this awkward situation while strengthening their partnership.

Arriving at the main tent, the guarding Shanyue soldiers saluted respectfully upon seeing Ma Chao and his companions, then reported in. A moment later, Shamoke and several tribal leaders emerged to greet them. Shamoke wore a warm smile, but a hint of nervousness and anticipation lingered in his eyes.

Seeing this, Ma Chao spoke first with a sincere look: "Brother Sha, what happened yesterday was really offensive. Today, my brothers and I have come here to apologize. I hope that Brother Sha and you will forgive us." After that, the generals behind him knelt on one knee to express their apologies.

Shamoke hurried forward and helped Ma Chao up. A hint of surprise flashed across his face, then he said with a smile, "Your Excellency, what are you talking about? We were all drunk yesterday, so this isn't an offense. I just wonder if you have something important to discuss with me today?"

Ma Chao and Lu Su exchanged a glance, took a deep breath, and said, "Brother Sha, I do have something important to say. We've come here, first, to express our apologies, and second, to discuss with you how to properly accommodate the Shanyue women who share our camaraderie. None of us want to be unkind, and we hope to grant them a legitimate place, ensuring a fulfilling relationship and solidifying our partnership."

Upon hearing this, Shamoke's eyes flashed with relief. He firmly grasped Ma Chao's hand and said with emotion, "Your Excellency truly values ​​friendship and loyalty. This is exactly what I was thinking. Since our Shanyue women have chosen you, they have committed themselves to you for life. If we can facilitate this auspicious marriage, it will not only be a blessing for them, but also for both of us. Let's discuss this in detail in the tent. We will surely come up with a perfect plan."

When everyone heard this, they all looked happy and, led by Shamoke, strode into the meeting tent.

Inside the tent, everyone expressed their opinions on various matters. After a lively discussion, the atmosphere gradually calmed. However, Shamoke remained silent about Sally's affairs, which made Ma Chao feel uneasy. He hesitated several times, unable to find the right moment to speak. Ma Chao knew that Shamoke's actions, while seemingly unintentional, were actually a tactic of playing hard to get. His silence only intensified his guilt.

After much deliberation, Ma Chao gritted his teeth and decided not to sit still and wait for death. He stood up, clasping his hands together. His expression was sincere, and his tone was filled with self-blame. "Brother, yesterday's events were truly reckless. I drank to excess, leading to my own foolish actions. What happened between me and Sally should never have happened. If you wish to punish me, please speak frankly. I will not hesitate."

Upon hearing this, Shamoke waved his hand quickly, his face filled with smiles, his tone filled with warmth and generosity: "Brother, your words are too formal. You are the renowned Marquis of the Han Dynasty, your status is so noble. Sally has long admired you, and being able to serve you is her blessing, something she has longed for. Please don't say that."

Ma Chao did not relax after hearing what Shamoko said. Instead, he said more seriously, "Brother, even if you don't blame me, I can't pretend nothing happened. I have already received thirty military sticks as punishment. In the future, I will definitely give Sally a proper status. However, I am now fighting outside, far away from home, and without my parents' permission. This matter..."

Before Ma Chao could finish, Shamoke burst into a hearty laugh, echoing throughout the tent. "Brother, we Shanyue are a people of the mountains and wilds, not concerned with formalities. Besides, you are of noble status, and I dare not dream of you marrying her. As long as she is by your side, even as a concubine or a servant, as long as you treat her well, I, as your brother, will be satisfied."

Hearing Shamoke's words, Ma Chao finally felt relieved. As long as he didn't force Sariel into marriage and could keep her as a concubine, he could explain to his family when he returned to Xiliang. Secretly grateful for Shamoke's understanding, he clasped his fists again and spoke earnestly, "Brother, I'm deeply grateful for your understanding. Please rest assured, I will treat Sariel well and will never let her down."

Shamoke smiled and patted Ma Chao's shoulder. The two men smiled at each other, and the atmosphere in the tent became more harmonious. This accident caused by drunkenness had a relatively satisfactory outcome due to the frank communication and mutual understanding between the two sides.