Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Days passed in a flash, and there was no news from Gan Ning, who had been trying to contact Sun Ce. Ma Chao and his companions spent their days in the Shanyue camp at Shamoke, doing nothing. Their lives gradually became reduced to drinking, attending banquets, and indulging in romantic affairs.

Ma Chao's personal guards, along with himself, were caught completely unawares by the Shanyue's elaborate honey trap. With Ma Chao's approval, these guards unreservedly taught the Shanyue the powerful combined attack techniques of the Xianzhen Camp. Furthermore, they tirelessly personally instructed the Shanyue soldiers in drills, patiently guiding them through everything from formation positioning to weapon wielding techniques.

Under such careful instruction, the Shanyue people trained their troops diligently day and night. Their combat effectiveness was greatly improved compared to before, and the entire tribe exuded a completely different momentum.

However, in this atmosphere filled with tenderness and sweetness, Lu Su and Lu Zijing were like a clear stream, always keeping a clear head and not being hit by the sweet "sugar-coated bullets".

For these passionate girls of Shanyue, Lu Su was a little older, already 27 or 28 years old, and in their eyes, he lacked some of the vitality of youth; secondly, Lu Su always wore a long robe, looking like a weak scholar, and had neither the heroic demeanor of a military general nor the heroic spirit that could make the girls' hearts flutter. Naturally, it was difficult for him to please these girls.

While awaiting news from Sun Ce, Shamoke began preparing for and convened a grand Shanyue gathering. Once the news spread, the various Shanyue tribes within Wu Commandery responded in droves. Leaders, usually reclusive in the mountains, arrived with their trusted aides and elite troops, eagerly anticipating the gathering.

Moreover, the news spread like a strong wind, quickly reaching even more remote areas. Even the Shanyue tribes of Yuzhang and Kuaiji counties, despite the vast distances they traveled, immediately began intensively preparing their itineraries for this Shanyue event.

Ma Chao naturally took the initiative to participate in this significant meeting. Once everyone had gathered, the atmosphere within the tent was filled with excitement and anticipation. Ma Chao stood up, his expression sincere and his gaze determined as he surveyed each of the Shanyue leaders present. He spoke earnestly about the future direction of the Shanyue, detailing everything from improving tribal living conditions, strengthening military capabilities to ensure the safety of his people, and establishing good relations with neighboring powers. Ma Chao also unreservedly explained the support they could provide to the Shanyue, including advanced military training methods, material assistance, and broader development strategies.

Ma Chao's words, like beams of hope, illuminated the Shanyue people's long-held confusion about the future. Cheers and applause echoed from time to time in the camp, and the Shanyue people were all excited and encouraged.

A subtle dynamic quietly emerged during this meeting. Though unspoken, Shamoke was already implicitly revered by all the Shanyue tribes as the leader. While the Shanyue tribes had always cooperated, their ingrained mountain lifestyle meant they mostly fought independently. Years of dealing with the imperial court had left them with a deep distrust of it. In their minds, everything depended on the subsequent actions of Ma Chao and his men in Wujun, and the tangible benefits these actions would bring to the Shanyue tribes.

Ma Chao and Shamoke were fully aware of this, and they were not in a hurry to force the tribes to express their views. This was because they understood that winning the genuine support of the Shanyue tribes was not something that could be achieved overnight, and that it would take practical actions and time to prove it.

Led by the local Shanyue tribe, Gan Ning galloped to Wu County, exhausted and dusty, and immediately sought an audience with Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu had been waiting anxiously for several days, with no news from Ma Chao. They were deeply anxious, regretting their decision to allow Ma Chao to enter Shanyue territory so easily. After all, the two sides were still at war, and Ma Chao's journey was undoubtedly a dangerous one, fraught with danger.

Just as they were filled with worry, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were overjoyed when they heard Gan Ning had arrived, requesting a meeting. They hurriedly summoned Gan Ning to their tent. Upon entering, Gan Ning immediately recounted the details of his meeting with Shamoke in the Shanyue. Sun Ce, reciting this, turned to Zhou Yu, his eyes filled with admiration and emotion. He exclaimed, "Brother, you are truly an extraordinary person! With only a few dozen men deep in enemy territory, you have earned the Shanyue's trust and even invited us to discuss cooperation." Zhou Yu was equally impressed. Having battled the Shanyue many times before, they knew their stubbornness and tenacity. One could only imagine the hardships and obstacles that had posed by Ma Chao's achievement.

After expressing his feelings, Zhou Yu turned to Sun Ce and said, "Brother, since you have laid such a good foundation for us, we must immediately formulate a follow-up strategy. However, I have a question. Regarding this trip to Shanyue for peace talks, I wonder which of you or me will best demonstrate our sincerity and formality?" Sun Ce then asked Gan Ning, "When you sent me here, did you ask which of us would participate in the negotiations?" Gan Ning replied respectfully, "My lord did not specify this. It is up to you two generals to decide. We will proceed based on convenience."

Upon hearing this, Sun Ce couldn't help but sigh again, "Brother, you are so focused on us that you don't even want to interfere in matters like this. Since you've made such a tremendous effort, I'll go in person this time. If I go, we can also discuss more clearly how to fight next." Zhou Yu smiled and nodded, saying, "Bofu, it would be most appropriate for you to go in person. The people of Shanyue are already wary of your reputation after their battle with you. Your presence this time will further demonstrate the heroic courage of our army." Sun Ce laughed heartily upon hearing this, "Brother has already gone deep into the Shanyue alone, and I now have a large army to support me. What is there to fear or worry about?"

Back here, after a secret meeting with Zhou Yu, Sun Ce maintained a firm stance, maintaining a tense standoff with the Shanyue. In front of the camp, military flags clattered, and soldiers lined up in formation, as if a battle was imminent. But in reality, as soon as night fell, Sun Ce, accompanied by Gan Ning and led by a Shanyue guide familiar with the mountain paths, led the way. Lightly equipped and with only a select group of highly skilled personal guards, they hurriedly advanced into the depths of the forest under cover of darkness. The sound of horse hooves was deliberately muffled in the stillness of the night, and the figures of the group, like ghosts, swiftly moved along the winding path under the hazy moonlight.

As they advanced, Sun Ce's brow furrowed, his heart filled with worry. He kept reflecting on his discussions with Zhou Yu, pondering how to make the right concessions to the Shanyue, and what strategies to employ to subtly persuade the Shanyue tribes to willingly serve him. He knew the Shanyue were known for their fierceness and resistance to tame. This time, advancing deep into their hinterland, the slightest misstep could lead to irretrievable destruction.

However, they were completely unaware that Ma Chao had already unleashed a tremendous influence within the Shanyue camp. With his bravery, magnanimity, and sincerity, Ma Chao had not only earned the respect and trust of the various Shanyue tribes, but was now considered a spiritual leader. In private conversations, the Shanyue spoke of Ma Chao with nothing but praise and admiration.

More crucially, Ma Chao and Shamoke's sister, Sally, were in love and had become a couple. This news was like a bombshell, triggering a strong reaction among the Shanyue tribe. The Shanyue people placed great importance on blood ties and family alliances, and Ma Chao's unique transformation earned him unreserved acceptance. Whether around the campfire or during daily labor, the Shanyue people mentioned Ma Chao with eyes filled with warmth and recognition, as if he had long been an indispensable member of the Shanyue.

Led by his guide, Sun Ce galloped all the way until he finally reached the heart of the Shanyue. But the scene before him astonished him. Although it had only just passed the Spring Festival, the Shanyue encampment was bustling with activity, a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a grand occasion. Tents were scattered among the tents, decorated with lights and streamers everywhere, and streamers fluttered in the wind. People came and went, each one beaming with a genuine smile, their faces brimming with joy, their laughter and chatter blending into a sea of ​​merriment.

As soon as Sun Ce and his companions arrived, news spread like wildfire. Soon, Ma Chao, Shamoke, and other tribal leaders arrived to greet them. Sun Ce was completely bewildered, wondering why the Shanyue people were so excited, when the gate to the village ahead slowly opened.

Ma Chao, surrounded by the crowd, approached with high spirits. He stood tall, his eyes bright, and a gentle yet confident smile graced his face. Accompanying him was Shamoke, dressed in the distinctive Shanyue attire. His heroic spirit remained undimmed, his every gesture exuding a sense of grandeur.

What astonished Sun Ce was that among the Shanyue leaders, Ma Chao held a commanding position. Everyone naturally centered around him, some respectfully following him, some flanking him. Each expression revealed respect and admiration for Ma Chao. Ma Chao was like the brightest star in the night sky, dazzling. Even amidst this unfamiliar Shanyue tribe, no one could overshadow his brilliance. His presence eclipsed all those around him.

Sun Ce watched this scene unfold. Though he still hadn't fully grasped what had transpired, his admiration for his brother, Ma Chao, surged like a surging tide. He recalled the countless fierce battles he had fought in Jiangdong, finally earning the illustrious title of "Little Overlord." Seeing Ma Chao now, he was struck by his brother's captivating charm and influence. In that instant, Ma Chao's image loomed even larger in his heart, filling him with a heartfelt admiration and admiration.

Even from a great distance away, Shamoke's eyes flashed with excitement. He quickened his pace and strode towards Sun Ce with great speed. His hearty laughter echoed freely in the air. "Is this general in front of me the little tyrant Sun Bofu who fought against me on the battlefield a few days ago?"

Although Sun Ce was filled with doubt, he looked up and saw how harmoniously Shamoko and Ma Chao were getting along. Then, when Shamoko mentioned their previous battle, his inner pride was instantly ignited. He was determined not to lose even a little bit in momentum. Without hesitation, he took a step forward, his posture as straight as a pine tree, and his voice was loud and firm: "It is Sun Ce of Jiangdong!"