Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Upon hearing this, Shamoke's smile widened, and his entire face was almost filled with smiles. He exclaimed in admiration from the bottom of his heart: "He is indeed a young hero! His appearance and spirit are truly magnificent and extraordinary, which makes people feel emotional!" As soon as he finished speaking, he had already come to Sun Ce, and without any hesitation, he opened his arms and gave Sun Ce an extremely warm bear hug.

This sudden move frightened Sun Ce's personal guards. Their expressions suddenly changed, and they instinctively clenched their weapons, secretly raising their blades before them, ready for battle. However, Shamoke's passionate embrace was like an unexpected hammer, completely shattering everyone. The personal guards looked at each other, unsure whether to raise or lower their weapons, their faces filled with bewilderment.

Even Sun Ce himself was somewhat overwhelmed by Shamoke's extraordinary enthusiasm. He stiffened slightly, his face filled with surprise and embarrassment. He looked at Shamoke, not knowing how to react for a moment. He could only let him hold him tightly, his eyes filled with bewilderment.

Just then, Ma Chao and the others approached. Sun Ce's face was filled with confusion, a bewildered look on his face. However, facing his normally unhurried brother, he quickly gathered his thoughts and was the first to bow respectfully and greet him: "Brother, are you all well? You've had a hard time along the way."

Ma Chao felt a little embarrassed when he said this. In reality, these days, Ma Chao's life in Shanyue had been incredibly comfortable. During the day, he drank and chatted with the leaders of the various Shanyue tribes, singing and chatting, sharing their experiences and anecdotes. At night, he reveled in the gentle embrace of Sariel, enjoying a rare moment of peace and sweetness. After all those years of campaigning, such a relaxing and happy life was truly rare.

After hearing what Sun Ce said, Ma Chao showed an awkward smile on his face, and a rare hint of shyness appeared in his expression. He quickly responded: "My dear brother, you have traveled a long way and experienced many hardships. This is hard work. I have missed you very much these days." As he said that, he quickly stepped forward, helped Sun Ce up steadily with both hands, and then the two brothers hugged each other tightly.

During the embrace, Sun Ce whispered quietly in Ma Chao's ear, "Brother, what's going on with the Shanyue people these days? It's strange, but I see you command more authority here than their leaders." Ma Chao leaned over slightly and whispered in Sun Ce's ear, "Hey, dear brother, this is a long story. Let's not just stand here. Let's go to the camp first, and I'll tell you everything there."

After hearing this, Sun Ce was still confused and full of doubts, but he could only follow Ma Chao obediently and walk towards the Shanyue camp.

In front of the camp, a grand banquet was being prepared in an orderly manner under Sally's meticulous direction. Sally moved gracefully among the busy crowd, her eyes radiating confidence and competence. When she spotted Ma Chao and his men approaching, escorting Sun Ce, she immediately rushed over to greet them.

She first walked quickly to Shamoke's side and said in a clear and pleasant voice, "Brother, the banquet is ready. The table is filled with our Shanyue specialties, fragrant roasted game, and long-brewed wine. I guarantee everyone will enjoy the meal." Then, she looked at Ma Chao with affection. Ma Chao whispered, "Lier, you've worked hard. You must be exhausted too." Sariel shook her head slightly, her face full of happiness and shyness. "What are you talking about? My brothers are here, so I should treat them well. I'm not tired."

Then, Sally walked gracefully before Sun Ce. She was dressed in the distinctive Shanyue attire, the vibrant fabric fluttering in the wind, a striking presence. Her smile was bright and bold, her eyes gleaming with a lively glint as she spoke, "This must be the renowned Brother Sun Ce! Throughout my time in these mountains, I've long heard of your heroic deeds on the battlefield. I've heard that you, blade in hand, charged like a tiger descending from the mountains, taking the enemy's heads amidst a mighty host. Your swift and heroic demeanor has captivated countless people. I'm honored to have seen you today, and I truly believe your reputation lives up to its reputation."

At this point, the corners of her mouth lifted slightly, revealing a playful smile, and she continued half-jokingly, "I can imagine that if those unmarried girls in Shanyue saw you, their eyes would be wide open. Who knows, every one of them would be secretly attracted to you, hoping to get to know you. When the time comes, don't think us Shanyue girls are too enthusiastic."

This barrage of witty banter left Sun Ce bewildered. His eyes were filled with astonishment and bewilderment, his lips moving slightly, but for a moment, no words came out. His mind was a tangled mess, his thoughts racing. Who was this woman? Why did she know so much about him, and why could she speak to him so familiarly and boldly? What was going on? He had originally planned to attend a serious negotiation, but the scene before him made him feel like he was back home. The eyes they looked at him showed no trace of the wariness or hostility they might have toward a hostile general. Instead, they were filled with warmth and kindness, as if they were welcoming a distant relative.

Sun Ce's face was filled with confusion, his gaze like a bunch of question marks, directed towards Ma Chao, fully expecting his brother to give a clear explanation. Seeing this, Ma Chao's lips curled up with happiness, and he naturally put his arm around Sally beside him. Facing Sun Ce, he said in a light tone, "Bofu, this is Sally."

Before Sun Ce could react, Sally interjected, her eyes curved and a smile beaming, "Brother, you must call me sister-in-law." This endearing "sister-in-law" was like a stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring up waves within Sun Ce. He froze in place, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly open in disbelief. He had always known Ma Chao as the righteous brother, devoted to his country and his preoccupation with the affairs of state and the safety of his people. But what about now? In just two days, not only had his brother found a wife, but his entire demeanor had transformed, becoming cheerful and easygoing, radiating happiness.

Despite his shock and confusion, Sun Ce forced himself to remain calm. He stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said politely, "I am Sun Ce, courtesy name Bofu, honored to meet my sister-in-law." Seeing his reserved demeanor, Sally couldn't help but chuckle softly, her laughter as clear and melodious as a silver bell. At that moment, her cheeks flushed slightly, a hint of shyness creeping over her face. She said softly, "Hey, brother, don't be so reserved. Come in."

Meanwhile, Ma Chao, filled with enthusiasm, grabbed Sun Ce's arm and expertly led him inside, his demeanor as natural as if he were entertaining a close friend in his own home, making him the very host. As Sun Ce was being dragged forward, he took the opportunity to lean closer to Ma Chao and asked anxiously, his voice lowered, "Brother, what's going on? You don't know. After Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao met you that day, recalling their past experiences, we were all so worried about you. Who could have imagined such a huge change? In just a few days, you already have a sister-in-law. What's going on? I came here to negotiate peace, but this doesn't look like a negotiation at all; it's like visiting relatives."

Ma Chao's smile widened as he listened to Sun Ce's string of questions. He patted Sun Ce's shoulder gently and said, "Well, this is a long story. Let's not stand here any longer. Let's go on and talk over a drink."

Dark as darkness quietly enveloped the entire Shanyue camp. A bonfire burned brightly within the camp, its dancing flames illuminating the banquet as bright as day. The table was laden with sumptuous delicacies meticulously prepared by the Shanyue people. The aroma of barbecue wafted through the air, mingling with the rich aroma of wine.

At the banquet, everyone gathered in a circle, the atmosphere incredibly lively. The Shanyue people, each one enthusiastic, held large bowls of fine wine in their hands, toasting Sun Ce one after another. Their faces were filled with sincere smiles, their eyes filled with friendliness and welcome, as if the previous fierce battles with Sun Ce's camp had never happened.

Ma Chao sat at the head of the table, watching the lively scene unfold before him, a sense of unease building within him. Ever since Ma Chao and his companions had entered the land of the Shanyue, the situation had been turbulent. Initially, tensions flared, culminating in numerous fierce battles and competitions. However, with his exceptional martial arts, extraordinary strategy, and compelling spirit, Ma Chao gradually established his prestige among the Shanyue, earning their recognition and trust.

Later, in order to promote cooperation and achieve a common goal, Ma Chao made a decisive decision and sent Gan Ning to find Sun Ce to discuss peace. At that time, everything was proceeding step by step, and the situation was tense but formal.

However, fate's twists often come unexpectedly. A seemingly ingenious honey trap, like a boulder dropped into a tranquil lake, completely disrupted the delicate balance and changed everything. The warmth and tenderness of the Shanyue women, like the warm spring sun, quietly melted the defensiveness of Ma Chao and his companions. From then on, the atmosphere gradually became ambiguous and subtle, and once clear positions and goals seemed to become somewhat blurred in this gentle land.

At that moment, at the banquet, Ma Chao was consumed by anxiety. He knew he had many crucial matters to discuss frankly with Sun Ce. Questions concerning the future trajectory and the balance of power among various factions swirled in his mind. However, surrounded by the Shanyue crowd, their laughter and chatter, he could only suppress his anxiety, burying his thoughts for the time being, and silently awaiting the right moment.

Though Sun Ce remained bewildered by the sudden outpouring of enthusiasm, he was naturally forthright and uninhibited. Furthermore, with his brother Ma Chao right beside him, the unreserved warmth of the crowd made him feel welcomed, and his initial restraint and defensiveness faded. He opened his heart completely, drinking heartily with the others, laughing and chatting joyfully. He raised his large bowl, clinked glasses with the Shanyue warriors beside him, and then drank it all in one gulp. The wine dripped down his lips, soaking his clothes, but it did not dampen his spirits in the slightest.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, everyone was sated. The noisy banquet gradually quieted down. Ma Chao, sensing the right moment, winked at Sun Ce and Lu Su, then stood up and whispered, "Bofu, Zijing, let's find a place to discuss this important matter." Sun Ce and Lu Su understood, rose, and followed Ma Chao from the banquet, heading back to the tent. Their figures, stretched out in the bonfire's light, seemed to foreshadow the impending beginnings of a crucial discussion that would determine the future.