Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Ma Chao's expression was solemn as he spoke, "The aristocratic families of Wu Commandery have deep roots and complex connections. We are new here, and while they appear respectful and obedient, I'm worried they might not be content with this."

Zhou Yu nodded slightly, then pondered for a moment before saying, "Brother, you're absolutely right. Wu Jun's four most prominent families, Gu, Lu, Zhu, and Zhang, possess vast tracts of land and employ numerous servants. They control not only vast wealth but also a considerable private army. Since we conquered Wu Jun, these families have publicly pledged their allegiance, promising to pay taxes on time. However, they've been secretly interacting with us frequently and haven't yet come forward."

Sun Ce folded his arms, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, his tone filled with unquestionable determination: "Since that's the case, we will hold a banquet in the county capital and invite all the noble families of Wu County to attend. If they are truly loyal and support us wholeheartedly, then we will naturally not be harsh on them. We will treat them with fine wine and delicious food, and we will also give them the respect and benefits they deserve in the future."

He paused briefly, then changed the subject, a fierce glint in his eyes. "But if anyone dares harbor ulterior motives and attempts to plot something behind my back, hmph, don't blame me, Sun Ce, for being ruthless! I will make sure they know the consequences of opposing us! Then, at this banquet, we'll be able to see their true intentions."

Zhou Yu stroked his chin gently, a flicker of approval in his eyes as he nodded. "Second brother, this is a brilliant plan. This banquet is both a Hongmen Feast and an opportunity for us to demonstrate our sincerity and strength. We can use it as an opportunity to publicize our new policies and convince them that only by following us can they have a bright future. At the same time, arrange for secret observations to pay close attention to their words, actions, and eye contact during the banquet. We must not miss any subtle signs of abnormality."

Ma Chao listened quietly as Sun Ce and Zhou Yu detailed their strategy, nodding slightly, his expression full of caution and consideration. His gaze was sharp as a torch, and he spoke slowly, "This plan is indeed feasible, demonstrating your wisdom and courage. However, the aristocratic families of Wu County are deeply intertwined, having been established for generations, and their influence has permeated every corner. We must not be negligent or dismissive in our dealings with them. We must proceed with utmost caution and avoid any haste. Every action requires careful consideration and careful deliberation. The slightest mistake could set off an unpredictable chaos, putting us in danger." His gaze swept over Sun Ce and Zhou Yu one by one, his eyes filled with concern and solemnity, as he spoke earnestly, knowing that the complexity of the Wu County aristocratic families was far from being easily resolved through a banquet. The interests involved could not be overlooked.

After saying this, Ma Chao paused slightly and suddenly changed the subject: "The Shanyue tribe of Shamoke has always obeyed my orders because of their trust. We now have a close cooperative relationship and have given us a lot of help in past wars and developments. But they are located in the southeast corner after all, and my roots are in the northwest, thousands of miles away. Many matters are really beyond my reach and difficult to take care of. I plan to set off for the Shanyue land soon to visit Shamoke in person, so that I can get a first-hand understanding of the situation there and discuss subsequent cooperation and development." At this point, Ma Chao looked at Sun Ce and spoke sincerely. "Bofu, I have an idea. The territory that once belonged to Xu Gong has a pretty good terrain, and crucially, it's unintrusive from those aristocratic families. We might as well leave this area to the Shanyue people, allowing them to settle down and grow stronger. They've lived in the mountains for a long time, and their lifestyles are very different from those in the outside world. We should encourage them to leave the mountains and settle down in Wujun. On a daily basis, we should encourage them to interact with the people of the outside world and intermarry with them. In this way, step by step, the Shanyue tribe will be able to quickly integrate with us, become a solid force for us, and contribute to our great cause together."

Sun Ce scratched his head, a look of naiveté, completely unaware of the hidden meaning in Ma Chao's words. He pondered, his mind swirling with confusion: "Brother, we've finally settled the war, but the many tasks we have are still a mess, with no clear plan. Why is he in such a hurry to leave?" As he thought, the image of Ma Chao's newlywed self flashed through his mind, and the corners of his mouth curled up into a mischievous smile.

He gently touched Zhou Yu with his arm and joked with a beaming expression, "Hey, Gongjin, look at you. Our brother is a newlywed after all, and they are very much in love. He must be missing his sister-in-law so much that he can't wait a moment. He is so eager to go home that he can't even take care of the things at hand!" After that, he couldn't help laughing, and the hearty laughter echoed in the house. He didn't notice the helplessness and anxiety that flashed in Ma Chao's eyes.

Zhou Yu was so smart that as soon as Ma Chao finished speaking, he lowered his eyes, tapped the table lightly with his fingers, and after a little thought, he figured out the key points clearly.

He knew that his brother, Ma Chao, always had the greater good at heart. With the Yangzhou battle at a stalemate, the outcome uncertain, he must be deeply concerned, anxious to properly handle matters here so he could return to Yangzhou to take charge. The situation there was complex, with various forces intertwined and the potential for change at any moment, and Ma Chao was naturally worried.

Secondly, Zhou Yu knew Ma Chao well: he valued friendship and loyalty, possessing no desire for power or personal gain. During the pacification of Wujun, although Ma Chao's personal force was relatively small, his extraordinary prestige and strategic planning had won the hearts and minds of the Shanyue tribes and Gan Ning, earning their loyalty and dedication, and contributing significantly. Now that Wujun had been secured, Ma Chao's departure would undoubtedly hand over the fruits of victory and the power of governing Wujun to Sun Ce.

Zhou Yu looked up at Sun Ce, who remained oblivious, and shook his head. Sun Ce was still lost in the idea that Ma Chao was anxious to leave because he missed his newlywed wife, completely unaware of the deeper meaning behind Ma Chao's actions. Zhou Yu knew that, judging by the situation, Ma Chao would likely be hastily returning home soon.

Zhou Yu, upon hearing Sun Ce's words, was both infuriated and amused. He quickly waved his hand and said, "Bofu, you're missing the point." Then, turning to Ma Chao with a look of concern and sincerity, he said, "Brother, Wu Commandery has only just been pacified. There's so much to rebuild, and so many complex and intricate matters to attend to. Every aspect needs to be properly arranged, and the slightest misstep could lead to chaos. With your wisdom and insight, if you stay and guide us, you'll surely get Wu Commandery back on track. Why are you in such a hurry to leave now?"

Ma Chao met his gaze calmly and spoke sincerely, "I feel completely at ease with you and my brother Bofu here to deal with the subsequent affairs of the aristocratic family. Leave Wu Commandery to Bofu. I firmly believe you will manage it in an orderly manner. This will be your foundation from now on. Once you have properly settled Wu and Kuaiji Commanderies, I hope to dispatch troops from Kuaiji Commandery to rescue Yuzhang Commandery. I will also be ready to provide support in Runan Commandery. With our combined efforts, we will surely succeed."

At that time, Sun Ce was filled with doubt and reluctance, completely unaware of Ma Chao's deep meaning. Seeing Ma Chao's expression of determination to leave, he was extremely anxious. He rushed forward, reached out and firmly grasped Ma Chao's arm, and even his voice unconsciously rose a few notes, his words full of sincerity: "Brother, you just arrived and we have been fighting all the time. For the past six months, we brothers haven't had time to drink and chat. Moreover, Wujun has just been established, the situation is complicated, and every matter is very difficult. How can you leave like this? In any case, stay a little longer! As long as you are by my side, I feel like I have a backbone and I feel at ease!"

As Sun Ce spoke, he shook Ma Chao's arm, his eyes fixed on Ma Chao, filled with an urgent desire to keep him, as if this could make Ma Chao change his mind.

Zhou Yu stood quietly by, taking it all in. He knew Ma Chao too well, and knew that since he had already made up his mind, any further words would be futile. So, he intervened quietly, his voice steady yet carrying a certain undeniable strength: "Bofu, don't try to force me to stay any longer. I've always been calm and composed. Since I've made such an arrangement, it must have been carefully considered, and I have my reasons for it. In my opinion, why not order the preparation of a sumptuous banquet? Once I've finished everything, we can celebrate with a lively ceremony for him. It would be a gesture of our brotherly love." As Zhou Yu spoke, he gently patted Sun Ce's shoulder, trying to calm his anxious mood.

Upon hearing this, a warm smile appeared on Ma Chao's face. He bowed deeply to the two men and expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, brothers, for understanding my difficulties. Without further ado, I will go down and inform Gan Ning and other troops to quickly prepare for departure and get all matters in order first." After speaking, Ma Chao turned around and strode away, his steps firm and powerful, with his usual decisiveness.

Looking at Ma Chao's receding figure, Sun Ce's face was filled with confusion and bewilderment. He could no longer hold back and turned to Zhou Yu to ask his doubts: "Gongjin, why are you in such a hurry? There are so many important things in Wujun. Can he really just let it go like this?" Zhou Yu turned his head and looked at Sun Ce with a gentle and patient expression. He slowly explained: "Bofu, you don't know, brother did this because, first of all, he has always been concerned about the battle in Yangzhou. Now The situation in Yangzhou is as tense as a taut bowstring, ready to break at any moment. How could he not be filled with worry and anxiety? Secondly, my brother is a man of deep loyalty and righteousness, devoid of any selfish desire for power and gain. During the pacification of Wu Commandery, the Shanyue tribes and the Ganning Jinfan tribes obeyed his orders and made significant contributions. But now that the situation is settled, he has unhesitatingly left the reins of Wu Commandery to you. Such sincere friendship and such a broad mind are truly rare in this world."

After hearing Zhou Yu's words, Sun Ce was stunned for a moment, as if frozen in time. Then, a glint flashed in his eyes, and a sudden realization dawned on him. Instantly, his face was filled with a complex mixture of emotion and guilt. He sighed deeply, his voice tinged with regret: "Alas, I was so foolish. I completely failed to understand your good intentions. You cared so wholeheartedly about me, and yet I kept teasing you. This is truly wrong!" Sun Ce clenched his fists, his eyes suddenly ignited with a determined fire: "Gongjin, don't worry. In the future, I will live up to your trust and strive to make Wujun prosperous and well-organized. I will never let you down!"