Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

However, good times are always short-lived. Ma Chao recalled his original plan to take Sally with him as he left with the army. But now Sally was pregnant, making it difficult for him to move. Furthermore, the wives of several of the generals in the imperial guards were also pregnant, making it impossible to take them all with him at once. Ma Chao frowned, his face filled with distress, and he paced back and forth in the room, his mind tangled.

At this moment, Sally spoke sympathetically, "My dear, there's no need to worry. It's inconvenient for a group of us pregnant women to accompany the army. Not to mention the bumpy roads, there are many inconveniences before the battle. We are Shanyue people, and here I have my parents and brothers to rely on. You can go to the battle without worry, and we will take care of the baby." Ma Chao paused, looking into Sally's determined eyes, his heart filled with emotion and reluctance. He knew Sally was right, but how could he bear to leave them like this? After careful consideration, he felt that there was really no other way. He nodded reluctantly and said, "Then you must take good care of yourself and the child. As soon as the battle is over, I will return to pick you up." Sally smiled and nodded, her eyes full of trust and support.

Ma Chao looked at Sally, his heart filled with guilt. He gently held his wife's hand, his fingertips trembling slightly, and his voice was full of self-blame: "Sally, I was inconsiderate. I'm really worried about you and the child staying here." Sally gently held his hand back and whispered soothingly: "Don't blame yourself, my husband. I know you have great ambitions. We will be fine here."

That night, Ma Chao tossed and turned, his mind swollen with worry, even as Sally's even breathing filled his ears. At daybreak, he rose and began making final arrangements for his brief stay.

After two days of rest, Ma Chao summoned all his personal guards. Everyone gathered in the tent, the atmosphere heavy with a touch of reluctance. Ma Chao stood before them, his expression solemn: "Brothers, I originally wanted to take your wives and children back with us, but now the Battle of Yangzhou is imminent, and we face a fierce battle. Our wives are all pregnant, and it would be extremely dangerous for them to accompany the army. After discussing with Sally, we decided to let them stay here, cared for by their relatives in Shanyue. When we return from the battle, we will welcome the arrival of our new life with great fanfare, and return safely to Xiliang with our wives and children."

As soon as he finished speaking, silence fell in the tent. The guards looked at each other, their eyes filled with reluctance to leave their wives. After a long moment, Gan Ning stepped forward, clasped his fists, and said, "My lord, I understand your painstaking efforts. My mistress is a man of great righteousness. We will obey your orders, fight with all our might, and return home to reunite with our families soon."

Pan Feng then said, "That's right, General. We'll obey you. After this battle, we'll return to fetch them." The other guards clasped their fists and echoed in unison. Although each of them harbored concerns and worries for their wives, they knew that only by fighting bravely could they secure a secure future for their families.

Ma Chao looked at the crowd, his heart filled with emotion. He nodded and said in a deep voice, "Okay, brothers, when this battle is over, let's go home together!" Then, Ma Chao made detailed arrangements to ensure that the women who stayed behind would have a worry-free life and be safe.

On this day, the guards returned to their respective quarters and spent a brief but precious moment with their wives. They whispered instructions and embraced each other tenderly, pouring their hearts full of love and concern into this final moment together.

Inside the tent, Ma Chao and Shamoke sat across from each other once again, engaging in a crucial discussion concerning their future. Ma Chao spoke earnestly and earnestly, "Brother, now that we are under the command of our sworn brother, Sun Ce, the issue of grain collection is of paramount importance. It is our responsibility, and we must provide our utmost assistance without any slackness."

Upon hearing this, Shamoke nodded vigorously without hesitation and responded in a resounding voice, "Don't worry, brother-in-law! I understand this matter. Since we are under the command of General Sun, we must do our best. I will make sure to arrange the grain payment properly and will not embarrass you."

Ma Chao nodded slightly, very pleased with Shamoke's straightforwardness. Just as he was about to move on to the next point, Shamoke suddenly seemed to remember something and interrupted, "Oh, brother-in-law, I have something to tell you. The aristocratic families in the counties we're about to enter have been purged long ago, and most of those left are poor people. Once we get there, we'll become the new leaders of the aristocratic families. From now on, not only must we assist in the city defense and protect this land, but we must also remember not to oppress the people simply because of their race."

Ma Chao's expression froze, and he said solemnly, "Brother, you are absolutely right. I share the same sentiment. The people are our foundation, and we must not do anything that would harm them."

Shamoke patted his chest and said proudly, "Don't worry, brother-in-law! We Shanyue people have survived hardship for generations. We understand the hardships of the common people best. How could we possibly oppress them? I will definitely discipline the young men of my tribe and ensure they live in harmony with the common people."

Ma Chao smiled with relief, clasped his hands together, and said, "Brother, I feel reassured with your words. When we are stationed in the prefectures and counties in the future, I will need your continued care and guidance to lead the Shanyue people and join hands with the local people to create a peaceful and prosperous world."

Shamoke stood up and returned the greeting with a fist salute, saying in a firm tone: "Of course! If we work together, we will surely make this land prosperous!" The two smiled at each other.

Inside the tent, candlelight flickered. Ma Chao looked at Shamoke with a piercing gaze, his tone earnest and calculating. "Brother, the Shanyue are a vast and wide-ranging land, easy to defend but difficult to attack. Cavalry is a vital force, both mobile and agile. I would like to ask you to leave a group of elite troops in the Shanyue. When the battle for Yangzhou begins, they will be able to play a vital role as surprise troops."

Shamoke frowned slightly, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. After a moment's thought, he said, "Brother-in-law, leaving behind troops isn't a problem, but the subsequent arrangements... As you know, these lands are nominally under the control of your sworn brother, Sun Ce. Although we just won a victory and received some gifts, and have allocated land to our people in the county, the other Shanyue tribes will be envious when they see this, but they will inevitably be worried. After all, it's unclear who will govern this place in the future, and I'm afraid they won't be able to rest easy if we promise them land."

Ma Chao looked determined. He leaned forward and said in a deep voice, "Brother, this is our golden opportunity! You have won great prestige in the Shanyue after these battles. Why not seize this opportunity to unify the Shanyue and have all the tribes respect you as their leader? All you need to do is raise your voice, and those tribes eager to escape the poverty of the mountains will surely respond."

He paused, took a sip from his teacup, and continued, "As for the promise of land, my sworn brother Sun Ce is here, and he will definitely support it. If there are any changes in the future, we have the land and the soldiers to help my sworn brother maintain local stability and fight against those forces that commit atrocities. In this way, no one can question your status as the great leader, and you will truly deserve it!"

A hint of hesitation flashed across Shamoke's eyes, but was quickly replaced by a firm determination. "That being said, unifying the Shanyue is no easy task. The various tribes have long harbored grudges and their interests are in conflict."

Ma Chao smiled and said confidently, "Brother, this isn't difficult. We'll start with those tribes affected by war and facing hardship. Show them the stability and prosperity of life in the prefectures, and then use your prestige to mediate any disputes. If we encounter those who are stubborn, we'll use force to intimidate them, but we'll strive to maintain peace. Once we take this first step, things will go much more smoothly."

Shamoke fell into deep thought for a long time. He suddenly stood up, clapped his hands and said loudly: "Okay! Brother-in-law, let's do as you say! I also want to lead the Shanyue people to live a good life and make our tribe stronger!" Ma Chao also stood up and shook hands with Shamoke. The two smiled at each other, their eyes full of expectations for the future. The atmosphere in the tent became warm and hopeful because of this plan.

The next morning, Ma Chao and his personal guards mounted their warhorses and marched toward Yangzhou. They looked back toward the Shanyue camp, where the people they cared about were. Though they felt a sense of reluctance to leave, they were also filled with a firm conviction. For their families and their futures, they would bravely advance on the battlefield and live up to their trust.

Upon arriving in Wu County, Ma Chao immediately went to pay his respects to Sun Ce's mother. Entering the mansion, Ma Chao bowed respectfully, his face a mixture of fatigue and relief, having returned from battle. He said, "Aunt, the battle has concluded successfully. However, Bofu and Gongjin must remain in Wu County to oversee the situation and handle post-war matters. As for me, I must travel to Runan County to prepare for the upcoming battle in Yangzhou."

Mother Sun's eyes were full of concern. She nodded slightly and comforted her softly, "Chao'er, you have been traveling all the way and have worked hard. Bofu and the others have important tasks to do, so you must be careful when you go to Runan. The world is not yet at peace, and you have a heavy responsibility on your shoulders. You must not take it lightly." Ma Chao felt warm in his heart, and he thanked her again. After a detailed conversation with Mother Sun, he stood up and said goodbye.

As Ma Chao was about to leave Wu County, he was about to mount his horse and set off when he heard a hurried call from behind him: "Brother Ma, please stay!" Ma Chao looked back and saw Sun Shangxiang, surrounded by guards, chasing after him breathlessly.

Sun Shangxiang, though still young, had already blossomed into a charming and intelligent woman, her eyes radiating a heroic spirit. She ran up to Ma Chao, raised her head slightly, and asked with a firm gaze, "Brother Ma, do you still keep your promise to me? When I grow up, you must marry me."

Ma Chao was stunned at first, then he remembered the joking promise he had made to Sun Shangxiang and couldn't help but burst out laughing. He leaned over, looked at Sun Shangxiang with a playful expression, and said, "Of course it counts! But you have to grow up quickly." Sun Shangxiang heard this and smiled brightly, nodding vigorously, "Okay, I will definitely grow up quickly!"

Ma Chao looked at Sun Shangxiang, his eyes full of tenderness and concern, and patiently advised her: "Shangxiang, you must listen to your mother and brother on weekdays, and don't run around like a tomboy anymore, so as not to worry your family. If you encounter any difficulties, go to your brother, he will definitely take care of it for you." Sun Shangxiang nodded obediently, but her eyes were still shining with intelligence. Ma Chao smiled again, raised his hand and gently touched her head before climbing onto the horse.

Surrounded by his personal guards, Ma Chao galloped toward the distant riverbank of Wu County. As the wind whistled in his ears, his thoughts drifted to the impending battle for Yangzhou, as he plotted his next steps.

Before long, they arrived at the riverbank. The Jinfan troops were already waiting there in an orderly formation, their warships lined up in rows, their sails rustling in the wind, as if they couldn't wait to head to the battlefield. Gan Ning, the leader, spotted Ma Chao from afar and immediately approached him, clasping his fists and bowing. "General, everything is ready. We await your command, and we will sail along the river to Runan County!"

Ma Chao's gaze swept over the crowd, taking in the resolute faces. A surge of pride surged within him. He nodded and said solemnly, "Alright, let's go! This trip to Runan is crucial to the battle for Yangzhou. Everyone must be fully alert and not slack off in the slightest!" A chorus of voices echoed along the riverbank, and they boarded the warships one after another. With the oars swishing, the warships slowly pulled away from the shore, breaking through the waves towards Runan County, leaving only ripples on the river's surface.