Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The messenger plopped down on his knees and breathlessly told Ma Chao the details of what had happened in Wancheng and Zhang Xiu's predicament. Ma Chao's face darkened. He paced back and forth, pondering for a moment before saying, "There's no time to lose. I'll set off for Wancheng immediately."

When Sun Ce heard that Ma Chao was about to depart for Wancheng, his face was filled with anxiety. He strode forward, grasped Ma Chao's arm tightly with both hands, and earnestly dissuaded him, "Brother, we've traveled all this way and are almost entering the gates of Wujun. You haven't even seen my sister-in-law, nor have you seen my child, whom I haven't met yet. Besides, you haven't even met Gongjin's children here. We've finally arrived in Wujun, and this family reunion is a day or two away, no matter how anxious we are. I suggest you come with me to Wujun, enjoy a good reunion with everyone, drink heartily, and share in this joy. Afterward, you can pack light and set off again."

Zhou Yu also hurried forward, his expression concerned, and said in a gentle voice, "Yes, brother, no matter how urgent it is, it can't be rushed in just two days. Look, all these guards, including Xingba, Pan Feng, Wu Anguo, and the others, are eager to return home and see their children as soon as possible. If you leave in such a hurry, your brothers will feel so regretful. When they think about it in the future, they will inevitably feel a little disappointed."

Ma Chao frowned after hearing what they said. After a moment's thought, he sighed and said, "If that's the case, then let's go and see her. After all, I've finally made it to Wu Commandery, and if I don't pay my respects to my aunt, it wouldn't be what a junior should do. I can't be disrespectful."

Ma Chao turned around and faced Gan Ning with a gentle expression and a bit of concern, and solemnly ordered: "Xingba, you should go back with your personal guards, reunite with your family and enjoy the happiness of family life. After that, I will take the trouble to run another trip to bring the mistress and the young master to Wujun. I look forward to meeting them soon." Gan Ning accepted the order, his eyes full of joy of returning home, and left quickly with his personal guards. The dust raised by the horses' hooves told of their longing for their families.

Ma Chao then straightened his attire and headed side by side with Sun Ce towards Wujun. Along the way, a gentle breeze rustled the roadside flowers and grass, as if they too were rejoicing at their reunion. The two men, riding their majestic horses, chatted cheerfully, and soon arrived at the gates of Wujun. At the gates, the people bustled with activity, each casting admiring glances upon these two renowned generals.

Sun Ce, beaming, gestured for Ma Chao to follow, leading him at a brisk pace toward the City Lord's Mansion. The streets along the way were bustling with activity, as common people flocked to catch a glimpse of the two heroes. At the shop entrances on both sides of the street, colorful flags fluttered in the breeze, and red silk silks danced in the wind, decorating the entire Wu Commandery with a festive and lively atmosphere, overflowing with a welcoming atmosphere.

The City Lord's Mansion stood majestically, its vermilion gates wide open, as if offering a warm welcome to distinguished guests from afar. In front of the mansion stood Sun Ce's mother, Madam Wu, dressed in lavish attire. Her expression was kind, her eyes filled with tender affection for her children. Beside her, Sun Quan, standing tall and straight, his eyes radiating calmness and wisdom, regarded Ma Chao with curiosity. Sun Shangxiang, a graceful young lady, her elegant attire betraying her heroic presence. A bright smile graced her face, her anticipation for Ma Chao's arrival overflowing.

Upon hearing the news of their return, Xiao Qiao hurried over, child in hand. She was graceful, beautiful, and gentle. Da Qiao beside her was equally charming, and together, they resembled two blossoming flowers. Xiao Qiao softly teased the child in her arms, occasionally glancing toward the end of the street, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ma Chao and his companions.

Sun Ce walked briskly, chatting animatedly with Ma Chao along the way as he led him to the City Lord's Mansion. Along the way, the common people lined the streets to welcome him, cheers and applause intertwined, and colorful flags fluttered in the wind, everywhere displaying joy and respect.

At the City Lord's Mansion, Sun Ce's mother, Madam Wu, looked lovingly as she led Sun Quan, Sun Shangxiang, and other members of the family, waiting quietly. Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, holding their children, also stood among them, beaming with joy. Ma Chao quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply and respectfully to Madam Wu. He said sincerely, "Aunt, it's been a long time since we last met. Ma Chao greets you. I'm sorry to bother you with this visit." Madam Wu quickly offered him a hand to help him up, saying gently, "Chao'er, I've been waiting for you to come. Don't be so polite."

Sun Quan, his face filled with respect, quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Brother, you've been so tired all the way! It's truly a great honor to welcome you today." Ma Chao smiled, patted Sun Quan on the shoulder, and said, "Zhongmou, it's been a long time since we last met. You've become more mature and steady!"

Sun Shangxiang skipped over to Ma Chao and said affectionately, "Brother, you're finally here! Tell me about any interesting things you've encountered along the way!" Ma Chao looked at her, smiled helplessly yet dotingly, and said, "Shangxiang, you're still so lively. When I have time, I'll tell you all about it."

Ma Chao's gaze then fell upon the children in Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao's arms, his gaze instantly softening. He pulled out a carefully prepared gift: a pair of beautifully carved longevity locks and two exquisitely handcrafted rattles. He first walked over to Da Qiao, looked at Sun Ce's son in her arms, and said gently, "This is a small token of my appreciation for the child. May he grow up safely and become a distinguished figure like his father." Da Qiao smiled and nodded in thanks, "Thank you, brother! You're so thoughtful."

Ma Chao then walked over to Xiao Qiao and handed her another gift, teasing Zhou Yu's son and saying, "This child bears a resemblance to Gongjin when he was young. I wish him a smooth life and a bright future." Xiao Qiao bowed gratefully and said, "Thank you for your trouble, brother. This gift is truly precious."

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone walked towards the mansion together. Madam Wu took Ma Chao's hand and said warmly, "Chao'er, come in quickly. You've been running around for a long time, you need to rest well." Ma Chao agreed and walked into the City Lord's Mansion with everyone else. Cheerful laughter continued to echo in the courtyard.

The City Lord's Mansion was festooned with lights and a sumptuous banquet was soon underway. Everyone gathered around, toasting each other, laughing and chatting. After three rounds of drinks, Ma Chao's gaze fell on the children in Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao's arms. Curiously, he asked, "Look at these two little guys, so chubby and strong! Have you chosen any names yet?"

Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao looked at each other and gently scolded, "Brother, you don't know that the two of them have been fighting outside. After the child is born, how dare we women decide on our own to name him? Of course, we should wait for the child's father to come back and make the final decision." After saying this, she looked at Sun Ce and Zhou Yu with a hint of resentment.

Sun Ce laughed heartily, set down his wine glass, looked at Ma Chao, and said, "Brother, since you are here today, it is a great joy. You are knowledgeable and learned, why don't you choose the names for the children? It will be a great gift to them." Zhou Yu nodded in agreement, "Yes, brother, it is a blessing for the children to have you give them names."

Ma Chao waved his hands, a bright smile on his face. "That won't happen! This is your first child. As a new father, how can I take away the joy of naming your child? It would be more meaningful for you two to name your own babies. My little one hasn't been brought here yet, so I can still name him when he arrives. We won't steal each other's limelight."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Sun Ce pondered for a moment, his eyes filled with hope as he said, "My son will be named Sun Shao. Shao means inheritance or continuation. I hope he will inherit the glory of the Sun family and carry forward its prosperity."

Zhou Yu stroked his chin gently, then thought for a moment before saying, "I named my son Zhou Yin. Yin means descendant or continuation. I hope he can carry on the Zhou family's bloodline and legacy, spreading its branches and bringing prosperity to the family. I also hope he can one day support the Zhou family in these troubled times."

Ma Chao had a mischievous smile on his face, and then joked, "You two brothers are still young, and there are many years to come. You will definitely have to worry about continuing your offspring in the future. But this is inseparable from the contributions of your two brothers and sisters-in-law, and you all have to work hard together!" As soon as these words came out, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao blushed immediately. They lowered their heads slightly, gently covered the corners of their mouths with the handkerchiefs in their hands, but their eyes were full of shyness and coquettishness.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were not willing to be outdone. After exchanging a glance, Sun Ce laughed and retorted, "Brother, please stop teasing us. Look at you. You now have a son, but you haven't returned to Xiliang yet. You have so many sisters-in-law back home in Xiliang. You'll have to deal with them well when you return!" Zhou Yu echoed this with a sly smile on his face, "That's right, brother, you'll have to think of a plan carefully, otherwise you'll be blamed by your sisters-in-law when you return!"

Everyone burst into laughter, and Ma Chao joined in. He waved his hands helplessly, "You guys always make fun of me. Forget it, let's talk about this later. Today, let's just drink to our heart's content and get drunk!"

Everyone was laughing and talking cheerfully. Sun Shangxiang had been quietly watching her brothers drinking from the back, but upon hearing this conversation, she couldn't contain her eagerness. She trotted out like a lively fawn, her face flushed, and shouted, "Brother Ma Chao, you're going to marry me someday. You must never forget this!"

Sun Quan was also present. He was already feeling a bit embarrassed by everyone's comments, and seeing his sister act like this, his face flushed with embarrassment. He quickly grabbed Sun Shangxiang's hand and whispered, "Xiangxiang, stop making fun of yourself. Go back!"

Seeing this, Sun Ce burst into laughter and slammed the table, saying, "Hey, Shangxiang, don't be impatient! When you grow up, I'll marry your brother Ma Chao. Then we'll be even closer!"

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao gave a bitter smile and waved his hand helplessly: "This is just a joke between children, you really take it seriously?"

Sun Ce put away his smile and looked at Ma Chao seriously, his tone firm: "Why can't you take it seriously? You promised me, and I'm not rushing to marry my sister to you. I think this marriage is fine!"

When Sun Shangxiang heard this, her eyes were full of anticipation. She puffed out her chest and looked at Sun Quan proudly: "Did you hear me? I told you brothers that you won't forget this!" Sun Quan looked helpless and could only shake his head secretly, secretly sighing at his sister's innocence and boldness.

When everyone present heard this, they started to make a fuss. Huang Gai smiled and said, "If this works out, we'll be one family in the future. Jiangdong and Xiliang will be even closer!" Han Dang joked, "General Ma, it looks like your wedding is about to happen. Don't forget to treat everyone to the wedding wine!" The atmosphere at the banquet became more and more lively. Ma Chao was a little amused by everyone's teasing, but he didn't want to take it seriously. He could only agree with a smile and laugh it off.

So, at this lively banquet, everyone continued to clink glasses, and the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses intertwined, making the joy and warmth even more intense.