Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms
Chapter 730 A brief reunion with the eldest son Ma Yue
After hearing Shamoko's words, Sally's smile froze, and the light in her eyes dimmed. She subconsciously hugged the sleeping child tightly, as if using her arms to protect the child from all unknown risks. Her lips trembled slightly, and she wanted to refute, but she swallowed the words back at the tip of her tongue, her eyes full of entanglement and struggle.
Seeing his sister like this, Shamoke felt a pang of heartache, but he continued patiently, "What's more, your brother-in-law's parents don't even know about your marriage. If you go back now, what if their Han customs are different from our Shanyue? If his parents object to this marriage, how will you and the child live with him in the future?" He sighed softly, his tone gentle but unquestionable, "It's better to let your brother-in-law go back first. Once everything is settled here, the weather warms up, and the child is a little older, you can take the child back with you. This way, everything will be more secure, and you'll have less worries. Go and see him tomorrow. Let him see the child, and it will ease his homesickness."
Sally bit her lower lip, her eyes slightly red. She hesitated for a long time before whispering, "Brother, I know you are doing this for the good of me and the child, but I really want to go back with him. I don't want to be separated from him for too long." As she spoke, a tear slid down her cheek and dripped onto the child's swaddling clothes.
Shamoko reached out and gently patted Sally's shoulder, comforting her: "Sister, this is only temporary. Once everything is arranged, there will be many days for your family to be reunited. Your brother-in-law must also hope that you and the child can be safe and sound. Just listen to me, okay?"
Sally raised her head and looked at Shamoko's concerned eyes. Finally, she nodded slowly, her voice choked with sobs: "Okay, brother, I'll listen to you."
The next morning, sunlight bathed the Shanyue camp in a golden glow. Shamoke rose early and found Gan Ning, Pan Feng, Wu Anguo, and the others. They gathered in a clearing in the camp, sipping hot tea as Shamoke recounted his conversation with Sally the previous night.
Shamoke repeated everything he had said to Sariel to everyone. Finally, he looked at Gan Ning and the others and offered earnest advice, "The children are still too young. A military camp isn't a good place to raise children. It's too noisy and chaotic, and the children would suffer if they were there. I suggest you leave your families and children here for now. When Ma Chao comes to pick up Sariel, have your families go back with you so they can be taken care of on the journey."
Gan Ning nodded first. He scratched his head and said with a simple smile, "Brother Sha, you're right. Since the mistress and the young master are staying, it's only natural for our family to stay. Besides, with daily drills and preparations in the military camp, we don't have the energy to take care of children. It's indeed appropriate for them to stay."
Pan Feng put down the teacup in his hand and said in a gruff voice, "I don't have any objections! We're in a world of fighting and killing every day, so it's really inconvenient to take the children with us. Let's do as Brother Sha says. When things are more settled, we can take them over."
Wu Anguo, who had been listening quietly, echoed the sentiment, "That's right. Although we don't like to dwell on these matters, we understand the stakes involved. The children will be better taken care of here, and we can focus on fighting outside."
Everyone discussed it, and soon reached a consensus. They knew Shamoke's advice was for everyone's benefit, and in these turbulent times, ensuring a stable family life was paramount. Afterward, everyone returned home to inform their families. The women, though reluctant, understood the reasoning and began packing their husbands' bags. They planned to stay in the Shanyue camp with their children, waiting to reunite with their husbands.
After packing up, Gan Ning, Pan Feng, Wu Anguo, and Sha Mo Ke escorted Sally to Sun Ce's City Lord's Mansion in Wujun. Sun Ce and Ma Chao had been waiting for them at the mansion for a long time, and upon seeing them arrive, they hurried forward to greet them.
Ma Chao's eyes immediately fell on the child in Sally's arms, his eyes filled with tenderness and longing, and he quickly stepped forward. Sally's eyes were red, but a smile played on her lips. She gently handed the child to Ma Chao, "Daddy, you finally see our son." Ma Chao carefully took it, looking at the little sleeping face in the swaddle, his eyes slightly moist.
Sun Ce walked forward with a smile and said jokingly, "Captain, I see how much you've been waiting for me. Now that our family is reunited, I can finally rest assured." He then looked at Shamoke and the others, bowed and said, "You've all had a hard journey. Come into the mansion and rest."
Gan Ning and the others saluted Sun Ce and Ma Chao, and then they all entered the palace together. Inside the hall, Sun Quan, Sun Shangxiang, and a group of generals were already waiting. When they saw Ma Chao enter with the child, they gathered around, exclaiming in admiration and offering their blessings.
At this moment, Sun Shangxiang came skipping over, staring at the child curiously, and said excitedly, "My little nephew is so adorable! I'll definitely love him dearly from now on." Sun Quan also smiled and said, "Brother, it's such a great joy to have such a child. He will surely inherit our family's glory in the future."
As they were talking, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao walked into the hall arm in arm, each holding Sun Shao and Zhou Yin. Gentle smiles graced their faces, their eyes filled with friendliness and kindness.
Da Qiao spoke first, her voice soft and pleasant, "Sister, we've been waiting so long since we heard you were coming." As she spoke, she walked over to Sally's side and her eyes fell on the child in Ma Chao's arms, eyes full of fondness. "Look at this child, how handsome he is."
Xiao Qiao also came over and winked playfully, "That's right, sister. I can tell at a glance that this is your child with General Ma. He will definitely become a little hero in the future."
Sally quickly stood up to greet them, a sincere smile on her face. She looked at Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, her eyes full of joy: "Sisters, I've always wanted to see you, too."
Although the three have different identities and backgrounds, they are closely connected because of the relationship between Sun Ce, Zhou Yu and Ma Chao. In their intimacy, they do not call each other sister-in-law, but treat each other as sisters, which makes them less restrained and more comfortable.
Then, Da Qiao gently handed Sun Shao forward and said with a smile, "Sister, this is my and Bo Fu's child. He is called Sun Shao. Let him play with your child in the future. He will have more companions."
Xiao Qiao also took a step forward, holding Zhou Yin. "Sister, this is my Zhou Yin. Look at his eyes, they are just like his father's."
Sally looked at the two children, her eyes full of tenderness as she teased them gently: "You two little guys are so cute. They will definitely become good brothers with my child in the future."
The three women gathered around the child, chatting happily, their laughter echoing in the hall. Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and Ma Chao, watching this heartwarming scene, smiled at each other, filled with relief.
Sun Ce spoke quickly and cheerfully, "Brother, I finally got to ask you for a name. It's been so long, have you thought about it yet? What's the name for the child?"
Ma Chao was momentarily stunned, then his gaze shifted to Shali'er. Their eyes met, a silent understanding etched in their hearts. Ma Chao gently stroked the child's face and spoke, "Shali'er and I have been thinking this over. When the child was born, I was away on a campaign. Thanks to the Shanyue tribe, Shali'er is from the Shanyue. The Shanyue people hold special significance for us, so we named him Ma Yue. This is a tribute to that experience, and we hope that no matter what he faces in the future, he will be able to overcome difficulties and forge ahead courageously."
Upon hearing this, Sun Ce cheered loudly, clapping his hands and saying, "What a great name! Ma Yue! Simple and powerful, it conveys a spirit of not giving up. He will surely become a great man in the future."
Zhou Yu also nodded in praise: "Brother Chao is indeed Brother Chao. This name is both commemorative and full of earnest expectations for the child. It's wonderful."
Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao also gathered around. Da Qiao said with a smile, "Ma Yue, what a resounding name! Together with Shao Er and Yin Er, they will definitely be outstanding people." Xiao Qiao echoed, "That's right. Just by hearing the name, I feel that this child has a bright future."
Everyone was talking at once, full of blessings and praise for the child. The hall was filled with joy and the warm atmosphere became even thicker. Ma Yue's name was also remembered by everyone in this laughter and joy.
It was another lively banquet, with everyone gathered around the table, filled with delicious food and wine. As the guests drank and chatted, laughter and joy filled the air, and a warm atmosphere permeated the entire hall.
Shamoko put down his wine glass, cleared his throat, and told Sally what he had discussed with him. "Brother-in-law, the situation is unstable right now, and the children are young, so traveling is very inconvenient. We've discussed having Sally and Ma Yue stay in Shanyue first, and then bring them back when the situation in your side stabilizes and the weather warms up."
Ma Chao's eyes welled up slightly upon hearing this, his heart overflowing with gratitude. He stood up, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply to Shamoke. "Brother-in-law, thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. I, Ma Chao, will never forget your kindness." His voice was filled with emotion. "Once I've settled the situation, next spring I'll come with great fanfare to bring Sally and Ma Yue back to Xiliang. I won't let them suffer a single grievance."
Sun Ce nodded in agreement, "Brother Sha, your consideration is indeed sound. Don't worry, brother, go ahead and do your work. We'll take care of things here." Zhou Yu echoed, "Yes, it won't be too late to reunite as a family once everything is settled."
Sally looked at Ma Chao, her eyes full of understanding and support, and said softly, "Don't worry, the children and I will be waiting for you in Shanyue."
At the banquet, everyone continued to toast and drink, expressing their understanding and support among family members, as well as their anticipation of reunions in the future.
The night was deep, and the moonlight, like water, sprinkled across the courtyard of the City Lord's Mansion, casting a silver veil over everything in the world. Ma Chao and Sally sat across from each other in the room, the candlelight on the table flickering gently, illuminating their faces.
Ma Chao carefully placed Ma Yue in the cradle beside him. The little guy was already fast asleep, breathing evenly and softly. Ma Chao walked over to Sally's side, slowly sat down, held her hand, and said softly, "Ali, you've suffered a lot these days raising the child alone."
Sally's eyes reddened slightly, and she shook her head: "I'm not bitter, I just miss you all the time."
Ma Chao gently took her into his arms, his voice filled with guilt: "It's my fault. I have let you and the child suffer. I have been traveling all the way, and the situation has been turbulent, so I haven't been able to be with you all the time." He gently stroked Sally's hair, recounting every detail of their separation, the fighting on the battlefield, the hardships on the march, and every night when he missed them, mother and child.
Sally leaned in Ma Chao's arms, listening quietly, tears sliding down her face. "I look forward to your return every day. When I see the child, I think of you."
Ma Chao raised his hand and gently wiped away her tears, comforting her, "That won't happen again. Once I've settled things here, I'll take you home. We'll be a family forever." He placed a kiss on Sally's forehead, "You and the child are the most important people to me. No matter how big the difficulties are, I will overcome them. Don't worry."
The two of them snuggled together like this, and in this quiet night, they expressed their longing and concern for each other after separation, as if time had stopped for them.
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