Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

"Girls, look at me..." His rough fingers twisted the leather belt around his waist, and the fierce look on his face faded a little. "Although I was born fierce, I can make sure you have enough to eat every meal! I even stole two new quilts in the last battle!" Pleading appeared in his cloudy eyes. Suddenly, he saw a woman in plain clothes in the corner clutching the corner of her clothes. He hurriedly took off his cloak and spread it on the ground: "I can also put up a tent! It's warm in winter and cool in summer, a hundred times better than this broken palace!"

Startled by his sudden action, the woman took a half step back, only to see him immediately duck and retreat three more steps. His simple, honest demeanor made everyone laugh. The hall remained silent for a moment, and she finally nodded slightly. Hua Xiong suddenly leaped to his feet, sending dust billowing through the hall, and shouted at the top of his voice, "My Lord! It's done! I have a wife, too!" His rough laughter, mixed with the clashing of armor, startled everyone with a mixture of anger and amusement.

Ma Chao stood with his hands behind his back beneath the Panlong Pillar, gazing at the scene of red and silver armor interwoven within the hall, a rare smile playing in his eyes. He raised his hand to signal a lull in the clamor, and in a resounding voice, he declared, "When the fighting subsides, I will personally arrange your weddings, and we'll drink this wedding wine together!" Before he had finished speaking, the hall erupted in cheers of armor clashing against each other. Several generals eagerly clasped their fists in thanksgiving to their lord, while the women beside them blushed, their heads bowed, twirling their skirts.

His eyes swept over the four women in the corner who had not yet been chosen. They clutched the corners of their clothes nervously, and the hairpins in their hair swayed slightly with trembling. Ma Chao walked forward slowly, his tone soft but with unquestionable certainty: "Don't worry. First, you will be settled in the central army with Dong Bai. All food, clothing and expenses will be the same as those of your relatives." He paused, looking at the cold moon hanging high outside the hall, "If you meet someone you like in the army in the future, or if you are willing to follow me back to Xiliang, there will be a brave man to match you. By then, you will be dressed in a phoenix crown, a bridal gown, and ten miles of red makeup, everything will be fine!"

Dong Bai stepped forward just in time, taking the women's hands. The candlelight shone against the red-gold armor on his fingertips. "Don't worry, sisters! The mansion is plenty spacious. I'll take you to pick out new clothes tomorrow." As soon as he finished speaking, the round-faced girl in the corner finally burst into laughter, her clear, clear laughter echoing through the hall like a silver bell. The clinking of armor, the women's laughter, and the chatter of the generals blended together, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Ma Chao's eyes were wide open, and his stern gaze swept over the generals with happy faces like an eagle. He suddenly raised his voice and said sternly: "Listen up to me! Before the marriage, if I find anyone dares to overstep the line--" He suddenly drew out the sword at his waist, and the cold light flashed, making everyone's backs cold. "Punish him according to military law! Don't blame me for not remembering our past friendship!" The sound of armor colliding stopped abruptly, and the hall was instantly silent. The generals hurriedly straightened their backs, and their faces, which had been laughing just now, instantly became serious.

The palace was filled with joy, everyone immersed in the excitement of the marriage selection. Concubine Gongsun stood alone in a corner, her plain silk dress accentuating her cool demeanor. A sarcastic sneer played on her lips, her arms folded across her chest, her eyes scanning the scene with indifference, as if mocking the absurdity of this marriage in troubled times.

At this moment, Xu Huang strode out with a straightforward attitude, clasped his rough palms heavily, and shouted in a voice like a bell: "My king! My brothers have all got beauties, how can you be left out of such a beautiful thing! Look at the imperial concubine, she is so beautiful and has such an extraordinary demeanor. It's a pity for her to stand there alone. It would be better to take her into the tent and make a good story!" As soon as these words came out, the air in the hall froze instantly.

Everyone was shocked, looking at this troublemaker in unison. Zhang Liao's expression suddenly changed, and he rushed forward quickly, covering Xu Huang's mouth with his hands. He lowered his voice and gritted his teeth and said, "Don't talk nonsense, you idiot! The king has many confidantes, not to mention the mistress is in the hall. You are going to cause disaster!" Xu Huang finally woke up from his dream, his eyes wide, his face flushed, and he struggled.

Dong Bai maintained his elegant demeanor, pursing his lips slightly, seemingly unconcerned. However, a flash of coldness flashed in his eyes, piercing Xu Huang like a sharp sword. Xu Huang froze in place at the sight, cold sweat dripping down the cracks in his armor, and he groaned inwardly.

Ma Chao was furious when he heard this. He kicked over the bronze lamp stand beside him with his foot, sparks flying. He strode forward, grabbed Xu Huang's collar with his big hands like iron clamps, and lifted him up into the air: "You bastard! Who do you think I am? How can the Xiliang army tolerate such dirty thoughts! I have fought on the battlefield many times, but when have I ever missed a battle because of a woman?!" His voice was like thunder, which made everyone in the hall hold their breath and the bronze bells on the eaves shook violently.

Amidst his roar, Ma Chao caught a glimpse of Dong Bai leaning against a vermilion pillar, slowly twirling her skirt, a hint of a smile between her brows. His heart trembled, and his momentum weakened slightly. He deliberately slowed his tone, but still spoke with authority: "General Gongsun Zan and I are both disciples of Master Lu, and we are as close as brothers! The imperial concubine is the daughter of an old friend. How can you allow such nonsense!"

With that, he slammed Xu Huang to the ground, raised his chin, and sneered, "Go to the military commander and receive twenty lashes of the cane. If you dare take even one less, you will be punished by military law!" After Xu Huang tumbled back, Ma Chao turned, straightened his clothes, stepped forward, and saluted Gongsun. His tone softened, "Please do not mind this foolish man's nonsense. In three days, I will personally dispatch five hundred elite cavalrymen to escort you along the way. I will ensure your safe return home to enjoy the happiness of family life with General Gongsun."

Gongsun suddenly dropped her sneer, fluttering her wide sleeves in a dignified bow, her hair swaying with tiny pearls. "Thank you, General Ma, for your care. In these turbulent times, you're able to offer a way out for vulnerable women like us. I'll always remember this kindness." As she stood up, the corners of her eyes were as red as blood, and the corners of her lips curled up slightly. "But there's one thing I'm still concerned about—the late Empress Lu Wan. I wonder how the General plans to accommodate her?"

The sound of a pin drop was so audible in the hall that one could hear it. Gongsun paused deliberately for a moment, lightly stroking the jade bracelet on her wrist with her fingertips. Thinking of the harsh slap Dong Bai had just given her, her nails hidden under her wide sleeves almost dug into her palm, but the corners of her mouth were curled up in an increasingly gentle manner, as if she was determined to reveal the most secret scar of this perfect couple in front of everyone.

As Gongsun's words fell, Dong Bai stepped forward, a perfectly balanced expression of regret on her face. Her voice was gentle yet sharp, "Your Highness's concern for me makes me feel neglectful." Her fingertips brushed the pearl tassels on her temples, her eyes flickering with spring water. "The General and I will take care of Sister Wan'er's whereabouts. Now that the Emperor has deposed the Empress, she is free."

At this point, Dong Bai suddenly chuckled, took a few steps and took Ma Chao's arm, but her fingertips under the brocade cuffs dug into the gap of the armor: "If the general is interested, why not welcome me into the family? We sisters should support each other." She raised her face to look at Ma Chao, a bright smile on her lips, but a cold look in her eyes, "My husband, do you think this makes sense?" The candlelight in the hall flickered, reflecting the overlapping figures of the two on the Panlong Pillar, like a painting with hidden wit.

Ma Chao felt a sharp pain at the seams of his armor. He suppressed the twitch in his brow and saluted calmly, his expression calm. "I know what's going on with Wan'er. Now that the imperial concubine has finished her inquiries, please return and rest. We'll arrange for elite soldiers to escort you later." Before he finished speaking, the coolness of the gilded armor brushing against the back of his hand made his Adam's apple move slightly, but he remained calm.

Ma Chao suppressed the burning pain in the cracks of his armor and raised his hand to signal everyone to leave. "We've had a lot to do today, and everyone is tired. Let's go back and rest. There's no need to train for the next two days, so relax." His voice was as calm as usual.

The generals exchanged glances, half-smiles on their faces, and clasped their fists in salute. Xu Huang, crouching to peek at his lord's frozen expression, was met with a veiled kick from Zhang Liao. Zhang Ren ducked his head to conceal a smile, his suppressed chuckle mingling with the clash of armor. When everyone had retreated, the flickering candlelight in the hallway cast a shadow over the scattered wedding gowns, adding a touch of absurdity to the surging farce.

The night wind carried the remaining candle smoke into the hall. When the last sound of armor disappeared at the end of the corridor, Ma Teng slowly stood up, holding the gilded chair, and his vigorous knuckles tapped the armrests with a dull sound: "Okay, okay!" He laughed with his head tilted back, his gray hair blowing in the draft. "Chang'an City has finally been trampled under the feet of my Xiliang cavalry! Tonight, I can finally sleep soundly!"

Ma Chao was about to speak when his father approached. An old hand slammed heavily on his silver-armored shoulder, rattling the mail. "As for Wan'er..." Ma Teng's smile suddenly faded, his cloudy old eyes gazing at the cold moon beyond the palace walls. "You and Bai'er are both very perceptive. You two can discuss how to arrange her." A sigh lingered in his old voice. "Wan'er has had a difficult life. We must give her a safe and secure home."

Before she finished her words, Dong Bai had already moved lightly, her wide sleeves spreading out on the ground like flowing clouds. "Don't worry, uncle. Bai'er will definitely take good care of my sister." When she raised her eyes, her smile was bright and a gentle smile formed on the dimples at the corners of her lips.

When Ma Teng's footsteps were completely dissipated by the draft, the night spread over the vermilion palace gate, and the copper bells on the eaves trembled slightly in the still wind. Dong Bai suddenly pressed her cheek gently against Ma Chao's shoulder. Her soft dress embroidered with golden lotus flowers slipped through the crevices of his cold armor. Her fingertips deftly hooked around his warm palm, and her tone was as sweet as honey: "Let's go see Sister Wan'er." Her voice was wrapped in the gentleness of the night, and the tail tone swirled lightly, "Yesterday on the top of Chang'an City, she was carried to the top of the city wall. The wind was so strong, she must have been scared. And then there was the incident of the deposed empress..."

Ma Chao stared at the flickering candlelight outside the palace, his throat suddenly tightening. Memories surged back like a tide. Yesterday, Lu Wan on the city wall, her plain clothes torn and disheveled by the wind, her pale face gradually becoming a familiar image of the girl she'd first met at the Lu residence, leaning against the pear tree, smiling softly. Back then, Dong Bai had always loved hiding in the corner of the corridor, watching him pin flowers for Lu Wan, her eyes filled with undisguised jealousy. But now, hers was filled with spring-like pity.

Dong Bai leaned against Ma Chao's side, his gilded armor tapping against his silver, a resonant sound in the still night. Side by side, they passed through the towering palace gates. The night wind blew fallen leaves across the bluestone pavement, and the distant drum tower rang with the sound of a three-watchman gong. The dark banners of the Western Liang army fluttered from the city walls. Soldiers bearing halberds, upon seeing their lord, knelt on one knee in salute, the clash of spears echoing through the empty streets.

"General, do you want to prepare the carriage?" The guard took a half step forward, but saw Dong Bai raised her hand to signal him to retreat. She walked lightly with her three-inch golden lotus feet, walking side by side with Ma Chao. The silver butterflies embroidered on her wide sleeves were faintly visible in the moonlight: "It's rare that the moonlight is so beautiful, it's nice to take a walk." Before she finished speaking, a child's suppressed cry suddenly came from the dark corner of the street, and was immediately cut off by the muffled sound of covering his mouth and nose. Ma Chao's eyebrows moved slightly, but Dong Bai seemed unaware of it. Her fingertips stroked the pearl tassels on her temples and she smiled softly: "Chang'an is not like Xiliang after all. Even the wind is filled with the scent of cosmetics."

As they reached Suzaku Street, the guards raised their torches in unison. In the bright yellow glow, the dragon pattern on Ma Chao's silver armor shone with a cold gleam. The sound of the curfew clappers and the drums intertwined, but no one dared to stop the pair.