readytorunbook Chapter 278 Dong Bai welcomes another unexpected event
Chapter 278 Dong Bai welcomes another unexpected event
After the snowstorm, the sky was as clear as a gemstone, and the earth was blanketed in a blanket of white. Ma Chao and his companions, fresh from the baptism of the snowstorm, continued their journey, exhausted but determined. Their footprints left a trail of deep, unmelted snowflakes clinging to their cloaks.
Along the way, they braved the bitter cold and overcame numerous difficulties. Now, the outline of Longxi County gradually emerged in the distance. Everyone's eyes shone with anticipation and hope, and their exhausted bodies seemed to be revitalized. As they advanced, the walls of Longxi County became increasingly clear.
The moment Longxi County came within their sight, a sense of relief washed over them. They all breathed a sigh of relief, their nerves, tense for days, finally relaxing. Their faces blossomed with smiles of relief, as if they had found a warm haven after a long journey.
Ma Chao looked around at the people around him, feeling deeply moved. This difficult journey had witnessed their tenacity and bravery. Now that they had reached Longxi County, while many challenges lay ahead, they could now rest and recuperate, gathering their strength for the coming battle.
Dong Bai saw Ma Chao's troops halt from afar, and her heart instantly burned with joy. Unable to contain herself, she spurred her horse forward before Ma Chao and his men even approached. Generals Xu Rong, Niu Fu, and others behind her didn't dare to let their guard down and hurriedly followed.
Dong Bai arrived at the front of the column, reined in her horse, and leaped lightly from the ground. Her gaze fell upon the vast army before her. Though the soldiers were covered in mud and other debris, they still looked like elite warriors from countless battles. Ma Chao's battle robe was also stained with a few spots. His stern face, his eyes still sharp as a sword, also bore a hint of fatigue from traversing the snow.
Dong Bai stared at Ma Chao infatuatedly, her eyes filled with longing and joy. Ma Chao dismounted and slowly approached, a warm smile on his face as he softly asked, "Bai'er, is everything okay?" Dong Bai could no longer contain her inner emotions. Like a fledgling returning to the forest, she threw herself into Ma Chao's arms, ignoring the gazes of others. In that moment, it was as if time had stood still for them, everything around them blurred, and only the warmth and heartbeat of their hearts were clearly palpable.
Ma Chao gently stroked Dong Bai's back and whispered soothing words in her ear. Generals like Xu Rong and Niu Fu, who had followed, looked embarrassed and turned their heads away, avoiding the embarrassing scene. However, Hua Xiong, a simple and honest man, didn't seem to notice anything wrong and said, "General, you've had a hard journey." Niu Fu gently tugged at him, and Xu Rong also gently tugged at Hua Xiong's robe. Hua Xiong, still confused, asked, "Old Xu, why are you pulling me?" Xu Rong couldn't help but smile bitterly.
In Ma Chao's camp, the generals were all aware of Dong Bai and Ma Chao's relationship, and as Ma Chao's side, they felt no embarrassment at all. Xu Shu chuckled quietly, while Ma Dai, Zhang Ren, and other younger generals watched with a look of fascination. Sun Ce couldn't help but tease Xu Huang beside him, saying, "Gongming, look, the general has arrived and a beautiful woman has thrown herself at him, unconcerned about the hardships we've endured traveling through the snow. I wonder if your sister-in-law has prepared any good food and wine for us?" Xu Huang, unfazed by Sun Ce's teasing, laughed heartily and said, "Hahaha, sister-in-law, you two can be intimate later. We've come all the way through the snow and are already starving. Have you prepared the food and wine?" Dong Bai, realizing her own gaffe, blushed immediately after hearing Xu Huang's words. But she didn't panic. Instead, she remained calm and composed, refusing to argue, her expression clearly acknowledging her relationship with Ma Chao. Ma Chao laughed and scolded: "You fool, all you do is eat and drink all day long. Why didn't I let you eat along the way?" Xu Huang smiled foolishly.
Xu Huang grinned, revealing a row of big white teeth, and said with the same naive smile: "General, don't mention it anymore. I have been in a hurry to travel all this time, and I have relied on the meat soup and pancakes to fill my stomach every day. I, Old Xu, have been fed up with it for a long time! As for the meat soup you mentioned, oh, it really can't be compared with the fine wine and delicacies that my sister-in-law has carefully arranged." After saying this, Xu Huang smacked his lips, as if he was savoring the delicious food he had imagined.
Ma Chao looked at Xu Huang and shook his head in a mixture of anger and amusement. "You, you always eat the most. I told you to study more military tactics, but all you do is eat and drink all day long."
Dong Bai looked at everyone, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a gentle smile, and a crisp voice rang out: "Fine wine, delicious food, bedding, hot water, are all ready. Everyone must drink heartily in a while to relieve the fatigue of the journey." When everyone heard this, they immediately showed joy on their faces and expressed their gratitude.
But at this time, Dong Bai deliberately said to Xu Huang angrily: "You fool have no share, continue to eat your meat soup and pancakes." Xu Huang panicked when he heard it, and hurriedly put on a smile, gestured frantically, and kept saying nice things to Dong Bai like pouring beans: "Oh, sister-in-law, don't be angry. I know I was wrong. Sister-in-law, you are as kind-hearted as Guanyin Bodhisattva, and you will definitely not let me, Xu, eat that meat soup and pancakes. Sister-in-law, you are beautiful and kind-hearted, like a fairy who has come down to earth, no, more beautiful than a fairy. I, Xu, will definitely listen to you and behave well in the future..." Xu Huang's funny appearance made everyone laugh. The hearty laughter echoed in the sky above Longxi County, as if driving away all the fatigue and cold, leaving only full warmth and joy.
Just as everyone was immersed in the relaxed and joyful atmosphere, Lu Wan came in with graceful steps. She had a graceful figure, a beautiful face, and a gentle and intelligent look in her eyes.
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu looked at each other and smiled narrowly, as if they were waiting to see something exciting.
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu exchanged a glance, a narrow smile flickering in their eyes, as if they were waiting to witness Ma Chao's dilemma. Sun Ce leaned slightly closer to Zhou Yu, his voice deliberately lowered, though it was low, it was filled with anticipation and excitement: "Gongjin, look, this is going to be a show. The meeting of the two beauties at our eldest brother's side will surely be a unique spectacle." Zhou Yu nodded slightly, his lips curling up slightly in a teasing smile. His voice was also low, like a breeze brushing against his ear: "Bofu is absolutely right. Let's see how these two sisters-in-law get along. Perhaps there will be a wonderful 'showdown'." Their eyes were fixed on Dong Bai and Lu Wan, as if waiting for a drama to begin.
The moment Dong Bai looked up and saw Lu Wan, a bright smile immediately broke out on his face. That smile was like a flower blooming in spring, bright and moving.
Dong Bai and Lu Wan slowly approached, their eyes meeting, as if bound together by an invisible force. Dong Bai reached out and gently took Lu Wan's hand, which was soft and warm. Dong Bai whispered, "Sister, you're here. You must have had a hard time on the journey." Lu Wan smiled and replied, her voice as sweet as a nightingale's. "Sorry for the long wait, sister. It's not hard at all. Seeing you and the general is worth it." The two of them stood together, like a beautiful painting. Their eyes were filled with warmth and kindness, without a trace of estrangement or unfamiliarity. Dong Bai looked at Lu Wan, eyes full of admiration: "Sister, you look so beautiful today." Lu Wan shook her head gently, smiled, and said, "Sister is the most charming and beautiful one." They praised each other, their words filled with sincerity and friendship.
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, who were standing by, were so surprised when they saw this scene that their eyes widened. They had originally expected a fierce battle between the two women, but they did not expect the two women to get along so harmoniously and naturally. Sun Ce leaned close to Zhou Yu and said in a low voice, "Gongjin, look, this is really beyond our expectations. We thought there would be a lively scene, but we didn't expect these two sisters-in-law to be so harmonious." Zhou Yu nodded slightly, with a teasing smile on his lips, and responded softly, "Bofu is right. The general is really amazing. Not only is he majestic on the battlefield, but he also handles emotional matters so properly. You and I should learn from him." Sun Ce sighed and said, "Alas, when can we be like my eldest brother and make the women around us live in such harmony?" Zhou Yu pondered for a moment and said, "Bofu, don't worry. Matters of the heart need to be managed carefully. I believe we can be like the general in the future." After hearing this, Sun Ce's eyes flashed with expectation, "I hope so. Gongjin, we have to work harder." As they talked, they looked at Dong Bai and Lu Wan, their hearts full of envy.
Seeing that the greetings were almost over, Li Ru invited everyone into the city. Ma Chao and the others naturally followed the host's wishes, and just as they were about to enter, a conflict suddenly arose. A soldier hurried in with news that the emperor's envoy, Wang Jie, was unwilling to enter the city with the angel guard and the Chang'an soldiers.
Everyone was surprised when they heard this. Ma Chao frowned slightly, a hint of doubt in his eyes. Dong Bai and Lu Wan exchanged a glance, also worried. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu looked thoughtful, as if pondering the reasons behind this. Generals like Xu Rong and Niu Fu looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Hua Xiong, a simple and honest man, couldn't help but mutter, "What's this emperor's envoy up to?" Xu Shu stroked his beard in silence, as if pondering a response. Younger men like Ma Dai and Zhang Ren were indignant, feeling that the emperor's envoy's actions were inappropriate.
Li Ru's expression darkened. He was well aware of the thorny nature of this matter. On the one hand, the emperor's envoy represented the court's authority, indicating that the court still considered Longxi County a hostile force. On the other hand, they couldn't allow their reckless actions to destabilize the situation. He cleared his throat and said, "This matter must be handled properly. We must not act rashly." Anger was building among the crowd.