During Ma Chao's studies under Lu Zhi, he was diligent and hardworking every day, rising at dawn to recite classics and practice martial arts.
During the day, he led Lu Yu in sparring and honing their skills.
His teacher's wife was a gentle and kind woman who cared for Ma Chao immensely.
Whenever Ma Chao encountered difficulties in his studies, she would patiently offer guidance and encouragement.
As the weather grew colder, she brought Ma Chao warm cotton clothes, caring asking, "Ma Chao, the weather is cold, so stay warm and don't catch a cold."
Ma Chao felt a warmth in his heart, knowing how sincere her concern was.
When Ma Chao hit a bottleneck in his martial arts, he felt frustrated.
She would gently pat his shoulder and comfort him, saying, "Child, don't be discouraged.
The path of cultivation inevitably has setbacks, but as long as you persevere, you will surely make breakthroughs."
Her encouragement revitalized Ma Chao.
Every day, she would prepare a sumptuous meal, and the family would eat and chat enthusiastically.
Ma Chao could feel her care for him as if he were her own kin.
Ma Chao also greatly respected her, and he would actively help her with whatever he could to express his gratitude.
Her care was like that of a loving mother, meticulous in every detail, while Lu Yu, though only ten years old, was a quiet, honest, and selfless young gentleman.
He was usually serious and acted in a disciplined, methodical manner, seemingly having learned most of his master's demeanor.
Lu Wan, who insisted on being his elder sister and was twelve years old, had a joyful, free-spirited, and mischievous personality.
As the daughter of Lu Zhi, a figure of great renown, she had been raised as a noble young lady from a young age.
In public, she was gentle, polite, and graceful, but in private, she was always a little clever, always enjoying playing tricks on Ma Chao and Pang De.
One day, Pang De arrived from the military camp and was diligently practicing martial arts with Ma Chao in the courtyard.
Lu Wan came up with an idea and decided to play a trick on her honest and simple-minded elder brother.
Lu Wan quietly walked behind Pang De and suddenly shouted, "Snake!"
Pang De was startled and jumped up, nearly dropping his sword.
Pang De turned around and saw that Lu Wan was teasing him, and he smiled helplessly, "Elder Sister, don't scare me."
Lu Wan, however, playfully winked and said, "Who told you to be so easy to trick?"
A moment later, Lu Wan, while Ma Chao was not paying attention, placed a small insect in his teacup.
When Ma Chao, thirsty, picked up the teacup to drink, he discovered the small insect in the cup and was instantly surprised.
Ma Chao looked at Lu Wan's mischievous smile, knowing it was another one of her pranks, and could only shake his head helplessly.
However, Ma Chao and Pang De were not angry; they knew Lu Wan was just playful and meant no harm.
Although Lu Wan's pranks sometimes left Ma Chao feeling helpless, they also brought a lot of fun into his life.
Though Pang De did not visit often, he was completely subdued by Lu Wan, having no way to deal with this mischievous little elder sister.
...
Lu Wan: "Junior Brother, how many stars do you think there are in the sky?"
Ma Chao: "Oh, how would I know? There are as many stars as your questions."
Lu Wan: "Haha, Junior Brother speaks so interestingly.
But I wish I could shine like the stars."
Ma Chao: "You already shine brightly, like the brightest star."
Lu Wan: "Really? Then I need to work harder to shine even brighter."
Ma Chao: "Don't be too dazzling; you might blind everyone else."
Lu Wan: "Haha, then I'll dim my light a bit and only illuminate Junior Brother."
Ma Chao: "Stop being so glib; hurry up and practice."
Lu Wan: "Junior Brother, when I master peerless martial arts, I'll take you to roam the jianghu."
Ma Chao: "Alright, then I'll wait for you to protect me."
Lu Wan: "Don't worry, Elder Sister, with me here, no one will dare to bully you."
Ma Chao: "Then I'll be counting on you, Elder Sister."
...
In their studies, Ma Chao and Lu Wan often helped each other.
Sometimes, when Ma Chao encountered difficulties in understanding poetry, Lu Wan would patiently explain the meaning of the text, helping him grasp its implications.
And when Lu Wan practiced her swordplay, Ma Chao would observe from the side, pointing out her shortcomings and offering suggestions.
In daily life, Lu Wan would carefully remind Ma Chao to pay attention to small details, such as tidying his appearance and keeping the environment clean.
Ma Chao, in turn, would actively lend a hand when Lu Wan needed help with heavy tasks, demonstrating his strength and courage.
Once, Lu Wan accidentally got injured and couldn't walk.
Ma Chao voluntarily took on the responsibility of caring for her, bringing her food and medicine, and checking on her recovery.
Through their mutual help, Ma Chao and Lu Wan's relationship grew closer; they were not only fellow disciples but also each other's good teachers and friends.
Since Ma Chao arrived, the family has been more joyful and harmonious, caring for each other, and Lu Zhi has poured his heart into teaching Ma Chao, imparting all his lifelong knowledge.
He even participated less and less in gatherings with old friends.
This day after his official duties, Lu Zhi rushed home anxiously to check on Ma Chao's studies.
However, he was tightly held back by his old friends Cai Yong and Guan Ning, who absolutely refused to let him leave, insisting on going to the tavern for drinks together.
Entering the tavern, they heard a bustling crowd and a boisterous atmosphere.
The tavern was filled with the rich aroma of wine, mingled with the joyous laughter of the people.
Lu Zhi, Cai Yong, and Guan Ning sat around a square wooden table, on which were placed several pots of fine wine and a few plates of appetizers.
The tavern walls were slightly yellowed by smoke, and the floor was covered with slightly worn wooden planks that creaked under people's footsteps.
Several dim oil lamps hung from the ceiling, their flickering light illuminating the entire space.
Cai Yong, dressed in a green robe, wore a slight smile.
A scholarly air emanated from his brows, and when he spoke, his voice was loud, drawing the attention of those around him.
Guan Ning, on the other hand, wore simple cloth clothes, his expression steady and reserved.
He sat quietly, listening to Lu Zhi's words, occasionally interjecting a word or two, his remarks concise and powerful.
Cai Yong playfully teased, "Brother Lu, have you perhaps taken a new concubine, neglecting even your old friends?"
A faint blush appeared on Lu Zhi's face, and he feigned reserve as he retorted, "Brother Yong, don't tease me.
My heart is entirely with this child Ma Chao; how could I have any thoughts of taking a concubine?"
Guan Ning chimed in, "Haha, Brother Lu, stop being so secretive and tell us about Ma Chao!"
A hint of pride flashed in Lu Zhi's eyes as he smiled and said, "This child Ma Chao is handsome and mighty, with a face like jade and eyes like bright stars.
He is not only naturally strong and skilled in martial arts but also diligent, studious, intelligent, and courageous."
Cai Yong questioned, "Brother Lu, words alone are not proof.
Is this Ma Chao really as excellent as you say?"
Guan Ning also chimed in, "Yes, Brother Lu, we are indeed interested in meeting this Ma Chao to see how outstanding he truly is."
Lu Zhi smiled confidently and said, "If you two old friends meet Ma Chao, you will surely praise him highly as well."
They drank and chatted, and the atmosphere was very lively.
Before they knew it, night fell, and only then did Lu Zhi remember that he needed to go home to check on Ma Chao's studies.
After bidding farewell to Cai Yong and Guan Ning, he hurried away.