Ma Chao was engrossed in his extensive studies, and before he knew it, the end of the year was approaching.
For the past few days, heavy snow had been falling, and after it cleared up a bit, the nobles of Luoyang flocked out of the city to enjoy the snow and search for plum blossoms.
Lu Wan organized a group of her close friends, planning to go out and play in the snow.
She thought to herself that Ma Chao’s martial arts were superb, and if he went with them, everyone’s safety would be better guaranteed.
So, she found Ma Chao.
Lu Wan smiled and said to Ma Chao, “Junior Brother, the snow scenery is beautiful these days, and we sisters want to go out of the city to enjoy the snow. I wonder if you would be willing to come along and guard our safety?”
Ma Chao looked up at Lu Wan, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes.
He was worried it would affect his study progress.
Lu Wan seemed to have read his mind and quickly said, “Junior Brother, my dear Junior Brother, don’t worry, it won’t take up too much of your time.
Besides, this outing to enjoy the snow is also a rare opportunity to relax.”
Ma Chao pondered for a moment, then nodded, agreeing to Lu Wan’s request.
He said seriously, “Alright, I will accompany you all, but along the way, you must also obey my arrangements and not act on your own.”
Seeing that Ma Chao finally agreed, Lu Wan immediately cheered, “Wow, Junior Brother agreed! Then this young lady will make an appointment with him! He’ll be our guard tomorrow!”
Ma Chao gave a helpless bitter smile, shook his head, and continued to read the military tactics in his hand.
Here, Lu Wan instructed her servants to arrange the carriages and supplies for the trip.
Immediately after, she bustled about, notifying her close friends to gather quickly and discuss excitedly.
The two daughters of Qiao Xuan’s family, Little Qiao, chirped non-stop like a little sparrow: “Haha, this is great! I really want to see Ma Chao soon! I wonder if he’s as amazing as Lu Wan says he is!”
Da Qiao, on the other hand, smiled gently beside her and said, “Alright, Little Qiao, don’t be so excited, be careful not to strain your voice.”
Ah, our Cai Wenji is a refined young lady, you know; she has always been well-behaved.
Thinking that she would see Ma Chao again tomorrow, her face flushed, and she also softly said, “I am also very much looking forward to seeing Ma Chao.”
The few close friends gathered together, and what they discussed most was Ma Chao.
Lu Wan’s small face was beaming with joy, and she playfully said to her friends, “My Junior Brother, he is simply flawless! He’s good, handsome, and talented too!”
The other friends had never seen Ma Chao, and they were all half-believing, half-doubting.
Little Qiao blinked her large eyes and said, “Is he really that good? Lu Wan, you’re not bragging, are you?”
Da Qiao smiled and said, “Lu Wan shouldn’t lie, right?”
Only Cai Wenji had seen Ma Chao, and she had a very good impression of him.
Cai Wenji nodded gently, indicating her agreement with Da Qiao.
The close friends excitedly discussed and planned what clothes to wear, how to dress up, and how to make themselves look dazzling and beautiful.
Little Qiao gestured excitedly and said, “I’m going to wear my pink little dress and a cute bow, it will definitely make Ma Chao’s eyes light up!”
Da Qiao smiled and said, “I still prefer a fresh and elegant style, so I’ll wear that white long dress.”
Cai Wenji blinked her large eyes and softly said, “I want to wear that blue dress, it will look very quiet.”
Lu Wan, on the other hand, chuckled and said, “Haha, we must dress up well and let Ma Chao see our charm!”
At night, the light in Ma Chao’s room was bright.
He stood tall and straight by the window, his gaze calm and profound, silently gazing at the endless darkness outside the window, deep in thought.
Ma Chao went to find the Old Uncle, “Old Uncle, have all the supplies for tomorrow’s trip been prepared properly?”
The Old Uncle (answered respectfully, his tone firm, yet with an undeniable hint of nervousness): “Young Master, please rest assured! This old servant has carefully prepared all the necessary items according to your requirements.
Food, water, and tents are all ready, ensuring your trip will be worry-free.”
Ma Chao (nodded slightly, still with a hint of worry in his heart, deciding to personally check to be at ease): “Hmm, well done.
However, I still need to personally inspect it to prevent any omissions.”
After speaking, Ma Chao began to carefully check each item.
He gently opened the bags, carefully checked the types and quantities of food, and carefully shook the water bottles to confirm if they were full.
Then, he meticulously checked the quality of the tents, not missing a single detail.
Ma Chao (after the inspection, a satisfied smile appeared on his face, his tone full of affirmation): “Old Uncle, the supplies this time are very well prepared, you did very well!”
The Old Uncle (hearing the Young Master’s praise, immediately felt relieved, a pleased smile appearing on his face): “Thank you for your praise, Young Master.
It is this old servant’s honor to serve you.
In the future, this old servant will redouble his efforts to provide even better service for the Young Master.”
Early the next morning, severe cold enveloped the earth, a scene of desolation.
Lu Wan stood in the courtyard, the warm breath she exhaled rapidly condensing into white mist in the cold air.
She arranged for the Old Uncle to load various supplies onto the carriage.
The Old Uncle busily directed the house servants and maids, their figures shuttling back and forth in the cold wind, their steps hurried yet orderly.
Early the next morning, severe cold enveloped the earth, and the entire world was covered by a layer of icy air.
Lu Wan was arranging things in the courtyard in an orderly manner.
Ma Chao, on the other hand, stood by, his eyes full of doting affection.
He gently picked up a snow-white cloak, walked to Lu Wan’s side, and gently draped it over her.
Ma Chao softly said, “It’s so cold, don’t catch a chill.”
Lu Wan turned to look at Ma Chao, a shy smile appearing on her face: “I’m not cold, but you, you still have to travel later, so you should pay more attention.”
Ma Chao: “Don’t worry, I’m fine.
In Western Liang’s winter, heavy snow can freeze livestock to death, so how can a Western Liang man be afraid of the cold?
It’s you, going out in such cold weather, I’m afraid you won’t be able to bear it.”
Lu Wan looked at Ma Chao with emotion: “With you here, I’m not afraid of anything.”
Ma Chao smiled: “You don’t need to worry too much about this trip, I’ve got everything covered.”
Lu Wan nodded: “I believe you.
It’s just that along the way, you still need to be extra careful.”
Ma Chao comforted her: “Don’t worry, I will protect you and everyone.”
Lu Wan looked at Ma Chao and suddenly said softly, “Thank you.”
The cold wind howled, making people’s clothes flap loudly.
The house servants were tightly wrapped in cotton clothes, while the maids covered their faces with thick scarves, revealing only their bright eyes.
At the city gate, the teams from the other two families had already arrived.
Lu Wan looked from afar through the carriage curtain, a surge of anticipation and excitement welling up in her heart.
She urged them to move faster, and Ma Chao led everyone on horseback towards the city gate.