Ma Chao sat majestically atop Horse King Aurora, radiating an imposing and extraordinary aura. He was tall and well-built, like a towering mountain. His face was handsome, with features as distinct as if carved. His sword-like eyebrows were dark, thick, and sharp; when slightly raised, they exuded boldness and decisiveness. His star-like eyes gleamed like the brightest stars in the night sky, deep and sharp, as if able to see through everything. His high, prominent nose resembled rolling mountains, with firm and flowing lines. His slightly upturned lips carried a subtle smile, embodying both unrestrained arrogance and a touch of gentleness. His forehead was broad, and his brow revealed an innate heroic spirit that made people involuntarily fall for him. He was clad in a magnificent brocade robe, its sleeves fluttering as if he were a celestial general descending to earth. On his head, a white jade crown bundle ed his hair, dazzling and resplendent. In his hand, he held the Tiger Head Gold Plated Spear, incredibly sharp and radiating a chilling glint. A precious sword hung at his waist, adding to his formidable and dashing presence. This attire, coupled with his handsome and charming facial features, made all the women present feel admiration, their gazes fixed on him, unable to move.
Even when Ma Chao led his entourage closer, several women remained in a daze, and the young maidservants were whispering among themselves. Lu Wan lifted the carriage curtain and giggled, "Look at you lovesick fools, your eyeballs are about to pop out!" The young ladies blushed deeply in embarrassment, quickly closing the carriage curtains as the convoy merged into a single line and set off.
Even though they were heading outside Luoyang City, Ma Chao still felt uneasy. After agreeing with Lu Wan, he informed Pang De, and Pang De had already been waiting outside Luoyang City since early morning.
Their destination for this trip was Zhou Mountain, located twenty li west of Luoyang City. Zhou Mountain was not towering, but its scenery was exceptionally pleasing. Legend has it that King Ling of Zhou was buried there.
As this outing was solely for female companions, a very high mountain was unsuitable, hence this mountain was chosen. Along the way, snowflakes fluttered down, like silver butterflies dancing. The ground was covered in snow, a pristine white, like a fairy tale world.
The legends surrounding Zhou Mountain were also captivating. It is said that during the reign of King Ling of Zhou, the country prospered, and the people lived in peace and contentment. After King Ling of Zhou passed away, to ensure he rested in a peaceful and serene place, people chose this beautiful Zhou Mountain as his burial site.
The female companions admired the beautiful snowy scenery while listening to the legends of Zhou Mountain, their hearts filled with reverence and curiosity for the mountain.
After leaving the city, the carriages and horses proceeded slowly. Along the way, pedestrians were few and far between. Upon reaching the foot of Zhou Mountain, the number of carriages by the roadside suddenly increased. It turned out that the nobles of Luoyang City had come to leisurely enjoy the snow, taking advantage of the beautiful moment after the first snowfall. The nobles were seen in small groups, strolling leisurely, their postures remarkably relaxed and carefree. In contrast, the house servants and maids were bustling about, busy setting up tents and preparing food.
Ma Chao arrived, escorting the group of carriages and horses, and his handsome and dashing appearance instantly captivated the surrounding noblewomen. Their gazes seemed to be firmly drawn, unable to move. Some of the bolder noblewomen, unable to suppress their inner excitement, called out loudly and flirted with him.
A woman dressed in brocade, with a peach-blossom complexion and flushed cheeks, subtly raised her willow-leaf eyebrows and parted her cherry lips to say, "Oh, this young gentleman has sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, a nose like a hanging gallbladder, and a face like fine jade—how handsome! Could he have stepped out of a painting?" Hearing this, Ma Chao frowned slightly, thinking to himself, "These women only care about outward appearance; they are extremely shallow."
Another elegantly dressed woman, gently fanning herself, her eyes sparkling, giggled softly, "Wow, such a magnificent young man, so handsome and refined, like an immortal! Is he married?" Ma Chao remained expressionless, looking straight ahead, disdainfully thinking, "What does my marital status have to do with you?"
Yet another charming and lovely woman, blinking her bright, intelligent eyes, tilted her head slightly, her face beaming with a radiant smile, and said in a clear voice, "May I ask, young sir, would you be willing to enjoy this snowy scenery with this humble maiden?" Ma Chao's lips twitched slightly, and he sighed helplessly in his heart, "How unreasonable! I have important matters to attend to; how can I have leisure to enjoy the snow with you?"
A bold and unrestrained woman, hands on her hips, shouted excitedly, "Such a dignified appearance truly makes one fall in love!" Ma Chao merely gave her a cold glance, thinking to himself, "All show, no substance."
Another alluring woman, her eyes like silk, gently brushed her hair and said in a sweet, coquettish voice, "Hey, young sir, your lips are red and your teeth are white, and your beauty surpasses even the flowers in Luoyang City!" Ma Chao's expression grew increasingly grim. He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, a hint of annoyance rising in his heart: "Do not bother me; do not interfere with my mission."
Look at those eyes, so dashing! I wonder if he is married?" A graceful woman, standing tall and elegant, said softly, "If I could marry such a gentleman, I would have no regrets in this life!" Ma Chao was unmoved by this; his gaze was firm and cold.
Ma Chao dismounted with graceful and swift movements, carefully helping Lu Wan out of the carriage. Lu Wan was dressed in a light pink gown, covered by a snow-white cloak, as delicate and beautiful as a plum blossom blooming in winter. Her skin was as fair as snow, as delicate as silk, and as warm as mutton-fat jade. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, gently outlining a graceful arc; her eyes were bright like stars, sparkling with intelligence and cunning. Her lips were naturally red, and the slight upturn of her mouth carried a playful smile. Her beautiful hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall; as the breeze blew, it gently swayed, emitting a faint fragrance.
Lu Wan had a cunning smile on her lips, secretly thinking, "Hehe, this junior brother is really popular; so many women are smitten with him. But seeing his embarrassed look is really amusing. Hmm, I want to see how he handles these women's teasing." So, she blinked her bright eyes and teased, "Junior brother, look, so many women are interested in you. Are you secretly pleased? Hehe, if you like anyone, your senior sister can introduce you!"
Xiao Qiao also descended from the carriage. Xiao Qiao's watery eyes sparkled with mischief. She covered her mouth and chuckled, her voice as clear and melodious as a silver bell: "Chao Ge, you must choose carefully; our sisters are all waiting!"
Da Qiao smiled gently, her gaze filled with warmth, and she said softly, "Ma Chao, if there is someone you fancy, don't be shy; just say it."
Cai Wenji, as if thinking of something, shyly glanced at Ma Chao and said nothing.
Facing everyone's teasing, Ma Chao's face flushed with a barely perceptible blush. He shook his head helplessly, a bitter smile in his heart. He silently thought, "These women are so difficult. I am merely fulfilling my duty to escort them; I have no romantic intentions." However, a hint of embarrassment, difficult for others to detect, was revealed in his eyes.
The other women, seeing these beautiful women descend from the accompanying carriages, no longer dared to openly flirt. They simply quietly sent their maidservants to inquire about the identity of this young gentleman.
The maidservants, having received orders from their mistresses, gathered together, whispering and discussing.
They formed a circle, heads bowed, speaking in low voices, their faces filled with curiosity and excitement. Some maidservants covered their mouths, afraid their voices were too loud; others blinked their eyes, occasionally glancing in the direction of their mistresses.
And in this lively atmosphere, the young girl from the Lu Residence was particularly eye-catching. She stood proudly in front of everyone, her voice clear and loud as she introduced Ma Chao's identity to the other maidservants.
She tilted her head slightly, a proud smile on her face, as if Ma Chao's identity was her most precious treasure.
"Do you know, that young gentleman's name is Ma Chao, and he is now a very famous person in Luoyang! He is our master's personal disciple!" The young girl's words were full of reverence and admiration for Ma Chao.
The other maidservants listened intently, their eyes sparkling with envy.
"Is he really as formidable as the legends say?" one maidservant couldn't help but interject.
The young girl nodded triumphantly and continued, "Of course he's formidable! His talent is unmatched!"
The maidservants all exclaimed in surprise, saying they had heard of Ma Chao's great name.
Under the young girl's introduction, Ma Chao's image grew even grander in the maidservants' hearts.
The young maidservants hurried to their respective mistresses, eager to report.
"Miss, Miss, do you know? That's the legendary influential figure of Luoyang, Ma Chao! This servant finally saw him today; he's truly handsome and extraordinary!" one maidservant said excitedly.
"Yes, Miss. This servant had heard before that Ma Chao was exceptionally talented, but I never expected him to be so handsome; he's simply talented and handsome!" another maidservant echoed.
"And, Miss, his demeanor is elegant, and every gesture he makes exudes a captivating charm. We servants were all deeply attracted to him!" another maidservant interjected.
The young ladies all silently remembered this handsome and talented Ma Chao. For a time, Jin Ma Chao, both talented and handsome, reached new heights of public discussion.