Chapter 37: Ma Chao Visits (Part 2)

  Another unparalleled hero is Zhao Yun under Liu Xuan De's command, white robe, silver armor, shining silver spear, a character with the same elegance and heroic demeanor. I'm looking forward to seeing the two of them compete in martial arts to see who's more powerful.

  Zhao Yun's name, Ma Chao had heard of it before. Seeing him so admired by others, he also felt a strong urge to compete with him. He almost said that he wanted to have a duel with Zhao Yun.

  Although Zhuge Jun did not know Ma Chao's true identity, he had a good impression of the couple's appearance and demeanor. As it was almost noon, he invited them to stay for lunch. Ma Chao and his wife, who were on a mission to contact Sun Quan, naturally wanted to interact with them more, so they gladly accepted the invitation.

  Sun Shangxiang could no longer hold back her nature and said, "Jun Ge, don't rush to eat, let's go take a look at the Western Treasure Horse first." Zhuge Jun knew what she was thinking and said, "Alright, let's go see the horse first." The group of people arrived in the courtyard.

  As soon as they entered the courtyard, Sun Shangxiang's eyes widened in surprise, her small mouth opening into an "O" shape. Zhuge Jun's eyes also widened considerably. There before them were two grooms holding the reins of two magnificent horses with gleaming coats and muscular physiques. These were none other than the legendary Sweat Blood Steeds!

  The Akhal-Teke horse, also known as the "Heavenly Horse" and "Great Wusun Horse", is a breed of horse. It has a high head, thin neck, long legs, thin skin, fine hair, light steps, great strength, speed, and endurance. Its body is beautiful, tall and handsome. When walking, its four hooves stretch out high, with a majestic air, and a unique gait. Its temperament is fierce, but after being tamed it becomes very obedient. The horse's demeanor is stern, with light steps.

  Akhal-Teke horses originated in the Akhal oasis of the Karakum Desert. Common colors are bay, chestnut, palomino and silver. These two horses are one is silver and the other is chestnut.

  Sun Shangxiang walked quickly to the horse's front, stroking the sorrel horse's mane, with a look of surprise and delight on her face.

  Zhuge Jin also liked it very much and said to Ma Chao, "Good horse, I've heard that in Xiliang this horse is not easy to come by. This gift is too valuable."

  Zhuge Jin was delighted, and Ma Chao and his wife were also overjoyed.

  Sun Shangxiang was overjoyed, and if she hadn't restrained herself, she would have mounted her horse and galloped away long ago.

  Lunch was arranged on the painting boat. Ma Chao's wife, Meng Shi, repeatedly praised the beautiful scenery of Jiangnan as if it were a painting.

  Ma Chao was accustomed to eating beef and mutton in Xiliang, and highly praised the way of eating hot pot, saying that he would also eat like this when he returned.

  Zhuge Jun had long planned to set up a layout in Xiliang, and said: "Brother Ma (Ma Chao called himself Ma Xiao Tian), I want to open a hot pot chain store in Xiliang and do some other business. Can you provide convenience for me?"

  Ma Chao readily agreed and said: "My family has been doing business for generations, with good relations with the local government. Providing convenience is no problem. You can come as you please, any problems will be taken care of by me."

  Zhuge Jian was overjoyed and said: "In that case, I'll thank you first." He waved his hand and the servants carried in two chests.

  First, he opened a large box filled with all sorts of exquisite glassware, colorful and crystal clear. Zhuge said: "I have a good relationship with Brother Ma and his wife, this is just a small token from me, I hope you'll accept it."

  Ma Chao was fine, but Mrs. Meng had already been deeply attracted by the beauty of these glass products, her eyes wide open and her gaze dazed, forcing herself to hold back the urge to reach out and touch them. She said: "This gift is too valuable, thank you."

  Zhuge Jun personally opened a small box, inside which was a male eagle with outstretched wings. The sculpture was extremely delicate, carving the eagle's developed muscles, hard bones, sharp claws, and vividly depicting its ferocious physique, strong and powerful. Its noble demeanor and majestic appearance were striking.

  Zhuge said: "I have one more thing, I'd like to entrust to Brother Ma."

  Ma Chao said: "Whatever it is, just say it. As long as I can do it, I will definitely try my best."

  "Little brother has always admired Ma Chao, he is the heroic eagle in my heart. Please pass this gift to him and tell him that I yearn for an opportunity to meet him and befriend him."

  Ma Chao and his wife exchanged a glance. Meng's wife nodded. Ma Chao ordered his servants, saying: "You all go down first." The servants serving nearby walked towards the back warehouse.

  Zhuge Jian saw this and knew they had a secret to discuss, so he dismissed the attendants. Then, curiously, he looked at Ma Chao and his wife, waiting for them to speak.

  Ma Chao said with a straight face: "Thanks to your kindness, I am Ma Chao."

  "Ah?" Zhuge Jun looked at Ma Chao in surprise, the chopsticks in his hand falling to the ground. Immediately overjoyed, he stood up and bowed deeply, saying: "I didn't know the hero had arrived, please forgive my negligence."

  Ma Chao and his wife were very satisfied with Zhuge Jin's sincere attitude. Ma Chao said, "Younger brother, there is no need to be overly polite. You and I are brothers who hit it off at first sight, and being able to know you is also a blessing for my wife and me."

  Sun Shangxiang also paid her respects to the couple again.

  Meng's family pulled her hand and praised: "The county master is really a beautiful woman with a flower-like face, and she is well-matched with the Zhuge brothers. Golden boy and jade girl, enviable."

  Sun Shangxiang was praised and very happy.

  A few people chatted with each other for a while, and Ma Chao explained the purpose of his visit. Sun Shangxiang took it upon herself to say: "I'll go see my brother myself and see how he arranges things."

  Zhuge said, "In order not to attract attention, you can stay here with us. When the time comes, I'll invite Wu Hou to come here and meet with you. Shang Xiang is also here, he will come normally, no one will suspect."

  Ma Chao saw that they were well-prepared and did not decline, so he first stayed in the villa of the Inviting Moon Mountain Villa as a guest house. Sun Shangxiang went to inform Sun Quan.

  Sun Shangxiang met with Sun Quan and told him about the events that had transpired. He attached great importance to this matter, saying that he would first discuss it with his ministers, instructing her to take good care of herself along with Zhuge Jun, and that he would soon notify them of a meeting time.

  Sun Shangxiang returned to Yuemonth Villa, and as soon as she entered the moon-shaped archway, she heard a burst of silvery laughter coming from inside.

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