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They had brought with them lavish gifts: jewelry, rare artifacts, fine antiques, exquisite tapestries, and artistic masterpieces from across the land. It was not simply a gesture of wealth, but a sincere expression of their respect and admiration for the Qiao family. They knew that winning the hearts of the Qiao Sisters would also require the approval of their father, Qiao Xuan who truly cherished his two daughters.
As they approached the estate, Sun Ce glanced at Zhou Yu, a smile playing on his lips. "Who would have thought we'd be here, Gongjin? Chasing after women instead of chasing after enemy forces."
Zhou Yu chuckled, though his eyes sparkled with the same anticipation that Sun Ce felt. "Perhaps this is the greatest battle we've ever faced. Winning the favor of these women might be more challenging than conquering a city."
Sun Ce laughed heartily as they reached the gates of the estate. A servant greeted them and ushered them inside. The sprawling residence of Qiao Xuan was as elegant as it was imposing. The two men were soon led into a beautifully furnished sitting room, where Qiao Xuan himself awaited them.
Qiao Xuan, a man of refined tastes and great wisdom, welcomed them warmly. After their first meeting, Qiao Xuan admired both of these young men and thought of them as the best husbands for his daughters, that is of course if his daughters agreed to be with them.
The initial conversation was polite and cordial, with Qiao Xuan discussing matters of governance and the situation in Jiangdong. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu engaged him with respect, demonstrating their knowledge of statecraft and their vision for the region.
After some time, the conversation turned to more personal matters, and it was then that Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao entered the room. The two sisters were as beautiful and graceful as the first time they had met, and both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu found themselves momentarily at a loss for words.
Qiao Xuan, noticing the shift in the atmosphere, smiled knowingly and excused himself, leaving the young men alone with the women.
Sun Ce, ever the bold one, was the first to speak. "Lady Da Qiao, I must confess that your beauty surpasses even the finest treasures we have brought. I would be honored if you would accept these humble gifts as a token of my admiration."
Da Qiao, though somewhat shy, smiled softly and thanked him for the gifts, her eyes flickering with interest in the charismatic young man before her.
Zhou Yu, more reserved but no less sincere, approached Xiao Qiao with a similar offer of gifts and admiration, his words more measured but equally heartfelt. Xiao Qiao, with a playful glint in her eye, responded with charm and grace, clearly intrigued by the handsome and talented strategist.
The two pairs quickly found themselves engrossed in conversation, with Sun Ce regaling Da Qiao with stories of his victories on the battlefield, while Zhou Yu and Xiao Qiao discussed music, poetry, and the finer arts. It was clear that a genuine connection was forming between the four of them, and the atmosphere in the room became one of lighthearted joy and mutual admiration.
After some time, Qiao Xuan returned, his face showing a hint of approval. He had seen the sincerity in Sun Ce and Zhou Yu's intentions, and though he remained cautious, he was not opposed to the prospect of these young men courting his daughters.
Before they left, Qiao Xuan spoke privately with Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. "You are both fine men, and it is clear that you care deeply for my daughters. I will not oppose this courtship, but I ask that you continue to show them the respect and honor they deserve. Should your intentions remain pure, I will give my blessing in time."
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu both bowed deeply, expressing their gratitude for Qiao Xuan's understanding and promising to honor his request. With that, they took their leave, their hearts full of hope and excitement for the future.
As they rode back to their camp, Sun Ce turned to Zhou Yu, his grin wider than ever. "Looks like we've won the second battle, Gongjin."
Zhou Yu smiled, though his expression remained thoughtful. "Yes, but the war is far from over. We must continue to prove ourselves worthy, not just to the Qiao sisters, but to their father as well. Still, I have a good feeling about this."
Sun Ce laughed again, full of energy and optimism. "We'll win their hearts, just like we've won every battle before!"
With their spirits high, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu continued visiting Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, each time deepening the bond that had begun to blossom between them. Under Qiao Xuan's watchful eye, the two warriors displayed their most respectful and genuine selves, carefully nurturing the affection that had started to take root.
Sun Ce, with his bold yet kind-hearted nature, charmed Da Qiao with his stories of battlefield bravery and his unwavering commitment to his family and people. He spoke to her not as a boastful warrior, but as a man driven by loyalty and love.
He found, much to his delight, that Da Qiao was not just a woman of beauty, but also of intelligence and deep empathy. Her gentle smile and soft-spoken words provided a calming contrast to his often fiery spirit, and he was more determined than ever to win her heart completely.
Zhou Yu, on the other hand, approached Xiao Qiao with more finesse and subtlety. Their conversations often revolved around poetry, music, and art—topics in which they both found great joy.
Zhou Yu, renowned for his brilliance on the battlefield and in matters of strategy, revealed a softer side to Xiao Qiao, one that appreciated the beauty of the world beyond war and conflict. His delicate balance of intellect and charm had clearly left an impression on her, and her playful banter hinted at her growing affection.
By their fifth visit, it was clear that Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao had opened their hearts to Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. The sisters, known for their grace and beauty, had found themselves drawn to the sincerity, charm, and respect that these two men had shown them. It was during these visits that both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu realized they were no longer just pursuing courtship out of admiration—they were in love.
On that fifth visit, however, something unexpected happened. As Sun Ce and Zhou Yu approached Qiao Xuan's residence with their usual excitement, they were surprised to find the elder standing outside, waiting for them. His expression was serious but not unkind, and as they dismounted from their horses, Qiao Xuan greeted them with a respectful bow.
"Gentlemen," Qiao Xuan began, his tone formal yet tinged with warmth, "I have allowed you to visit my daughters for some time now, and I believe we must now discuss the future. Please, follow me."
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu exchanged a glance, their hearts racing with anticipation. Could this be the moment they had been waiting for? The elder had always been cordial, but this sudden invitation to discuss their intentions felt like a significant step. They followed Qiao Xuan into his residence, not toward the usual sitting room but to his private study, a space reserved for more serious matters.
The study was filled with books, scrolls, and artifacts—testaments to Qiao Xuan's scholarly pursuits. Once inside, Qiao Xuan gestured for the two men to sit across from him. The air was thick with expectation. After settling himself in his chair, Qiao Xuan looked directly at Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, his expression unreadable.
"Tell me," he began, his voice steady, "how serious are you in your intentions toward my daughters?"
Sun Ce, never one to shy away from speaking his heart, leaned forward slightly. "Master Qiao, I have thought long and hard about this. I came here first because of admiration for your daughter, Da Qiao, but now I can say without hesitation that I love her. I would be honored to make her my wife, and I pledge to spend my life making her happy."
Zhou Yu nodded in agreement, though his approach was more measured. "I share Lord Sun Ce's feelings, Master Qiao. My respect and admiration for Xiao Qiao have grown with each visit. She is not only beautiful but possesses a sharp mind and a kind heart. I, too, wish to marry her and build a life together."
Qiao Xuan listened carefully, his expression softening as he heard the sincerity in their voices. He had always thought highly of these young men, not only for their reputation but for the way they had conducted themselves throughout this courtship. However, as a father, he had to be certain.
"I am pleased to hear that you are both serious about this," Qiao Xuan said slowly. "But before we proceed, you must understand the weight of what you are asking. My daughters are precious to me, and I must ensure that they will be treated with the utmost respect and care. Marriage is not just about love—it is about commitment, loyalty, and responsibility. You both are men of war, with great ambitions and duties to your families and your people. I need to know that amidst the chaos of life, you will not forget your duty to them."
Sun Ce nodded immediately. "Master Qiao, I swear that no matter where my path takes me, Da Qiao will always come first. I will protect her and stand by her side, no matter the challenges we face. My heart belongs to her now, and nothing will change that."
Zhou Yu, always the strategist, chose his words carefully. "Master Qiao, I understand your concerns. War and politics can be unpredictable, and our lives are often filled with uncertainty. But I believe that Xiao Qiao is my partner, not just in love but in life. Together, we can face whatever challenges come our way. I promise to honor her, to cherish her, and to never neglect my duty to her, no matter what happens in the world outside."
Qiao Xuan was silent for a long moment, studying the two men before him. Their words had been convincing, but he was not a man to make decisions lightly. Finally, he leaned back in his chair and smiled, a rare expression of approval.
"I have no doubt of your sincerity," Qiao Xuan said, his voice warm. "You are both fine men, and I believe my daughters have chosen well. I will not stand in the way of your wishes. If my daughters agree, then I will give my blessing for you to marry them."
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu both exhaled in relief, their hearts swelling with joy. This was the moment they had been hoping for—their future with Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao was now within reach.
"But," Qiao Xuan continued, his tone growing serious again, "there is one condition."
The room fell silent as Sun Ce and Zhou Yu leaned in, eager to hear what would come next.
"My daughters are not just ornaments to be admired," Qiao Xuan said, his voice firm. "They are intelligent, capable women, and I expect that you will treat them as such. If you marry them, you must promise me that you will value their opinions, and that you will consult with them in all matters of importance. They are your equals, not simply your wives. Can you make that promise?"
Without hesitation, both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu nodded. Sun Ce spoke first, his voice resolute. "I give you my word, Master Qiao. Da Qiao will be my equal in all things."
Zhou Yu followed, his voice steady. "As will Xiao Qiao be mine. You have my word as well."
Qiao Xuan studied them once more, then nodded, satisfied. "Very well. I will speak with my daughters, and if they agree, we will proceed with the formal arrangements. You have my blessing."
The two men bowed deeply, gratitude evident in their every movement. As they rose to leave, Qiao Xuan placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "Remember," he said quietly, "love is not enough to sustain a marriage. It is built on trust, respect, and partnership. Never forget that."
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu nodded solemnly, taking his words to heart.
As they left Qiao Xuan's residence, their hearts were filled with a new sense of purpose. The road ahead would be challenging—war still loomed, and their responsibilities would only grow—but they now had something, or rather someone, to fight for that went beyond ambition or duty. They were fighting for love, for family, and for a future that was now brighter than ever.
As they mounted their horses and rode back to camp, Sun Ce turned to Zhou Yu with a grin. "Well, Gongjin, looks like we've won this battle too."
Zhou Yu, ever thoughtful, smiled back. "Indeed, Bofu. But as Master Qiao said, the war isn't over. The real challenge begins now." Sun Ce laughed, his spirit unbreakable. "Then let's face it together, as we always have." And with that, the two men rode off, their hearts full of love and their minds set on the future that awaited them with Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao by their sides.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0