501. Sun Ce & Zhou Yu Propose Marriage

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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.

As Sun Ce and Zhou Yu left the residence, their hearts filled with excitement and hope, Qiao Xuan took a moment to watch them ride away. He had seen the sincerity in their eyes, felt the weight of their promises, and knew that his daughters' futures would be in good hands.

However, there was still much to discuss with his beloved Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao. Turning back toward the mansion, he made his way to the terrace where his daughters were seated, their hands busy with delicate embroidery, but their minds likely on the visitors they had been expecting.

The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting soft shadows across the terrace as Qiao Xuan approached. Both Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao looked up, startled to see their father coming to them at such an unexpected moment. Their surprise was evident, as it wasn't often that Qiao Xuan interrupted their quiet afternoons unless there was something of importance to discuss.

"Father!" Da Qiao exclaimed softly, setting down her embroidery. "What brings you here? Has something happened?"

Xiao Qiao, always more outspoken, added with a curious glint in her eyes, "Have Brother Sun Ce and Brother Zhou Yu arrived? We've been waiting."

Qiao Xuan smiled warmly at his daughters, admiring the contrast between Da Qiao's gentle grace and Xiao Qiao's spirited demeanor. Both were precious to him, and he knew that any decision regarding their futures had to be handled with the utmost care. His heart softened at their expectant faces, but he also knew that he needed to explain why he had taken action on their behalf.

"Yes, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu have come," Qiao Xuan replied, his voice calm but carrying a note of seriousness that made both sisters pause. "However, I did not allow them to meet with you today."

At his words, Xiao Qiao's eyes widened in disbelief. Her hands stilled on the embroidery, and she shot her father an incredulous look. "You didn't allow them to see us? But why? What reason could there possibly be to keep them away?"

Da Qiao, though equally surprised, reached out and gently placed a hand on her sister's arm. "Xiao Qiao, don't be hasty. Father must have his reasons," she said softly, her voice calming but filled with curiosity as well. "I'm sure it was done with our best interests in mind."

Qiao Xuan nodded appreciatively at Da Qiao's composed response, though he could see that both of his daughters were eager for answers. He stepped closer, folding his hands behind his back as he began to explain.

"My dears," he started, "I did not block them from meeting you out of any ill will. Quite the opposite. I wanted to be certain of their intentions before they saw you again. It was time to speak to them as men, to ask them directly how serious they were about this courtship."

Xiao Qiao, still frowning, leaned forward slightly. "And? What did they say, Father?"

"They spoke with sincerity and conviction," Qiao Xuan continued, his voice thoughtful as he recalled the conversation. "Sun Ce declared his love for you, Da Qiao, and expressed his desire to marry you. He promised that no matter the challenges he faced as a leader, you would always come first in his heart."

Da Qiao blushed softly at her father's words, her hands gently clasping together in her lap. She had grown fond of Sun Ce over their meetings, but hearing of his deep feelings for her stirred something even more profound in her heart. Still, she remained composed, waiting for her father to finish.

"And what of Zhou Yu?" Xiao Qiao asked eagerly, her eyes bright with anticipation.

"Zhou Yu, too, spoke with great admiration for you, Xiao Qiao," Qiao Xuan said, his gaze softening as he turned to his younger daughter. "He told me that he respects not only your beauty but your intelligence and kind heart. He wishes to marry you and build a life together, one where you stand as equals, partners in all things."

A warm smile spread across Xiao Qiao's face, her usual playful demeanor briefly softened by the depth of her emotions. She had always admired Zhou Yu's intellect and calm demeanor, but now it seemed that their connection had grown into something far more meaningful. She glanced at Da Qiao, who met her gaze with a knowing smile.

"But there is more," Qiao Xuan added, drawing their attention back to him. "I spoke with them not only as suitors but as men who would have great responsibilities. I needed to ensure that they understood the gravity of what they were asking for. A marriage is not just about love, it is about commitment, loyalty, and respect. I told them that if they wish to marry you, they must treat you as equals, consult with you in all matters, and never neglect their duties to you as husbands."

"And they agreed to this?" Da Qiao asked quietly, her voice filled with both hope and caution.

"They did," Qiao Xuan confirmed with a nod. "Both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu swore to me that they would honor you not only as wives but as partners. They made solemn promises that I believe they will keep. It is for this reason that I suspect, in the days to come, you will see them again not merely as visitors, but as men coming to propose marriage."

A silence fell over the terrace as both sisters processed their father's words. The idea of marriage had always been present, but now it seemed so much closer, so real. Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao exchanged a glance, each knowing that their lives were about to change in profound ways.

Xiao Qiao was the first to break the silence, her smile returning as she spoke with a touch of her usual exuberance. "Well, I must say, Father, you certainly know how to keep things exciting. I suppose we'll have to prepare ourselves for a grand proposal!"

Da Qiao laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with warmth as she looked at her sister. "It seems so. But we should also think carefully. This is a big step, and we must be certain that we are ready."

Qiao Xuan, pleased by his daughters' reactions, smiled gently. "You will have time to consider, of course. I will not rush you into anything, but I believe that Sun Ce and Zhou Yu are honorable men who will make you both happy. Still, the decision is yours to make. I will respect whatever choice you come to."

Both Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao nodded, their expressions thoughtful as they considered what lay ahead. Their hearts were already leaning toward love, but as their father had reminded them, marriage was not a decision to be taken lightly. It would require more than just affection; it would require understanding, patience, and a true partnership.

For the rest of the afternoon, the sisters spoke in quiet tones, their embroidery temporarily forgotten as they shared their thoughts about the men who had captured their hearts.

Xiao Qiao, ever the more spirited of the two, expressed her excitement at the thought of marrying Zhou Yu, while Da Qiao, though more reserved, admitted that the idea of a life with Sun Ce filled her with quiet joy.

As the sun began to set and the evening breeze gently rustled the leaves, Qiao Xuan watched his daughters with a contented heart. He had done what he could to ensure their happiness, and now the rest was up to them. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu would soon return, not as mere suitors but as men ready to commit to a life of love and partnership.

In the days that followed, anticipation grew within the Qiao household. True to Qiao Xuan's word, a formal convoy soon arrived at the estate, led by none other than Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. They came not as warriors seeking conquest, but as men seeking to secure the greatest treasure of their lives—the love and companionship of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao.

The proposal was grand, as befitting two of the most renowned men in the land, but it was also filled with genuine emotion and sincerity. Sun Ce, ever bold, declared his love for Da Qiao in front of her family, promising to cherish and protect her for the rest of his life. Zhou Yu, with his usual grace, spoke eloquently of his deep respect and admiration for Xiao Qiao, vowing to honor her as his equal in all things.

Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, standing before their father and the men they had come to love, smiled at one another, their hearts full of certainty. With their father's blessing and their own heart's desire, they accepted the proposals, sealing their fates with Sun Ce and Zhou Yu.

The celebrations began and the household buzzed with excitement, Qiao Xuan watched his daughters, now poised to embark on new lives of their own. He knew that their journeys would not always be easy, but he was confident that they had chosen well. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were men of honor, strength, and heart—men worthy of the love of his daughters.

And so, the bonds that had begun in quiet courtship blossomed into marriages founded on respect, trust, and love, marking the beginning of a new chapter not just for Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, but for Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao as well. Together, they would face the future, hand in hand, ready for whatever challenges or joys might come their way.

As the celebration was in full swing at the Qiao family estate, with laughter and joy filling the air, far to the south, a rider galloped toward the Sun Clan's capital at breakneck speed. The courier, dispatched by Sun Ce's personal guard, bore important news—news that would soon reach the ears of Sun Jian and Lady Wu.

In the grand capital of the Sun Clan, nestled within the heart of Jiangdong, the Sun family was enjoying a quiet family lunch. Sun Jian sat at the head of the table, his weathered face showing a rare moment of calm. Lady Wu, poised and graceful as always, sat by his side, her sharp eyes missing nothing, as she observed their children with quiet pride.

Sun Quan, the second son, sat beside his sister, Sun Shangxiang. He was known for his sharp mind and prudent nature, in contrast to his elder brother's bold and fiery disposition. Sun Quan, though not yet as renowned as Sun Ce, had already begun to carve his own path, and his father's trust in his abilities was growing steadily.

Sun Shangxiang, the youngest and only daughter, radiated youthful energy and vitality. Though still young, she had inherited the strength and determination of both her parents and was known for her fierce spirit. Even during this peaceful meal, her eyes sparkled with the excitement of someone who was always eager for action.

As the family enjoyed their meal, discussing matters of the day and the ongoing situation in Jiangdong, a servant hurried into the room, bowing deeply as he approached Sun Jian.

"My lord," the servant said, his voice respectful but tinged with urgency. "A courier has arrived with an important message from Lord Sun Ce."

Sun Jian, ever the vigilant leader, immediately sensed that this was no ordinary message. He gestured for the servant to hand him the letter, his brow furrowing slightly as he took it. Lady Wu, noticing the shift in her husband's demeanor, set down her chopsticks and gave him an inquisitive look.

"What is it, Husband?" she asked, her voice calm but curious.

Sun Jian opened the letter and quickly scanned its contents. As his eyes moved over the words, a look of surprise, mixed with amusement, flickered across his face.

He handed the letter to Lady Wu without a word, allowing her to read it for herself. Lady Wu's eyes widened slightly as she read the message. The letter informed them that Sun Ce, their eldest son, had formally proposed marriage to Da Qiao, and Zhou Yu, whom they considered a part of their family, had done the same with Xiao Qiao. It was unexpected, to say the least.

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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