After Che Li Ji ascended to the position of Qiang King, he displayed extraordinary leadership abilities. He appointed Ya Dan as Chancellor and Yueji as Marshal, and quickly launched bold and effective reforms.
As a honored guest, Ma Chao enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Qiang. He and Che Li Ji hunted together daily, drank wine, and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company and friendship.
On this vast grassland, Che Li Ji and Ma Chao often went hunting together. They galloped across the plains, chasing prey, displaying their agile skills. This was not just a form of entertainment, but also a testament to their friendship.
However, beneath the joyous facade, Che Li Ji's heart was occasionally shrouded in gloom. He had never found Ya Dan's elder sister; there was no sign of her alive or dead, which became an unbearable pain in his heart.
Whenever he recalled his past with Zhuo Yi, the beautiful childhood memories, and the thrilling scene where Zhuo Yi saved him, they would clearly appear before Che Li Ji's eyes.
In fact, Zhuo Yi had not passed away. She was disfigured in that fire, and a severe arrow wound to her abdomen meant she might never be able to bear children. After waking, she heard that her family intended to marry her younger sister, Zhuo Ya, to Che Li Ji, so that the tribe could be closely linked to the new Qiang King through marriage. Seeing her younger sister's shy and hopeful expression, Zhuo Yi knew that her younger sister had also fallen in love with the most dazzling man of the Qiang, the young Qiang King Che Li Ji. Once the most beautiful woman of the Qiang, her proud appearance was ruined. Such a proud woman, for the sake of her sister and her family, lost confidence in life. She did not want to face her former lover in her current state, wishing only to leave him with the most beautiful impression, and chose to hide.
Che Li Ji awoke from a hangover and, overhearing the maids' whispers outside his tent, learned of the situation. His heart was filled with shame and self-reproach. He resolved to marry Zhuo Yi to make up for what he owed her.
He sought out Ya Dan to inquire about Zhuo Yi, but Ya Dan, bound by Zhuo Yi's request, did not disclose anything. The two good friends were at an impasse. Ma Chao understood Che Li Ji's feelings, knowing the man's pain and persistence. He pulled Che Li Ji and Yueji to drink with Ya Dan. In his drunken state, Ya Dan painfully revealed his sister's predicament and stated that the family planned to marry his younger sister to him. Che Li Ji swore that no matter what Zhuo Yi looked like, she would always be the most beautiful sight in his heart. Ya Dan, unable to resist Che Li Ji's relentless questioning, revealed Zhuo Yi's hiding place.
From then on, a curious sight appeared on the grassland: the newly appointed Qiang King, besides handling government affairs, spent his days running to Ya Dan's tribe. The tribe's beautiful young princess, Zhuo Ya, followed him, but he would daily pace outside Zhuo Yi's tent, just hoping to see her.
No matter how Zhuo Yi refused, Che Li Ji did not back down, insisting on visiting Zhuo Yi's dwelling daily, bringing her favorite flowers and delicacies.
Che Li Ji quietly paid attention to Zhuo Yi's preferences and needs, carefully preparing every gift for her, even if the process of finding the gifts was arduous.
When Zhuo Yi encountered difficulties, Che Li Ji always appeared by her side at the first moment, doing his utmost to help her resolve her troubles.
No matter what others said, Che Li Ji firmly believed he could win Zhuo Yi's heart, steadfastly persisting in his pursuit.
However, Zhuo Yi did not easily accept Che Li Ji's proposal. Although Che Li Ji pursued her relentlessly, he accompanied Zhuo Yi every day, patiently listening to her heart, and with warm words and firm actions, little by little, broke the ice in her heart.
Every day, Zhuo Ya watched everything Che Li Ji did for her sister, becoming utterly captivated by Che Li Ji's devotion, falling head over heels in love. She voluntarily asked to marry Che Li Ji along with her sister, taking the junior position. She constantly offered advice and acted as a go-between. The tribe was also happy to see this and fanned the flames. Slowly, Zhuo Yi also softened, as she too deeply loved this young Qiang warrior, having even died for him once.
Ma Chao also silently helped Zhuo Yi regain confidence. He enlightened Zhuo Yi with the story of E Huang and Nü Ying, suggesting that the two sisters marrying Che Li Ji together would better contribute to the tribe's reforms, encouraging Zhuo Yi to bravely face life's challenges.
Gradually, Zhuo Yi's emotional knot was untied. She realized that appearance was not the only standard by which to measure her worth, and what truly mattered was inner kindness and strength.
Finally, Zhuo Yi agreed to marry Che Li Ji, but insisted on marrying with her younger sister. Amidst an atmosphere of peace and blessings, the young Qiang King married the beautiful Zhuo Yi sisters. In the days to come, they would join hands and work together for the prosperity and development of the Qiang.
Che Li Ji was immensely grateful for Ma Chao's help along the way. He specially built a high platform, offered cattle, sheep, and three sacrificial animals, burning incense to the heavens and earth. Before him, he deliberately placed Ma Chao's tattered robe and the Qiang King's golden saber. Below the platform were the enthusiastic Qiang tribesmen, and on the platform were brothers who had shared life and death. He loudly proclaimed: "I and Mengqi became friends at first sight. Although we are of different surnames, we fought side by side, sharing life and death. No matter what difficulties and obstacles we faced, we supported each other, never abandoning one another.
On the battlefield, Ma Chao charged forward; his bravery was unmatched, making him a hero admired by all. His combat skills and fearless spirit inspired everyone around him.
And I, too, gave my all, fighting alongside him, striving for our common goal.
Our friendship grew stronger in the fires of war, as unbreakable as steel.
Ma Chao is not only my brother but also my confidant and role model. His presence makes me braver and stronger.
In the years to come, we will continue to advance hand in hand, together creating our glory.
Or:
In the days that followed, we experienced countless battles together.
Every battle deepened our unspoken understanding.
We jointly guarded the glory and dignity of the Qiang, becoming heroes in the hearts of the Qiang people.
Ma Chao's bravery and loyalty became a model for the Qiang warriors.
And I am proud of him; our story has become a legend in Qiang history.
Or:
We learned from each other and grew together.
Ma Chao taught me strategies for sharing wisdom, and I explained combat techniques to him.
Our strengths merged, bringing prosperity and peace to the Qiang.
In the presence of all, our friendship shone like the stars.
Ma Chao's name will forever be etched in the long river of Qiang history."
The passionate Qiang people below the platform shouted "Divine General of Heaven," singing and dancing, from day until night. The bonfire burned fiercely, symbolizing the sincere, life-and-death bond between Ma Chao and Che Li Ji, the two young brothers.
From then on, the young Ma Chao left a deep impression in the hearts of the Qiang. The Qiang people believed that Ma Chao was their most sincere and reliable partner forever.
