Li Zhenyu, Chairman of the Dragon State Military Commission, paced back and forth in his office. His face bore a solemn expression. This should have been a joyous occasion - both TW's unification and the reclamation of southern Tibet had returned two of the Dragon State's largest lost territories. Though the southern Tibetan situation remained unstable, Li Zhenyu had every reason to believe that Buffalo State would never dare challenge the Dragon State again. The modern Dragon State was no longer the naive country it once was - its armed forces now wielded new-generation weapons and their combat power had increased by over tenfold. To add to this advantage, the Dragon State possessed black hole bombs, ultimate weapons capable of total annihilation. Yet none of these triumphs could lighten Li's mood due to an emergency Politburo meeting that had just concluded with a controversial resolution.

With continuous military campaigns reclaiming territory, young generals were rapidly rising through the ranks - bold, strategic and decisive in battle despite their sometimes reckless personalities. These younger commanders earned numerous battlefield victories but drew opposition from veteran officials who feared their arrogance might invite disasters. Tan Zhong led this resistance against the Dragon State's prodigy Zhao Qian by blocking promotions and creating bureaucratic obstacles for these up-and-coming leaders.

Though Li had anticipated Tan's interference, he hadn't expected such overwhelming political support behind his schemes. The impasse in decision-making meant Zhao would be reassigned to a ceremonial capital position rather than receiving his due promotion. This was supposedly punishment for his provocative actions in southern Tibet that had angered the United Nations.

Tan also sought control over two strategically vital military regions, but Li's authority prevented this transfer of power. The underground tunnel networks in those regions remained classified information - secrets not even Tan could be allowed to discover.

The Politburo resolution left Li defenseless despite his best efforts to sway opinions. It was clear the majority now existed only for Tan's convenience. This political maneuvering explained why Tan hadn't pursued personal vendettas sooner, having spent years amassing influence. What was presented as a campaign against reckless youth actually targeted one man specifically.

After pacing fifteen times around the office, Li finally picked up his phone to inform Zhao about the impending transfer order from Chengdu Military Region - better he learns of it now rather than later.

"Dragon Master," Longnü asked when she saw my dazed expression after answering the call. We were alone in our private chamber so no need for pretense.

"I'm being reassigned to deputy director at the Central Cultural Corps in Beijing," I said flatly.

Longnü's eyes widened in alarm, "You're joking! Why would they suddenly send you to a cultural organization when we've only just begun securing southern Tibet? We were supposed to complete our eastern Buffalo State offensive first. At current rates, it'll take at least three more days."

I sighed, "It's Chairman Li's decision about Tan Zhong's machinations. He's afraid of my rising power and has manipulated this commission of elders in the Politburo. If I defy these orders now, all our previous efforts would be wasted."

Longnü's anger flared immediately, "He's punishing you! Don't worry about him - I can kidnap him to the Moon and imprison him until he dies!"

I shook my head, "Life without worthy opponents is equally frustrating. Our feud has lasted for years. If I defeated Tan using underhanded tactics, he'd never truly submit. Let's settle all scores when I return to Beijing."

Longnü nodded thoughtfully before Hu Xiaorong mentioned Tan Tian's devious nature. As we moved toward the bed together, she pushed me back gently, "Husband, you should check on Qinqin first. She seems obsessed with her research lately - don't let her experiment with elixirs that could go wrong."

"I'll bring her over," I said as I dragged Hu Xiaorong from her computer desk where she'd been stubbornly working for hours. "Stop being angry, you know why this matters more than your experiments."

Hu Xiaorong huffed, "Ugh, Zhao Qian! I'm in the middle of important work. Can't you two play by yourselves?"

I stood my ground, "No way - tonight's a three-person game. Without you it simply won't be complete."

Hu Xiaorong pouted but relented after consideration, "Bring your secretary then."

"Cut this nonsense," I said firmly. "There's absolutely nothing between me and He Yuqing. Come here - both Longnü and I need to ask you something important about our plan."

After hearing the news, Hu Xiaorong worried, "My research is manageable given good transportation links, but losing your military command might jeopardize southern Tibet's stability."

I reassured her, "Trust General Yao Guangrong and Qin Yicheng. Even if Tan tries to replace them, I'll still reclaim southern Tibet regardless of my position. We won't repeat the 1960s pattern - victory without territorial consolidation!"

Longnü sighed, tracing patterns on my chest. "Dragon Master, you could unify Earth effortlessly with your power alone. Why bother with such trivialities? If it's inconvenient for you to act openly, I can deploy lunar forces to assist. Though our population is only in the tens of thousands, conquering Earth wouldn't be difficult - if we hadn't considered your future existence six thousand years ago, humanity might have already been ours long ago. But now our ambitions reach beyond Earth itself. We must find a new planet for human settlement - prudent preparation since Earth's lifespan remains limited."

I agreed with the cosmic strategy but declined her military offer, "Life is like a game. Ending it too quickly robs it of meaning. If you design challenges without difficulty, where's the thrill? We play by established rules rather than cheat through advantage."

Longnü curled closer into my embrace, "Of course dear Dragon Master - whatever pleases you we'll indulge. After six thousand years alone, I know how precious your presence is to me. Watching you rise and fall through tides of history... that's enough happiness for me."

I pulled Hu Xiaorong into the other side of my arms as she teased Longnü, "Our elder sister, do you still enjoy playing games at such an advanced age?"

Longnü laughed, "My biological age is roughly your contemporary. Since the metamorphosis virus slowed cellular regeneration by a thousandfold, I'm only about Xiaorou's age in appearance. Don't mention 'elder sister' anymore - it's embarrassing and might make my Dragon Master uncomfortable."

Hu Xiaorong smirked, "Longnü doesn't know Zhao Qian cares nothing about your actual age. Comparing youth, who could rival Zhao Fang or Yun Yao? But Zhao prefers mature women with experience - the older you are, the more appealing he finds it. You combine all our best qualities, so in our family's eyes, you're his favorite wife."

Blushing yet proud, Longnü quickly changed topics, "Tell us about your research Xiaorong. Did my copied metamorphosis virus data help? Would you like me to volunteer as a test subject?"

Hu Xiaorong explained her findings: the unstable supercell she'd isolated from Xiaoxue's body - dubbed A-substance for its mysterious properties and contrast against Zhao Qian's B-matter. Unlike the dangerous metamorphosis virus, this new substance combined with human cells to create unpredictable yet benign mutations (enhanced cognition, increased strength, flight capabilities). Radiological tests showed these cells could survive over ten thousand years!

I whistled at the implications of "century turtles and millennium tortoises" creating an overpopulated Earth. Turning to Hu Xiaorong I joked, "So what's your mutation? Can you now bear children with this A-substance in your system?"

Hu Xiaorong scoffed, "Don't be foolish - natural synthesis is impossible! Xiaoxue would die a thousand times providing enough matter for everyone. My mutation seems limited to enhanced mental capacity... but childbearing decisions are none of your concern. I'll discuss it with my sisters."

Longnü joined in teasing, "Xiaorong's definitely been hiding her fertility potential all along! Tonight we must plant seeds in her - help me hold her down!"

Hu Xia301 tried escaping our embrace, "You two really do have great marital harmony! Your wife actually helps you pursue other women. Maybe Longnü can bear children too? Husband, go ahead and test her first with internal ejaculation to ensure fertilization."

Longnü blushed but countered playfully, "Let's give Xiaorong the first shot at motherhood - she'll know how to care for babies as a doctor."

Hu Xia301 dove under covers, "Longnü, Eirina said your ancient ancestors had very open sexual practices. You and your husband... let me observe!"

Reluctantly Longnü agreed, but added, "I'm different from ordinary ancients - my openness is acceptable in front of my husband. You just confirmed his preference for us mature women! Come on Xiaorong, let's all..."

Hu Xia301's secrecy about childbearing was strategic to maintain fairness among partners. Now with research nearing completion and our wives already discussing related matters, it seemed the family had made plans despite limited A-substance availability.

Early next morning I convened General Yao Guangrong and Qin Yicheng for a brief. They reported full control of northern Brahmaputra River region extending east to Xiriguli - an ideal defensive position against Buffalo State's southern forces. Narrow supply routes through the country were now sealed, trapping enemy troops in a dead-end triangle.

Yao handed me intercepted intelligence: "Commander, we captured this secret report last night. Buffalo State's President Haram sent a coded message to King Jimege of Budan requesting military support for a rear attack."

Budan relied entirely on Buffalo State for arms and funding - a potential betrayal from King Jimege was worrying. I strategized quickly, "Instruct General Liu Hu at the Tri-Service Command in Xizhong Red Dragon territory to issue an ultimatum through Hawsa: if Budan enters the conflict we'll occupy their capital Tingbu to prevent regional destabilization."

Longnü swiftly conveyed this order via encrypted channel. Liu Hu relayed it immediately - Hawsa had no choice but to comply given the Red Dragon's military presence in his country. The local regime was content with its arrangement even if national security now rested under foreign command.

"I'm heading back to Beijing," I said finally after discussing tactical matters.

Qin Yicheng joked, "Commander needs a homecoming medal? Unfortunately we can't leave frontlines to celebrate."

"Actually quite the opposite," I replied. "I've been reassigned deputy director at Cultural Corps in Beijing. The transfer order should arrive within two days - Chairman Li gave me advance notice."

Yao Guangrong's face darkened, "Impossible! How could Chairman make such a foolish decision during this critical phase of southern Tibet operations?"

"This was the Politburo's directive," I explained. "They've launched an ideological campaign against our generation of commanders for being too reckless. They fear our growing power might bring future disasters and want to 'reform' our aggressive strategies. I'm the first targeted, but you two will likely be next."

Qin Yicheng stood abruptly, "Commander! Take us with you to Xizhong! Let me start over as a common soldier there if it means fighting honorably rather than being shackled by politics!"

"Actually this is specifically about my feud with Tan Zhong," I clarified. "You two don't need to follow. From now on ignore all central commands - promotions, war orders, nothing. If I can't direct operations directly, follow my wife's instructions and continue advancing south along our original plan. Let Hawsa use Red Dragon forces if other nations interfere, and if Buffalo State dares launch missiles or nukes... well, our underground missile bases aren't defenseless either."

Both generals saluted instantly, "Yes sir! We'll make the Dragon State proud!"

He Yuqing had her own perspective: "Zhao Qian, couldn't we use Buffalo's desire for reconciliation? If we just reclaim southern Tibet you wouldn't be considered reckless anymore - quite the opposite, becoming a national hero."

"I'd rather not achieve that kind of glory," I said firmly. Nations must take responsibility for their actions just as individuals do. Securing our Indian Ocean access route would lay essential groundwork for future Dragon State unification plans."

He nodded, "Then diplomatic negotiations are definitely over?"

"Completely," I confirmed. The Russian border commission had already arrived in Beijing. We'd give them no hope - they must either return all stolen territories or face similar consequences as the India-Buffalo conflict. But this time the price of failure would include added interest payments!