The morning court concluded early for Mada today. His son soon came to pay his respects to his father, mother, and grandmother. Though the young man had slipped out recently and nearly caused trouble, he was, after all, his own flesh and blood. Apart from punishing him with wall-gazing, Mada had imposed no further penalty. Moreover, seeing his son speak with such courtesy today brought him considerable comfort, and the two men settled in the study for a long talk.

“Imperial Father, I hear you have recognized an adoptive elder sister for me. Why was this not announced in court?” Young Mada brought up his main objective for the visit and asked Mada directly.

Mada paused, “Was Master Zhao not telling you yesterday at the Office of Attendants? The matter of Princess Xu Chen is quite unusual, and I have been hesitant about proclaiming it to the world. She has lost all her memories; we shall announce it once they are recovered.”

Young Mada asked, “Then may I go and see her? After all, she is Master Zhao’s friend, and Master Zhao has saved my life many times. If I can offer any help, I would like to assist him.”

Mada nodded, “Very well. However, the relationship between you and Zhao Qian must be strictly kept secret from everyone. Furthermore, I have secretly ordered the magistrate of Feiyu County to guard against any leaks.”

Young Mada was confused. “Imperial Father, your son does not understand! You disregard Zhao Qian’s merits and bestow upon him only worthless, unwanted official posts. Why is that?”

Seeing his son about to become argumentative again, Mada could not bear to spoil the pleasant morning. He said, “Xiao Da, some matters are not as simple as you imagine. Do you think bestowing an important position upon Zhao Qian will solve everything? Firstly, I need to assess his capabilities. Secondly, if he were promoted too quickly, it would easily invite the envy of others—??”

Young Mada interjected swiftly, “Ah, I see. This is much like 'Crossing the Sea Under Camouflage.' So, Imperial Father understands this stratagem too.”

“What 'Crossing the Sea Under Camouflage'?” This time it was Mada’s turn to be perplexed.

Young Mada naturally dared not mention to his father that the night before last, he had reached an anti-Pang alliance agreement with a certain person. That person had already agreed to help him get rid of the vile dog-thief and was slowly teaching him military strategy for future use. He knew his father still held a soft spot for that dog-thief, and speaking ill of him now might only earn him a stern lecture from his father.

“Imperial Father, yesterday Master Zhao taught me a military treatise called The Thirty-Six Stratagems. The first stratagem in it is 'Crossing the Sea Under Camouflage': When preparations are complete, vigilance wanes; familiarity breeds contempt…”

Young Mada recounted every word of the military art he had learned the day before. Mada was a man of great caliber; he grasped the principle with only a brief explanation from his son. Aligning it with his own years of practical experience, he couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, “Hidden within the yang, yet not opposing the yang. The Great Yang, the Great Yin. Brilliant! I was not mistaken about Master Zhao; he is absolutely a pillar that can assist you. If so, he must be protected even more carefully.”

Young Mada did not understand what his father was muttering. He said, “Imperial Father, your son also believes Master Zhao is a peerless genius. Therefore, after yesterday’s lesson, I conferred upon him the rank of First-Rank Attendant. I request Your Majesty’s approval.”

Mada considered briefly. A First-Rank Attendantship carried no real authority and should not attract too much attention. He said, “The Office of Attendants should have submitted a memorial; I will make a decision after reviewing it. By the way, The Thirty-Six Stratagems is only one of them. What about the remaining thirty-five?”

Young Mada replied, “Master Zhao has not yet taught them to your son, so I do not know either.”

Mada stroked his beard thoughtfully, “I am quite eager to hear them. The Thirty-Six Stratagems? Interesting, very interesting.”

Young Mada proposed, “Imperial Father, perhaps we should summon Master Zhao to the palace to lecture me on the spot. That way, you can also observe firsthand whether Master Zhao is truly a rare genius.”

Mada thought it reasonable and commanded a eunuch to issue the summons. As the eunuch walked out of the study, Young Mada said, “Imperial Father, your son has one more matter to report.”

Seeing his son’s eyes glance toward the palace maids and eunuchs behind him, Mada waved his hand: “You all may withdraw for now. The Emperor needs to have a private talk with the Crown Prince.”

Once the room was clear of outsiders, Young Mada spoke, “Imperial Father, your son knows you have been greatly vexed lately by the matter of the Thirteenth Sister and the Mei clan…”

“Uh…” Mada’s face darkened. His thirteenth princess was pregnant from an illicit affair with a palace servant, and his own Mei family member had been caught in the act with a servant. These were matters he did not wish to discuss with his young son.

Young Mada continued, “Imperial Father, your son is not a child anymore; I understand these things. Today, your son wishes to present a stratagem to you that can prevent the recurrence of such behavior in the Inner City.”

Mada’s expression had initially been displeased, but hearing his son speak this way, he genuinely wanted to hear the strategy. Yet, he maintained an outward appearance of reserve. “What strategy could you, at your young age, possibly devise? I already have a plan for this matter: minimize male servants in the inner palace henceforth, and strengthen the management of the Inner City. Anyone found engaging in illicit relations will be executed immediately, along with their entire clan.”

Young Mada countered, “Imperial Father, however severe the state law, can it temporarily stop crime? Furthermore, we both know the Inner City requires male personnel. Your method will only be a temporary fix; it does not address the root cause.”

“Oh? You speak lightly of it. Then what fundamental solution have you devised for your Imperial Father?”

Young Mada declared, “Of course. Your son believes that within the Inner City, apart from the Imperial Jījī, all others should be—” Young Mada made a slicing gesture with his hand.

Mada was first startled, then momentarily stunned, before bursting into great laughter. He was startled by the chilling nature of his son’s hand gesture, stunned that an eleven-year-old prince would use the royal term for male genitalia, and amused that while the stratagem was vicious, if men lost their Jījī, how could they engage in illicit affairs?

Young Mada was left bewildered by his father’s laughter. He thought Mada either didn’t believe his words or didn’t believe in the art of castration. “Imperial Father, your son is not joking. I have even inquired about the castration technique. Although castration carries certain dangers, that risk is insignificant compared to the peace and tranquility of the Imperial Harem.”

Mada laughed, “Enough. Let me consider this. Even if we must castrate, we cannot only leave the Imperial Jījī. Those Middle Guard soldiers protecting the Inner City must remain; otherwise, if we render everyone eunuchs, who will protect our safety? Moreover, those who engage in illicit relations have always been the servants and menials. The officers maintain strict discipline, and there has never been an error in their conduct.”

Young Mada conceded, “Your Majesty is wise. Your son did not consider this thoroughly.”

Mada studied his son intently. “Who suggested such a venomous plan to you? Don’t tell me you thought of it yourself. You are just an eleven-year-old child; you could never devise a method that ensures extinction of the lineage.”

Young Mada dared not lay such a catastrophic matter at the feet of his friend. After all, castrating thousands of men would surely earn him their undying hatred. He replied, “Imperial Father, your son was inspired by the stories Master Zhao told, coupled with Your Majesty’s recent worry over the Thirteenth Sister and the Mei affair, which is why your son dared to bring this up.”

“You are considerate of your father, unlike those officials who do nothing but clamor daily! The entire realm is on the brink of chaos, yet they speak of peace and prosperity. The nation is too poor to feed its army, yet they preach of national wealth and strength…”

Young Mada could not restrain himself any longer. “Imperial Father, your son believes the decline of governance is entirely due to the Pang fiend. As long as this old villain is not removed, the nation…”

“Silence!” Mada suddenly barked, cutting his son off. He then nervously walked to the study door and listened for a moment before returning. “You are forbidden to mention this matter again. Your father has his own plans in mind. Remember, do not mention this to anyone, including your mother and your Imperial Grandmother. Pang Hu is your Imperial Grandmother’s younger brother, and your father does not wish to upset the old lady.”

Young Mada snorted inwardly. He held no affection for this maternal granduncle and even wished for his swift death. In truth, Young Mada was young and had not yet managed state affairs, so he had no direct conflict with this granduncle. However, Pang Hu had been unlucky enough. While outwardly extremely deferential to the Mada family, on one occasion when visiting the Inner Palace to greet the Empress and the Empress Dowager, he made several grossly disrespectful jests with his personal attendants, which Young Mada, who was staying in the Inner Palace at the time, happened to overhear. He reported it to his mother and father, but neither was willing to believe a child’s words over the opinion of a high court official and a royal relative. Later, Pang Hu found out about the incident. When they met again in the Inner Palace, he actually threatened Young Mada, accusing him of slandering an old court official and warning that he would impeach him should Young Mada take charge of state affairs in the future.

Young Mada would never tolerate such naked intimidation. As the Crown Prince, he was accustomed to others listening to him, except for his father, mother, and grandmother. Pang Hu blatantly disregarded him, which was clearly an act of profound disrespect and indicated ambition, or he would not have overlooked the future Emperor.

After turning ten, Young Mada moved to the East City to gain life experience. With less constant supervision from his family, he began secretly investigating Pang Hu. The more he investigated, the more frightened he became: Pang Hu was openly engaging in factionalism within the court, and the great power of the court was already firmly grasped in his hands. No wonder he held the Crown Prince in contempt; with his influence, even the Crown Prince would have to follow his lead once he ascended the throne.

Young Mada presented the results of his secret investigation to Mada, only to receive a torrent of scolding and nothing more. Furthermore, Mada publicly berated him in front of Pang Hu, causing the relationship between father and son to become extremely strained for a time.

Today, Young Mada no longer possessed the petulance of his former self. It was the first time he had seen his father so tense. Although inwardly dissatisfied with his father, he found his father’s actions strange. Could it be that his father was not simply blindly favoring the Pang fiend but was restrained by Pang Hu’s power, thus unwilling to act or provoke a conflict?

‘Crossing the Sea Under Camouflage’? The stratagem he had learned yesterday suddenly flashed in Young Mada’s mind. Perhaps his father was employing a stratagem himself? When his father said he had his own ideas, did it mean he had long been suspicious of the Pang fiend and had already found a way to deal with him, merely waiting for the right time?

With this thought, Young Mada nodded in agreement with his father’s demand for secrecy. “Yes, Imperial Father, your son understands. I have one more matter to report to Your Majesty.”

Seeing his son behaving so sensibly, Mada let go of the previous issue. “Speak on, what is it?”

Young Mada decided to take this opportunity to bring up the matter of the Imperial Stables for his friend, as they could speak more conveniently as father and son. “Imperial Father, yesterday Master Zhao mentioned the Imperial Stables to your son…”

Mada asked, “What about the Imperial Stables? We just need to raise horses slowly. In ten or eight years, we can breed tens of thousands of warhorses. Then the court can organize cavalry, and we won’t have to fear invasion from the Myriad Horse Kingdom. However, that is your responsibility now; I am old and cannot sit in the court forever.”

Seeing a few more streaks of white in his father’s hair, Young Mada’s heart ached. “Imperial Father, the nation and your son cannot exist without you for a single day. You—you will live to be a hundred!”

Mada was suddenly reminded of the ‘Ten Thousand Years’ shouted yesterday, and he offered a desolate smile. “Living to a hundred years might be possible, hehe, but who can achieve ‘Ten Thousand Years’? I only wish that during my reign, I can secure welfare for the people and establish a stable order for the state and the dynasty. But now, with the Myriad Horse Kingdom frequently invading and the Jin Kingdom eyeing us covetously, the nation is in peril.”

“Imperial Father,” Young Mada said solemnly, “Your son dares to recommend Zhao Qian, Master Zhao, once more. He resisted five hundred horse bandits with the strength of three men outside Feiying Prefecture. Then, with fewer than a hundred men, he struck a heavy blow against five hundred horse bandits beneath Feiyu City, ultimately annihilating the entire bandit force of a thousand in the dense forest and swamp. Such an unprecedented, colossal achievement cannot be accomplished without extraordinary talent. With his assistance, your son can certainly repel the horse bandits!”

Mada neither agreed nor disagreed, instead asking, “Tell me what the issue is with the Imperial Stables.”

Seeing his father divert the topic, Young Mada dared not recommend his friend again. He could only steer the conversation back to the Imperial Stables. After all, even if he got his friend an official position, there were no units with real authority to choose from. It was better to finalize the matter of the Imperial Stables. If they had an army entirely belonging to the court, why should they fear that dog-thief?

“Imperial Father, because the Imperial Stables have increased by seventy warhorses, it is no longer suitable to keep them in the Middle City. Moreover, warhorses require frequent training. If they are confined to the stables every day, their combat effectiveness will slowly degrade, and we will end up merely raising flesh-eating horses, useless to the army. Therefore, your son suggests relocating the Imperial Stables outside the city to an area with lush grass and water for natural breeding.”

Mada chuckled, “Is this your idea?”

Young Mada’s face flushed slightly. “Your Majesty is wise; this was mentioned by Official Zhao. He found it difficult to see you, and he is new to the court and unfamiliar with the rules of memorial submission. Thus, your son dared to propose it on his behalf.”

“Heh heh, him again,” Mada remained noncommittal.

Regardless of whether his father agreed, the conversation had begun and had to continue, because the most crucial element was the horse-guarding soldiers below. Young Mada continued, “Imperial Father, if the Imperial Stables are moved outside the Inner City, cunning villains are bound to covet those imperial horses. If it’s just one or two, it’s manageable. But if they gather in a gang, and the Imperial Stables itself lacks the ability to protect itself, and they are outside the city, unable to receive the protection of the Five Capitals Guard and the Imperial Forest Army, then Official Zhao also mentioned the need to organize horse-guarding soldiers to protect our imperial horses from harm.”

Mada’s eyes brightened. “Horse-guarding soldiers?”

Young Mada quickly affirmed, “Yes, Imperial Father. This matter benefits the nation and the people. Consider that the stench of horse manure and urine from the Imperial Stables is extremely strong, causing significant complaints among the nearby populace. Please grant your approval!”

Mada remained composed. “Your father understands. I will make a decision after discussing it in the morning court tomorrow. However, the nation currently lacks money and grain. Establishing horse-guarding soldiers faces numerous difficulties, especially since the biggest issue is the shortage of weapons. The Jin Kingdom controls the outflow of iron ore, and we are helpless.”

Young Mada knew establishing a new force was fraught with difficulty, but for now, he only sought his father’s preliminary approval. Otherwise, secretly raising an army was a capital offense. “Imperial Father, your son is willing to share your burden. Your son will be responsible for raising the funds to establish the horse-guarding unit. As for weapons and equipment, the Imperial Stables can resolve that themselves.”

Mada said, “What capacity do you have to raise enormous sums of money? Let us decide after inquiring about the situation in the Ministry of Revenue and the national treasury tomorrow.”

Young Mada knew this couldn’t be rushed. Moreover, the location for the Imperial Stables outside the city was still undecided. Besides, he was currently focused only on getting his father to agree to the matter first. As for where to find the money for the horse guards and the weapons, he himself had no certainty.

“Your two Royal Highnesses, please wait! His Majesty is currently consulting with the Crown Prince and outsiders are forbidden to enter,” a eunuch called from outside the door.

Two clear, childlike voices responded, “Insolent! Are the Fifteenth Princess and I outsiders?”

“This humble one dares not, but His Majesty has given an order, and this humble one dare not disobey.”

Mada said to his son, “Your two elder sisters have arrived. Let them in.”

Young Mada knew the Fifteenth Sister, Ma Xiaowei, and the Sixteenth Sister, Ma Xiaorui, were outside. His father was inept at raising sons but quite strict with daughters. His seventeenth sister, Ma Xiaodie, was only eight. Fortunately, his father had been more restrained in recent years and hadn't produced more daughters for him. This was partly because his mother had been fortunate enough to bear a male heir, so apart from the Seventeenth Sister, who was conceived by accident when his father was riding, he had no other sisters.

Ma Xiaowei was already sixteen, long past the age of marriage. Unfortunately, her mother had passed away from illness two years ago. The laws of the Shuangcheng Kingdom also required mourning periods, so she remained unmarried. The Sixteenth Princess, Ma Xiaorui, was only thirteen and incessantly mischievous; there was nowhere in the East or West City she couldn’t get to. Compared to the graceful Ma Xiaowei, she was wilder than a tomboy.

These two princesses, one quiet and one lively, were both greatly favored by Mada and the Crown Prince. Hearing their arrival, the father and son ceased their quasi-political discussion. Young Mada pulled open the door, “Let the princesses come in. Your son and His Majesty have finished our talk.”

“Imperial Brother, I heard from the Empress Dowager in the Inner Palace that you were here, so I brought the Fifteenth Sister along to see you,” Ma Xiaorui said affectionately to her younger brother, who was two years her junior. Ma Xiaowei first bowed to her father and her brother, the honored Crown Prince.

“Greetings, Imperial Father, greetings, Imperial Brother.”

Ma Xiaowei and Ma Xiaorui were taller than their brother. As royal daughters, their bearing was naturally first-rate. However, the young girl Ma Xiaorui was just beginning to develop; compared to Ma Xiaowei, she lacked the mature charm of a young woman. But Ma Xiaorui’s innocent childishness was something Ma Xiaowei could not match. With these two princesses, possessing different graces, standing before others, their royal aura was identical—a blend of noble bearing with pure, charming allure. Anyone, even a reincarnation of Liu Xiahui, would quietly praise their beauty.

“Master Zhao Qian of the Office of Attendants requests an audience,” the eunuch outside announced.

Mada said to the two young women, “Since you are here, you may listen to Master Zhao’s Thirty-Six Stratagems along with the Crown Prince.”

Ma Xiaorui spoke quickly, “Imperial Father, is this the Master Zhao who was promoted two ranks after a single lesson at the Office of Attendants in the East City yesterday? The Inner City is buzzing that he is knowledgeable in all classics, understands astronomy and geography, and is well-versed in military strategy and poetry.”

Ma Xiaorui, having access to both East and West Cities, had the most gossip. Ma Xiaowei gently tugged her half-sister’s sleeve and whispered, “Xiao Rui, just listen quietly. Do not interrupt your Imperial Brother’s studies.” Ma Xiaorui stuck out her tongue and obediently sat behind her brother, waiting for the lecture.

I had originally intended to find an excuse regarding Xu Chen’s illness to visit her early this morning, but before even entering the Inner City, I ran into the summoning officials. Mada actually ordered me to the Western City Imperial Study to lecture the father and son duo on The Thirty-Six Stratagems. Well, this is perfect; I have no legitimate excuse, so I’ll slip into the Inner City first. After the lecture, I will request permission from Mada to see my wife. If I present that tow-rope painting I worked on all night, perhaps that will settle matters.

“Greetings to Your Majesty, the Crown Prince…” When I noticed there were more than just the two of them in the Imperial Study, I was momentarily stunned. I paid no mind to the shorter girl who didn't look much like a woman, but this tall, slender young lady looked strikingly like Xu Chen, especially from the back. That graceful, fragile appearance was as if they were molded from the same die.

The two women happened to look up at me at that moment. The girl with the Xu Chen-like temperament—I could see clearly now—the two were not merely similar. Moreover, I noticed a difference: this girl’s slender waist was no less delicate than Xu Chen’s, but her bosom was much fuller than Xu Chen’s, practically… practically comparable to Yun Yao’s. The women here certainly mature early. Heh, now I fully believe the legend that Shuangcheng Country produces beauties. These two princesses are peerless little beauties; their looks are not inferior to any of my wives.

“Grant Attendant Zhao a seat. Attendant Zhao, what lesson were you planning to impart to the Crown Prince today? The Fifteenth and Sixteenth Princesses are also here, so let them listen along.”

These were the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Princesses. I quickly performed the required salutations. Seeing my eyes fixated, Ma Xiaoda asked impatiently, “Master Zhao, what is the second stratagem you plan to teach me today? What is its name?”

As my mind wandered, I continued staring at the Fifteenth Princess, who looked so much like Xu Chen, while internally planning how to resolve the situation with that great beauty Xu Chen. Hearing Ma Xiaoda’s question, my mouth involuntarily slipped out casually, “The Honey Trap (Beauty Stratagem).”

“The Honey Trap?” Not only was Ma Xiaoda stunned, but Mada was too. The two princesses, who had just been feeling rather pleased by my gaze, now glared at me angrily upon hearing the word ‘beauty.’ I must have offended them.

Composing myself, I said to Ma Xiaoda, “Yes, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince. What your humble minister plans to lecture on today is precisely

Madam Kua stroked his beard and said, "How can a mere beauty be part of the strategy?

I know that the culture of the Twin Cities, having known no warfare for a thousand years, is utterly thin. If war has any benefit, it is that it drives social progress. The Twin Cities have always existed in a state of peace and stability, and from the Emperor down to the common folk, none were content with the status quo or motivated to strive harder. This Emperor, Mada, only roused himself in recent years due to the threats from the Ten Thousand Steeds Nation and the Jin Kingdom; otherwise, had another thousand years of peace passed, the entire society's level of civilization would likely have degraded even further.

'Your Majesty, Crown Prince, and Princess, regarding how a beauty might factor into our plans, please allow your humble servant to first recount a few real-world case studies.'"

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