Bai Shi arrived to inform me that the escape pod promised by Prince Dan had arrived. This was naturally my primary concern, as it was possible that Cai Jingjing was aboard; after all, it wouldn't be strange for Prince Dan to locate Cai Jingjing and subsequently find her escape pod.

However, there was another possibility: that the escape pod carried the other three women. If that were the case, I admit I felt a touch of fear. If the pod was empty, so be it, but if I saw one of my beautiful wives dead inside, I feared I wouldn't be able to bear it.

The atmosphere of Gemini far exceeded the design parameters of the escape pod. After several validations, none of us who came from Earth could safely reach the surface. Therefore, it was certain that this escape pod had also malfunctioned, though the severity of the failure was uncertain, as was the condition of the pilot inside—this was the source of my anxiety.

"Thank you, Eunuch Bai. I must first attend the morning court to meet His Majesty. If the Emperor has no specific request for me to view the escape pod with him, I will then seek out His Highness the Crown Prince for assistance."

Bai Shi replied, "Very well, this old servant will return to report to the Crown Prince. Monitor Zhao, have a safe journey."

I gestured for Linglong to give Bai Shi all the iron coins from the purse. Last time at Prince Dan's residence, this fellow had turned over all the bribes he'd received to me. Who knew what he was thinking? Self-preservation is natural; although he seemed cheerful then, it was only because the Crown Prince was present. He had to maintain appearances.

I said, "Eunuch Bai, you have worked hard. Please accept this small token for some tea."

Bai Shi’s face broke into a wide smile, but he said outwardly, "Monitor Zhao, what is this? Are you looking down on this old Bai Shi? What is our relationship that you still resort to such formalities with me?"

I replied, "Eunuch Bai, you misunderstand. I know this small token does not represent my true feelings, but the Imperial Stables are currently in a developmental phase. We rely on the support of all the princes and ministers in every aspect. There are so many people to grease palms with, both inside and outside the palace, high and low. Eunuch Bai is well-traveled and widely connected; I hope you will speak a few good words for the Imperial Stables when you can. Consider this money as tea money for you to treat the other eunuchs."

Bai Shi chuckled, "Monitor Zhao speaks sense. This old servant sheds blood and sweat for His Highness the Crown Prince. For the future foundation of His Highness, it is indeed necessary to win over the other eunuchs within the palace. I shall accept this then."

"I am much obliged, Eunuch Bai."

Bai Shi left with a beaming smile. Linglong shot a glance at his retreating back and muttered, "Greedy dog."

I laughed, "It's better that he is greedy. Having taken our money, he must help us. Although he is merely a servant, he is constantly near Ma Xiaoda, and his thoughts can influence Ma Xiaoda's decisions. He will be of great use to us in the future."

Linglong rejoiced, "Are you planning to stay here long-term? That's wonderful! I was afraid you would leave first thing this morning."

Yun Yao, dressed exactly like Linglong in handsome and carefree male attire, was also a young woman under twenty whose love for joking hadn't diminished. She teased Linglong, "Linglong, missing Brother Zhao already? Don't worry, when Sister leaves, I'll definitely take you with me."

Linglong, accustomed to Yun Yao’s jokes, rolled her eyes and didn't reply. I said, "Whether I stay long-term is not something I can choose right now. If the escape pod can't be repaired, how can we return to space? Furthermore, finding that damned wormhole requires a massive amount of energy to stimulate its appearance. I recall that when I first arrived, I had to fire several rounds from the space cannon to force it open. The ship I piloted had a small laser cannon; the plan was to use it to trigger the wormhole on our return trip, but now it's broken. Repairing the main drive shaft requires top-grade steel and precise casting technology—things Gemini cannot achieve at present."

Yun Yao offered, "Perhaps soon, people from home will be sent to find us. You know, Xiao Yudidi, Xiao Hui, and Long Nü are all super talents. They will certainly develop more advanced ships to traverse the wormhole and find us."

I sighed, "I hope so. I just pray they aren't reckless enough to enter the wormhole. Your memory loss is troublesome enough; if they suffer memory loss too, I honestly don't know how I can survive."

Linglong stealthily covered her mouth to hide her smile. Yun Yao went to tickle her, "What are you laughing at, you little brat? You must be thrilled that you can keep your master here, aren't you?"

Listening to the two women's banter made the journey up the mountain, which would otherwise have been arduous, less lonely. Upon reaching the grand hall of the Imperial Palace, the two women had to remain outside the outermost gate; no officials other than royalty and high ministers were allowed inside. Entering the hall for the second time, I finally recognized the characters hanging above: 'Hall of Civil Accomplishment and Military Virtue.' It seemed that Shuangcheng had known war before, but peace had gradually made them forget what 'Civil Accomplishment and Military Virtue' truly meant.

Many of the people in the hall were strangers, but before Ma Da appeared, several came forward to greet me: Minister of Works Qi Yu, Minister of Revenue Wan Licai (an old acquaintance), Minister of Rites Xia Jian, Minister of War Bai Song, and Minister of Justice Qu Ge. Not all of them openly and brazenly sided with Grand Tutor Pang. They were constrained by the two Chancellors, and apart from Wan Licai, who completely and shamelessly 'defected' by recognizing a foster father, the others merely turned a blind eye, offending neither side. In critical moments, however, they were willing to align with the stronger power.

In fact, Pang Hu's faction comprised the truly powerful figures, while the Chancellors' faction consisted mostly of powerless eunuchs and elderly officials. This was why the two Chancellors had to sneak out late at night in disguise—with no power, they were at the mercy of others. Everyone understood this logic, but by the time the two Chancellors realized it, there were no more influential individuals left to court. Consequently, when a new powerful duo emerged, the two Chancellors would sneak into their residences overnight to plead with them tearfully.

"His Majesty arrives!" a shout silenced the low murmurs of conversation. Everyone dutifully returned to their positions. The topics discussed during this morning's court were all innocuous; it seemed all major matters had already been settled before my arrival in Shuangcheng, so I couldn't find out anything about the Pang faction or the Chancellor faction.

After the nonsense concluded, Ma Da spoke solemnly, "Esteemed Ministers, we have urgent military news: the horse bandits have amassed nearly three thousand cavalry and have again invaded our borders. Both the Flying Eagle and Flying Dragon Prefectures have sent distress signals. Feiyu County in the Flying Eagle Prefecture and Heilong County in the Flying Dragon Prefecture have suffered several assaults by the bandits. Fortunately, our soldiers resisted bravely, foiling the bandits' plot to break the cities and pillage. Moreover, our other neighboring state, Jin, aggressively demands that we cede three prefectures and nine counties, threatening severe retaliation otherwise. Do my esteemed ministers have any good strategies to repel the invaders and secure the borders?"

Left Chancellor Luo Cheng immediately stepped forward to petition, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble servant believes that only by enriching the nation and strengthening the military can we repel invaders and defend our borders. To enrich the nation and strengthen the military, the land system must be reformed! The nation is not rich because the common people are poor; when the common people prosper, the nation flourishes; when the nation flourishes, the military strengthens—this is an eternal truth. Yet, looking across the world today, the populace has lost its land and wanders as refugees. Not only do these people threaten social stability, but more importantly, the nation has lost a massive labor force. Without labor, how can the people be enriched? If the people cannot be enriched, the nation cannot be strong, and thus, how can it look down upon other nations?"

As Luo Cheng finished speaking, Pang Hu also stepped forward, "Your Majesty, this humble servant also has a memorial to present. Enriching the nation and strengthening the military is my lifelong aspiration. However, this humble servant disagrees with Chancellor Luo. I believe that enriching the nation and strengthening the military requires centralized management of land, because land is the necessary means to tie down the farmers. If the state controls the land, those farmers become the state's slaves: they farm in peacetime and take up arms in wartime. How can the small nations of Wanma and Jin compare to our vast and glorious Shuangcheng Kingdom? Furthermore, our Imperial Stables have begun breeding our own warhorses. In eight or ten years, we too can organize cavalry. With these two measures combined, the peace of our Shuangcheng Kingdom can be secured for ten thousand generations."

The verbal sparring immediately erupted, with people from both factions constantly stepping forward to support their respective proposals. After listening for a while, I understood: the Chancellor faction favored land redistribution—dividing the lands historically granted to the nobility among the farmers so they would have something to sow and reap, after which the state would collect taxes from them to increase national revenue and GDP.

The Pang faction favored state ownership of land, establishing a Ministry of Land and Resources to control all land ownership in the nation. The farmers, who originally relied on land, would become state slaves, similar to the tuntian system of ancient times—young men would farm and train in peacetime and fight when war erupted.

Overall, the Chancellor faction considered the farmers and future development more carefully. The equal-field system granted farmers full personal freedom; if they didn't wish to farm, they could engage in commerce or industry. But turning farmers into slaves, as the Pang faction suggested, would stifle the emergence of nascent capitalism. Once enslaved, their very lives were not their own, let alone the prospect of developing commerce and industry.

Logically, I should support the Chancellor faction's policy. However, in Shuangcheng, where external kings hold more sway than strands of hair, whether such a policy could actually be implemented was a huge question. Moreover, I was currently embedded within the Pang camp while my heart lay with the Chancellors. Publicly, I could not support the Chancellor faction, but openly supporting the Pang faction was also against my wishes. Silence was the best option.

The debate dragged on until near lunchtime without a resolution. I was growing increasingly anxious. I desperately wanted to inspect the escape pod Prince Dan retrieved, but I couldn't leave before the court was dismissed.

"Minister Zhao, Minister Zhao!" Ma Da called out twice.

I quickly composed my anxious expression. "Your servant is here."

Ma Da said, "Minister Zhao, although you are an inner court official, I know you are versed in astronomy, geography, and military strategy. Do you have any brilliant strategy for this matter?"

The Imperial Guards were the Emperor's personal troops; perhaps my office, Jianjun, made me an inner official. "Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble servant believes that Grand Tutor Pang and Chancellor Luo both make valid points. They are both good officials who care for the nation and the people, and their ultimate goal is the same: to enrich the nation and strengthen the military. However, this humble servant believes now is not the time to debate land reform policies, but rather to repel the horse bandits and restore stability to the border populace. As for Jin's unreasonable demands, we need not address them for the time being. The three prefectures and nine counties are still in our hands; if we don't relinquish them, what can the Jin do? Even if they wish to seize territory, our border armies are not made of straw. We will surely deliver a crushing blow when the time comes."

In truth, I knew those so-called border armies were little better than straw. One prefecture had only two thousand guards, and a county office only forty or fifty general laborers, and this was in a crucial border area. It wasn't that the court didn't want to send troops; it was that they had no troops to dispatch and no money to spend. Furthermore, the prefectural and county units were unwilling to fund their own garrisons, preferring a few laborers to pose as defenders—it saved money and provisions. But I couldn't manage their affairs.

"Minister Zhao’s words have merit," Ma Da stroked his beard and nodded. "Esteemed Ministers, do you agree with Minister Zhao’s opinion?"

The Pang and Chancellor factions saw that my words offended neither side, so how could they disagree? "Reporting to Your Majesty, we believe Minister Zhao speaks sense. The people on the border are suffering greatly. How can those of us dwelling in safety ignore the danger? We implore Your Majesty to send troops to defend the borders."

Ma Da was feeling quite pleased that he had managed to align both factions' opinions for the first time, but upon hearing the call to send troops, he was stunned. What troops did he have to send? If he had troops, wouldn't they have been dispatched long ago?

After a moment's thought, Ma Da said, "Esteemed Ministers, our national treasury is empty, and the nation lacks soldiers. Do any of you have a practical solution to offer?"

A practical solution? Who could conjure money out of thin air? Who could scatter beans and raise an army? If such a person existed, he would have made himself Emperor long ago. Ma Da saw the people below bowing their heads in silence and could only turn his pleading gaze back to me. What solution could I offer? I hadn't even finished recruiting my own two thousand men. Even if recruited, what use were they without training? Moreover, my horse guards were sustained by the small income I earned through my medical skills. Asking me to support the entire imperial army was preposterous!

With this thought, I too lowered my head. If I had no solution, I shouldn't pretend. Otherwise, if the matter was placed upon me, it would certainly crush me.

Ma Da said, "Esteemed Ministers, I know this is fundamentally impossible, but the nation faces peril. Can you not think outside the box for? Minister Zhao, I know you are courageous and resourceful. You speak."

My heart sank. Old Ma Da truly thought I was some divine being. If I were on Earth or still possessed my superpowers, this small matter would be nothing. But here in Gemini, I had not a shred of influence, and that damned wormhole had drained all my abilities. Asking me to devise a plan—what plan could I possibly have?

Since a new army could not be raised, the only recourse was to look at the existing forces. Shuangcheng was vast, but the Emperor maintaining one hundred thousand Imperial Guards for protection seemed excessively exaggerated. Perhaps I could suggest that Ma Da divert half of them to fight the horse bandits. Since these soldiers were already costing the court money and provisions in Shuangcheng, sending them to fight bandits wouldn't unduly increase the court's burden.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble servant believes that since the court cannot raise a new army nor has surplus funds to maintain one, perhaps half of the Imperial Guards defending the city could be detached to support the border regions. This way, the nation adds no new personnel, but the reinforcing troops have a source."

Ma Da slammed his hand on the throne. "A brilliant plan!"

A wave of people immediately knelt down, "Your Majesty, absolutely not!"

Ma Da countered, "What is wrong with this? It requires no extra expenditure from the treasury yet adds new strength to border defense. Do you all have a better method?"

The ministers all replied, "We cannot think of another method, but the Imperial Guards absolutely cannot be dispatched, or how can the safety of Shuangcheng be guaranteed?"

I explained to everyone, including the Pang and Chancellor factions, "Esteemed sirs, you worry too much. Even if Wanma and Jin were to march thousands of miles to attack landlocked Shuangcheng, our fifty thousand Imperial Guards could defend it. Furthermore, Shuangcheng's three layers of high city walls, inner, middle, and outer, are easy to defend and hard to attack. The inner city also has ample water supply; it would take them half a year just to breach it. It would take no more than half a month for the fifty thousand reinforcing Imperial Guards, coordinating with the border troops, to quickly fall back and launch a pincer attack, thus resolving Shuangcheng's worries and thoroughly crushing the invading enemy."

Ma Da rejoiced, "Indeed! Minister Zhao is truly a genius of our dynasty. We could never have thought of such an idea. Esteemed Ministers, do you have any other opinions on this?"

The ministers, having enjoyed peace for too long, were reluctant to let the fifty thousand Imperial Guards be moved out. Even though the Wanma Kingdom and Jin had never launched an invasion thousands of miles inland from the border, this fear was deeply rooted. Better safe than sorry; if the worst happened, the Pang and Chancellor factions would cease their squabbling and simply be conquered. Both factions had firmly resolved to unite to block the Emperor's decision.

Before either faction could speak, someone suddenly declared, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble servant supports Minister Zhao's opinion. This method is entirely feasible! It can suppress the border-raiding horse bandits without increasing the burden on the court. This is undoubtedly the best strategy for the current situation! This old official congratulates Your Majesty on obtaining a capable minister. Minister Zhao's strategy surpasses that of a mere supervisor; Your Majesty must reconsider and employ this man heavily."

The speaker was Pang Hu! Everyone who was preparing to earnestly persuade Ma Da froze. The Pang faction had been so focused on their own safety that no one had paid attention to Grand Tutor Pang's expression. For the Grand Tutor to utter these words clearly meant he strongly supported the external deployment of the Imperial Guards. Once the leader spoke, even if his subordinates were terrified, they dared not object.

Ma Da was overjoyed. He hadn't expected Pang Hu to step in and rectify the chaotic situation at the crucial moment. He declared, "Esteemed Ministers, since Grand Tutor Pang agrees, do you have any further objections?"

The Pang faction fell silent. The Chancellor faction, seeing both Chancellors saying nothing, also kept quiet. Without leaders, minor officials who spoke rashly risked incurring the Emperor's resentment, which would ruin their prospects for a long time.

Seeing no one speak below, Ma Da continued, "Esteemed Ministers, since no one opposes, this matter shall be the responsibility of Grand Tutor Pang. One thousand men will be drawn from each of the five metropolitan garrisons—Front, Rear, Left, Right, and Center—to form a Grand Army for Pacifying the Borders. The provisions for these fifty thousand troops will still be handled by their original garrisons, and they will return to their original garrisons once the border is stabilized. However, pacifying the borders is a matter of state importance; if the border is unstable, the nation is insecure, and your policies cannot be realized. Therefore, the choice of who will lead this force must be made with the utmost care. Everyone, please consider which general is suitable to lead this army."

The people below shrank back, especially the military officers. Shuangcheng had seen no major warfare for over a thousand years; these officers were merely decorated figureheads. While commanding fifty thousand troops at once was a significant position, they seemed to value their lives more.

Pang Hu slightly turned his head to look at the Pang faction members behind him. Seeing everyone withdrawing, Pang Hu sighed. Deploying fifty thousand Imperial Guards was no small matter; this large army, far from Shuangcheng, would become an undeniable force. Although the five garrison commanders and about ten deputy commanders were basically his men, who knew if fifty thousand troops deployed externally would still obey him? Therefore, the commander had to be someone he trusted completely.

Pang Hu looked left and right, finally shaking his head. He had received reports of a force of a hundred men repelling five hundred horse bandits, but that individual could not currently shoulder such a weighty responsibility. Although he had already shown loyalty to Pang Hu, too little time had passed to guarantee he wouldn't develop ambitions while away.

Fearing Ma Da might casually appoint the Supervisor as the leading general, Pang Hu, despite lacking a suitable candidate, decided to block the Emperor first. "Your Majesty, selecting a commanding general is no small matter. I hope Your Majesty will grant this humble servant some time for proper assessment; a hasty choice is bound to lead to errors."

Ma Da agreed, "That is also true. After all, this matter cannot be settled in ten or half a month. Since the founding of our dynasty, this is the first military action. We are severely lacking in both experience and equipment. We must deliberate thoroughly. This selection must be cautious, and success is absolutely guaranteed. If the campaign fails and the vitality of the Imperial Guards is damaged, the penalty is extermination of nine generations!" He finished, "Alright, you may prepare. Report to me immediately once you have a result."

Ma Da's mention of extermination of nine generations silenced everyone below even further. The generals who had considered the post even briefly completely gave up the idea. Rather than risking execution and the slaughter of their clans for a remote military achievement, it was better to stay in Shuangcheng and remain officials. Even if they miraculously won the battle and returned to be enfeoffed as kings, they wouldn't take the risk—life was more important.

Grand Tutor Pang felt a chill, but still forced himself to reply, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Despite his coldness, Pang Hu reflected. The punishment was severe, but a victorious general returning from the border pacification would certainly earn immense merit. Moreover, the external deployment of fifty thousand Imperial Guards was an immense opportunity. Shuangcheng's defenses would be empty—something unprecedented. He decided to convene a high-level meeting tonight to discuss the specifics of who to send.

"If you have urgent matters, speak now; if not, court is dismissed." A eunuch standing nearby called out twice. I noticed this eunuch was a true man; those eunuchs who had been castrated might not be immediately ready for service, or if they were, they would be used first in the harem where there were more women.

As everyone filed out, Ma Da beckoned to me. "Supervisor Zhao, remain. Prince Dan has found another escape pod for Us. As the commander of Our escape pod, you will accompany Me to inspect it."

I was already eager to see the situation, so I happily replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

No one in the Pang and Xiang parties cared about the matter; in their eyes, that escape pod was just a toy. Old Mada, still childlike, was playing with it. But an Emperor is an Emperor; since he wasn't neglecting state affairs, he could play however he wished. No one dared or wanted to interfere.

Mada walked ahead, I followed closely. As we walked, Mada said, "Supervisor Zhao, you must have received yesterday's imperial edict regarding your appointment. I hope you can shoulder the grave responsibility of overseeing the Imperial Guards. My sources constantly report on the Imperial Guards officers engaging in corruption, lawlessness, and harming the populace. I hope you can apply strict discipline to this royal guard, which has completely lost its fighting capability."

I offered a wry smile. "Your Majesty, since you know they lack combat effectiveness, why did you approve my suggestion to transfer them out for external service? Isn't that sending them to their deaths? Furthermore, if you want me to supervise and manage them, where would I get the authority? If they refuse to listen to my reprimands, I have no recourse. Scolding them might not work, and I certainly can't beat them."

Mada replied, "Lacking fighting capability is their state now. But if someone applies the right methods to train them, these Royal Guards will surely become fierce as dragons and tigers, utterly unstoppable by those horse bandits! As for your concern about authority, haha, I believe you will find a way to resolve it. I place great trust in you; you will surely devise a solution."

I responded, "Your Majesty, I am not a god. I haven't even fully managed the Imperial Stables yet. While we have funds for the moment, they are finite. I wish to request Your Majesty's permission for the Imperial Stables to engage in minor commerce. The court lacks money and grain; relying solely on my external medical practice to support them is too difficult. Moreover, I fear that if our supply of precious medicines runs out, it will delay treating the Imperial Family."

Mada grew tense. "You absolutely must stop earning money through external practice to support the Imperial Stables. Our Royal Household will purchase all those rare medicinal herbs you possess. Since you could fund the establishment of the Imperial Stables out of your own pocket, I should also offer something in return. Although the national treasury is strained, fortunately, we still have some surplus provisions in the Inner Palace. I will instruct the Chief Steward to allocate a portion to you shortly. As for your request for the Imperial Stables to conduct business, I grant full permission, and I will not levy a single tax on the Imperial Stables. The stables are essentially mine, yet you have to spend your own money maintaining my horses—I feel quite bad about that, Minister Zhao. If the opportunity arises in the future, I must repay you."

I replied, "Your Majesty is too kind. It is a minister's duty to share your burdens." I felt I was integrating into their society; my skill at flattery was rapidly improving.

Mada changed the subject. "Supervisor Zhao, what are your thoughts on selecting commanders for the border reinforcement army? Who do you think would be suitable for this post?"

I answered, "Your Majesty, this position must be held by someone you trust, someone who can also manage effectively under Grand Tutor Pang. However, as a newcomer to court, I am completely unfamiliar with those generals and cannot suggest a suitable candidate."

"Oh? Why do you say that?" Mada waved away the few eunuchs behind him and then asked me.

I explained, "Then I shall speak plainly. To my knowledge, the Imperial Guard generals have very close ties to Grand Tutor Pang. The fifty thousand Imperial Guards being transferred out will require at least five generals to lead them, and numerous battalion commanders (Qianhu). If we dispatch men favored by the two Chancellors to lead the army, can you imagine how many of the subordinates would actually obey orders when his command is issued? If orders are given and no one complies, there is absolutely no chance of victory."

Mada said, "That is well reasoned. I hear you have frequented the pleasure houses with Wan Licai and Zhang Shouren, and last night you were an honored guest at the Grand Tutor's residence. Does that perhaps count as a close relationship? Ha, haha..."

Mada laughed mysteriously. This fellow had investigated my background thoroughly. Ma Xiaoda said his father was confused and favored treacherous officials, but this one seemed quite astute. By the way he spoke, it seemed he was aiming me for something. Damn it, I can't go! I still need to stay in Shuangcheng to find Hua Qingqing, Ouyang Qian, and He Yuqing. Besides, going to war is a matter of losing one's head. What if something happens to me? I would leave behind a house full of widows. I cannot go, absolutely cannot go.

Mada did not allow me time to argue and strode forward quickly. Ahead, several brightly dressed figures were looking around: it was Ma Xiaowei, Ma Xiaorui, Xu Chen, and Cai Jingjing. Ma Xiaorui, seeing Mada, pouted and said, "Father Emperor, why are you so late? It's nearly lunchtime! How are we supposed to see Uncle Dan present the escape pod?"

Mada said, "I will have lunch prepared immediately. Supervisor Zhao, you don't need to return home for noon today. I will send someone to notify the Crown Prince shortly; after we see the escape pod, we will all have a casual meal together."

I did not object. As long as I could see the escape pod and spend time with Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing, I was fine with whatever we ate.