Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing paid me little mind; in fact, Ma Xiaorui and Ma Xiaowei were far warmer toward me. Cai Jingjing, especially, knew I needed to explain the amnesia, yet when we met today, she didn't even approach me. Did she truly not care about herself? Or had I been mistaken for some licentious playboy, causing her to bury her secrets deep rather than engage with me?

My heart felt cold. These two women, who had once loved me to the core, were now like strangers. I had the urge to weep. Yun Yao was not here; she and Linglong were waiting outside for me. If she were present, she could offer comfort, perhaps I could even collapse into her arms and receive some much-needed warmth.

"Lord Zhao, or should I say, I hear you’ve been promoted—should it be Marshal Zhao now?" Ma Xiaorui said. "Why the long face? Is someone in debt to you, or do you find the rank my father bestowed upon you insufficient?"

Walking at the rear, we weren't afraid of Ma Da overhearing. I replied, "No one owes me money, and the rank is high enough. I am simply unhappy, without reason or rhyme."

Ma Xiaorui became mysterious. "I know why you're unhappy."

I ignored her. With little girls, the more you press, the less they answer; ignore them, and they often approach you first. Ma Xiaorui, predictably, took the bait. "Hey, don't you want to know the reason?"

"All right, all right. Look at your face, as if I've offended you. You’ve fallen for Sister Cai Jingjing, haven't you? Don't deny it. I heard everything yesterday when the Imperial Brother was reminding Fifteenth Sister. You have taste, kid. Sister Cai Jingjing is beautiful, but most importantly, she has a devilish figure. In the entire Twin City Kingdom, only my Fifteenth Sister can compare. Of course, I know Sister Yun Yao is no less impressive. You, kid, boil down to one word: 'lustful.'"

Ugh, this girl is too blunt. I wonder what Ma Xiaoda told Ma Xiaowei. Did he possibly say I was trying to woo Cai Jingjing and needed her help in the middle? That boy is the type to say such things. I secretly glanced at Ma Xiaowei ahead; she seemed unconcerned. I decided to check with Ma Xiaoda later.

All the way there, Ma Xiaorui kept finding opportunities to needle me. The way she spoke made it sound like a toad aspiring to eat swan meat. Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing were such beautiful and noble girls, and I was just an ordinary little man. Perhaps here, besides Yun Yao and Linglong, no one believed they were actually my real wives—the kind I’ve shared a bed with.

To facilitate the royal family's potential escape maneuvers, the anti-gravity device on that escape pod had been kept active, and its hatch set to remain open long-term. I had secured all the important rooms inside anyway; even Ma Xiaorui couldn't pry them open. Currently, that escape pod was situated in the Royal Imperial Garden.

The so-called Imperial Garden was merely a landscape area on a hillside, with one location in the East City and another in the West City. However, where we were headed wasn't the Imperial Garden, but down the hill to the base of the mountain, near the inner city wall, because Prince Dan hadn't yet managed to transport such a heavy object up to the hillside Imperial Garden.

All the escape pods on the transport ship shared identical exteriors. When I saw this one, I couldn't determine its owner just by looking, nor could I ascertain the extent of its internal damage.

Prince Dan rushed over cheerfully, despite the presence of someone behind the Emperor whom he clearly disliked. "Your Majesty, please behold! Aren't these two escape pods exactly the same? Positioned left and right, they mirror each other, assisting Your Majesty in governing the realm just like your two Prime Ministers."

Why was Prince Dan comparing the escape pod to left and right ministers today? Had he offended Pang Hu and decided to join the Prime Minister Faction?

Ma Da nodded at Prince Dan in acknowledgement, then stepped forward, touched the pod twice, and walked around it once before turning to me. "Marshal Zhao, you are the expert on this thing. Take a look and see if this hatch can be opened. I wonder if a beauty will step out, like in the legends from Feiyu County?"

I certainly hoped so. But if it wasn't a beautiful woman stepping out, but rather the corpse of one, I wouldn't have time to cry. Although Ma Xiaorui was present and likely to cause trouble, I couldn't afford to hesitate now that Ma Da had spoken. I needed to open it immediately to check.

However, I found an excuse to have the others stand back first. "Your Majesty, I request the Imperial Guards stand ready for security. If anything inside were to harm anyone, this humble subject would be greatly at fault."

Two squads of Imperial Guards were already flanking Ma Da closely. Ma Da waved his hand, and they immediately took a defensive posture with swords drawn. Ma Xiaowei pulled Ma Xiaorui, Xu Chen, and the others back more than ten paces.

It was fortunate that the hatch control system for this escape pod was also functional. This gave me a fifty percent chance of confirming that no pilot was trapped inside, assuming she hadn't died from severe injuries.

I quietly set the password and fingerprint verification for the next opening of the escape pod hatch, then, with trepidation, opened the door. There was no scorched smell inside, unlike the pod Cheng Susu had occupied in Feiyu County. Ma Xiaorui called from behind, "Commander Zhao, what's the situation inside? Can we come in for a look?"

I turned back. "No! Your Highness the Princess must not risk entering. I will notify everyone once I confirm there is no danger inside!"

Entering the escape pod, I ignored everything else and rushed to open the cockpit door. Empty!

I breathed a long sigh of relief. My wives were all exceptionally intelligent; I trusted none of them would be in danger.

I tentatively tried to activate the main computer of the control system, and to my surprise, it worked! This escape pod was operational! My hands started trembling with nervousness. I sat in the pilot's seat and quickly checked everything—all systems were normal! Good heavens, Prince Dan truly did me a favor, though I caused him to offend Grand Tutor Pang. I must find a way to compensate him later.

Perhaps I rejoiced too soon. When I attempted to start the escape pod, I discovered that every command was invalid! Jumping down to the machinery bay for inspection, I realized the electronics and control systems of this pod were fine. The problem lay in the mechanical components: the propulsion system parts were all shattered. Since these components couldn't function, the commands naturally failed. However, I could still manually activate the anti-gravity device because it didn't rely on the propulsion system; only the propulsion system was destroyed. Like the previous pod, this escape pod could only be moved by external force.

Though inwardly annoyed, the other escape pod's propulsion system was functional. That one had a faulty control chip software section. If the two were combined, they could form one perfectly intact escape pod. However, this assembly job wouldn't be simple, and it was best done away from outsiders. I needed a plan to trick this pod back to the Imperial Stables first; that was my territory, and I could do as I pleased there.

Since the fault was found, there was no time to waste. I checked the weaponry of this escape pod. The two spare laser pistols for the pilot and co-pilot were in the cockpit, meaning this beautiful wife had likely left without any weapons. Opening the rear equipment bay, all ten laser pistols were present and accounted for, and the ten military knives were intact. Unexpectedly, this escape pod included ten sets of space suits. It seemed there were many loopholes in the management of the space station. If this one had them, why didn't Cheng Susu’s pod? I would need to strengthen their management upon returning to Earth.

Aside from these items, the medical supplies were the same as those in the other pod, which solved the recent crisis of insufficient medicine. There were also many dehydrated food rations. While having plenty to eat and drink wasn't a pressing issue now, it wouldn't hurt to let Ma Xiaorui and Ma Xiaowei taste a few compressed biscuits.

After closing all the useful hatches, I climbed down. Prince Dan, standing nearby, looked at me as if seeing me for the first time. He hadn't understood why the Emperor appointed a 'Commander' until now, realizing the title wasn't hollow. Such a perfectly smooth, giant egg-shaped object could be opened with just a few touches—a feat only one person in the entire Twin City Kingdom could perform. Even though this person was taking his prospective daughter-in-law, currently, no one had the advantage; the girl had been taken by the Emperor.

Before Ma Da could speak, Ma Xiaorui couldn't contain herself. "Commander Zhao, what's the situation? Can we go inside for a tour now?"

I said to Ma Da, "Your Majesty, there is nothing inside. If everyone is curious, you may take a look."

Ma Xiaorui pulled the three girls and rushed in. Ma Da asked me, "Is this escape pod damaged like the previous one?"

I decided not to hide it from Ma Da. "Yes, Your Majesty, but the fault in this one differs from the original one. If we combine the two, we might be able to repair one functional craft."

Ma Da saw Prince Dan also carefully squeezing inside, and with no outsiders left, he asked me, "What would the result be if you repaired one?"

"It could fly, Your Majesty—a kind of super-fast flight, faster and higher than a bird."

Ma Da was ecstatic. "Truly? Capable of soaring to the heavens and diving into the seas?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. This humble subject wishes to fulfill this desire for Your Majesty. However, performing this repair within the confines of the palace is very inconvenient. I request Your Majesty's permission to take both escape pods back to the Imperial Stables. Once I complete the repairs, I can take Your Majesty's entire family to tour the Gemini Stars."

Reaching the sky and traversing the earth has always been humanity's undying pursuit. Ma Da's face flushed with joy. "Good, good, I approve. But the Empress and the Empress Dowager both wish to see this escape pod. Marshal Zhao, could you first bring it to the Imperial Garden? After the Empress and Empress Dowager have viewed it, you may take it back to the Stables. Once repaired, you can take me on an aerial tour."

"No problem, Your Majesty. This humble subject will attend to it immediately."

"No rush, no rush," Ma Da said. "Let's go eat first."

Prince Dan deserved high praise from Ma Da for his contribution, yet he wasn't invited to share lunch. It was clear he envied me for dining with the Crown Prince and Princesses alongside Ma Da. This was, after all, a family meal for Ma Da, yet I, an outsider, was permitted to attend, while he, a royal uncle of the same lineage, was shut out. Prince Dan naturally felt resentful, but he dared not voice it.

After the meal, Ma Da needed to review memorials, but he gave me a writ. Once the Empress Dowager and Empress had inspected the escape pod, I could take both off the palace grounds. Ma Xiaoda, having nothing to do in the afternoon, naturally tagged along for the excitement. Ma Xiaorui, bored anyway, dragged the other three girls along to help me retrieve the escape pod at the inner city wall.

Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing wouldn't speak to me. In a fit of pique, I resolved to ignore them as well. We acted like passersby, completely disregarding one another. If Yun Yao were here to see this scene, she would surely be heartbroken.

Ma Xiaoda enthusiastically helped me descend into the machinery bay to activate the anti-gravity device. The escape pod, which had been so heavy it was sinking into the ground, immediately became feather-light. Although Ma Xiaorui and the others had seen it before, they still squealed and jumped with surprise. Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing finally gave me a proper look, recognizing that I possessed an extra skill: controlling the escape pod. No matter which girl, they would always pay special attention to a capable man.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Princess, Marshal Zhao, what an honor to run into you here," said the speaker, Zhang Guan—a man I disliked but had to deal with.

Ma Xiaorui had zero good impressions of Zhang Guan, the main reason being that the talking bird he brought caused her to be severely scolded by her mother, the Empress, and the Empress Dowager. Seeing Zhang Guan now, she nearly cursed him out loud. "General Zhang, what are you doing here? You are not welcome!"

Zhang Guan didn't understand why he was suddenly unwelcome. Wasn't that bird quite pleasing to the princesses? Had the bird died, causing the princess grief, leading to this reaction? Thinking this, Zhang Guan said, "Sixteenth Princess, I happen to be on duty today. Protecting your safety is my responsibility. By the way, I have captured another talking parrot; I will send it over later."

Ma Xiaorui exploded. "Insolent Zhang Guan! Do you think the scolding from the Empress and Empress Dowager wasn't enough? Begone, get out of here! You are not welcome here."

Zhang Guan was confused about how he had offended this spoiled princess. He quietly stepped aside but kept signaling at me with his eyes. I knew I couldn't ignore him now, so I stepped forward and said to him, "General Zhang, alas, this matter is rather complicated. Originally, the bird you sent greatly pleased the princesses. But who knew your cage was too flimsy? The bird escaped, and the Sixteenth Princess turned the entire palace upside down searching for it. The Empress and Empress Dowager lectured her severely, so she is taking her anger out on you."

Zhang Guan looked enlightened. "So that's it! Thank you for the reminder, Marshal Zhao. I thought something had gone wrong; it turns out the birdcage was at fault. I certainly won't make the same mistake next time."

I inwardly thought, I hope you make the same mistake a hundred times. It seemed Ma Xiaorui hadn't spoken kindly of Zhang Guan in front of Xu Chen, as Xu Chen wasn't as warm or concerned toward him this time as she had been previously. Ma Xiaorui’s sowing of discord seemed effective. It looked like I needed to cultivate favor with Ma Xiaorui more in the future and absolutely avoid offending this young girl, or she would certainly cause me trouble.

Ma Xiaoda completely ignored Zhang Guan. He had his men tie the escape pod tightly with ropes and then pulled the dangling pod toward the Imperial Garden. Zhang Guan walked behind Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing, bowing obsequiously to Cai Jingjing. "It turns out the Emperor has found Miss Cai as well. Congratulations, Miss Cai, congratulations."

Cai Jingjing paused. The Emperor hadn't visited her in the past two days, but the Crown Prince and Princesses came to play with her daily. They were all young, and they quickly became familiar. Compared to the outside world, Cai Jingjing preferred the safety here. She had even decided to stay and keep company with Xu Chen and the two little princesses, with whom she got along so well. As for who she was, why make things difficult for herself by trying to remember?

"You, what did you call me?" Cai Jingjing asked Zhang Guan.

Zhang Guan said, "Oh, aren't you Miss Cai Jingjing? You and Princess Xu Chen are both people the Emperor is searching for. I assumed you already knew. Perhaps you have amnesia too, like Princess Xu Chen?"

Zhang Guan had found Xu Chen, and he still had a clear memory of the few beautiful portraits he had seen. That's why he asked Cai Jingjing this now. Zhang Guan had left the revelry at Huatian Jiudi before Cai Jingjing arrived at the Twin Star Moon Hall, so this was his first time meeting her.

With memories stirred up, Cai Jingjing couldn't help but become anxious. "Do you, do you know who I am?"

Zhang Guan shook his head. "Please forgive me, Miss. I only know that the Emperor possesses seven beautiful portraits. Some palace eunuchs whisper that finding all seven beauties grants eternal life and secures the nation. I was fortunate enough to find Princess Xu Chen for the Emperor, and I never imagined the Emperor would find the second so quickly. This must portend that our dynasty's foundation will last ten thousand years, and that the border reinforcement effort will be a great victory."

What nonsense was this? Wasn't this blatant falsehood? What connection did my wives have to the foundation of the Twin City Kingdom? It must be those eunuchs, seeing the Emperor's secrecy on the matter, who fabricated such conjectures.

Xu Chen, walking beside Cai Jingjing, also became attentive when she heard Zhang Guan mention her. "General Zhang, is what you said true? I don't believe in such silly legends, and I know Father wouldn't either. But based on your words, does it mean that Sister Jingjing and I knew each other before? Is there a connection to our amnesia?"

Zhang Guan sensed Xu Chen's growing distance; he clearly remembered this beauty used to call him 'Big Brother Zhang' affectionately. His spirits dampened. "This... this subordinate does not know."

Cai Jingjing pulled Xu Chen aside and whispered in her ear, "Xu Chen, I know one person who knows about this."

Xu Chen asked suspiciously, "Who?"

Cai Jingjing nodded toward him. "Him."

"Physician Zhao?"

Cai Jingjing replied, "Yes, him. He was about to tell me at Huatian Jiudi that day, but I didn't believe him and tried hard to avoid him. Later, he took out a mobile phone, and I remembered I used to have one too. So, he asked me to go back and get it for verification. Who knew the gallstone incident happened mid-way, disrupting the plan? I lost contact with him temporarily until the Emperor brought me here. I think asking him is the right course of action."

Xu Chen said, "That's good. I wish there were a connection between us; I really like you as an older sister."

Cai Jingjing said, "I feel there must be a connection. Maybe we were good sisters before; otherwise, why this instant kinship? There are too many people now. We'll find a quiet moment to ask him later."

Upon reaching the Imperial Garden, Zhang Guan tried to follow, but Ma Xiaorui objected, "Hey, why are you following us?"

Zhang Guan looked toward Xu Chen ahead. "Sixteenth Princess, protecting you is my duty. There are many dangers in the Imperial Garden; I must protect you closely."

Ma Xiaorui retorted, "Nonsense! What danger is there in the Imperial Garden? I'm telling you, stop having wicked ideas about my Sister Xu Chen! I’d rather she marry Zhao Qian than marry you! Give up that thought early!"

Zhang Guan's face paled, but he wasn't giving up. "Your Highness the Sixteenth Princess misunderstands this subordinate. There is a Moon Lake in the Imperial Garden; the water is dozens of feet deep. Palace maids have fallen in before, so I am uneasy unless I provide close protection for you all."

Ma Xiaorui snorted. "Do as you wish. But since you caused me to be scolded by the Empress and Empress Dowager, I won't let you touch Sister Xu Chen again! Hmph, I'll make you watch with longing while you fume."

Zhang Guan felt deeply wronged in his heart. What did the bird flying away have to do with him? Besides, when had he ever touched Princess Xu Chen? I guess I'm incredibly unlucky to be entangled with this ghost girl. If she says enough bad things about me to Xu Chen, my chances of pursuing Xu Chen are nine parts doomed.

The Empress and the Empress Dowager were both very beautiful women. The Empress Dowager was older but not yet ancient, as she wasn't Ma Da's biological mother. The Empress couldn't be older than twenty-six, likely younger than Cheng Susu. Old Ma Da really enjoyed 'tender grass.' The two dignified mothers of the nation were taking their afternoon stroll with a group of 'sallow-faced, emaciated' young eunuchs and maids. Upon seeing Ma Xiaoda leading another massive toy, they immediately gathered around. The palace was too stuffy; they needed diversion too.

I noticed the bearing and countenances of those eunuchs suggested they had indeed been castrated. They were now true eunuchs, all because I had spoken a few too many words while drinking. Ma Xiaoda saw me staring at their crotches and quietly told me, "Zhao Qian, I had Father order all these men castrated. The palace will gradually replace the male staff with these gelded servants in batches. Haha, now we don't have to worry about them consorting with the palace maids and concubines—it’s truly a brilliant strategy!"

Not brilliant, this was a vicious scheme. I grimaced. "Ma Xiaoda, you've ruined me! I fear my ancestors for eighteen generations are being cursed by these men."

Ma Xiaoda looked utterly unconcerned. “What are you afraid of? No one knows you came up with the idea. Father Emperor was happy about this for days.

Even if he doesn't say it aloud, I can tell that appointing you as the supervisor for this inspection is largely a compliment. Moreover, this is extremely beneficial to our plan. I want you to slowly infiltrate their inner circle and divide their strength. Do you think that can work?” Everyone expected me to do it, so whether I could or not, I had to.

I silently flashed an 'OK' sign, and Ma Xiaoda returned one. Ma Xiaorui saw it from the side, but she was utterly bewildered, as she had no idea what 'OK' meant. The escape pod delivered from Feiyu County was placed under a large awning. The weather here was too frequently damp, and the hatch had to be left open daily without cover.

A stake was driven into the ground, to which the escape pod was tethered, preventing it from being blown away by a gust of wind. It looked rather comical, much like tethering a bull or a horse. After everyone paid their respects to the Mistress of the Inner Palace according to custom, the Empress addressed me: "Commander Zhao, we heard that people standing inside this escape pod won't notice if their heads and feet are swapped. Is this true?" I replied, "Yes, Your Majesty.

This is because the escape pod contains an independent gravity system." The Empress said, "Oh, we don't understand those technical details, but the Grand Empress Dowager and I are very interested in this. Commander Zhao, would you perhaps be willing to give us a demonstration?" "Certainly, Your Majesty, if you are not afraid to experience it firsthand." Although the Empress held the highest rank among women, she was no ancient crone; she was merely a young woman in her early twenties. Hearing my words, she laughed, "Very well. How does one experience it?

Will there be any danger?" I assured her, "This humble servant guarantees absolutely no danger. Please step into the escape pod and stand firm, Your Majesty. Then, I will close the hatch, invert the pod, and finally, I ask you to step out and share your sensations." The Empress smiled sweetly, slightly adjusted the ribbons of her dress, and with a light skip, she stepped into the escape pod. She looked back at the Grand Empress Dowager and said, "Your Majesty, you must keep a close eye on me, lest this Commander Zhao trick me with some parlor game." I was dumbfounded.

Did I really need to deceive her? Besides, I wouldn't dare. I was living under their roof; I had no choice but to be deferential. Ma Xiaoda spoke to his mother, "Mother, don't worry.

With your son here, I can see through any trickery. But Zhan Shi Zhao is genuinely capable, and besides, how dare he try to fool you and my grandmother?" The Empress nodded, but she still seemed somewhat fearful. So, Ma Xiaorui volunteered to accompany her. Once the two were seated inside, I closed the hatch and had men roll the escape pod over seven or eight times.

The sight terrified the Grand Empress Dowager, whose face changed color. "Quickly, stop! Don't injure the Empress and the Princess!" I knew words were useless; only facts could secure belief. I opened the hatch and allowed the Empress and Ma Xiaorui to emerge.

Seeing them perfectly unharmed, the Grand Empress Dowager finally sighed in relief. "You scared me half to death! Are you both alright?" Seeing the Empress Dowager's anxiety, the Empress realized that the demonstration of inverted orientation must have been quite exaggerated. Yet, having experienced it herself, she had sensed no abnormality.

She marveled at how miraculous the device was, beaming with delight. "Commander Zhao's skill is truly extraordinary! Guards, reward him!" A supervising eunuch carried over a bag of iron coins and handed it to me—probably over a thousand. Honestly, I would have preferred the jade pendants the Empress wore.

They would look lovely on Yun Yao or Zhou Ni, but on Gemini, iron is considered supreme, making jade worthless trinkets. Never mind; it was better than no reward, and winning the favor of the Empress and the Grand Empress Dowager would surely be advantageous for future endeavors. After thanking the Empress and the Grand Empress Dowager, I was politely set aside. Once the initial novelty wore off, the imperial family huddled together, engaging in familiar conversation.

Since Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing were well-behaved, adorable, and naturally pretty, they easily integrated into their circle. As for me, a man who couldn't flatter like Zhang Guan by interjecting occasional praise, I was left bored, sitting by the shore of Moon Sea, watching my reflection in the water. I wouldn't grovel like Zhang Guan even if you threatened me with death. Since they were enjoying their chat, I might as well take my leave and return the two escape pods to the Imperial Stables.

The Empress and the Grand Empress Dowager had seen and played with them enough. The escape pod delivered today held significant potential. Aside from its repairability, the weaponry inside was very important to me. I now possessed quite a few laser guns.

Could I assemble a pistol squad? Wouldn't the combined fire of a dozen laser guns be powerful enough? Haven't I always lacked the power to intimidate others? That pistol squad could be the start.

As for a special forces unit, that would take time to train, but gaining twelve more laser guns today presented an unexpected opportunity that needed careful utilization. Those ten sets of spacesuits could also be put to good use. One must remember that spacesuits cost hundreds of millions of dollars; they are far superior to bulletproof vests because space contains countless high-velocity micrometeoroids. If a spacesuit couldn't guard against that, it wouldn't qualify as one.

Furthermore, it is a self-contained ecosystem; perhaps later, in case of chemical warfare, they could serve as gas masks. Thinking of this, I could sit still no longer. I stood up to bid farewell to the Empress and the others, but unexpectedly, Ma Xiaowei called out to keep me there. She said, "Zhan Shi Zhao, General Zhang just told us a very touching story.

We know you are also skilled at storytelling. Since so many of us are gathered today and everyone is happy, why don't you tell us another one?" I glanced at Cai Jingjing and Xu Chen, then at Zhang Guan, who was carefully serving nearby. I thought: You two might be happy, but your husband is severely displeased. In your hearts right now, I'm probably not as favored as Zhang Guan.

You want a story? Fine, I’ll tell one. I'll make you happy, and then I'll make you cry before I finish. Ma Xiaorui chimed in, "Yes, Zhan Shi Zhao.

As my imperial brother's teacher, you must have some skill. Father Emperor also praised your knowledge of astronomy and geography. Although the ending of the Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai story you told last time made me very angry, I have never heard such a beautiful tale. And Sister Fifteen even specially drew illustrations for your story!

Speaking of which, Sister Fifteen, where are those illustrations? Bring them out so Zhan Shi Zhao can see them. They are so detailed; he probably couldn't draw them himself." Ma Xiaowei secretly glanced at me, stammering, "I... I don't have them anymore.

I misplaced them." The Grand Empress Dowager remarked, "So it was Zhan Shi Zhao who told the story of Liang Zhu. Xiaorui told me about it; it was very moving, much deeper than General Zhang's stories. You must know that there aren't many examples in the world where lovers end up together. Most people live ordinary lives.

However, the spirit of love between Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai deeply touched us. It was a very, very good story, Zhan Shi Zhao. If you have any better stories, please share them with us." Zhang Guan, being sly and cunning, always ended his winding stories with a happy finale, perhaps fearing blame from the royalty. But I didn't need to cater to their tastes.

I would tell the stories exactly as I had encountered them. If they didn't wish to listen, there was nothing I could do. Seeing that Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing also looked eager, I said, "As per the Grand Empress Dowager's decree, this humble subject will tell you a story from my homeland. This story is called Waterloo Bridge, and it takes place during the First World War in our hometown.

It begins like this: A Colonel Roy steps down from a military truck. He pulls an ivory charm from his pocket, and a romance that unfolded twenty years prior on the Waterloo Bridge unfolds before his eyes..." Ma Xiaorui interrupted my story: "What is a military truck? Where is Waterloo Bridge? And what is ivory?

Why is it a romance from twenty years ago?" Ma Xiaowei stopped her sister. "Xiaorui, just listen to Zhan Shi Zhao continue. Some things are unique to Zhan Shi Zhao's homeland; stop asking random questions." I gave Ma Xiaowei a grateful look, but she hastily lowered her head, looking flustered. I didn't dwell on her expression and began narrating the love story of Roy and Myra.

It was actually a film. Vivien Leigh, who played Myra, was a foreign actress with immense influence in the Great Dragon Country. Besides her beauty, her superb acting was also a major factor. The war forced Roy and Myra, who had just met on Waterloo Bridge, to separate.

Time was so short that they couldn't rush to the church for the ceremony. Roy had to depart for the front lines, and Myra insisted on seeing him off. As a result, she missed her performance; she was a ballerina, and for this, she and her close friend Kitty were both dismissed. Shortly after, Myra saw the casualty reports, and Roy’s name was prominently listed among the dead.

Myra fell gravely ill. Kitty, struggling to support them both and pay for Myra's medical expenses, was forced into prostitution. When Myra recovered, she learned of this situation and was heartbroken. Unable to bear the burden of supporting them both alone, she too became a streetwalker.

By this point in the story, the Empress and the Grand Empress Dowager showed signs of distaste, but they didn't stop me. Perhaps life in the deep palace was truly dull; they might listen to even a risqué tale. Ma Xiaorui and Ma Xiaowei, however, listened with rapt attention, perhaps having no idea what a prostitute was. Since no one voiced an objection, I naturally continued, because the most crucial **scene was coming—the part that would truly touch the deepest corners of their emotional worlds.

At the Waterloo station, the heavily made-up Myra was soliciting customers when suddenly a familiar figure approached her. It was Roy; he hadn't died. He had returned! The two embraced and wept bitterly.

Roy, newly reunited, was unaware of Myra’s true circumstances, but he refused to leave her side for a moment and wouldn't let Myra argue; he insisted on taking her home to marry. However, upon arriving at Roy's family home, many people and events made it clear to Myra: she, a prostitute, was unworthy of being Roy's wife. Unable to maintain the pretense, she honestly explained her situation to Roy’s mother and declared her intention to leave Roy forever. Roy's mother did not try to keep her and even promised not to reveal the truth to her son.

As Myra left Roy’s mother, she encountered Roy, who was too happy to sleep. Roy didn't notice Myra’s unusual demeanor; filled with affection, he exchanged his protective talisman—the ivory charm—for Myra to keep safe. Myra left behind a farewell letter thanking Roy for his love and then departed Roy’s house. When Roy discovered the letter, he chased her to the city where they first met.

He found Kitty, who explained everything to him. Roy said sorrowfully, "I must find her." Roy and Kitty searched everywhere possible, but Myra was nowhere to be found. Roy suddenly remembered the Waterloo Bridge where they first met, and grabbing Kitty, he ran toward it without hesitation. At that moment, Myra was on the Waterloo Bridge.

A column of military trucks rumbled past. Myra fearlessly walked toward the speeding vehicles. Her pale face, illuminated by the headlights, appeared beautiful and sacred. Amidst the screams of the crowd and the screeching of brakes, Myra ended her life.

Her handbag and an ivory charm scattered on the ground. The lingering, poignant tragedy, the deeply moving emotional impact, and the sorrowful love story left everyone stunned. My memory is excellent; having watched Waterloo Bridge only once, I could recite it verbatim, and my narration was vividly lifelike. I even imitated each character’s tone skillfully.

It was as if the audience were listening to a radio play. Initially, some people held deep contempt for Myra’s status as a prostitute, but as the plot unfolded, even the Empress and the Grand Empress Dowager were moved by the girl. As the Empress Dowager rightly said earlier, few lovers in this world truly find eternal union; people of royal blood are always aloof, unaware of the common people's hardships. Hearing the story of an ordinary, perhaps even lowly, person in their eyes deeply stirred their softer emotions.

The Empress Dowager touched the corner of her eye, and the Empress also shed tears of emotion. Only Ma Xiaorui became restless again. She had been listening silently, tears streaming, to the sorrowful love story. When I suddenly stopped speaking, she finally let out her sobs unrestrainedly.

I ignored her and instead started singing in my imperfect voice. I couldn't believe that a story and a song capable of moving hundreds of millions of people in my country wouldn't move these few women. "Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne." This story held a deep allegory for me. After all, I, too, was desperately searching for the women I loved. And I had firmly resolved to track them down, no matter where they were, to bring them back safely—even if they no longer loved me, even if they were married to someone else, I would stop at nothing to reclaim them. Telling the story of Waterloo Bridge in front of Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing was precisely my declaration of intent.

"'For auld lang syne, and friends long gone,'" Ma Xiaowei whispered, two clear tear tracks on her face. Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing were no better off, especially Xu Chen. The way she looked at me changed; a look of respect and familiarity seemed to emanate unintentionally. This was the second story she had heard from me.

Perhaps in that moment, she believed that a man capable of telling such a desolate love story couldn't be entirely bad. "Waaa!" Ma Xiaorui cried even more fiercely than when she heard the last story. "Damn Zhao Qian, you made the ending tragic again! I don't care, you have to retell it!

Since Roy and Myra missed the three o'clock church wedding time, why couldn't you just have them arrive a little earlier? Or what about that damned death list? Myra shouldn't have seen it, or they shouldn't have reported Roy’s name! And those neighbors and relatives in Roy’s hometown—they are all villains!

What’s wrong with being a prostitute? Can't prostitutes love? Can't prostitutes get married? Does marrying a prostitute really mean losing face for the whole family?" Ma Xiaowei saw the Empress and the Grand Empress Dowager growing slightly annoyed by Ma Xiaorui’s repeated mention of "prostitute," so she quietly whispered a few reminders in Ma Xiaorui’s ear.

Ma Xiaorui’s face flushed, and she wiped her tears, falling silent. It seemed Ma Xiaowei understood what a prostitute did. The Grand Empress Dowager said, "Zhan Shi Zhao, that ending is truly too sad. Perhaps you should change it." "Ah," I thought, "are the elders becoming like children?

Can a story like this be casually altered? Changing the ending changes the entire meaning!" I replied, "Back to the Grand Empress Dowager, this story was not made up by me. Even if I changed the ending for you, it remains a genuine tale passed down in my homeland. Besides, without tragedy, where is the impact?

I trust that you two venerable ladies will never forget this story because it made you weep and moved you profoundly." The Empress, deeply affected, said, "Yes, Zhan Shi Zhao speaks truly. If it were just a comedy, we would have listened, smiled, and forgotten it. But now, my heart feels empty, and I likely won't sleep well tonight. In that case, forgetting it will be impossible.

This story has depth; it moved me even more than Liang Zhu." The crowd buzzed with discussion, especially Ma Xiaowei, who was holding Ma Xiaorui and recalling the lyrics I had sung. Seeing that it was getting late, I said, "Your Majesties, Your Highnesses, I have orders from the Emperor to take these two escape pods back for maintenance. If there is nothing else, I will take them and withdraw." The two imperial ladies were still savoring the memory. Hearing my words, they waved their hands.

"Go, go. The Emperor's affairs are urgent. Tell us more stories when you have the chance. It is very dull here in the palace without new faces." Xu Chen exchanged a look with Cai Jingjing, and the two quietly followed behind me.

However, that Zhang Guan, fearing he would be left behind, followed closely. He was determined to win Xu Chen over. Xu Chen secretly signaled Cai Jingjing, then she turned to Zhang Guan and said, "General Zhang, didn't you want to invite me to see Moon Sea? It's right here.

Shall we go to the lakeside to talk?" Zhang Guan, unaware that Xu Chen was deliberately distracting him, said happily, "Excellent, I would be delighted to accompany Her Highness to talk by the lake." Xu Chen’s voice was low, but my hearing seemed too acute. She actually invited Zhang Guan to the reservoir lake for a stroll! I remembered he had invited Xu Chen the day before yesterday, but it was unexpectedly postponed due to the martial arts exhibition. I couldn't believe Xu Chen was making it up to him today!

I was so angry I nearly vomited blood. What should I do? Confront Xu Chen? Or challenge Zhang Guan to a duel?

Confronting Xu Chen seemed improper from every angle because she didn't know she had been my wife, and everyone present, except for Ma Xiaoda, was unaware of that fact. If I risked a beheading by reprimanding a princess, wouldn't I just be asking for trouble? Challenging Zhang Guan to a duel seemed like I would be causing trouble without cause, as there was no evidence, and the principal party wouldn't admit she was my wife. This would earn me a reputation as a lustful and jealous man.

Not only would Mada be unable to help me, but future interactions with Xu Chen would become awkward. Moreover, this isn't Earth; this is the Dual City Kingdom of Gemini. It is not yet Zhao Qian's domain; things aren't decided solely by me here. Therefore, I must not act impulsively.

Impulse is the devil. At least not before I establish that squad of laser gunners absolutely loyal to me. If I gain absolute power later, then I can act as I did on Earth, without caring about anyone. No matter what, I must find a way to reclaim those two wives right now.

But how? I can't figure it out yet. Tomorrow, I'll have Linglong help me buy nine hundred and ninety-nine roses to see if that moves them. Angrily and dejectedly, I stepped forward and untied the two escape pods, preparing to tow them back to the Imperial Stables like two giant balloons.

Cai Jingjing suddenly appeared and stood in front of me. Ma Xiaoda and the others were still lost in the story, arguing amongst themselves and paying no attention to us. "Does Miss Cai need something?" Influenced by Xu Chen over there, my mood was somewhat despondent. Although my wife's sister stood before me, my reply lacked spirit, because I knew that no matter how energetic I seemed, they wouldn't instantly leap into my arms just because I looked lively.

Cai Jingjing had no idea what I was thinking. She said, "Supervisor Zhao, I misunderstood you the day before yesterday. Princess Xiaowei said you should be a good person. Actually, I have no other business.

Do you remember you mentioned things from before your amnesia? I want to hear about them now; would you mind telling me? Also, I want to know if Xu Chen and I knew each other before, because there is a tacit understanding between us, a feeling of instant closeness."

I sighed, wondering why they couldn't share that same understanding with me. Glancing over at Xu Chen, who was smiling and chatting with Zhang Guan by the lakeside, I suddenly had no mind to think about anything else; my earlier ambition to seek out beauties had faded into a blur. "I'm sorry, I don't want to talk about it now. All I can tell you is that you used to be very good friends. Your name is not Xiao Yu'er; your real name is Cai Jingjing, and you have an older brother named Cai Bao'er, who is one of my best friends. As for the relationship between you and me, I doubt you'd believe me even if I told you. I’m leaving."

Cai Jingjing countered, "How do you know I won't believe you if you don't tell me? You once said that someone I was looking for was instructed by your master. Doesn't that imply we might have a connection?"

I looked up at the sky, which seemed somewhat overcast, mirroring my current mood. "Do you really want to hear it? If I tell you, you mustn't get angry with me."

Seeing how serious I was, Cai Jingjing replied, "As long as you aren't deceiving me, why would I be angry?"

I stated, "Fine, then I'll tell you. You, Cai Jingjing, are Zhao Qian’s wife, and that Princess Xu Chen is also Zhao Qian’s wife. There, I've said it."

With that, ignoring Cai Jingjing’s shocked reaction, I grabbed the escape pod and prepared to leave. Cai Jingjing was indeed greatly startled; she even thought about cursing, yet the other party didn't seem to be joking. "You—you can't be joking with us. This is utterly impossible. Xu Chen and I don't know you at all."

I pulled the escape pod past Cai Jingjing’s attempt to stop me. "I apologize; I don't wish to explain further. Originally, I hadn't planned to tell Xu Chen about this so soon, but now it seems I have no choice. However, regardless of whom you love now, my only hope is to bring you safely back to Earth. Once we return, whom you choose to marry, Zhao Qian will absolutely not interfere in the slightest."

Cai Jingjing glanced back at Xu Chen, who was walking animatedly with Zhang Guan along the lake, and she understood what I meant by 'now I have no choice.' "I’m sorry, Sir Zhao. I cannot accept what you've told me, but I do believe we knew each other before, because I notice that only you and I possess this item."

Cai Jingjing said this while taking out her mobile phone from her bosom, adding, "Now I know I knew Xu Chen previously and we were even good friends. Next, I just want to know how to use this phone you mentioned."

I said dismissively, not even looking at her, "Press the red power button for three seconds, then input your fingerprint verification. After that, you can use your finger to touch the screen to issue commands. But I suggest you don't look at it, because I know you don't want to see those things."

Cai Jingjing looked somewhat puzzled. "I haven't seen it yet, how do you know I don't want to look? Please teach me exactly how to use it."

I glanced at Xu Chen, who was trailing slowly behind Zhang Guan along the lakeside path, and said to Cai Jingjing, "Figure it out yourself. My wife Yun Yao is waiting for me outside. Excuse me."

Splash! "H-Help! Help!" Xu Chen, who had been walking normally along the small pebble path by the lake, suddenly slipped. With a loud splash, she fell into the Moon Lake. This lake had no beach; it was artificially excavated, with a steep incline that dropped to the deep, azure water zone ten meters below in a single step.

Cai Jingjing and I were the furthest from the lake, and since I currently had no superpowers, it was impossible for me to rush over instantly to rescue her. The closest person to Xu Chen was naturally Zhang Guan, so close that he could have reached the water with one outstretched hand.

Zhang Guan was also startled when he saw Xu Chen fall in. As someone trained in the military, he had some rudimentary experience, so his reaction was quick. He lunged out and grabbed Xu Chen, who was thrashing wildly in the water. Xu Chen couldn't swim!

Instinctive struggling when a non-swimmer falls into water is extremely dangerous; it often drags even proficient swimmers down to drown. Zhang Guan grabbed her too quickly, and with the pebble path under his feet being slick, Xu Chen instinctively grabbed Zhang Guan’s hand, using it to desperately climb back toward the shore. Zhang Guan lost his footing and, with a thud, fell into the water as well.

Almost all inhabitants of the Twin City Nation are landlubbers; I’ve never heard of anyone who could swim. Zhang Guan was pulled into the water and swallowed a mouthful, frightening half his soul out. He tried to push toward the bank, but Xu Chen held onto his arm tightly and wouldn't let go. Soon, he swallowed another mouthful, choking so badly his soul nearly fled. The will to survive made him forget about the beauty; he turned and punched Xu Chen squarely on the head. Xu Chen, struck suddenly, instinctively covered her head to guard herself, but in doing so, she let go of Zhang Guan. Zhang Guan grabbed a sharp, angular rock by the shore and began climbing desperately upward, as if some monster lurked in the water behind him.