Four girls gathered again early in the morning, and naturally, the conversation drifted toward that man. Ma Xiaorui maintained her usual air of nonchalance, announcing to the group, "Sisters, I have decided to secretly slip out of the palace to find him."

Ma Xiaowei stopped her. "Absolutely not. Father Emperor commanded us to remain well within the palace walls. If he discovers you sneaking out, he will be furious."

"But I feel so uneasy unless I explain things to him," Ma Xiaorui retorted. "I can't even sleep at night. Ha... I'm exhausted. Hey, why do all of you look so listless too? Did you all suffer from insomnia last night?"

Xu Chen, Cai Jingjing, and Ma Xiaowei reacted like little rabbits whose tails had been grabbed. "N-no, we slept perfectly fine. Why would we be sleepless? We have no worries."

Ma Xiaorui glanced at the three, as if catching them red-handed. "No, no, you look fine, so why are you in this state? Hmm, Sister Xiaowei, sleeplessness has a clear cause for you—lovesickness. But why are the two of you sleepless? Could you also be afflicted by lovesickness..."

Ma Xiaowei nearly jumped up to cover Ma Xiaorui's mouth. "What nonsense are you speaking? Who is lovesick?"

Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing were not flustered by Ma Xiaorui revealing their secrets; instead, they were greatly surprised that Xiaorui implied Xiaowei had a crush. Girls are like that; they could accept the other women sharing that man because, theoretically, they came after them, and all shared an origin in the same world, belonging to the same emotional cohort.

But Ma Xiaowei was different. She was not part of his original circle of women but an indigenous human of this planet. Thus, Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing felt a strong sense of repulsion deep down. Moreover, Ma Xiaowei was a Princess, and her high and mighty status made the two women somewhat intimidated, fearing their lower standing would be completely overshadowed by her.

"Xiaowei, you—you haven't fallen for him, have you?" Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing asked.

When Ma Xiaowei realized these two sisters were taking the accusation seriously, she panicked. "No! It’s all Xiaorui's fault; she’s fabricating something from nothing!"

Ma Xiaorui was not appeased. "Sister, don't argue with me. Fine, then bring out those two sets of story picture cards. Only if you can produce those two sets will I believe there’s truly nothing between you and him. If you can't, it means you must have given them to him as tokens of affection. I know you can't produce them because yesterday you admitted you gave them to him."

Ma Xiaowei looked very guilty. "He really made me burn them, truly! I only admitted it casually yesterday because Xiaorui pushed me too hard."

Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing’s eyes shone brightly. Ma Xiaowei's expression showed no sign of having burned anything; it clearly signaled that she had gifted the items to him. A pang of jealousy struck Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing. The two said, "Xiaowei, so you really like him. He is so outstanding; it's not strange that you've fallen for him. But you two belong to different worlds; do you think your love has any future?"

Ma Xiaowei covered her face, ready to run away, utterly mortified. "Stop talking! There is truly nothing between him and me!"

Ma Xiaorui grabbed her sister’s arm. "Alright, Fifteenth Sister, we were just teasing you. You are with us every day; is there anything between you two that we don't already know?"

Ma Xiaowei finally found her footing. "Exactly! You should know yourselves. When have I ever gone out alone with him? You always manage to pin false crimes on him."

Ma Xiaorui nodded, then suddenly pulled a pair of scissors from her bosom. The others stared at the implement in surprise. Why carry such a thing? What if she tripped and injured herself? Ma Xiaorui grit her teeth. "Sisters, you all know that scoundrel violated my purity. Originally, I intended for him to become my brother-in-law, and as his sister-in-law, it would be awkward for me to pursue this violation further, lest I make things difficult for Fifteenth Sister. But now that Fifteenth Imperial Sister doesn't care for him, for the sake of my purity and hers, I have decided to assassinate him!"

Thud, thud, thud—three stools fell over simultaneously. The three exquisite, beautiful girls were terrified, their faces drained of color. Ma Xiaorui had originally wanted to see Ma Xiaowei embarrassed, certain that her Fifteenth Imperial Sister harbored feelings for the man, but this scare had coincidentally frightened the other two as well.

"Why... why are you so scared?" Ma Xiaorui momentarily forgot her triumph and asked Cai Jingjing and Xu Chen with confusion.

Cai Jingjing said anxiously, "You cannot kill him!"

Ma Xiaorui asked strangely, "Why? Have you fallen for that man too? Impossible. He never touched you or kissed you; you have no reason to wrong yourself like this."

Cai Jingjing was frantic. She had learned a lot about Ma Xiaorui’s temperament lately; if she said she was going to assassinate someone, she would certainly do it. Xiaorui said he hadn't touched or kissed her, meaning Xiaorui didn't know the real situation. In reality, Cai Jingjing had not only nursed him while pretending to be an older sister but her body already belonged to him. If anything happened to him, wouldn't she and Xu Chen become widows?

Cai Jingjing certainly dared not reveal this to Ma Xiaorui. She frowned and explained, "He is Xu Chen’s savior. If you kill him, wouldn't you put Xu Chen in a position of ingratitude and injustice?"

Xu Chen snapped back to reality; this reason was good. Defending a savior was naturally right. "Yes, Xiaorui, he saved my life. If you kill him now, what do you expect me to do?"

Ma Xiaorui looked troubled. "But he touched me and Fifteenth Sister. How do we settle this debt? Are we just supposed to endure it? If word gets out, who will want to marry me and Fifteenth Sister? You all should think of a proper solution for us."

Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing were also troubled. The separation between men and women in this world was strictly enforced. Physical contact was necessary that day to save a life, but asking him to marry two princesses because of it was absolutely unacceptable. Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing certainly did not want to add rivals to their affections, even if that rival was a good friend.

Seeing that no one spoke, Ma Xiaorui declared, "So, none of you have a solution. Fine, I have decided. I will first have my Imperial Brother escort me out of the palace to see him. Of course, I won't assassinate him immediately upon meeting. I'll give him a chance to make amends. If he agrees to marry my Fifteenth Imperial Sister, then this matter ends here. If he refuses, I'll use this scissor..."

"Ah... you can't kill him!" the three girls cried out together.

Ma Xiaorui chuckled coquettishly. "Look how worried you are. Who said I was going to kill him? I plan to emulate Father Emperor—castrate him and keep him by our side to play with and tell us stories every day."

The three girls collapsed onto the floor again. This was even harsher than killing him. Ma Xiaorui rarely saw the three so utterly undone, which only made her more delighted. "I wonder what he’ll look like as a eunuch?"

I wonder if Sister Yun Yao will be sad? she mused. The method of castration, according to Imperial Brother, requires extreme precision. Perhaps I should consult him first to avoid accidentally killing him. If that happens, we’ll have no one to tell us stories. You all chat; I’m going to find Imperial Brother.

Just as the three were about to stop Ma Xiaorui, someone called from outside the door. "Who is looking for me? This Crown Prince is in a splendid mood today."

With that, Ma Xiaoda walked into the room. The four girls hurriedly stepped forward to bow to His Highness the Crown Prince. After the courtesies, Ma Xiaorui disregarded formalities, patting Ma Xiaoda’s head. "Imperial Brother, why did you cut your hair? You look like that person now—truly ugly."

Ma Xiaoda had always kept his hair long; people of status in the Twin Cities favored long hair to display their distinction. Yet, today, Ma Xiaoda sported a close crop. "I learned this from Zhao Qian. Don't you think short hair makes one look much more spirited?"

Ma Xiaowei worried, "It does look spirited, perhaps, but if Father Emperor sees it, he might scold you."

Ma Xiaoda shrugged dismissively. "Let him scold me. From now on, I will follow Zhao Qian’s example in everything he does."

Ma Xiaorui challenged him. "He flirts with respectable women and flirts with your Imperial Sister. You dare to emulate that?"

Ma Xiaoda jumped in shock. "What? Nonsense! Zhao Qian is not that kind of person!"

Ma Xiaorui insisted. "But he is that kind of person! He touched me and Fifteenth Sister. You are our Imperial Brother; what are you going to do about it?"

Ma Xiaoda quickly understood the situation. "That was to save you two, wasn't it? You’re being foolish; that incident doesn't count."

Ma Xiaowei seized the opportunity. "Exactly, Xiaorui. See, Imperial Brother agrees. Imperial Brother, didn't you visit Scholar Zhao yesterday? How is he? Has his illness improved?"

Cai Jingjing and Xu Chen anxiously chimed in, "Yes! The lake water was so cold; is he alright? Didn't you say last time he was gravely ill? How can the Imperial Physician save others but not cure his own severe cold?"

Ma Xiaoda looked visibly confused by the excessive concern from the three women. The three noticed his surprise and nervously explained, "He is our savior. It’s only normal for us to be concerned, right?"

Ma Xiaorui pulled Ma Xiaoda aside. "Imperial Brother, have you noticed?"

"Noticed what?" Ma Xiaoda was still perplexed.

"Fifteenth Sister is awfully concerned about Zhao Qian. There’s something fishy here; I think there’s a huge problem."

Ma Xiaoda agreed. "Yes, not just Fifteenth Sister; the other two are very concerned about Zhao Qian too. But, hehe, that's good news. I’ll tell Zhao Qian later."

Ma Xiaorui dismissed him. "Forget that big pervert for now. When I get the chance, I will definitely cut off his manhood..."

Ma Xiaoda was terribly startled. "What! No! If—if you dare cut off his manhood, I—I will grant you to him as a wife when I ascend the throne, making you a widow for life!"

Ma Xiaorui was taken aback. "Im—Imperial Brother, why are you so agitated? It’s just a piece of manhood. Why would you grant me to him? He’s so awful. Besides, it’s Fifteenth Sister who likes him, not me. Why would I be a widow, and what do you mean?"

Ma Xiaoda stammered an explanation. "If you cut off his manhood, he can’t give Fifteenth Sister children. Therefore, she would be a widow."

Ma Xiaorui was confused. "Does manhood have anything to do with having babies? I wanted to see what it looks like when Fifteenth Sister has children. Then we can’t cut it off."

Ma Xiaoda didn't want to discuss this with his sister; in truth, he understood the topic only vaguely himself. "Why did you drag me aside? The other three are watching."

Ma Xiaorui stated her request. "You need to scare Fifteenth Sister for me."

Ma Xiaoda asked, "Scare her? Why?"

Ma Xiaorui said with exasperation, "You’re dense! If we don't scare her, how will she reveal her true feelings? Fifteenth Sister is usually so reserved; even if she’s agonizing over something, she won't say it easily. As her little sister and brother, shouldn't we help her achieve happiness for the lovers?"

Ma Xiaoda gave her a thumbs-up. "Xiaorui, this is the only thing you've done since childhood that I truly approve of. You've grown up."

"What!" Ma Xiaorui snapped, angry. "You mean everything else I did was just nonsense that you disliked? Fine, Ma Xiaoda! So that’s how I look to you? I’ll strangle you!"

Ma Xiaorui chased after Ma Xiaoda, who fled in front. The three women on the side didn't know what was happening. One grabbed each person, intervening. "What's wrong? You two were just laughing and chatting over there, why are you suddenly fighting?"

Ma Xiaoda wiped his eyes and wailed dramatically. "Poor Supervisor Zhao! What a bitter fate! Why must you endure so much at such a young age? I was counting on you to help me restore the empire! What am I to do if you leave? Heavens, who will save him?"

The three girls grabbed Ma Xiaoda. "What are you saying! He—he—he's dead?"

At the word 'dead,' Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing felt as if their bones had been pulled out; they collapsed straight onto the floor. Perhaps they couldn't recall past details about that man, but they knew their bodies had been yielded to him. As traditional women, their thought of being devoted to one man had made them accept him anew. Furthermore, in recent days, sensing his love for them through the mobile phone data constantly reinforced their decision. Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing had redefined themselves as his wives, and how could they accept hearing that 'he died'?

Ma Xiaoda hadn't expected to scare the three girls into collapse so suddenly; he panicked himself. "Hey, hey, don't be like this! I only said he was dead."

Ma Xiaowei jumped up from the ground. "Imperial Brother, he's fine?"

Ma Xiaoda couldn't keep up the pretense anymore. "Yes, I was just trying to scare you. I didn't realize you would all take it so seriously! I saw him yesterday; he was full of vigor. Even if others die, he won't. Don't worry."

Cai Jingjing pulled Xu Chen up from the ground and muttered quietly, "Deceived. He can revive the dead but not cure his own illness?"

The three girls glared at Ma Xiaoda, who got scared and turned to flee. "It wasn't me! Ma Xiaorui told me to scare you! Who knew the three of you cared about him so much? You even believed my clumsy performance!"

Seeing the three sisters advancing on her, Ma Xiaorui quickly ran after Ma Xiaoda. "Sisters, I won't dare again! At worst, all three of you can marry him together! I promise I won't be greedy!"

As she ran, Ma Xiaorui thought, How did two more people suddenly develop feelings for him? What should I do? Fifteenth Sister is usually too yielding. Now with two more rivals, I must find a way to help her.

Bang! "Ouch!" Ma Xiaoda cried out as he slammed headfirst into someone.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, this old servant deserves death!" It was Bai Shi, rushing in hurriedly.

Ma Xiaoda rubbed his forehead. "It's not your fault; I was fooling around with the Imperial Sisters. Why are you in such a rush?"

Bai Shi could not afford to apologize further. "Your Highness the Crown Prince, the Imperial Stables have signaled an invasion with wolf smoke!"

"What! Someone has invaded the Imperial Stables?" Ma Xiaoda knew what the wolf smoke signal meant, but it had never been used since the signal towers were established because the Twin Cities had no enemies before; the Wan Wan Kingdom and Jin Kingdom only started causing trouble in the last two years.

Bai Shi reassured him. "Your Highness need not worry. Upon seeing the wolf smoke signal, this old servant has already dispatched men to the Imperial Stables to inquire. Perhaps the wolf smoke guards sent a false alarm."

Ma Xiaoda pushed Bai Shi aside and ran into the courtyard. From the high vantage point of the inner city, he could indeed see plumes of thick smoke rising from the direction of the Imperial Stables. Ma Xiaoda declared, "That much smoke cannot be a false alarm. Someone really has invaded the Imperial Stables."

Ma Xiaowei, Xu Chen, and Cai Jingjing stopped bothering to conceal anything. The three surrounded Ma Xiaoda, asking urgently, "Where is he?"

Ma Xiaoda replied, "He was at the Zhao Residence yesterday, but I don't know now. Even if he is still at the Zhao Residence, he would surely rush to the Imperial Stables upon seeing the wolf smoke signal."

Ma Xiaowei wondered aloud. "There has never been an enemy near the Twin Cities; why would an invasion signal be sent?"

Bai Shi interjected. "Princess, you might not know, but a group of rebels recently emerged in Huyang Prefecture. However, the magistrate reported that the rebellion was quelled. Perhaps remnants are fleeing and causing trouble at the Imperial Stables."

Thump, thump, thump—a guard rushed into the courtyard. Bai Shi recognized him as the scout he had sent to the Imperial Stables for news and anxiously asked, "Did you get any news? What is going on?"

The guard, panting heavily, reported, "His—His Highness the Crown Prince—it’s bad! Thirty thousand Red Scarf Army forces are besieging the Imperial Stables!"

"Thir—Thirty thousand Red Scarf Army!" Bai Shi's face went pale with fright.

Five clear voices asked the guard in unison, "Where is Supervisor Zhao? Is he not..."

The guard replied, "He has already rushed to the Imperial Stables to hold off the enemy. He should have arrived by now."

Ma Xiaoda concluded, "So, Zhao Qian is surrounded by thirty thousand Red Scarf Army forces?"

The guard confirmed, "The Red Scarf Army has likely completed their encirclement by now. Supervisor Zhao and the others are probably trapped inside the Imperial Stables."

"Imperial Brother, quickly send troops to rescue him!" the five voices urged Ma Xiaoda simultaneously.

Ma Xiaoda gritted his teeth. "I will go see Father Emperor immediately."

"We will go with you."

The military intelligence was quickly reported to the court. Ma Da was holding morning court in the Hall of Civil and Military Accomplishments. Upon hearing that thirty thousand Red Scarf Army troops were attacking the Imperial Stables, half the ministers trembled with fear. The Imperial Stables were only ten li from the Twin Cities; if these thirty thousand troops decided to attack the capital, they could arrive in an instant. Remembering their lives and fortunes, many immediately fell to their knees.

"Your Majesty, please dispatch troops quickly to quell the Red Scarf rebellion!"

Ma Da wished he could, but he wasn't so foolish as to send troops without investigating the facts first. "Esteemed ministers, where did the Red Scarf Army come from? Isn't the Twin Cities peaceful, and the populace prosperous? Why is there a rebellion?"

Minister of Works Qi Yu stepped forward. "Your Majesty, these Red Scarf must be ignorant peasants and stubborn gentry who refuse the lessons of the Imperial Family. Even if they have food and shelter, they won't submit obediently to the court's rule. Therefore, crushing them is the only righteous path."

Minister of War Bai Song stepped forward. "Your Majesty, continuous slaughter will not solve the problem. If farmers have food and clothing, they will not rise in revolt. Therefore, I propose appeasement as the main course of action."

Left Prime Minister Luo Cheng stepped forward. "Your Majesty, appeasement is forbidden! Since the rebels have already conceived treasonous intent, they are no longer your subjects, and even if temporarily placated, it cannot guarantee they won't harbor rebellious thoughts later. Therefore, for the stability of the empire, all who betray the court must be executed as a warning to future generations."

Ma Da frowned. "Gentlemen, I want to know where this Red Scarf Army originated and why they appeared under the Emperor's nose. Can you answer my question?"

Minister of War Bai Song replied, "Your Majesty, I believe this rebel force is composed of unruly elements who fled from Huyang Prefecture. Some time ago, the Huyang Magistrate reported civil unrest among the peasants under his jurisdiction, but it was quickly suppressed. Therefore, I believe these are remnants causing trouble and do not pose a significant threat."

Ma Da coldly laughed. "Remnants? Such formidable remnants that they number thirty thousand! That means the main body of the rebels must be no less than a hundred thousand. The pacification efforts in Huyang Prefecture are truly impressive."

Bai Song immediately fell silent. No one knew the true situation in Huyang Prefecture. The court lacked a proper intelligence department, and having neglected local governance for so long, it was almost as if every region governed itself as a separate kingdom.

Minister of Revenue Wan Licai stepped forward to cover for Bai Song. "Your Majesty, I believe this is the main force of the rebels. Unable to survive in Huyang Prefecture, they are now roaming everywhere. If we destroy them, the world will know peace."

Ma Da declared, "Good. In that case, mobilize the Imperial Guard to the Imperial Stables to annihilate the rebels."

Mobilize the Imperial Guard again? If more were deployed, who would guard the city? Over ten aged ministers knelt simultaneously. "Your Majesty, absolutely not! If we deploy more of the Imperial Guard, the Twin Cities will be left vulnerable, and the foundations of the Royal House will be in jeopardy!"

Ma Da was also in a bind. The vast Twin Cities only had fifty thousand Imperial Guards; deploying more was indeed risky. He pondered for a moment. "Then let us temporarily reassign the fifty thousand Imperial Guards stationed at the border to quell the rebellion. This can serve as a pre-battle test for them."

Pang Hu objected immediately, stepping forward. "Your Majesty, absolutely not! The rebels number thirty thousand. The combat personnel among the border-guarding Imperial Guards number only forty thousand. We don't have a high probability of victory fighting thirty thousand rebels with forty thousand men. It is better to firmly defend the Twin Cities and let the Red Scarf Army go where they will."

"Master Ma," said Ma Da, "following your reasoning, does that mean we should disband the Imperial Stables?"

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Stables have the Horse Guard; they are defending a strategic position. I doubt the Red Turban Army can take them. If the siege drags on, they will withdraw on their own," Pang Hu replied.

Pang Hu was the court's leading voice, and the safety of the small Imperial Stables was of little concern to the assembled ministers, who were eager to avoid dispatching a single soldier. They vociferously agreed, citing numerous historical precedents and dangers associated with deploying troops. The consensus was against Ma Da, who began to doubt the wisdom of trading the safety of fifty thousand Imperial Guards for a few dozen imperial horses—a distinctly asymmetrical bargain.

"Father, your son requests permission to send troops!" A small child suddenly burst in from the rear hall.

Ma Da recognized his son's voice immediately. However, the boy was only eleven, too young to address the court. "Little Da, what are you doing here? Go back. This is not the place for you right now. We will discuss matters when you are older."

Ma Xiaoda did not retreat; instead, he took two more steps forward. "Father, the imperial horses in the Stables are the hope for the nation's future cavalry. Our ability to build a strong mounted force depends entirely on them. Furthermore, Adjutant Zhao has rushed to the Stables to command the defense against the Red Turban siege. If the court does not act quickly, Adjutant Zhao's safety will be in grave peril."

"What? Adjutant Zhao went to the Imperial Stables? Wasn't he supposed to be recuperating at the Zhao residence?" Ma Da was astonished. He might disregard the horses' lives, but he could not remain unconcerned if that man were in danger.

Ma Xiaoda continued, "Yes, Father. Adjutant Zhao was indeed supposed to be recovering at the Zhao residence, but early this morning, upon receiving the smoke signal of invasion from the Imperial Stables, he immediately hurried there to direct the Horse Guard against the enemy."

Ma Da nodded slowly. "As the supervising official of the Imperial Stables, I have great faith in Adjutant Zhao's competence."

"Father, can you truly bear to watch such a trustworthy man be killed by thirty thousand Red Turbans? The Horse Guard consists of only two thousand men. Even counting the stable hands and cooks, it barely reaches three thousand. How can three thousand men possibly stand against thirty thousand? I implore Your Majesty to dispatch reinforcements quickly."

Ma Da turned to Pang Hu. "Grand Tutor Pang, what do you advise on this matter? Adjutant Zhao is a favorite minister, and I cannot ignore his life."

Hearing that the supervising official remained inside the Stables, Pang Hu felt genuinely troubled. Pang's faction knew of his relationship with Adjutant Zhao. If he insisted on his previous position and refused to send troops now, it would inevitably cool the loyalty of his followers. However, knowing the actual combat capability of the Imperial Guard, he feared they might not be a match for those thirty thousand Red Turbans.

Pang Hu performed a full court bow to Ma Da. "Your Majesty, this matter places me in a true dilemma. I seek Your Majesty’s wise decree."

"Very well, then we shall dispatch troops to support the Imperial Stables. Surely our magnificent forty thousand Imperial Guards are not inferior to thirty thousand disorganized rabble?"

Seeing that Pang Hu no longer objected, the assembled ministers chimed in, "Your Majesty is wise! Victory is assured this time!"

Ma Xiaoda was elated when suddenly a commotion arose from outside the main gate. A eunuch from the outer court rushed in to report, "Your Majesty, an urgent military dispatch from Huyang Prefecture!"

"Present it. I was just wondering about the situation regarding the bandit suppression in Huyang Prefecture."

A moment later, a sealed bamboo cylinder was delivered to the Hall of Literary Brilliance and Martial Virtue. The young eunuch broke the seal in front of the Emperor and retrieved the silk document inside. Ma Da took it, glanced twice, and erupted in anger: "Insolence!"

The assembled officials immediately knelt down, crying, "Your Majesty, calm your fury!"

"How can I calm my fury? Tell me how! The grand Huyang Prefecture has been occupied by the Red Turban Army! Where is the court's honor? Guards! Dispatch troops to Huyang immediately and wipe out these rebels!"

The officials thought among themselves: the Red Turbans here haven't even been dealt with, and now the Emperor wants to send forces on a long march to Huyang? Furthermore, he hasn't explained exactly what happened. They cautiously ventured, "Your Majesty, please calm down. What exactly has transpired in Huyang Prefecture?"

Ma Da threw the silk document down. "Read it yourselves."

The officials glanced at Pang Hu. Pang knew he had to step forward. Moreover, if he delayed and the factions of the Left and Right Chancellors seized the initiative, it would be disastrous. Thus, Pang Hu leaped forward like a tiger and snatched the silk. After a couple of looks, he too felt a surge of immense anger. The rebels in Huyang had managed to reassemble a force of one hundred thousand within a few days, which had subsequently overrun Huyang Prefecture. The prefect himself had fled into the deep mountains and sent an emergency report to the court. However, in an era where travel relied on foot, security on dogs, and communication on shouting, this report arrived far too late—late enough that the thirty thousand Red Turbans had already begun besieging Shuangcheng. As for the Imperial Stables, that was merely an opening act.

Pang Hu handed the document over, his face pale, to the others. By the time the Left and Right Chancellors had seen it, silence reigned. Suppress the rebels in Huyang? Suppress whom? They commanded a hundred thousand troops and held a fortified city! What would they use to attack? Even if they possessed siege weaponry, did they have soldiers to spare? The thirty thousand Red Turbans currently present were already giving them headaches; now, an additional hundred thousand had appeared. How could they possibly manage this?

Ma Da addressed them. "My esteemed ministers, with the nation facing such disaster, does anyone have a strategy to offer?"

Silence met him. The enemy was strong, they were weak, and the national treasury was empty. Even Zhuge Liang, if he were alive, would have to deliberate carefully. While the others remained quiet, Ma Xiaoda could not wait any longer. "Father, I suggest we first rescue Adjutant Zhao. With Adjutant Zhao's wisdom and ability, he will surely devise a two-pronged solution for you."

"Indeed. If Minister Zhao were here, he would surely have devised a fine plan for us. Let us tackle these problems one by one. Right now, saving him is the priority."

This time, it was not just Pang Hu, but the Left and Right Chancellors who stepped forward together to object: "Your Majesty, under no circumstances should this be done!"

Ma Da was greatly perplexed. Why had both factions suddenly unified their opinions? Should they really not rescue the man?

The Left Chancellor, Luo Cheng, explained, "Your Majesty, since the rebels number one hundred thousand, the thirty thousand besieging the Imperial Stables are very likely just their vanguard. We must not jeopardize the safety of Shuangcheng for the sake of a mere Imperial Stables."

Ma Xiaoda retorted, "Elder Luo, are you suggesting we abandon Adjutant Zhao to his fate?"

Luo Cheng replied, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, this old minister wishes to save Adjutant Zhao as well. However, the Red Turban Army has come prepared. If we divide our forces to rescue the Stables, who knows if we might fall into the enemy's trap of luring the tiger away from the mountain?"

Ma Xiaoda knew that The Thirty-Six Stratagems was already common knowledge in court, but he hadn't expected Luo Cheng to deploy it at this moment. Still, Luo Cheng's point held merit; attacking the small Imperial Stables—could there be a deeper plot behind it? No one could be certain.

Hearing Luo Cheng’s explanation and observing Pang Hu’s expression, Ma Da understood that this was everyone’s concern. He was not a foolish monarch and realized the inherent danger of this plan. If Shuangcheng were left vulnerable and the enemy seized the opportunity to strike, the consequences would truly be dire.

With these reservations, Ma Xiaoda stopped pressing his father to send troops for the rescue. Though young, he grasped the gravity of the situation. The discussion dragged on until the sun began to set, yet no resolution was reached.

The four young women, too worried to eat dinner, gathered in the Crown Prince’s palace to discuss countermeasures. Ma Xiaorui, ever the enthusiast, urged her brother, "Brother, say something! Do you intend for my fifteenth sister to become a widow before she is even married?"

Ma Xiaowei chastised her, "Little Rui, at a time like this, you still have the mind to joke?"

Ma Xiaoda said quietly, "Alright, I know everyone is worried about Zhao Qian. I worry about him too. But what if the Red Turbans are indeed using a ruse to attack Shuangcheng while we divert our attention to the Stables? No one can bear that responsibility."

As they fruitlessly debated, Cai Jingjing gritted her teeth. "You all needn't worry yourselves. Zhao Qian is not as fragile as you imagine. He won't take those thirty thousand lightly. Just wait and see—perhaps by tomorrow, news of a great victory will arrive."

Xu Chen was perplexed by Cai Jingjing’s sudden change of mood. She asked, "Jingjing, why are you so certain? What if the Red Turbans breach the Imperial Stables? We cannot afford a loss; nothing can happen to him!"

Cai Jingjing declared firmly, "I am betting on him being the extraordinary Zhao Qian. He will surely devise a way to repel the enemy. He is omnipotent; no one can defeat him! No one can harm him! He is the strongest, he is the best!"

Xu Chen’s previously pale complexion gradually returned to normal. She affirmed with resolve, "Yes, I also believe he is no ordinary man. Everyone, rest easy and await good news from him."

Ma Xiaorui looked at them, bewildered. "Are you two insane? Three thousand men against an assault of thirty thousand? Even if he were an immortal, he couldn't reverse that defeat! You are clearly over-anxious. Brother, call the imperial physician to examine them."

Xu Chen smiled slightly. "We are fine, Princess Xiaorui, thank you for your concern. Jingjing-jie and I will return to our chambers to rest."

With that, Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing truly left, leaving the three Ma siblings stunned. Ma Xiaoda muttered, "They really have gone mad. They think this is like five hundred bandits attacking Feiyu County? Thirty thousand men could drown the Imperial Stables just by spitting!"

Ma Xiaorui huffed. "Since they've gone mad, we won't bother with them. Let's keep discussing ways to help."

Ma Xiaowei agreed, "Yes, we can't just stand by and watch him die. He is our savior, the savior of Rui and me."

Ma Xiaoda retorted, "Am I not more anxious than you? Zhao Qian carries the critical responsibility of slaying the Dog Thief!"

"Who is the Dog Thief?" The Ma sisters were unaware of this matter.

Ma Xiaoda waved it off casually. "You don't need to concern yourselves with court affairs."

Ma Xiaorui insisted, "Then quickly think of a way to rescue him! The stories he tells are so wonderful; if he dies, who will tell us stories?"

Ma Xiaoda despaired. "What way can I think of? Father refuses to send troops, and my words carry no weight now. Unless... unless I forge an imperial edict."

"Yes! Forge an edict and command the forty thousand Imperial Guards outside the city to reinforce the Imperial Stables!" Ma Xiaowei suddenly suggested.

"Are you mad! Forging an imperial edict is punishable by decapitation," Ma Xiaorui and Ma Xiaoda exclaimed simultaneously.

Ma Xiaowei stood firm. "Then do you have a better plan? Or should we wait like them, hoping for a miracle and news of victory tomorrow morning?"

Ma Xiaorui conceded, "Victory tomorrow morning seems doubtful, but forging an edict is absolutely forbidden. What if Father gets truly angry and has our heads cut off?"

Ma Xiaowei declared, "Then let Father take my head! I know Zhao Qian is a man of talent. Saving him might benefit my brother's future."

Ma Xiaorui protested, "Sister, you've gone mad too! Even if you admire him, it's not worth this sacrifice. Father will genuinely be furious. Brother will have plenty of talented men in the future. You can't trade your life for his; I disagree."

Ma Xiaowei countered, "You are mistaken, Little Rui. If you truly love someone, you face death without regret for him. As long as he is safe, I will do anything."

Ma Xiaoda was deeply moved by his sister. He felt a pang of selfishness. As a friend, how could he hesitate to save him out of fear of execution when he was in trouble? Zhao Qian had saved him several times in Feiying Prefecture; now that he faced peril, how could Ma Da stand by idly?

"Sister Xiaowei, you are right. Leave this to me. I will immediately go to Father and steal the Imperial Seal. Then we will forge Father's handwriting to issue military orders to the Imperial Guards outside the city, commanding them to march toward the Imperial Stables for reinforcement at dawn."

Ma Xiaowei thanked him gratefully. "Thank you, Brother. But let me handle this. You have the great task of governing the nation in the future; it would be improper for you to give officials grounds for criticism."

Ma Xiaorui intervened, "Stop arguing, both of you! Let me do it. I am the youngest; even if Father punishes me, he won't have my head cut off. One of you must become Emperor, and the other must marry—neither of you can die."

Ma Xiaowei insisted, "No one is arguing anymore. The most important thing is to settle this before daylight. Otherwise, it's uncertain if the Imperial Stables can survive until tomorrow. Perhaps... perhaps he is in danger right now."

To the surprise of the three siblings, stealing the Imperial Seal went remarkably smoothly. The three then worked through the night forging an imperial edict and sent it via Bai Shi to the border reinforcement army outside the city before dawn. They waited anxiously for the truth to be exposed, but by then, the Imperial Guards would hopefully already be en route to the Imperial Stables, and their involvement would become unavoidable.

Bai Shi, having falsely conveyed the edict, was so terrified his legs could barely support him. Unable to calm down, he was forced to continuously send scouts outside to gather news. Soon, the first earth-shattering dispatch arrived at the palace: The three thousand Horse Guard soldiers had utterly routed the thirty thousand Red Turban Army! They slaughtered the enemy until the ground was slick with blood, inflicting countless casualties.

Ma Xiaorui rubbed her eyes, unable to believe what she was reading after staying up all night. "How did those two madwomen predict so accurately? He—he really defeated the Red Turbans! Heavens, this is utterly impossible! How could three thousand men defeat thirty thousand?"

Ma Xiaoda was somewhat stunned. "Yes, if they believed in Zhao Qian, we should have believed in him too. Yesterday, the fact that the Imperial Stables didn't send anyone pleading for aid should have told us Zhao Qian had a method to repel them. But we were too... chaotic. Now, ironically, we have no way to explain ourselves to Father."

Ma Xiaowei, upon hearing the news, was immensely relieved. "Brother, this was all my doing; it has nothing to do with you two. I will go immediately to confess to Father."

Before Ma Xiaowei could leave the palace gate, the second shocking piece of news arrived: the five thousand remnants of the thirty thousand Red Turbans had routed the fifty thousand Imperial Guards! They pursued the fleeing Imperial Guards for nearly ten li, killing almost six thousand imperial soldiers.

The three siblings were once again frozen in disbelief. How was this possible? Defeating thirty thousand with three thousand was due to him; how could five thousand defeat fifty thousand?

Just then, excited shouts were heard from outside the door: "Zhao Qian is safe! We knew Zhao Qian would be fine!"

Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing bounded in joyfully, only to find the three siblings looking crestfallen. "What's wrong? The Imperial Stables are safe! The three thousand Horse Guards routed the thirty thousand Red Turbans—we knew we weren't mistaken about him! Why aren't you happy?"

Ma Xiaoda explained grimly, "Last night, we forged an edict and mobilized the fifty thousand border reinforcement Imperial Guards to support the Stables. Who knew that before they even reached the Stables, they were scattered by the five thousand retreating Red Turbans?"

Xu Chen's face turned pale with fright. "You—how could you forge an imperial edict? Father will punish this severely! What are we to do?"

Ma Xiaoda despaired, "If it were just forging the edict, that might be manageable. But those useless fifty thousand Imperial Guards were actually defeated by five thousand Red Turbans! How—how will this be accounted for?"

"Summon the Crown Prince to the Hall and present him to the Emperor!"

The expressions of everyone present changed drastically. It had finally come. Ma Xiaoda forced a slight smile. "Don't worry. I am Father's only son; the throne must eventually pass to me. If he kills me, how can the Ma family maintain its dynasty for generations? You all stay here in the palace and don't wander off. I will be back shortly."

Ma Xiaowei insisted, "Brother, I will go with you. This isn't solely your responsibility; I suggested the idea."

Ma Xiaorui added, "I was involved too; I will go with you to see Father."

Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing, knowing the three siblings had acted purely to save Zhao Qian, declared, "We will accompany you all as well."

Ma Xiaorui proposed, "Yes, let's all go together! Father will surely not punish us severely when he sees so many of us."

These children's thoughts were far too simple. The Hall of Literary Brilliance and Martial Virtue was in chaos. Early that morning, everyone had been preparing to resume discussions on strategy when a messenger arrived from the Imperial Stables with news: Last night, the three thousand Horse Guard soldiers had utterly routed the thirty thousand Red Turbans. The Imperial Stables were now safe.

This news was like finding charcoal in the snow or an umbrella in the rain—clearing the fog to see the blue sky. Three thousand men defeating thirty thousand—what a miracle! If these three thousand soldiers were dispatched to Huyang Prefecture to quell the rebellion, wouldn't both problems be solved at once?

Both Pang Hu's faction and the Left Chancellor's faction frantically recommended Adjutant Zhao lead the Horse Guard to Huyang to suppress the revolt. Ma Da himself harbored the same intention. Such a military genius must have been sent by Heaven to save the Shuangcheng State. Fortunately, he had already intended to win the man over; otherwise, letting such talent slip away would have been a betrayal of Heaven's favor.

The joy of the officials was short-lived. Suddenly, a second thunderbolt struck: inexplicably, the fifty thousand border reinforcement Imperial Guards had marched toward the Imperial Stables at dawn. Worse yet, halfway there, they encountered the five thousand retreating Red Turbans. The fifty thousand were chased for nearly ten li by the five thousand, suffering heavy losses. The newly appointed Commander, Xin Cheng, was trampled to death in the ensuing rout.

The matter was quickly investigated. Someone had forged an imperial edict to mobilize the Imperial Guards, and the suspect was identified as the Crown Prince, since the messenger who delivered the edict was the Crown Prince’s personal servant.

Ma Da’s fury shook the heavens. His son’s action had needlessly cost thousands of Imperial Guards their lives. What angered him even more was why fifty thousand Imperial Guards had been unable to defeat five thousand Red Turbans. This astonished him even more than hearing that three thousand Horse Guards had defeated thirty thousand Red Turbans. Were the fighting capabilities of the Royal Guard merely an empty bubble, ready to burst at the slightest touch?

Upon entering the hall, Ma Xiaoda was immediately 'besieged' by the ministers. They recounted the harm caused by the Crown Prince overstepping his authority, eventually demanding unanimously that Ma Da severely punish the to honor the six thousand fallen soldiers.

Ma Xiaowei, standing in the back of the hall, could listen no longer. She revealed herself and shielded Ma Xiaoda, claiming all the fault as her own. The ministers, who had hesitated before because of the Crown Prince’s status, now targeted the Princess without reservation, even demanding that Ma Da execute Ma Xiaowei to bring order to the inner palace.

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