"Your Majesty, the court's meddling in the harem affairs brings endless disaster! I implore Your Majesty to issue an order for severe punishment!" cried a man with a long white beard, stepping forward.

Ma Xiaoda seared this man into his memory; he would be the first person he executed once he took power. Ma Da was extremely fond of Ma Xiaowei, and though forging the Imperial Edict was a crime against the Emperor, even so, Ma Da could not bear to kill her.

Another throng of elderly ministers stepped up, urging the Emperor to decree severe punishment for the culprit and avenge the several thousand Imperial Guards who had perished. Ma Da intended to defend his daughter, but the general outcry was too formidable to ignore. Thus, he cast a pleading look towards Grand Tutor Pang.

Grand Tutor Pang lowered his head, refusing to meet Ma Da’s gaze. He knew it was unwise to step forward at this moment; otherwise, how could the defeat of the fifty thousand Imperial Guards be explained to the court? Sacrificing one life to preserve the reputation of the Imperial Guards was, in his view, a worthy trade.

Ma Da then sought help from the Left and Right Prime Ministers, but they too lowered their heads. For the sake of one princess, they could not bring themselves to violate ancestral laws and allow the perpetrator to roam free.

Not a single civil or military official considered why the Imperial Guards had been defeated. They merely focused their misplaced anger on the one who had forged the decree. Their degree of stubborn adherence to form was no less than that of a dim-witted sovereign.

Though shocked by the news, Ma Da initially only wanted to discipline Ma Xiaowei as a cautionary measure, but now that everyone was demanding her death, he lacked the heart to be so cruel.

A stalemate ensued in the Hall of Literary Accomplishment and Martial Virtue. The Emperor refused to issue an order while the officials ceaselessly implored him, making the scene quite chaotic. For a moment, no one paid heed to the imperial siblings, Ma Xiaoda and Ma Xiaowei. Ma Xiaoda quickly pulled Ma Xiaowei's sleeve.

"Sister, let's go."

Ma Xiaowei replied,

"Go where? Imperial Brother, do not involve yourself in this matter. My life or death means little to me as a mere woman. You still have the empire to command in the future, so just let Father Emperor grant their wish."

Ma Xiaoda argued,

"Are you a fool? We'll find Zhao Qian! Only he can save you in this situation."

Ma Xiaowei was confused. Ma Xiaoda explained,

"Zhao Qian has performed a great service! Moreover, the entire court unanimously demands he deploy troops to Hu Yang to suppress the bandits. If he steps forward to plead for mercy on your behalf, think who would still dare to speak of executing you. Besides, we forged the Imperial Edict precisely to save him—hmpf—does he dare not save you?"

A flicker of joy crossed Ma Xiaowei's heart.

"Really? Does he care about my life or death?"

Ma Xiaoda grabbed Ma Xiaowei’s hand, quietly slipping out of the Hall of Literary Accomplishment and Martial Virtue as he said,

"Of course he cares, Imperial Sister. How could he not care about the safety of someone as beautiful as you? I know he secretly has a crush on you."

Ma Xiaowei knew this Imperial Brother spoke without thinking, much like that Ma Xiaorui—one could not trust a single word out of every ten he spoke. As the siblings managed to slip away, a supervising eunuch entered the hall to report,

"Your Majesty, Director Zhao of the Imperial Stables is rushing towards Shuangcheng. His advance scouts have already entered the outer city."

Ma Da shot up instantly.

"The beloved Official Zhao has returned! I shall go to the outer city to welcome him!"

The group of elderly officials, who had been weeping and begging Ma Da to execute Ma Xiaowei while kneeling on the ground, immediately cried out,

"Your Majesty, this is unacceptable! Personally greeting a subject violates ancestral rites. Your Sacred Body must come first!"

Ma Da flicked his sleeve with a whoosh.

"Sacred Body my foot! Official Zhao is the pillar of our nation. What is wrong with me welcoming him back to court? If any of you possessed his capabilities, I would welcome you outside the city as well! I would even kowtow to you!"

The Emperor's face flushed with dragon-like fury, and the crowd dared not utter another sound. The achievement of defeating thirty thousand troops with only three thousand men was indeed a cause for immense pride. Thus, the ministers followed Ma Da out of the outer city to greet the returning official. Even Pang Hu, at this moment, dared not harbor any contempt for that man. Defeating thirty thousand with three thousand must have involved exceptional strategy; failing to win over such talent would defy the laws of heaven.

The meeting at the Imperial Stables concluded. Everyone received their orders and hurried off to their tasks. The immediate priority was disposing of the over twenty thousand corpses outside the river valley; otherwise, an epidemic could easily break out. This task was assigned to A San and A Si.

I turned to Linglong and Yun Yao. "We are returning to the city."

Linglong asked, "Why? What if the Red Turban Army attacks again?"

I replied, "They won't. Scouts reported this contingent of Red Turbans has no reinforcements. Unless the forces from Hu Yang dispatch another large army, but that would take several days. I need to see Ma Da. The realm is in chaos now, and his old methods can no longer cope with the current situation."

Yun Yao remarked, "This has nothing to do with us. We only need to find the other three sisters."

I said, "I promised Ma Xiaoda I would help him. Once the realm descends into total disorder, Ma Xiaoda's ascent to power next year will undoubtedly face immense difficulties. Let us look for the others while helping him tidy up this ravaged situation."

Linglong, while preparing the horses, commented, "Master, you are truly kind-hearted. That fellow Ma Xiaoda is lucky to have met you. Otherwise, we wouldn't give a damn about their lives."

Fifty-odd swift horses galloped out from the Imperial Stables towards Shuangcheng. Midway, they encountered a stumbling, haphazardly running Ma Xiaoda. Linglong leaped gracefully off her steed.

"Ma Xiaoda, what are you doing? Exercising? Why are you dragging Sister Xiaowei along? If you want to run, run by yourself, you’re so annoying! Look how much sweat Sister Xiaowei has worked up."

Ma Xiaoda tumbled onto the ground. "Oh my god, I'm exhausted! Who goes out running for no reason? Something terrible has happened! Father Emperor wants to execute my sister! I came looking for your master to ask for help!"

I reined in my horse and dismounted. "What happened? Why does your father Emperor want to execute Princess Xiaowei?"

Da Li Wan handed Ma Xiaoda a waterskin. He gulped down a few mouthfuls and casually passed it to Ma Xiaowei. "It's all because of you, you pest! Yesterday, we heard the thirty thousand Red Turbans were besieging the Imperial Stables, so we went to Father Emperor begging him to send reinforcements. Who knew that halfway there, we received the report that Hu Yang Prefecture had fallen? The troop deployment plan was shelved. Worried the Imperial Stables couldn't hold out, we snuck in and forged the Imperial Edict overnight, ordering the fifty thousand border-reinforcing Imperial Guards to rush to the Stables. But who knew those good-for-nothing Imperial Guards were actually defeated by the remaining five thousand Red Turbans? Father Emperor was furious and traced the responsibility back to us. Sister Xiaowei took all the blame to save me. Right now, those old undead ministers are urging my Father Emperor to chop off her head!"

"Fifty thousand Imperial Guards were defeated by five thousand Red Turbans?" Several of us couldn't believe it.

Ma Xiaoda confirmed, "Isn't that the truth? It’s unbelievable to even mention, but they truly lost. Zhao Qian, you are the only one who can save my sister now. She took the blame for me just to save you. If you have any conscience, you should save her."

I responded, "You forged the edict to help me, so of course, I must save Xiaowei. But how?"

Ma Xiaoda said, "It's simple. You've earned a huge merit now—three thousand men defeating thirty thousand Red Turbans. Father Emperor will certainly reward you. At that time, ask for nothing else, and the ministers, desperate for you to march on Hu Yang to quell the rebellion, will grant any request. Then you can ask Father Emperor to bestow Sister Xiaowei upon you as your wife..."

"What!" Not only I was startled, but even Linglong and Yun Yao exclaimed in unison, while Ma Xiaowei froze in place.

Ma Xiaoda continued, "What's wrong? Is my Sister Xiaowei not worthy of you? She is a princess, after all. In terms of looks or figure, she is not inferior to your wives. Ask the Emperor for a marriage decree, and then see who dares to offend you! Those ministers are terrified of you, and there is no one else in the court capable of leading troops to suppress the rebellion. They must rely on you. Even if you requested that Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing be granted to you too, no one would object."

"Imperial Brother, you!" Ma Xiaowei was too ashamed to speak further.

Ma Xiaoda cut in, "Don't interfere, I'm making the decision on this matter."

I said, "No, this is not for you to decide. I will certainly save Princess Xiaowei, but not using your method. I will enter the court shortly to see your Father Emperor. If they truly require me to suppress the rebellion, then this small request will certainly not be denied. Let's go, everyone mount up and return to the city."

Ma Xiaoda stuck out his tongue at Ma Xiaowei. "Sorry, Sister. This fellow is just a stubborn block of wood. I can’t help you right now; maybe another time."

Ma Xiaowei wished she could find a mouse hole to hide in. This wasn't helping; this was practically wishing her dead. How could she ever face him again?

Linglong impulsively wrapped an arm around Ma Xiaowei's slender waist. "Your Highness Princess, let's ride one horse together."

Ma Xiaowei seemed nervous. "It's my first time riding a horse; will I fall off?"

Linglong helped Ma Xiaowei onto the horse, deliberately letting her arm brush against Ma Xiaowei's delicate waist, and her hand seemed to graze Ma Xiaowei's full, soft chest a few times. "Your Highness Princess, rest assured. I wouldn't dare let such a charming little beauty fall, or Master will be angry."

Ma Xiaowei’s neck flushed crimson. "Linglong, stop teasing me. How dare I even harbor such a thought?"

Linglong thought to herself, Oh, so you really have thought about it. Sending him pictures repeatedly, I knew you weren't well-intentioned. Haven't the fox's tail finally shown itself? And you even want the Emperor to decree the marriage—what a scheme you two have cooked up.

Continuing to spur their horses, they soon reached the West City Gate. From afar, they saw a crowd blocking the entrance. Ma Xiaoda exclaimed, "That's Father Emperor's carriage! Zhao Qian, Father Emperor has come personally to the West Gate to greet you! You—you are a monumental hero! If you just open your mouth, Father Emperor will bestow the remaining three princesses upon you."

Ma Xiaowei, sitting on Linglong’s horse, wanted to jump down and kick her Imperial Brother twice. "You—you’re still spouting nonsense!"

The Emperor coming in person seemed like a great honor. I dismounted to greet him. Ma Da stopped me before I could finish my bow, gripping my hand. "Official Zhao, you have worked hard. You are a great hero of our Shuangcheng Nation! Guards, bring wine!"

The Emperor personally poured me three cups of wine. I felt a little dizzy drinking it straight—it’s strange without accompanying dishes. But in front of all these civil and military officials, if I sat down and downed several cups with a full spread, they would likely curse me to death.

"Official Zhao, your achievement in defeating thirty thousand Red Turbans with just three thousand men is unmatched in Shuangcheng Nation. I wish to bestow upon you the title of Grand General of Might and grant you ten thousand acres of land. I hope you will continue to advise and contribute to my empire."

I replied, "Your Majesty, this subject dares not claim the merit. This is the collective achievement of the three thousand soldiers and officers of the Imperial Stables. This subject also dares not accept Your Majesty's rewards. If Your Majesty wishes to bestow rewards, please grant them to the officers and soldiers of the Imperial Stables."

Ma Da insisted, "The hardworking soldiers who fought bravely must certainly be rewarded, but Official Zhao's merit is the greatest. How can I not reward you individually? Are you perhaps finding ten thousand acres of land too little, or the rank of General too low? I can grant you twenty thousand acres and bestow upon you the position of Marshal of the Vanguard Army."

I felt the time had come. "Your Majesty, this subject seeks no personal reward, but there is one matter I must ask Your Majesty to agree to."

Ma Da, who was in a pleasant mood, asked, "Oh? What matter does Official Zhao have? Speak freely."

I said, "Your Majesty, yesterday when the thirty thousand Red Turbans besieged the Imperial Stables, the situation was extremely critical. The Crown Prince and the Princess were deeply concerned for this subject's safety. To lift the siege of the Imperial Stables, they committed the crime of deceiving the Emperor. This subject humbly requests that the merit of today be used to offset the Princess's crime. I beg Your Majesty to agree."

"This matter..." Ma Da glanced at the group of officials standing farther away. No one spoke. At this moment, everyone knew that offending Advisor Zhao meant no one dared to take on the responsibility of leading troops to suppress the rebellion. That so-called military noble, Xin Cheng, who boasted of having strategies galore, what happened? He was trampled into a pulp by rebel troops. Who in the current court now dared to claim superiority over Xin Cheng? Since no one surpassed Xin Cheng, who would be sent to pacify the land? If the empire remained unstable, they would all die. Therefore, the person before them could not be offended. It was merely a princess; her execution would not affect the overall situation.

"I agree!" Ma Da was eager for everyone to fall silent. It only seemed as if the Ma family was profiting while Official Zhao was suffering a loss in this transaction.

Linglong stood behind Ma Xiaowei and whispered, "Such a fine Grand Marshal position and twenty thousand acres of fertile land, just given up like that."

Ma Xiaowei, blushing deeply, replied, "I... I will repay Advisor Zhao."

Linglong chuckled, "Your Highness Princess, your repayment won't be by giving yourself away, will it?"

This time, Ma Xiaowei, surprisingly, did not retort, which made Linglong's heart skip a beat. This princess had high status and a good figure—definitely her biggest rival!

Ma Da announced, "Official Zhao, accompany me back to the hall to discuss the suppression of the rebellion in Hu Yang Prefecture. The Red Turban uprising is entirely due to the rebels in Hu Yang Prefecture. The court's forces are depleted and lacking capable generals. This heavy responsibility must fall upon you."

I knew that the ministers had only permitted Ma Xiaowei's reprieve because I could suppress the rebellion. If I refused Ma Da’s request now, I feared they would immediately renege and resume urging Ma Da to execute Ma Xiaowei. This matter, whether I wanted to or not, had to be done. As for what means I would use to suppress the rebellion, I would figure that out later.

The piercing sound of a conch shell suddenly rang out, followed by columns of Red Turban soldiers pouring out from the dense forests outside the West City Gate. They shouted and fearlessly charged at the outermost ranks of the Imperial Guards protecting the Emperor. As soon as they engaged, the Imperial Guards surged backward like a tide! Now I finally understood why fifty thousand men could not defeat five thousand routed soldiers: they simply lacked the courage to fight!

If they intended to flee from the very beginning, how could they not be defeated?

"Protect the Master!" Linglong and Yun Yao shouted in unison. Fifty well-trained special operatives immediately formed a protective circle.

"Protect His Majesty and the Crown Prince and Princesses!" I commanded the rest.

Linglong reluctantly detached ten men to guard Ma Da. The officials who had been so arrogant moments before were now huddled on the ground like frightened hens. Standing beside me was Zhang Shouren, the Commander of the Imperial Guards. During the martial arts demonstration, he had been decisive, but now he seemed lost, no different from those ministers.

I drew the embroidered spring blade from a nearby Imperial Guard, saying to Zhang Shouren, "Commander Zhang, you must protect His Majesty and the officials and withdraw immediately into the outer city. I will command the Imperial Guards to cover the retreat and hold back the Red Turbans!"

Zhang Shouren, being older, was much steadier. He quickly recovered from his disorientation and turned to order his personal guards, "Rear guard becomes front guard! Immediately escort His Majesty into the city!"

Ma Da anxiously gripped my hand. "Official Zhao, we rely on you in this moment of crisis. These rebels are exceptionally brutal and lawless. You must be careful."

I sighed inwardly. Ma Xiaoda wasn't exaggerating when he said these Imperial Guards were useless. The Red Turbans were hiding so close, yet they didn't notice them. This showed their intelligence work was utterly nonexistent. Without intelligence, they were blind; winning a decisive battle was impossible.

"Your Majesty, rest assured. There are at least ten thousand Imperial Guards outside the city. The Red Turbans are only a few thousand; they pose no real threat. I will repel them to restore morale."

Ma Da glanced at the surging, retreating Imperial Guards, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Defeated like a collapsing mountain! The enemy advances with unstoppable momentum, while our side crumbles! Worthless! Good-for-nothings! I placed so much hope in them! Advisor Zhao, I implore you to restore discipline among my troops."

I nodded and told Linglong, "Escort His Majesty, the Crown Prince, and the others back to the palace!"

Linglong protested, "I must stay and protect you!"

Da Li Wan stepped forward. "Brother Zhao Qian, I will escort His Majesty back to the palace. Linglong is skilled; let her stay by your side."

There was no time for debate. I stomped my foot, swung onto my horse, and with a sweep of my embroidered spring blade, bang, the head of a retreating Imperial Guard flew off.

The horsewhip cracked sharply in mid-air. I swiftly cut down more than ten Imperial Guards in quick succession, then reined in my horse and roared, "Any Imperial Guard who retreats a half-step shall be killed! If a soldier retreats, kill the Centurion! If a Centurion retreats, kill the soldier and spare the Centurion! If a Colonel retreats, kill the Centurion and spare the Colonel! If a General retreats, kill the Colonel and spare the General!"

Fifty personal guards, brandishing their embroidered spring blades, rode back and forth among the Imperial Guards. Anyone who retreated was instantly struck down. After killing several hundred Imperial Guards in this manner, their retreat finally halted.

A Centurion shouted from the ranks, "Kill those riders! Everyone flee quickly!"

Zing, zing, zing—three arrows flew. One struck the Centurion in the forehead, another in the throat, and the third in the heart. Yun Yao, holding Linglong, flew high in the air. Linglong roared, "Those who disobey Advisor Zhao's command shall be killed!"

Another small group of Imperial Guards attempted to flee. Linglong drew her bow and shot, felling over ten more men consecutively. The Imperial Guards finally believed it: if they dared to retreat even half a step, they were certainly dead! This Advisor Zhao was inhuman; he was simply a killing maniac. Several Colonels were executed without mercy, and if ordinary soldiers dared to retreat further, they could forget about surviving.

I sat astride my horse, brandishing my saber towards the thousands of charging Red Turbans. "Those who fight bravely will receive great rewards from His Majesty! Those who retreat half a step will be executed immediately without pardon! Charge, everyone!"

Fueled by the lingering effects of the three cups of wine, I led the fifty cavalrymen in a charge directly at the Red Turban lines. The five personal guards behind me opened fire simultaneously with their laser guns, each shot hitting the heart of a Red Turban soldier. Combined with the impact of the swift horses, they immediately halted the Red Turbans' offensive.

The ten thousand Imperial Guards dared not retreat another half-step. The two goddesses flying in the sky were watching intently; anyone who shifted back even a fraction of an inch would meet an arrow to the death. The Imperial Guards saw the fifty cavalrymen throwing the Red Turban formation into chaos, and with the Emperor's promise of great rewards, these ten thousand men, deciding that advancing meant a chance for glory while retreating meant certain death, rushed forward against the Red Turbans with reckless abandon.

Whoosh! The ten thousand sick chickens suddenly transformed into hungry wolves. The several thousand Red Turbans could no longer hold their ground. They were merely untrained farmers; they immediately dropped their weapons and fled. The more they ran, the higher the morale of the Imperial Guards soared. The pursuit lasted for over ten li, chasing the Red Turbans until they even lost their shoes, all the while cursing their leading Centurion. They should have secured their merit early that morning and returned to Hu Yang, but he greedily sought another engagement. Now, out of five thousand Red Turbans, only a few hundred remained.

On the outer city wall, Ma Da and his son wept, clutching each other. "This is the Imperial Guard of our Shuangcheng Nation! Only when the ruler manages his men well will the soldiers be willing to give their lives! The hope of Shuangcheng lies entirely with this man!"

Ma Da left with the ministers to pontificate on state affairs. Ma Xiaoda quietly said to Ma Xiaowei, "Sister, from now on, it's all up to you."

Ma Xiaowei, confused, asked, "What do you mean, Imperial Brother?"

Ma Xiaoda explained, "I know Advisor Zhao loves beautiful women the most. Whether we can keep him depends on you! Xiaorui is too young and naive. I can’t rely on her. If Advisor Zhao really gathers his eight wives, he might leave Shuangcheng Nation. By then, keeping him will depend on you."

"Ah," Ma Xiaowei gasped, "I... I..."

"You... what about you?" Ma Xiaoda pressed. "Don't you like him?"

Ma Xiaowei dared not answer. Ma Xiaoda continued, "Since you like him, that settles it! I'll create opportunities for you later. It would be best if you could bear him a few children; then he wouldn't even be able to leave! Haha!"

Ma Xiaowei was so ashamed she couldn't stay a moment longer. She felt an intense tingling where he had touched her chest, as if a small insect was crawling all over her. Blushing, she left the city wall to return to the palace and share the good news with Ma Xiaorui. However, a question gnawed at Ma Xiaowei: Imperial Brother mentioned he had eight wives—was that possible? Was he truly that philandering? What was she to do? The Prince Consort law forbids a man from having more than one wife!

The sound of the retreat bugle for the Imperial Guards sounded. But even after the drum sounded three times, some soldiers continued to chase the Red Turbans relentlessly. A personal guard beside me drew his bow and fired a signal arrow, striking the leading retreating Imperial Guard. He shouted, "Those who do not obey the order to retreat shall be executed!"

Swish—the footsteps instantly stopped. No more greedy Imperial Guards dared to pursue that devil Zhao; they knew disobeying his orders meant certain death.

The ten thousand Imperial Guards were quickly reorganized. They had practiced countless times before, but they had never experienced actual combat, leading to panic upon encountering the enemy. Furthermore, the commanding officers had fled first. Under such circumstances, defeat was inevitable. But after establishing authority by executing hundreds, and with strict orders that could not be disobeyed, and having seen that the ruthless were feared more than the reckless, once they finally showed courage, the Red Turbans who had previously defeated fifty thousand Imperial Guards were no match for them.

The Hall of Literary Virtue and Military Might was filled with joyous celebrations. Word had spread that the great victory outside the West Gate meant public honors and rewards would soon be bestowed by the palace eunuchs. On the road back into the inner city, Pang Hu, seemingly oblivious to the bloodstains on my person, insisted on walking hand-in-hand with me, causing the surrounding court officials to sigh in quiet wonder.

Pang Hu walked alongside me, remarking, “Inspector Zhao, you truly possess the talent of a military commander. To transform an army of ten thousand lambs into a force of wolves and tigers in mere moments—that method of establishing authority through swift execution is something we could never have conceived.”

I replied, “Grand Tutor, the situation was too perilous; I acted out of absolute necessity. Now, I genuinely fear the Emperor might hold it against me. Even if His Majesty forgives it, if some minister chooses to impeach me, it will still be troublesome.”

Pang Hu snorted disdainfully. “Which one dares! If they possessed your competence, they wouldn't have let fifty thousand Imperial Guards be defeated by five thousand Red Turbans. Those who disobey orders in formation and flee deserve execution. You killed them well. That single act established your authority over the Guards; henceforth, no one will dare disobey your directives as Inspector.”

I responded politely, “I must thank the Grand Tutor for promoting me at the crucial moment.”

Pang Hu said, “Inspector Zhao, you are too modest. You are a man of genuine ability. Had I recommended anyone else to the Emperor at that time, I doubt we would have achieved this success today. With the death of Du Wei Xincheng of the border reinforcement army, Inspector Zhao, it seems the task of reinforcing the border will inevitably fall to you.”

This was a move of necessity for Pang Hu. He had initially been unwilling to entrust such a critical post to an outsider who had only recently sworn allegiance, but now, he saw no one else among the civil and military officials capable of bearing such a heavy responsibility.

“Grand Tutor, I fear I am unequal to this great task. I implore you to seek another capable general.”

Pang Hu insisted, “Inspector Zhao, cease your modesty. Even if I did not recommend you, the Emperor would appoint you to reinforce the border regardless. Your talent cannot be concealed. In the future, this Master will certainly require your substantial assistance.”

I knew that by helping Ma Da this time, he would certainly promote me heavily. However, leaving Shuangcheng was something I truly did not wish to do; what if I missed meeting the three women? We conversed as we swiftly arrived at the Hall of Literary Virtue and Military Might. Overjoyed, Ma Da actually appointed me the Grand Marshal commanding the forces of Shuangcheng, granting me twenty thousand mu of land.

Knowing that the royal treasury was bare, I wondered where these twenty thousand mu would materialize from. Therefore, I proactively suggested that the mountainous land surrounding the Imperial Stables, totaling twenty thousand mu, be designated as belonging to the Zhao manor.

Ma Da was reluctant, but I insisted so forcefully that he had no choice but to agree. As for the Grand Marshal position, I had no intention of holding it long-term; I only promised Ma Da I would step down once the rebellion was quelled. Ma Xiaoda glared beside me, frustrated—this was a prime opportunity to seize power. For me, however, this felt like children playing house. Once the airplanes and cannons from Earth arrived, none of this maneuvering would matter.

At noon, Ma Da hosted a grand banquet to celebrate. As for the defeat of the fifty thousand Imperial Guards, it was not mentioned again. The banquet dragged on until evening, when I finally returned to the Zhao manor, exhausted. Zhou Ni rushed out to meet me.

“Brother Zhao, you’re finally back! If someone hadn't sent word, Sister Susu and I would have worried ourselves sick.”

I asked, “Do you still doubt my capabilities?”

Zhou Ni replied, “Of course I trust you, but your supernatural powers are temporarily gone. I was afraid something might happen to you.”

I sank into a chair. Linglong knelt down tenderly to rub my shoulders, saying, “Sister Ni, your husband is such a stickler for propriety! Today, the Emperor rewarded him with twenty thousand mu of land, and he traded it for a desolate mountain. He was made Grand Marshal, and he only agreed to serve for a few days!”

Zhou Ni explained, “Sister Linglong, you don’t understand. Brother Zhao was originally a monarch himself. How can he be content serving as another man’s subject?”

Linglong retorted, “I don’t care about your Earth affairs, but since you cannot leave here temporarily, you must follow our rules here. Wealth and power—that is what makes one strong.”

I comforted Linglong, “Wasn't this to save Ma Xiaowei? Next time your local Emperor bestows a reward upon me, I’ll take it, alright?”

Linglong huffed, “I knew you cared about her. She’s a Princess, I know I can’t compare. Her painting is even better than mine. Next time, just have the Emperor bestow the Princess upon you. Her own father isn't worried; why are you, an outsider, so anxious?”

These days, Zhou Ni had grown accustomed to Linglong’s little jealous outbursts. She asked, confused, “What is this about, Sister Linglong? Why does the Princess suddenly come up?”

Linglong explained, “Princess Ma Xiaowei was worried about your husband, so she forged an imperial edict to divert the fifty thousand reinforcement Imperial Guards to the Imperial Stables for backup. Who knew that before those fifty thousand Guards even reached the Stables, they were routed! If your husband hadn't risked everything to defend her, the Princess would have already been beheaded by her own father.”

Zhou Ni chuckled, “Brother Zhao loves doing things like this. Most of us fell for him after he played the hero and rescued us.”

Linglong gasped, “Ah, that’s terrible! Princess Ma Xiaowei has always been infatuated with your husband. I’m afraid she’s now determined to marry no one but him. You all need to be careful!”

Just then, Yun Yao entered carrying water and said, “Don’t worry, Linglong. Brother Zhao swore he wouldn't flirt with the local girls; we all believe what he says.”

I added, “Exactly. So, let’s stop bringing up Ma Xiaowei. By the way, where is Susu? I haven't seen her.”

Zhou Ni replied, “We haven't heard from you since yesterday morning, so Sister Susu was very worried. Old Butler Fu Bo mentioned a small Earth God temple outside the West Gate that is especially efficacious. She left at dawn to offer incense for your safety.”

I felt relieved. “I didn’t realize Susu was so thoughtful. Wait a minute, why would offering incense take the entire day?”

Zhou Ni worried, “Yes, I’m concerned too. But Sister Susu took three personal guards with her, and they all have laser guns, so they should be fine, right?”

It suddenly struck me. “No! There are Red Turban ambush troops outside the West Gate today! Could Susu have run into the Red Turbans?”

The women chorused, “That couldn’t be such a coincidence, could it? Even if they met the Red Turbans, those three guards could protect Sister Susu and bring her back safely. At worst, they would send someone back to report.”

Old Butler Fu Bo stumbled in, panting heavily. “Master, this is bad! Madam Cheng’s personal guard has returned with news—Madam Cheng, she…”

“What happened to her…” the others grabbed the old butler, asking urgently.

The butler pointed behind him. “One guard made it back. Master, perhaps you should ask him. I… I don’t quite know the details.”

Only then did everyone notice the blood-soaked guard standing behind Butler Fu Bo. No wonder the butler’s face had turned ashen. Even I was startled by his appearance—Cheng Susu was in trouble!

The guard had already suffered arrow wounds, and rushing back in his weakened state, nearly half his life had ebbed away.

“M-Master, the three of us escorted Madam Cheng outside the West Gate this morning to offer incense. Who knew we would encounter a group of defeated Red Turbans around noon? There were two or three hundred of them. They saw the Madam’s beauty and grew lustful. The three of us defended her with our lives, but those Red Turbans had bows and arrows. We killed over fifty enemies, but ultimately could not overcome them. My two brothers are dead. I was shot by an arrow and fainted. I was lucky enough to wake up and rush back to report. Please punish me!”

I said, “You are not at fault; rather, you have performed a service. Linglong, immediately treat this brother’s wounds. I must go rescue Susu!”

Linglong insisted, “I’ll go with you. I won’t feel safe if you go alone.”

Yun Yao added, “I’m going too!”

Fu Bo urged, “You all go quickly to save Madam Cheng! I will fetch a doctor.”

Zhou Ni said, “You should all go together for mutual support. I will manage things here.”

Perhaps things had been too smooth; Heaven was now increasing the difficulty for me. Those Red Turbans were lawless. Heaven forbid anything happens to Cheng Susu. After finally finding her safely, this problem had to arise at such a crucial juncture. Why did she have to go offer incense? It would have been so much better to wait for me at home!

I told Yun Yao, “There isn't time. You take me and go ahead. Have Linglong and the guards follow after us.”

Linglong cried out anxiously, “I won't feel safe if you two go alone! Let me come too. Sister Yun Yao has no combat skills; she can’t protect you.”

Yun Yao refused, “That won't work. You two together would overload me. I can only take one. How about I take Linglong? Even if we encounter those Red Turbans, she can handle herself.”

How could I let someone else substitute when I needed to save my wife? I swept Yun Yao up in my arms and said, “Let’s go! I make the decisions here, Linglong, be good!”

Seeing my anger, Linglong dared not argue further. She went out to gather the personal guards, prepare the horses, and get ready to leave the city. Yun Yao and I flew out of the Zhao manor toward the West Gate. Night was deepening. Seeing my agitation, Yun Yao tried to comfort me, “Brother Zhao, don’t worry. I believe Sister Susu is blessed by Heaven and will turn danger into safety. Besides, the darkness will cover our movements. When we get there, we can attack them stealthily from above, and we won't fear their superior numbers.”

I replied, “But we must find that group of Red Turbans before it gets completely dark. Otherwise, how can we see them once the night deepens?”

Yun Yao reassured me, “Don't fear, Brother Zhao. They need to build fires to cook. Then we can find them even more easily.”

Although Yun Yao was trying to soothe me, what she said held merit. Even the formidable Red Turbans weren't made of iron; they couldn't possibly travel without eating or sleeping. Even if they didn’t rest, we could catch up while flying overhead.

Searching from a high vantage point covered a vast area, and moreover, the roads in Shuangcheng were not as tangled as those on Earth. These Red Turbans, routed from Huyang Prefecture, would inevitably retreat to Huyang to secure a stronghold. Therefore, we only needed to search along the road leading to Huyang. There was no alternative route to Huyang Prefecture, so we didn't need to fear being pursued.

The Anti-Gravity Boots were fast. After searching barely fifty li, we indeed spotted clusters of firelight on the ground. By this time, it was hard to make out the faces of the people below, but the red headscarves worn by those around the fires were highly conspicuous. We were certain they were the defeated Red Turbans. Whether Cheng Susu was among them could only be determined by scouting closer.

Yun Yao and I quietly landed behind a thicket of trees and crept through the low scrub toward the Red Turban camp. The Anti-Gravity Boots had a carrying limit of three hundred jin. Three girls, each weighing under a hundred jin, could be managed, but I myself weighed over one hundred sixty jin; adding two girls weighing over ninety jin each made sustained flight impossible. I had already instructed Yun Yao: if we spotted Cheng Susu, she should save the person and leave, not worry about me.

There were about two hundred Red Turbans in the group, which matched the number reported by the guard who brought the message. However, the group was large and disorganized, and I couldn't immediately spot Cheng Susu among them. These Red Turbans were clearly exhausted; many were already dozing near the fires as soon as darkness fell.

“Hey! Big Pockmark, bring out that wench we caught today so everyone can have some fun! Damn it, those three guards were tough sons of bitches, making us lose over fifty brothers!” suddenly called out a long-haired Red Turban soldier.

The one called Big Pockmark was a Centurion, the highest-ranking officer present. The Chiliarch who had narrowly survived the Imperial Stables battlefield had been cut down by the Imperial Guards while attacking the Emperor’s carriage outside the West Gate. Big Pockmark lazily responded, “Give up your fantasies. I plan to take that woman back to present to Prince Shou. We set out with over thirty thousand men and barely three hundred made it back. Whether we can even pass Prince Shou’s inspection is questionable. Hopefully, that woman can please him, and our sins will be lessened.”

The long-haired soldier replied, “Pockmark, why worry about Prince Shou? Our failure today was Heaven’s will. If not for the lightning strike last night, why would our formation break and flee? If Prince Shou insists on holding us few hundred accountable, I say we shouldn't return to Huyang at all. Rather than going back nervously to be punished, let’s live freely somewhere else and become mountain kings.”

Someone nearby chimed in, “Yeah, Brother Pockmark! We hear there are other rebellious peasants in other prefectures. We can just defect to them. Prince Shou is too petty; we fought desperately here, and in the end, we might not even be thanked.”

Big Pockmark seemed tempted. “We are now wanted criminals of the court. Without a backer, it will be hard for us to survive long. Do you have any contact with the rebel armies of other prefectures? If we can’t connect with them, even if we want to defect, they might not take us in.”

The long-haired Red Turban offered, “My cousin is the third-in-command at Milk Mountain in Liuyang Prefecture. If Brother Pockmark doesn't mind, I’m willing to introduce everyone.”

Big Pockmark declared, “Good, then we won't return to Huyang Prefecture. Since we’re rebels anyway, as long as someone gives us food, rebelling anywhere is the same.”

The long-haired Red Turban assured him, “Don’t worry, Pockmark. My cousin and I grew up together; he won't let us go hungry or thirsty.”

Someone below shouted, “Pockmark, since we aren’t going back to Huyang, bring out that woman and let everyone have a look! Her breasts are too seductive. Damn it, when we captured her today, I masturbated twice just looking. I’ve slept with countless women, but I’ve never seen breasts that big. Truly a masterpiece! Her waist is quite slim too. If I could get a good suck on those tits, it would feel amazing. Fine, since we don’t need to please Prince Shou anymore, let her come out and entertain us all.”

These rebel Red Turbans were crude men. They had already witnessed the power of beauty during the day. Hearing there was entertainment, some couldn't wait and pulled down their pants, starting to work on their erections. Even the Red Turbans who had planned to sleep were instantly energized. Dozens gathered in a circle, waiting for the main course.

“Let me go! Let me go!” Cheng Susu struggled as she was dragged over.

Two Red Turban soldiers eagerly reached out to fondle her chest. “Little girl, stop resisting. Let us treat you well tonight! Look at your hips, big and round—you might be able to handle the cocks of several hundred of us…”

Slap! Slap! In a fit of anger, Cheng Susu broke free from the soldier grabbing her arm and slapped the two reaching for her breasts.

“Damn you, you bitch! How dare you hit us! I’ll cut off your tits and drink wine with them!”

“You dare!” Cheng Susu thrust

“Yes, I was worrying for nothing. He’s not my husband, after all. You two handle it; I have nothing to do with him, let him do whatever he wants.”

Zhou Ni exchanged a helpless glance with Yun Yao and Cheng Susu. It was obvious to anyone that this twelve-year-old girl had designs on their husbands. It was just that she was too young; pursuing a relationship at this age bordered on statutory offense, they thought.

Though Linglong claimed she was fretting pointlessly, she hadn't moved an inch from the bedside. **The man lay perfectly still; if it weren't for his even breathing, one might truly mistake him for a corpse.

Linglong murmured to herself, “How strange. Master clearly possesses no strength to even tie a chicken, yet so many of those Red Scarf bandits were felled by laser fire. What is truly going on here? Could there be a hidden master assisting him?”

**The man lying down suddenly thrust out an arm and snatched