After Commander Liu finished speaking to Commander Ding, he turned to the five of us. "You've all had a rough time. Let's find a place to rest and change. If you don't mind, you can stay at my place for a while. I have a few clean sets of clothes, and a bowl of hot soup will help chase away the dampness."

I looked at the four of them, who had been awake for two nights and a day, their clothes thoroughly soaked, and replied, "Thank you, Commander Liu. Your subordinates must, of course, remain to protect you."

Though some men here wore queues, it was mostly a luxury for the wealthy, so Linglong and Yun Yao's twin braids immediately drew Commander Ding's attention. He eyed the two women twice. "Gangzi, your personal guards look rather soft and delicate. Are they from a rich household? Or perhaps you kept them for your own pleasure."

The march had left us utterly filthy, but the rain had washed the mud from the two women's faces, leaving them pristine. Being fair-skinned and beautiful meant they were inherently delicate, and paired with those long braids, it was no wonder Commander Ding assumed they hailed from a wealthy family. Since there were likely men here who favored the company of other men, Commander Ding's subsequent remark followed naturally.

Commander Liu waved him off. "Stop guessing, Little Ding. They are fierce fighters. If it weren't for them, I'd have died on the battlefield long ago."

Commander Ding tried to pat Yun Yao on the shoulder, but she quickly retreated behind me, clutching the hem of my tunic. Unfazed, he laughed. "Brothers, thank you for saving Gangzi. Don't worry, even though your unit was shattered, if you wish to stay soldiers, you can follow me. I won't mistreat any of you."

I said, "Thank you, Commander Ding, but we prefer to stay with Commander Liu."

Commander Ding countered, "Gangzi, the rank of Battalion Commander is now just an empty title for him. I'll have him start over under my command, so you're still technically following me."

Commander Liu stood firm this time. "No, Little Ding. As long as General White Wave doesn't hold me responsible for the lost grain, I’ve decided to leave the army. I want to stay home with my wife and children."

Commander Ding sighed. "Gangzi, I know you care for your wife, but what else can we do in such chaotic times? The fields outside are fallow, and it looks like the next rice harvest will fail. Life will only get harder. The only way to survive is to enlist and earn a few mouthfuls of food. If you don't serve, how will your wife and unborn nephew eat?"

Commander Liu considered this. "I'll find a way to take your wife away from Pingyuan County. I refuse to believe there’s no place in this world free from war. We'll live in seclusion, self-sufficient."

Commander Ding conceded. "Fine, I won't press you. But if you truly intend to leave, perhaps you shouldn't bother reporting to White Wave to receive punishment. Everyone on the ramparts just now were my personal guards, and I'll strictly instruct them to keep their mouths shut. No one knows you two made it back alive. Only a fool would report in to take a beating when you're leaving the service anyway."

Commander Liu seemed to suddenly grasp the realization. "Yes, you're right. It's a good thing we didn't go straight to the General's residence; that would have been walking into a trap! My home is just ahead. Hurry up, take two more steps so you can change into clean clothes. I'll have Wan Niang brew you some hot soup."

It was a crude wooden hut. The fence palings were leaning every which way, and the door hung slightly ajar, swaying a bit whenever the wind blew. I asked Commander Liu, "This is your home?"

Commander Liu was startled too. "What's going on? Wan Niang should be home. I explicitly told her not to go anywhere when I left, just to wait for me here."

Commander Ding stepped inside. There were only three rooms. He scanned them quickly and turned back. "Gangzi, there's no one here. It looks... it looks like someone has ransacked the place. Has something happened to your wife?"

"Master Gangzi, you're back," a frail, trembling old man emerged from the neighboring room. The wooden courtyard wall between the houses was low enough that one could see him clearly even while crouching on the ground.

Commander Liu rushed forward breathlessly. "Grandpa Wan, where is my Wan Niang? Why is my home in such a state of ruin?"

Old Man Wan wiped his eyes. "Gangzi, you must be strong. Just yesterday, a band of soldiers and brigands came looking for grain. You had half a sack of rice—that was the sustenance for Wan Niang and the child. When they demanded it and Wan Niang refused to give it up, those enraged soldiers... they violated Wan Niang. Poor woman, for the sake of her purity, she hanged herself. Two lives lost in one body... those damned souls..."

With a heavy thud, Commander Liu collapsed onto the ground. He had fought his way back just to see his wife, but now the house was empty, and he couldn't bear it. Two loved ones lost at once—a double tragedy that no man, even one forged of iron, could withstand.

Commander Ding's eyes blazed. He kicked down the wooden courtyard wall and grabbed the old man, Old Man Wan. "Tell me, who did this? I'll kill them!"

Old Man Wan seemed unwell, coughing violently as he was pulled up. I stepped forward to pull them apart. "Commander Ding, how can you expect an elder like this to speak clearly while you are manhandling him?"

Commander Ding let go of the old man, slumping in defeat. "Forgive me, I was too frantic. Quickly, tell us who did it."

Old Man Wan caught his breath. "The soldiers looked ordinary, but if I saw them standing before me again, I might recognize them."

Commander Ding snapped, "That's no better than saying nothing! There are thirteen or fourteen thousand garrison troops. How am I supposed to line them all up for you to identify?"

Old Man Wan pondered. "I remember hearing two of them shout their names. One was called Bitter Gourd, and the other, Sweet Beet. Because their names were so strange, this old man remembered them."

The names were indeed bizarre; it would have been impossible to remember ordinary ones. Commander Liu scrambled up from the ground, snatched the waist saber from a guard, and roared, "Damn it, I'll slaughter them all! I want revenge for Wan Niang and the child!"

Commander Ding grabbed Commander Liu, holding him tight. "Gangzi! Do you know who they are? Listen to me, calm down! Those beasts must be killed, but we need a meticulous plan for how to do it."

Commander Liu realized the names were foreign, and without knowing who they were, how could he seek vengeance? Without finding them, revenge was impossible.

Commander Ding said, "Gangzi, why don't we send my guards to investigate first? We should handle your wife's affairs. It looks like she's already been buried. We should at least go pay our respects."

Old Man Wan spoke up. "After Wan Niang died, she lay in the house. We neighbors couldn't bear it. We pooled our money and bought a coffin to bury her."

Commander Liu knelt before Old Man Wan, bowing his head. "Grandpa Wan, Gangzi thanks you all."

Within Pingyuan County there were several desolate mounds of earth where the dead were usually interred—essentially an unmarked graveyard. Commander Ding's guards procured some sacrificial items. There was no talk of spirit money here, and with the rain still falling, burning anything was out of the question. Commander Liu knelt respectfully before his wife's grave, kowtowing three times. In just a few days, they were separated by life and death, and the child he never met. The grief overwhelmed him, and he threw himself onto the grave mound, weeping uncontrollably.

Linglong and Yun Yao gripped my arms on either side. "He's so pitiful," they murmured. "Don't leave us."

I drew the two girls into my embrace with gentle affection. This was the first time Linglong had been held this intimately by me, and she trembled slightly with nervousness. I said, "How could I? We will always be together."

Linglong asked timidly, "Master, does that include me?"

"Yes," I confirmed. "If you wish, I can take you back to Earth. I don't think Yun Yao and the others will object, right?"

Yun Yao stated, "Linglong can come, but no other woman!"

Linglong was deeply moved and immensely proud. She boldly mimicked Yun Yao, looping her arms around my waist, her delicate eyes slightly closed, pressing against my chest. "Master, you must promise never to let me leave your side, not for a lifetime, not for two. You must protect me so I never suffer like Wan Niang."

I whispered, "Silly girl, even if you died, I could bring you back..."

"The Life Needle!" The three of them suddenly remembered something.

Linglong quietly objected, "I don't agree. There are still nine needles left. We must use them sparingly—this is a priceless treasure that can grant a second life. Once they're gone, they're gone."

"I... I also disagree," Yun Yao said. "Commander Liu is an insignificant figure. If we try to save every dead person we see, where does it end? Besides, we don't know the state of the body. If it's too damaged, we can't do anything."

While they whispered amongst themselves, Commander Liu continued to sob over the grave mound, calling his wife's name. Seeing a grown man so openly heartbroken over his wife was genuinely moving. I didn't respond to the girls' words; the three of us simply watched in silence.

Finally, Yun Yao broke first. "Commander Liu is truly pitiful. Since we still have nine needles, they might not all be needed. For such a loyal and devoted man, perhaps we should reconsider."

Linglong chimed in, "Yes. He risked everything to rush back to see his wife, only to find this. It's truly tragic. Master, my heart has melted hearing him cry."

I replied, "His wife was violated by those brigands. The mindset here is too rigid. Now that she is dead, perhaps the violation can be overlooked, but if we revive her, what if Commander Liu shuns her for it? Wouldn't that be saving her for nothing?"

Linglong looked conflicted. "That's true. If it were me, I would only be able to prove my purity by death. A girl's body should not be touched by anyone other than her own man. Otherwise, she can never hold her head up high again, and even her own family won't accept her."

As she spoke, Linglong seemed to hint at something, lightly pinching the flesh on my waist. Heavens, did I violate her when we were at the Wu residence? Linglong hadn't reacted with despair; instead, she followed me calmly. Did this mean I was her... Impossible, impossible. She's only twelve—still a flower bud. I cannot be so debauched and shameless.

Yun Yao, unaware of the silent exchange between us, kept her focus on Commander Liu. "We can ask him. If he doesn't mind that his wife was violated, then we can figure out a way to save her."

Linglong suddenly asked me, "Master, if you were Commander Liu right now, what would you do?"

"Nonsense," I answered. "Of course, the person comes first. Reputation or no reputation, as long as the person is safe. I’m not as rigid as the people here. Besides, it wasn't voluntary—it's not her fault."

Linglong exclaimed, "I admire you so much, Master."

Yun Yao added, "Naturally. But we don't need to worry about that, because Brother Zhao will protect us from being violated by other men."

Linglong laughed. "It seems like we are protecting him right now."

Yun Yao scoffed. "That was an accident. If the wormhole transition hadn't malfunctioned, let me tell you, everyone on the entire Twin Stars system combined wouldn't be Brother Zhao's match."

Linglong laughed. "Alright, alright, stop boasting. We know our husband is powerful."

I let the two girls go to their debate and stepped forward, pulling Commander Liu up. "Commander Liu, I have a few questions for you. I hope you will answer honestly."

Commander Liu, not understanding my intent, wiped his tears and choked out, "Ask away. I will hide nothing I know. Even if you asked me to join the dynasty right now... I would agree. I want to kill everyone who defiled my wife and avenge her."

I secretly glanced at Commander Ding standing nearby; he hadn't noticed the implication in Commander Liu's words. I asked, "Commander Liu, killing them for Wan Niang's revenge is a certainty. But right now, I want to ask you: if—I am only saying if—if your wife could live again, would you care that she had been violated?"

Commander Ding interjected, "That's idiotic talk. How can a dead person come back to life? So your question is invalid."

Commander Liu, however, stated firmly, "Of course not! I want the person; reputation means nothing to me. If Wan Niang fears being scorned, I can take her far away, to a place where no one knows us, and no one can gossip behind our backs."

I smiled. "You suit my temperament well. It's natural for a man to have possessive feelings, but if something happens against our will, some things shouldn't be blamed on the woman. That puts my mind at ease."

Commander Ding didn't know my true identity, so he didn't show me the same respect Commander Liu did. He grabbed my collar. "What is the meaning of your question? Isn't your friend male? Letting him examine Wan Niang's body—absolutely not!"

Commander Liu quietly whispered a couple of sentences to Commander Ding, who looked stunned. "Really? That can happen? No wonder..." He glanced at Yun Yao's chest, his expression turning ambiguous, then waved his hand at his guards, who retreated far into the distance.

Commander Liu looked extremely nervous, his eyes constantly pleading and expectant as they fixed on me. Soon, Yun Yao came over to me. "She was only buried yesterday, so although the rain has made the body look pale, her other organs seem undamaged. I think there's hope."

Hearing this, Commander Liu's legs gave way, and he fell to his knees once more. "Man... no, no, no, brother, brother, I beg you, save my wife quickly! If my wife is safe, this life of mine, Liu Gang's, is yours!"

Since I had already resolved to save her, I naturally wouldn't stand on ceremony with Commander Liu. I told Linglong, "Go on. You should know what to do by now."

Linglong whispered in my ear, "Master, are you treating me like a nurse?"

Linglong certainly wouldn't know the term 'nurse.' I asked, "Who told you that?"

Linglong subtly pointed to Yun Yao. "She did."

I chuckled softly. "And are you willing to do it?"

Linglong grinned back. "Then are you planning to make me a uniform?"

Hmm? It seemed Yun Yao had instilled some rather impure notions in Linglong. Commander Liu, standing nearby, was frantic, as if something vital had been plucked from his heart. Linglong knew better than to delay; she pulled the medicine box from her back. It was a specially made, moisture-proof, low-temperature storage unit, designed to maintain the efficacy of drugs and injectables.

Linglong had watched me administer injections, so she moved with practiced ease. Furthermore, the task only required injecting the juice of the blood flower into Wan Niang's body; there was no technical skill involved. The reason I didn't go forward was to respect propriety between men and women, and Commander Liu knew the gender identity of Linglong and Yun Yao.

Linglong walked to the coffin, followed closely by Commander Liu. She removed the protective sheath from the disposable needle, pulled out Wan Niang's arm, and quickly plunged the needle in, injecting the fluid into the body.

Commander Liu watched without blinking. He suddenly shouted, "She's changing color! She's turning red! The ligature marks are gone! The marks are gone! Heavens, a miracle is truly happening!"

Hearing Commander Liu's cry, Commander Ding buzzed around anxiously like a headless fly, yet he was mindful of propriety. He paced back and forth in the distance, repeatedly shouting, "Gangzi, how is it? Has sister-in-law really come back to life?"

Commander Liu didn't answer. Suddenly, he dove headfirst into the coffin. Linglong clapped the rainwater off her hands and returned. "Master, I'm done. You are not to be a soft touch again in the future. We only have eight of those life-saving needles left; we won't save any outsiders from now on."

I conceded, "Of course, of course. I'll follow your instructions from now on."

Linglong pouted slightly. "Do I have that much influence? You have five wives already piling up on me. Those are just the ones we've found; there are three more we haven't found. And that's just on Twin Stars. There are countless more on Earth. What am I compared to them?"

Alas, this was a path I couldn't explore further. I decided it was best to remain silent and profit quietly.

Commander Ding, seeing Commander Liu dive into the coffin, rushed toward his friend in alarm. "Gangzi! Gangzi! Are you alright? It doesn't matter if sister-in-law can't be saved, but you must take care of yourself! Living people can't risk their lives for the dead!"

Before Commander Ding reached them, Commander Liu's figure emerged from the coffin, but this time he held a woman in his arms. The woman murmured, "Husband, am I dreaming? Is this the Underworld? It feels like real life. This rain is so familiar, and so are you... Oh dear, Husband, could you have also...? What are we to do? The Liu lineage still depends on you to carry on the family line."

“Wanniang, don't dwell on it,” Liu Baihu murmured, holding the woman tightly against him. “You’ve come back to life, you really have! You’re so foolish; if they wanted the grain, you should have just given it to them. Even after what they did to you, you shouldn't try to die. Did you think you could just abandon me?”

Wanniang’s mind finally cleared, and the blush that had faintly touched her cheeks instantly drained away, leaving her deathly pale. She struggled out of Liu Baihu’s embrace and immediately lunged toward the hard wooden coffin, intent on smashing her head against it. “Husband, I have wronged you. The only way I can prove my innocence is by death!”

Liu Baihu was completely caught off guard as Wanniang made to strike herself again. Linglong’s agility was extraordinary; she leaped up in a single bound, catching Wanniang mid-air. “Nonsense! How could we waste our master’s miraculous life-saving needles like this? You women are utterly unreasonable!”

By then, Liu Baihu had snapped out of his terror. He lunged forward and took Wanniang from Linglong. “Wanniang, you... you’re trying to anger me to death! I command you not to die now!”

In ancient times, there was the saying that a ruler commands his minister to die, and the minister has no choice but to obey. Here, the husband was heaven, and his word was law. Wanniang, a woman steeped in traditional etiquette, could not disobey. She wept, “Husband, your wife has failed you. Now that my purity has been defiled, only death can wash away this stain. Please, grant my wish. In the next life, I shall serve you as a beast of burden to repay your kindness.”

“Impossible! I command you to repay me in this lifetime…”

I turned to Ding Qianhu. “Ding Qianhu, are you planning to keep watching this couple’s intimate moment? I suggest we return and wait. Let them talk things over privately. If Wanniang’s knot of grievance isn't untied, she will only try to kill herself again. I believe Liu Baihu should have a way to handle this; if he doesn't, we won’t be of much help either.”

Ding Qianhu’s attitude toward me underwent a complete 180-degree shift. “Indeed, indeed. May I ask your esteemed name? With such divine skill, why are you reduced to the rank of a mere soldier? That little cylinder just now was miraculous—a mere prick, and the person revived! Impressive, truly impressive.”

As we walked back, I explained, “Ding Qianhu, my name is Zhao Qian. To be frank, I possess a few minor, inherited medical tricks, but misfortune has dogged me, leading to my forced conscription. Fortunately, I became close friends with Liu Baihu while fleeing for our lives together. When I examined Wanniang just now, she was merely suffocated, her breath held captive. In your words, she was feigning death, which is why I could bring her back. Alas, if a person is truly dead, even I can do nothing.”

I said this purely to shut Ding Qianhu up. Otherwise, every time someone died, they would come looking for me, and I couldn't possibly rush to every emergency. By stating this today, if a deceased person sought my help later, I could use the excuse that the person died a genuine death, making treatment impossible.

Ding Qianhu bowed respectfully. “A divine physician! Brother Zhao’s medical skills are no less renowned than Physician Zhao of Shuāngchéng. Seeing that your surnames are the same, could you perhaps be brothers?”

I laughed. “It’s possible, I suppose. I'll ask my mother when I get back if I have a brother who was lost out there.”

Ding Qianhu roared with laughter. “Brother Zhao is a straightforward man, very much to the liking of little Dingzi here. I’m determined to be your friend. Come, let’s go to Liu Gang’s house first and tidy things up. When the couple returns reunited, they shouldn't have to see this mess.”

In truth, it didn't require both of us to act. Ding Qianhu had over a dozen personal guards. After leaving four to watch over Liu Gang and his wife from a distance at the graveyard, the rest hurried to Liu Gang’s house to help clean up the rooms. Ding Qianhu even sent someone back to his Qianhu camp to retrieve the last remaining bag of rice.

Speaking of the rice, Ding Qianhu said, “Brother Zhao, you’ve been away for days, so you might not know: Pingyuán County Town has gone without grain for two full meals! Otherwise, those beasts wouldn't have come down to plunder the remaining grain from the common folk. We never wanted to be soldiers or fight this war, but we were forced. Not fighting means death; fighting also means death. We joined the army hoping to earn a meal, but now it seems even soldiers will starve to death.”

I replied, “Ding Qianhu, you worry too much. According to news we’ve heard, the Imperial Bandit Suppression Army welcomes defectors. All who surrender will be fed and housed, and those unwilling to continue serving as soldiers can revert to civilian status.”

I had slightly altered my original plan. I had intended to send soldiers unwilling to serve back to Shuāngchéng and let Madar decide their fate. However, it seemed the number of those unwilling to fight would be substantial. It would be better to settle them here as farmers; taking too many refugees to Shuāngchéng would only cause security problems.

Ding Qianhu’s expression shifted slightly. “Logically, the Ma family’s court is the true sovereign in Shuāngchéng, but most of us rebel soldiers have killed imperial officials. If we surrender, we might very well lose our heads! Brother Zhao, please don't mention this again. It’s fine if only my personal guards hear it, but if others learned of it, they might report it straight to General Báilàng, and then you’ll be the one to suffer.”

Coaxing Ding Qianhu into defection seemed no easy task, though then again, what in this world comes easily? If Liu Baihu could help mediate, perhaps there was a chance.

Just then, the guards sent out to look for ‘Bitter Gourd’ and ‘Sweet Melon’ returned. Although Wanniang was revived, the men who insulted her could not go unpunished. Ding Qianhu was determined to avenge this wrong. “Any news?” Ding Qianhu asked his guards sternly.

The guard reported, “Lord Qianhu, your subordinate has tracked them down. Bitter Gourd and Sweet Melon are personal guards of Shen Nian, the Left Deputy General under General Báilàng. From what we gathered, Shen Nian took Bitter Gourd and Sweet Melon out yesterday. If our estimation is correct, the ones who defiled Wanniang were them!”

Ding Qianhu sucked in a sharp breath. Left Deputy General Shen Nian was one of Báilàng’s most trusted men. If he was truly responsible, even if Ding Qianhu wanted to avenge his sister-in-law, killing Shen Nian himself was questionable—and then what would become of Ding Qianhu?

I recognized Ding Qianhu’s dilemma. He seemed a loyal and upright fellow, but not a brute; he knew how to think before acting. Realizing this, I said, “Ding Qianhu, don't trouble yourself. Since you’ve identified who harmed Wanniang, leave the revenge to me. Rest assured, we never wanted to remain rebel soldiers anyway. After we kill that Shen Nian, we will flee Pingyuán County Town, and this matter will have nothing to do with you.”

Unexpectedly, my words enraged Ding Qianhu. He pointed at me and roared, “What nonsense is that! Are you—are you calling me a coward? Everyone in Pingyuán County knows my relationship with Liu Gang. If you dare to kill an official for a mere acquaintance, don't you think I dare to do the same for my brother? Damn it! Brothers, follow me, let’s kill Shen Nian and rebel against Pingyuán County!”

As he reached the doorway, Ding Qianhu paused and retreated. “It is broad daylight, and the Deputy General’s residence is heavily guarded. We must wait until nightfall to act. Otherwise, if we fail to kill that dog thief and only succeed in losing our lives, don't mistake me for a coward; I am merely advising caution.”

A few stray raindrops drifted into the room. The door opened, and Liu Baihu returned with Wanniang. They walked to me and immediately knelt, their knees hitting the floor with a thud. “Benefactor, please accept our deepest gratitude!”

I quickly said, “Get up, please. I merely got lucky. If Wanniang had truly passed away, I wouldn't have been able to save her.”

Liu Baihu was clearly puzzled; he didn’t entirely believe Wanniang hadn't been dead before. But my way of speaking suggested I was intentionally concealing the details of the rescue, so he didn't press the matter. “Brother Zhao, though I am presumptuous to call you brother, I stand by my word. Liu Gang’s life now belongs to you.”

I understood that Liu Gang’s words meant he was willing to pledge allegiance to the Imperial Court. However, seeing the deep affection between him and his wife, I didn't want to force him. “Liu Baihu, you flatter me. We can discuss this later. As long as Wanniang is safe, that is what matters.”

Linglong whispered to Liu Baihu, “Hey, your wife isn't going to try to kill herself again, is she? Don’t disappoint our master’s kind intentions.”

Wanniang overheard Linglong. She turned to her and said, “Thank you. I’ve come to terms with things. As long as my husband and child are safe, I can endure any humiliation. Moreover, my husband doesn't blame me. I won't seek death again; I wouldn't know how to live on if I left him alone.”

Ding Qianhu interrupted, “Let’s put that aside for now. Gangzi, I found out who insulted Wanniang.”

Wanniang collapsed back into Liu Baihu’s arms. Holding his wife, Liu Baihu gritted his teeth. “I know who it was too.”

They spoke in unison: “Deputy General Shen!”

It seemed Wanniang must have recognized the man. Knowing her husband was powerless against him, she had left no clues before attempting suicide. Now that she was alive again, she had told Liu Baihu the truth.

Ding Qianhu said to Liu Baihu, “Gangzi, tonight we kill that brute. Since this place has no room for us, we’ll strike out and either establish our own faction or live in seclusion.”

Liu Baihu replied, “Leave this to me. If you get involved, you’ll be opposing Prince Shou, and your entire future will be ruined.”

A sudden surge of passion filled Ding Qianhu. “Gangzi, do you not consider me a brother? Why don’t we kill that dog thief and defect to the Imperial Army instead? Even if they execute us, it’s better than living a cowardly life here.”

Liu Baihu glanced at me, then said to Ding Qianhu, “Little Dingzi, to be frank, I have already defected to the Imperial Army. Not only do they not behead surrendered soldiers, but they also provide us with food and treat us with the same privilege as the Imperial Guards.”

With a chilang sound, several personal guards drew their swords. Ding Qianhu glared at them, and the swords were hastily returned to their scabbards. Ding Qianhu then addressed his men: “Those of you willing to follow me, stay. Those who no longer consider me a brother, you may leave now!”

“Lord Qianhu, we swear to follow you to the death!” the guards said in unison.

Ding Qianhu nodded. “Good. Gangzi is my best brother. Even if we part ways or become enemies, I won’t lift a finger against him.”

The guards chorused, “Lord Qianhu, your subordinates understand. We were rash just now.”

Ding Qianhu turned back to Liu Baihu. “Gangzi, a gentleman must have revenge for such an insult. I have nothing tying me down, so I’ll risk it all. Tonight, we kill Deputy General Shen and flee the city to join the Imperial Army!”

Liu Baihu agreed, “Good! But let’s all change into clean clothes first and discuss the details. Staying in these damp clothes could easily lead to illness.”

Liu Baihu actually wanted a chance to exchange a few words with me while changing. Linglong and Yun Yao went with Wanniang to another room, while Ding Qianhu and his guards remained in the main hall. We went to a separate room. Liu Baihu lowered his voice. “Sir, Ding Qianhu has been my friend since childhood. I stake my life on it: he is absolutely trustworthy and will not go back on his word. Tonight, we kill that Deputy General Shen and escape Pingyuán County Town. When that happens, please take us in. I wish to follow you to the death to repay you for saving my wife.”

As I changed clothes, I said, “I can see you are very good friends, and Ding Qianhu is worthy of my trust. We can go ahead and kill Shen Nian tonight, but there’s no need to flee Pingyuán County Town so hastily.”

Liu Baihu insisted, “Sir, your subordinate will follow all your commands. You saved Wanniang’s life; you are my second parents. I beg to serve as your personal guard and never leave your side!”

“Very well,” I agreed. “You can be my personal guard for now. We’ll find other roles for you later. Tonight, we will find a way to sneak into Shen Nian’s residence and eliminate him. This way, we avenge Wanniang and simultaneously sow more chaos in Pingyuán County Town. Furthermore, we shouldn't withdraw this contingent easily; we must continue to create maximum turmoil within the rebel-held city. Then, at the crucial moment, we will swing open the South Gate to welcome the Imperial Army. By doing this, you will have earned a monumental merit.”

Liu Baihu pledged, “I will follow your orders completely. Regarding Little Dingzi, I will keep your true identity secret for now. It won't be too late to tell him after we take care of Deputy General Shen tonight, lest any of his guards have ulterior motives. Once Shen Nian is dead, they will all be tied together; no one will dare have second thoughts.”

Liu Baihu wanted to reassure me, and I agreed to his plan. After all, I didn't know his guards, and one could never be too careful about unforeseen complications.

I never expected things to proceed so smoothly. Within moments of entering the city, I had swayed a Qianhu, and he was stationed at the South Gate. Even if he couldn't incite all his thousand men to revolt, having two or three hundred loyal followers would allow him to control access to the South Gate to coordinate with the approaching Imperial Army.

Everyone changed into clean clothes and gathered again in the main hall. Since Ding Qianhu now knew Yun Yao’s identity, and Liu Baihu didn't have many men's clothes, Linglong and Yun Yao ended up wearing Wanniang’s attire, causing Ding Qianhu to smack his lips. “Say, Brother Zhao, what is the relationship between these two ladies and you? You make this brother truly envious.”

Yun Yao answered for me. “We are the Master’s maids, here to protect him.”

I added, “That’s right. These two are quite skilled; tonight’s operation will rely on them.”

Ding Qianhu inquired, “Did you also pledge allegiance to the Court, like Gangzi?”

“Of course,” I replied. “We are Liu Baihu’s personal guards. Because Liu Baihu was anxious about his wife, he requested permission from a high-ranking officer in the Imperial Army to return home and reunite with her. But don't misunderstand; we aren't here to spy on him.”

Ding Qianhu scoffed. “What kind of talk is that? Little Dingzi is no petty man. You saved my sister-in-law; such a debt of gratitude earns my complete trust!”

“Although it’s still early, I think we should send scouts to investigate the layout of Deputy General Shen’s residence. It would be best to learn the exact times for shifting internal and external sentries, giving us more confidence in the operation.”

Ding Qianhu said, “I’ll assign guards to do that shortly. They are sure to have contacts within the Shen residence who can find out everything once asked.”

Liu Baihu deliberately asked me, “Brother Zhao, what is your plan for tonight’s operation? I know you are knowledgeable and resourceful; please share your thoughts with us.”

“Thank you for holding me in such high regard, Chief Baihu. I believe tonight’s operation must be conducted covertly, ideally without anyone knowing. Especially when Ding Qianhu’s guards are gathering intelligence, we must ensure the residents of the Shen manor do not become suspicious. Otherwise, when Shen Nian is assassinated tomorrow, suspicion will inevitably fall on us.”

Ding Qianhu countered, “Brother Zhao, do we need to be this cautious? Once we kill Shen, we simply throw open the South Gate and defect to the Imperial Army. You and Gangzi are acquainted with those officers; with an introduction, there shouldn't be an issue, right?”

“There certainly will be an issue, but Ding Qianhu, don’t you want to achieve great merit? If you can accomplish this feat, perhaps after defecting to the Imperial Army in battle, you might even retain your position as Qianhu.”

Ding Qianhu exclaimed with delight, “Really? Although I don’t particularly care for fame or fortune, being recognized is always a good thing. It proves I’m not useless.”

I leaned closer and whispered, “If we achieve great merit, what is so difficult about being promoted and enfeoffed?”

Ding Qianhu urged, “Then tell us, what should we do to earn major accomplishments for the Imperial Court’s bandit suppression?” I pulled Yun Yao over. “This little maid of mine has a special ability—she can fly…”

“Fly?” Even Liu Baihu looked astonished.

I motioned to Yun Yao. “Show them.”

Yun Yao ascended slowly to the rooftop, circled for a moment, and then floated back down. The others’ jaws nearly dropped. Liu Baihu secretly thought that someone who could revive the dead and could also fly—these were things only immortals could achieve. He wondered how many lifetimes of good karma he had accumulated to encounter them.

No one doubted my words any longer. I continued, “Tonight, after we kill Deputy General Shen, I will have her return to the Imperial Army to clearly explain the situation here. Then, she will coordinate with them to set a precise time to open the South Gate and welcome the Imperial Army. In the time leading up to the coordinated attack, we must maximize the chaos within Pingyuán County Town, making the populace anxious and fearful day and night. This will cause the defending troops’ will to resist to weaken significantly. When the Imperial Army attacks, the city will fall immediately. Thus, the Imperial Bandit Suppression Army will take Pingyuán County Town with minimal casualties. Wouldn't that be a monumental achievement?”

Ding Qianhu mused, “It is indeed a major accomplishment, Brother Zhao’s planning is so thorough. Gangzi, what do you think?”

Liu Baihu confirmed, “I absolutely trust Brother Zhao Qian’s arrangements. We will follow his lead entirely. Let’s go down and arrange for men to scout Shen Fu’s residence. Also, Little Dingzi, you should replace the troops guarding the South Gate with men you trust completely. If there are any unwilling to follow you, we must deal with them sooner rather than later.”

Ding Qianhu and Liu Baihu left first. I wasn't worried about them informing on me. Liu Baihu was entirely trustworthy now, and besides, his wife was here; a man so deeply devoted to his wife would never abandon her.

Yun Yao whispered discreetly in my ear, “Big Brother Zhao, Wanniang’s unborn child also survived! You have saved two lives in one go this time—what a debt of gratitude!”

I glanced at Wanniang, who was heating broth over the stove. “She really won’t try to die again, will she? We can’t afford any more accidents.”

“No,” Yun Yao assured me. “When she was changing clothes, she was chatting and laughing with us. It seems Liu Baihu is quite good at coaxing women; you should learn from him. When we get back to Shuāngchéng, you need to charm Chenchen and Jingjing back!”

I handed my mobile phone to Yun Yao. “Text Ah Mao and tell him the situation here. Then, ask General Gu to deploy another force of three thousand men to hide just outside the South Gate. If things change, we’ll open the gate immediately and storm Pingyuán County Town.”

Yun Yao teased, “Should I specifically send regards to Ma Xiaowei? She cares a lot about you.”

“She is the Supervisory Official, so it’s necessary to inform her of the situation here. I wonder how her health is? The evening before last, it was my fault; I lost my footing and dragged her into the rice paddy.”

Yun Yao chuckled. “Besides falling down, did nothing else happen? When I helped her change, I noticed her chest rising and falling irregularly—she seemed very tense. There’s something going on.”

“Wouldn't anyone be tense after tumbling down a slope? Hurry up and do it. Don’t you trust me on other matters?”

“I can trust you on many things, but when it comes to matters concerning girls, I don’t trust you. Oh, once I contact them via the phone, do I need to return to the camp?”

“It doesn’t matter. I only said that because I don't want others to know we have such advanced communication tools.”

Before long, Wanniang warmly invited the few of us to drink hot rice soup. Sun Chang drank his while quietly asking me, “Sir, what should we do next? We can’t just hide here forever, can we?”

I considered for a moment. “Everyone is exhausted. After drinking the porridge, rest first. This afternoon, you and Hongguang go out to gather intelligence. Over the next two and a half days, we must find a way to turn Pingyuán County Town upside down. We need to persuade as many city defense soldiers as possible to defect. For those who stubbornly resist, we will carry out assassinations. Coupled with the fact that the city has no grain left, stirring things up for a day or two will cause the city to collapse without a direct assault.”

Sun Chang acknowledged, “Yes, Sir.” He paused. “Hongguang and I will take turns resting. I will go out now to check the situation, and when I return this afternoon, I’ll rest, and then Hongguang can go out to gather intelligence.”

“That sounds appropriate,” I replied. “It maximizes our time usage. Also, keep a close watch on the situation at Deputy General Shen’s residence. I worry Ding Qianhu may lack extensive combat experience and might make a mistake.”

Sun Chang accepted the order and departed. Wanniang, holding an umbrella, was speaking with someone in the courtyard. Old Man Wan appeared out of nowhere, trembling slightly in the rain. “Wanniang, is that really you? Didn't you—didn't you die? We buried you with our own hands! Is this—is this a ghost?”

Wanniang replied, “Grandpa Wan, I didn’t die. It was my husband’s friend who saved me. I won’t be foolish again; I will stay by my husband’s side and live out my days peacefully.”

Old Man Wan nodded repeatedly, "That's good, that's very good. You, you really are something. Remember, your own life is what matters most next time something like this happens!"

Wanniang said, "Grandpa Wan, bring your rice basin over here, I'll scoop some rice for you. My husband's brother brought a sack of rice, and I know your household has been out for two days. With the old and the young, you can't afford any accidents."

Old Man Wan protested, "How can this be allowed? Your rice is for saving your own lives too!"

Wanniang urged him gently, "Grandpa Wan, please don't be so formal with us. Haven't you helped our family enough times already?"

The truth was, Old Man Wan's home was in even worse straits; his seven-year-old grandson was close to starving to death without something to eat. So, he no longer hesitated, turning back to fetch his rice basin. Just then, a timid voice drifted from outside the courtyard gate: "Sister Wanniang, we are hungry too."

Several small children stood at the entrance, perhaps drawn by the news of rice and unable to pull themselves away. Wanniang, being inherently kind, and given that these were all neighbors, quickly portioned out the sack of rice until only the very bottom remained.

Yun Yao and I witnessed the entire scene from the main hall. I remarked to Yun Yao, "It seems you should return to the camp a few times tonight and bring back a few sacks of rice to manage the immediate need. If people don't eat, how will they have the strength to struggle with us later?"

Yun Yao nodded, "They truly look pitiful. Husband, you really should help these people."

I replied, "I will, but this cannot be rushed. We must secure Pingyuan County first."

Yun Yao sighed, "For tonight's operation, let's get some rest."

I quietly slipped my arm around Yun Yao's waist, "Will you stay with me?"

Yun Yao demurred, "That won't do at all. I'll sleep with Linglong; you sleep with Hongguang."