I had exchanged views with Ma Xiaowei beforehand regarding the relevant issues. When the others who had gone out on business also returned to the General's Residence, I said, "Your Highness, let's convene a meeting."

Ma Xiaowei nodded, "Yes, Marshal Zhao, everything will be according to your arrangements."

Ah San, Ah Mao, Gu Qi, Shi Shan, Cui An, Qianhu Ding, and Baihu Liu took their seats. As the meeting host, I cut the preamble and immediately asked everyone to report on the situation outside. Pingyuan County had tens of thousands of residents; if this was mishandled, it could lead to a popular uprising instead of a military revolt, which would be troublesome.

To manage this, I even instituted the "Three Main Rules of Discipline and Eight Points for Attention." To soothe the populace, we could not use brutal methods. We could be harsh and even take a bit more from the rebels, but these common folk were innocent subjects of the court. The army suppressing the bandits must not plunder or slaughter them; otherwise, we would lose the people's hearts, which would only incite greater rebellion.

Qianhu Ding was temporarily in charge of civil affairs and public security within the city, as well as monitoring whether the court troops or surrendered soldiers infringed upon the people's interests. He reported, "My Lord, the court army maintains strict discipline. They have not harmed the common people in the slightest, and the citizens within the city praise them universally. As for the surrendered soldiers, they are under strict guard; since they have not yet gained full freedom of movement, causing trouble is naturally difficult."

I nodded. Those Imperial Guards should still be obedient; otherwise, they wouldn't have hesitated to execute me when I ordered it. I had established military might for them; the Imperial Guards I executed outside the West Gate were not killed in vain.

Cui An stated, "My Lord, I was ordered to take custody of the armory in Pingyuan County. While taking inventory, we discovered a large quantity of superior sinew. Not long ago, you instructed me to build more Zhi Mao Ji (Javelin Launchers), and now, with this superior sinew, we can begin construction."

I was delighted. "This is excellent news. Our army currently lacks weapons capable of quickly striking the enemy. However, I have a suggestion. When the original Zhi Mao Ji launched its javelins, the area of effect was too concentrated. Often, a single enemy soldier would be hit by two javelins. Moreover, once the enemy formation dispersed, the launcher couldn't inflict widespread damage. Can you find a way to improve this? I propose making the launching tube adjustable, allowing for directional adjustments in all directions—up, down, left, and right. The original three-row design for the launch tube could also be changed to two rows, prioritizing horizontal lethality. Furthermore, the firing direction between the upper and lower rows should be staggered. This would greatly increase the kill zone. As for the cases where a single javelin doesn't kill the enemy, I suggest coating the projectiles with a sedative to incapacitate the enemy for a period."

Cui An exclaimed excitedly, "My Lord, I understand! Thank you for the reminder. Otherwise, in my dullness, I truly wouldn't have thought of these things. I will lead a team to modify them tonight and certainly will not delay your deployment."

With Cui An's matter concluded, Ah Mao reported, "My Lord, according to reports from scouts traveling day and night, the enemy's twenty thousand reinforcements are still quite far from Pingyuan County. Given the travel pace in this rainy weather, they need at least five more days to arrive. Even if the weather clears, they need a minimum of three days to reach Pingyuan County. Furthermore, our scouts have conducted ambushes along their route, and several rebel soldiers sent to report back to the reinforcements have been shot dead."

I stated, "Meaning the rebel reinforcements are unaware that we have captured Pingyuan County?"

Ah Mao replied, "That is correct, My Lord. I believe this presents an opportunity."

"Indeed. These twenty thousand reinforcements cannot be treated like the garrison we faced in Pingyuan County. First, we cannot establish internal contacts among them, and second, they should be carrying sufficient provisions with them, leaving us with no easy leverage or city to besiege. A decisive battle is inevitable. However, since the news of Pingyuan County’s fall has not spread, we can exploit this fact extensively."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Qianhu Ding added, "My Lord, from what I previously learned, this reinforcement group is a new core unit raised by Prince Shou. They were organized around Huyang Prefecture and rushed here upon receiving urgent reports from Pingyuan County. The commanding marshal seems to be named Lin Gu, and he has two major generals under him: one named Han Dong and the other named Zhi Xia. Both are skilled at managing troops, and they themselves possess high martial prowess, which is why Prince Shou designated their forces as a core unit."

Judging from Qianhu Ding’s report, although this reinforcement army was hastily assembled, the leaders commanding them possess some capability, so their combat effectiveness should not be low. Whether we can hold Pingyuan County depends on this battle. If we fail to defeat them, we will inevitably be trapped within Pingyuan County, making it impossible to proceed to Huyang Prefecture to suppress the bandits. If we defeat them, and then spread the news of Pingyuan County's fall, coupled with the court’s proclamation of amnesty, it should have a massive impact on enemy morale.

I asked Shi Shan, "Factory Director Shi, has there been any progress with the firearms these past two days?"

Shi Shan knew I placed infinite hope in firearms, and indeed, these weapons delivered a far greater impact on the enemy than blades and arrows. Out of a sense of repayment, Shi Shan had not allowed himself to slacken. He replied, "Reporting to My Lord, after hearing your reminder, I immediately rushed production to fire a batch of ceramic pots. As expected, the test results far surpassed those made of stone, and it saves considerable labor. The only issue is careful transportation. Additionally, regarding the moisture and water resistance for the Shi Lei (Stone Thunder/Bombs), after your guidance, I have also found some tricks. The Shi Lei fired into the city during the recent rains were treated for moisture resistance. Based on nearly a hundred experimental firings, we can launch the Shi Lei in the rain, and the misfire rate can be controlled to one percent, or even zero misfires in one hundred attempts."

My heart greatly relaxed. "That is excellent. Otherwise, this incessant rain would eventually delay our major endeavor. Now that we can use them in the rain, the Shi Lei will play a huge role in the battle awaiting us in a few days."

Shi Shan continued, "However, My Lord, we have not yet made a breakthrough regarding the moisture and water resistance for Shi Lei buried underground. The main difficulty lies in preventing moisture from affecting the steel wheel firing mechanism. I am currently researching this with Iron Second, the senior apprentice of Old Man Tie, hoping to make progress soon."

"Good. You two continue without worry. Notify me immediately of any progress."

"Qianhu Ah San, how is the deployment within the city?"

Although Ah San was only a Qianhu, he was a Qianhu of the Imperial Stable Directorate—one of my direct subordinates—giving him a status far exceeding that of the other Qianhus. Ah San replied, "My Lord, rest assured, the four city gates are under our strict guard. However, following your order, we have not restricted the common people's entry or exit. After all, the rice harvest is approaching outside. If we prevent them from going out to cultivate, I fear we won't be able to secure food for the populace in the coming months."

"Our success in capturing the city was purely due to exploiting a loophole: first, we struck just days before the rice harvest; second, the city’s grain reserves had been completely drawn down by the Huyang forces; and third, we intercepted the grain wagons meant for reinforcements. But this also points to a problem: the grain supply within the city is extremely tight. Our aid alone is insufficient, so the people must fend for themselves. I have observed that if this season's grain matures and is harvested, it will not only sustain the people until the next season but also leave a surplus that they can sell to us. That is why I want to make Pingyuan County the main base for suppressing the bandits: first, the city walls here are thick, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack; second, the vast rice paddies here allow us to secure food supplies."

Everyone nodded in agreement. I asked Gu Qi, "General Gu, how is the army reorganization progressing?"

Gu Qi reported, "Following your command, My Lord, we have recruited some willing commoners within Pingyuan County to replace the original Imperial Guards who were assigned to logistical support. We then integrated these Imperial Guards into the combat formations. This morning, I received additional soldiers from Qianhu Ding. Excluding the five thousand soldiers operating the catapults and Zhi Mao Ji, we now have ten thousand active combat personnel."

This means that, excluding the more than ten thousand surrendered soldiers, the current bandit-suppressing Imperial Guard force totals twenty thousand. It seems true that one must grow stronger through battle—this great theory put forth by Chairman Mao still applies here.

I said to Gu Qi, "Good. Have everyone focus on serious training and rest. We face a fierce battle in a few days, and it will depend on them then. I hope they can fight with the spirit of the Imperial Guard."

"Yes, My Lord, I will certainly train them diligently." Gu Qi accepted the order, inwardly ecstatic. Originally, at his rank as a Duweizhang (Brigade Commander), commanding ten thousand men felt somewhat inadequate for appearances. Now, counting the logistics personnel, his title as Duweizhang is truly well-earned. And this is only after capturing the small Pingyuan County. On the way to Huyang Prefecture, there is an even larger county city, followed by Huyang Prefecture itself. If we continue to fight our way through, who knows how large the force will expand? If it exceeds forty thousand men, and these forty thousand are under his command, how will his position be defined? There is no precedent in the Twin Cities Nation for this. Generally, generals commanding over twenty thousand men are called Marshals, but we already have a Marshal. What should his title be then?

With other matters settled, the next task was reorganizing the surrendered soldiers. Ma Xiaowei had already given her approval for this during our private conversation earlier. The military operates outside the Emperor's direct command, and having his daughter here as the supervising official perfectly compensates for this deficiency. In fact, Ma Da originally intended for me to handle all bandit suppression matters entirely, but due to the questioning of the ministers, he was forced to adopt this method based on his son's advice. However, he and those ministers probably never imagined that these two princesses now wished to give their very hearts to the Marshal.

Glancing at Qianhu Ding, I said, "Qianhu Ding, your contribution, along with Baihu Liu's, in capturing Pingyuan County this time was immense. The court is in need of capable men, and I had promised you before. Now, with Her Highness the Princess’s agreement, you and Liu Gang will both be conferred the title of General, each commanding five thousand troops. As for the remaining five thousand soldiers needed to fill your ranks, you must recruit them yourselves slowly. The court is also short of officers and soldiers; everyone must share this burden. However, the court will cover the pay and provisions."

Qianhu Ding—no, General Ding now—and Liu Gang knelt together to express their gratitude. "We thank Her Highness the Princess and His Lord Marshal. We shall certainly not disappoint the expectations of the Princess and My Lord, and serve the court diligently." Ma Xiaowei said, "Rise. Marshal Zhao will continue with the arrangements."

I stated, "General Ding, you will lead your troops to join the Imperial Guard in suppressing the bandits. Your official structure cannot be integrated into the Imperial Guard; you will remain temporarily as an attached force. General Liu will remain to defend Pingyuan County, and once the court’s bandit-suppressing army departs, you will work with the newly appointed County Magistrate to manage local security and defense, ensuring stability in the rear."

They accepted the orders. Most of the necessary discussions were complete, and the hour was late. I concluded, "Gentlemen, we should have held a celebratory banquet tonight, but we have just entered Pingyuan County, and much work awaits us. There can be no mistakes during this period. Therefore, please bear with the hard work for now. Her Highness the Princess will host a grander banquet to celebrate your merits another day."

The others expressed their resolve one after another. I yielded the floor to Ma Xiaowei for her concluding remarks. Ma Xiaowei stated, "All you generals have worked hard. The scribes have recorded your merits in the ledgers, and upon returning to Twin Cities, I will certainly petition the Emperor on your behalf. Tomorrow night, I will host a banquet for you all. If we decisively defeat the Huyang Prefecture reinforcements, I will personally pour wine to celebrate with each of you!"

To have such a beautiful, dignified, and sexy princess personally serve wine was more exciting than a hundred words of praise from the Emperor. Energized by this encouragement, everyone dispersed cheerfully to their tasks. Next came the time for myself and the two princesses.

Linglong and Yun Yao followed closely behind me, showing no sign of leaving. Especially Linglong, whose eyes were fixed intensely on Ma Xiaowei, wary that she might inadvertently swallow me whole. Her possessive gaze was heavier than usual, almost intimidating, causing even Yun Yao to grow suspicious, wondering inwardly if her husband had already dealt with the twelve-year-old girl.

Ma Xiaorui, standing nearby, nudged me with her eyes, urging me to send the two away. But when I coughed a

This time, it was Ma Xiaorui's turn to stammer, "H-how come you have so many girlfriends? You really are quite the rogue. My sister and I haven't spent much time worrying about court affairs. You and Sister Xiaowei have the full backing of the Royal Brother; I thought a single word from him after he ascends the throne would suffice. Do those ministers dare object?"

I replied, "If one word truly settled things, why didn't your father, the Emperor, just execute Pang Hu with a single command? I can tell he deeply disapproves of Pang Hu. If one word were enough, the realm would have long been at peace. Yet, despite listening to those ministers drone on about universal tranquility and national prosperity daily, here we are, still suppressing bandits."

Ma Xiaorui burst into tears, "Now that you put it like that, it sounds terribly complicated. What should we do? I’m going to discuss this with my sister."

With that, Ma Xiaorui ignored me and left in tears. I slumped in the conference room for a while before deciding to return to the Shen Residence. Rather than letting those two 'torment' me here, I’d rather go back and sleep in the arms of my wife, Yun Yao. Ugh, this situation is tricky. I rarely reject a girl's affections, especially someone of Ma Xiaowei's stature.

It’s just that my superpowers are gone now. Things with Ma Xiaowei can’t proceed the way they did with Li Qi. Besides, when I was dating Li Qi, I was already the Supreme Commander of the Tri-Sphere Corps, commanding countless troops and possessing advanced weaponry. Back then, I could look down on the entire world, which is why I never feared the pressure from Li Qi's family to keep her by my side. Moreover, in the Great Long Kingdom on Earth, there are no longer any princesses, nor are there so many feudal rites and rules as there are here.

The moment I stepped out of the meeting room, a palace maid hurried over. "Marshal Zhao, the Fifteenth Princess requests you wait. She is reapplying her makeup and will join you for the meal shortly. Please bear with us, Marshal."

Still have the heart to eat with all these lingering thoughts? I shouldn't have saved her in the first place. It turns out that touching someone means you have to take responsibility. What am I to do now? Should I just take Ma Xiaowei? She is quite exceptional. Furthermore, what would an intimate encounter with a girl from the Twin Stars be like? I really want to try it. Since I've been fortunate enough to come here, I should romance a girl to take back home. Linglong is definitely out; she’s too young. But Ma Xiaowei is just right.

However, if I got involved with Ma Xiaowei, even if Ma Xiaoda supports it, and even if Ma Da reluctantly agrees, what if those below them object? What if they force me to be drowned in a pig cage, or demand that I leave Yun Yao, Zhou Ni, and Cheng Susu? With my current strength, I probably shouldn't openly confront all the ministers yet, right? Not unless my power can increase to what it was on Earth. Then, who would dare meddle in my business? I could make the ground tremble by spitting, and marrying all the princesses wouldn't matter then.

While my mind was lecherously picturing Ma Xiaowei’s chest, I followed the maid toward the dining hall to wait for them. To say I had no fantasies about Ma Xiaowei would be feigning piety. If I had a million troops right now, I wouldn't have to worry about a thing.

"Sister, stop crying. It makes me feel awful too," Ma Xiaowei said, weeping onto the pillow.

Ma Xiaowei sobbed, "Xiaorui, does he perhaps not like me at all? W-what should I do now?"

Ma Xiaowei knew perfectly well that her sister usually gave terrible advice, but in this moment, she could only turn to her for help. Ma Xiaorui replied, "I... I don't know what to do right now either. You are my older sister! I’m only thirteen; I should be asking you what to do."

Ma Xiaowei insisted, "I truly like him, and he touched my body like that. I won’t marry anyone else. Royal Brother even promised me. If only he were here."

Ma Xiaorui snapped in frustration, "Sister, what about me? He just accidentally touched your chest a few times through your clothes. What about me? He touched me and kissed me. Should I kill him to prove my purity?"

Ma Xiaowei panicked, "No, don't you dare kill him! At worst... at worst, you can marry him too." Ma Xiaowei suddenly thought of how her sister constantly teased her, so she decided to drag her into this mess. Then her sister wouldn't dare joke with her anymore, nor would she constantly obsess over killing someone.

Silence reigned in the room for a moment, the hearts of the two girls pounding. This idea seemed rather insane. Not only was there no precedent in the history of the Twin City Kingdom for a princess to marry outside, but there was certainly no precedent for two princesses to marry one consort. However, Ma Xiaowei’s suggestion made Ma Xiaorui’s heart jump. This future brother-in-law seemed excellent. The fact that he had so many women by his side proved he cared for and cherished them enough, and it certainly demonstrated his charm and capability. Besides, her body had been thoroughly messed with by him. Though she was young, her body had developed; how could she face her future consort if she didn't marry him?

After a long silence, Ma Xiaorui dismissed the absurd notion and said, "Sister, I am too young. You are thinking too wildly about this."

Having spent so much time with Ma Xiaorui, Ma Xiaowei could see through her sister’s thoughts and decided to keep guiding the conversation. "Xiaorui, do you think the little sprite is young?"

"Little sprite" was the nickname the sisters had for Linglong. Ma Xiaorui retorted, "Of course she’s younger than me by a year. Hmph, she was staring at you so suspiciously just now; I knew she was guarding against us. How can she compare to us? We are princesses, high in status, but more importantly, you have the capital to attract men. How could that little brat compare to your chest?"

Ma Xiaowei blushed, but since the conversation had reached this point, there was no need for shyness. Besides, the two of them often discussed feminine topics in private. "Xiaorui, look at Linglong, only twelve years old, yet she dares to pursue a man so boldly. You are a year older than her, why do you lack the courage?"

Ma Xiaorui paused. It made sense, but until now, she had never considered getting married. For her, playing around was the main priority. "Sister, I still can’t accept it. Don't forget, my role is the matchmaker. How can a matchmaker fail to find a match for herself and end up becoming a wife? You should let me grow up first before discussing this."

Ma Xiaowei considered it. Things were still up in the air. Two foolish girls were discussing two women marrying one man—it was mortifying! But for some reason, the memory of his refusal earlier, that look of sorrow and disappointment, welled up from the bottom of her heart. Ma Xiaowei couldn't help but collapse onto the pillows and weep again.

Although Ma Xiaorui was young, she was quick-witted and full of ideas. Seeing her sister crying incessantly, and knowing only she could help, she frowned and came up with another plan. She said, "Sister, stop crying first. We can surely find a solution. I can tell, it’s not that he dislikes you..."

Ma Xiaowei almost jumped up. "Really? Did he tell you that himself?"

"No."

Ma Xiaowei flopped back onto the pillows. Ma Xiaorui continued, "But I'm rarely wrong about people, Sister. Trust me."

Ma Xiaowei replied weakly, "Fine, I believe you. If he didn't like me, he wouldn't have done that in the rice paddy that day."

Ma Xiaorui leaned in and hugged Ma Xiaowei. "Sister, didn't it feel wonderful when he kissed you?"

Ma Xiaowei shot her sister a look. "Why don't you try it yourself? Oh, right, I forgot you already did, and even before me."

Ma Xiaorui scoffed, "That time doesn't count; I was unconscious and felt nothing. What’s wrong, Sister? Are you jealous? Didn't you just say we should both marry him? You don't have the grace for that. Let me tell you, he has no fewer than twenty wives back home. You should know this beforehand, so you don’t regret it later."

Ma Xiaowei was startled. "H-how many? Is that true? Are you lying to me again?"

Ma Xiaorui confirmed solemnly, "He told me that himself this time, absolutely certain."

Ma Xiaowei lamented, "Then I understand even less. I abandoned my status to confess my feelings to him. If he can accept so many women, why can't he accept me? If I didn't truly like him, why would I act this way? That scoundrel, I hate him so much! What am I supposed to do with my life now?"

Ma Xiaorui said, "I was just about to tell you this. The crux of the problem is your identity. If you weren't a princess, you two might already be a couple. He fears opposition from your father, the Emperor, and the court. So, even if he loves you dearly, he cannot accept your affection."

Ma Xiaowei exclaimed in surprise, "We overlooked this aspect before! The Ma family's imperial power is currently extremely fragmented. If the court ministers pressure us with propriety and ritual, even Father Emperor might be helpless. Furthermore, we placed our hope in the Royal Brother, but outside of him, the Royal Brother has not a single supporter in court. Even if he issued an edict granting us a marriage, it would be useless!"

Ma Xiaorui smiled, "Sister, you and my brother-in-law truly share a deep connection. He said the exact same thing."

A sweet warmth spread through Ma Xiaowei’s heart at the word "brother-in-law," making her feel soft all over. Although this wasn't the first time the sixteenth sister had called him that, it was usually playful. But today, after speaking openly and proposing marriage in his presence, the term "brother-in-law" sounded distinctly different.

Ma Xiaowei said with sweet sincerity, "It seems, just as you said, he doesn't truly dislike me. That puts my mind at ease. Otherwise, I would only have death to look forward to."

Ma Xiaorui suddenly reached out to touch her sister's chest. "Sister, don't talk like that! Or else, give those two [implying Yun Yao and Zhou Ni, though context suggests she means two of his other women] to me instead. I envy your figure so much!"

Ma Xiaowei didn't pull

"Then that settles it," Ma Xiaorui said. "It won't harm him in the end; whatever side effects there are, you just endure them. Hurry up and get dressed! If you don't show yourself soon, my brother-in-law will either get angry and leave or starve to death. Dress seductively, alright? Try to show a bit of your chest—seduce him."

The food and wine on the table grew cold, were taken away, and reheated. This cycle repeated twice. Just as I was about to pack up and leave, the two princesses finally emerged in full regalia. Such effort for a touch-up—I suspected they were doing something else entirely.

My eyes were suddenly dazzled, so brightly that I almost couldn't bear it. I don't know much about fashion; that's the result of never accompanying my wives while they shop. Ma Xiaorui was passable—an unopened blossom whose attire was quite plain. But the fully adorned splendor of Ma Xiaowei was something I had never witnessed before.

Her voluminous princess robes had somehow been replaced by a belted, dress-like garment, featuring a high, almost stiffened collar—reminiscent of the dress worn by noblewomen of the High Tang Dynasty. A red silk sash cinched her waist, giving a slight impression of a Japanese kimono, though lacking the small bustle in the back. The most striking feature was the neckline: it gaped wide open, revealing almost half of her soft bosom. Combined with Ma Xiaowei’s bashful demeanor, the sight was overwhelmingly impactful.

Ma Xiaorui waved her hand in front of my face. "Hey, are you stunned? You still deny being a complete rogue. What are you staring at? Have you never seen my sister before? You just made her cry a moment ago, and now you look like a lecher. Who knows what’s going through your mind."

"Your Highness, I..."

Ma Xiaorui cut me off. "Don't give me that 'I' business. What happened before was private; we’ll leave that for now. This is official business: we are here to drink and keep you company."

"Ah!" I found that hard to accept.

"What 'Ah'? You are a hero! You took Pingyuan County without firing a single arrow. We are the supervising officials, naturally, we must celebrate your achievement. Is it such a hardship for us sisters to pour your wine and serve you food?"

I, too, succumbed to base instinct, nearly drooling. "It’s no hardship at all, not at all. It’s just that if we really do that, it would be an imposition on both of your Highnesses. Perhaps I should do it myself; I’m a rough man and might not appreciate a royal ceremony."

Ma Xiaorui helped her sister to her seat. Ma Xiaowei said, "Marshal Zhao (it seems this is truly official business now, even the address has changed), please sit wherever you like. Don't be reserved. Eat whatever you fancy."

Starving, I snatched a plate of meat and began devouring it, making both princesses stare wide-eyed. Ma Xiaorui quickly pulled the plate away and shielded it with her body. "Marshal Zhao, you truly are a coarse man; you have no manners whatsoever. But before we discuss eating, go see if the rain has stopped. I plan to go out and admire the moon later, and you must accompany me."

I walked to the door and looked outside. Admire the moon? It was pouring rain; not even a trace of the moon was visible. It was pitch black and quite unsettling. Ma Xiaorui had quietly moved up behind me. "Has the rain stopped? After we’re full and satisfied, the three of us can go moon-gazing."

I replied, "I’m afraid the Sixteenth Princess will be disappointed, Your Highness. It’s still raining. I’m full now; your subordinate requests leave to depart."

Ma Xiaorui grabbed my arm. "Are you lying with your eyes open? You've only eaten two pieces of meat and now you claim to be full. You must at least drink a cup of wine, or how can you honor the intentions of my sister and me?"

"If I drink the wine, I can leave then?"

Ma Xiaorui nodded. "Fine. Since you’re in such a rush, you can leave after the drink. Sister, is the 'wine' ready?"

Ma Xiaowei’s voice trembled slightly. "Ready, ready. Come and drink."

Three cups of wine were placed on the table. Wine brewed from fruit tasted excellent, especially the vintage from Shuangcheng, which was superior to that from Hulu Village. Ma Xiaowei raised her cup. "Marshal Zhao, I thank you on behalf of Father Emperor."

I replied courteously, "Your Highness is too kind; this is what your subordinate ought to do, nothing to be proud of."

Ma Xiaorui urged impatiently, "Enough pleasantries, drink quickly. Do you need me to join you before you’ll drink?"

They were so eager for me to drink; who knew what trickery lay in that wine? Aside from the cup in Ma Xiaowei’s hand, there were two other cups on the table. I quickly grabbed the one nearest Ma Xiaorui. Raising the cup, I glanced at Ma Xiaorui, who could only reluctantly raise hers, though she covertly looked at Ma Xiaowei. Ma Xiaowei nodded slightly, and Ma Xiaorui’s brow relaxed.

"Come, drink up. I’ve never met such a stingy man. Since I’m a girl, I’ll only take a small sip—you must down yours entirely."

Ma Xiaowei also took a tiny sip. I certainly wouldn't quibble over quantity; she was a lady, after all. Now that I was certain the wine was harmless, I downed my cup in one gulp.

Ma Xiaorui warmly served me more food. "Marshal Zhao, you risked infiltration into Pingyuan County to incite rebellion from within the enemy ranks; you must be exhausted. Eat some dishes to settle the wine."

Truthfully, those first two pieces of meat hadn't filled me up. Since a princess was serving me, I wouldn't waste her kindness, so I ate heartily. Ma Xiaowei stood up again and refilled my cup. "Marshal Zhao, this cup is a toast from me alone. I hope you will assist my imperial younger brother in securing the throne."

Eating, I responded, "Your Highness, please rest assured. I promised to help Ma Xiaoda, and I will fulfill that promise, at the very least by purifying the court administration."

Ma Xiaowei mused, "Oh, so you two had an agreement privately. Does Marshal Zhao have any sound strategies regarding the current state of the court?"

I replied, "Plans always change faster than events. We can only proceed one step at a time while maintaining sufficient readiness. If we encounter a pit, we fill it; if we meet a stream, we bridge it. There is no river in this world that cannot be crossed. Voicing everything in advance is useless."

Ma Xiaowei muttered under her breath, "Indeed, that is how it is."

I asked, perplexed, "What did you say?"

Ma Xiaowei hastily corrected herself, "Nothing, nothing. This cup is my personal expression of thanks, Marshal Zhao, please drink."

Ma Xiaowei drank a sip first. I couldn't refuse, so I drank another cup. Ma Xiaorui poured out the dregs in her cup, refilled it with new wine, and approached me. "Brother-in-law, I should thank you for saving my life, shouldn't I? You absolutely must drink this one too, or I’ll object if you only drink my sister’s cup."

Since I had already drunk two, what was one more? So another cup went down. A warmth spread in my lower abdomen, and I stared momentarily at Ma Xiaowei’s high, exposed neckline, momentarily lost in thought. What would it feel like to hold such a noble and sexy princess in my arms? It was a pity I hadn’t truly appreciated the feeling that evening in the rice fields.

Ma Xiaorui, to show her sincerity, even imitated me and finished her entire cup. I suspected she never dared drink in the palace, which explained her current abandon. Here, they held the highest rank; who would dare question them?

Since this was a celebration in my honor, I couldn't possibly leave hungry, or those two women back home would surely mock me. Under the watch of the two Ma sisters, I ate a tremendous amount. I’d been eating meager rations for days; frankly, I craved something good.

Seeing much food remaining on the table, I said to them, "Your Highnesses should eat some too; it would be such a waste otherwise. If you don't mind, could I pack the leftovers to take home?" Linglong and Yun Yao haven't eaten their fill in several meals either; let them taste what the imperial chef accompanying the army has prepared.

Ma Xiaowei exclaimed, "How could we let you take leftovers? I’ll immediately instruct the kitchen to prepare another feast for you to take to General Shen’s residence."

I stopped Ma Xiaowei. "Your Highness, please don't. We are not noble people. Besides, neither of you has touched your chopsticks. Yun Yao and the others won't mind eating what I leave behind. Many common folk outside are hungry and cold; we should save what we can."

Ma Xiaowei responded, "Marshal Zhao’s concern for the nation and its people truly makes him an exceptional talent. I am delighted for Father Emperor and my imperial brother. However, must you return to your hometown? Can you not stay here? Father Emperor and my brother will certainly treat you well."

I replied, "Your Highness, my loved ones are in my hometown. I cannot selfishly remain here. I promised to protect them for life and stay by their side, so I must keep that promise!"

Ma Xiaorui quietly leaned toward Ma Xiaowei and whispered, "Did you hear that? If you can just get a promise out of him, he will take responsibility for you. Did you use the drug or not? Why isn't it working yet?"

Ma Xiaowei whispered back, "Of course, I did. How should I know? Perhaps your drug is ineffective."

Ma Xiaorui said, "Impossible. I’ll go ask him."

While I was looking at the two princesses whispering, confused, Ma Xiaorui suddenly approached me and asked, "Marshal Zhao, do you feel anything abnormal in your body? For instance, do you feel a strong craving, a deep desire, a pressing need..."

I checked my body; aside from a slight heat, there was nothing else. Perhaps it was the wine, or maybe Ma Xiaowei’s alluring attire had stimulated me. But I couldn't admit that to Ma Xiaorui. "I am perfectly normal. However, I think Your Highness is acting abnormally; perhaps we should summon an imperial physician quickly."

Ma Xiaorui looked angry, perhaps wanting to strike me, but then she laughed. "Since Marshal Zhao shows no symptoms, it means you haven't drunk enough. Let me pour you another cup. This one is to wish you success in routing those twenty thousand reinforcements!"

Ma Xiaowei smiled faintly. This younger sister never truly acted like a princess, and after leaving the palace this time, she possessed none of the royal solemnity—even using terms like "routing." But she loved this sister because only she could share secrets with her; otherwise, she’d suffocate holding them in.

The heat in my chest grew stronger, and I felt my face flushing. I secretly glanced again at Ma Xiaowei’s attire. I suddenly had an overwhelming urge to rip off her top, grasp that nearly exposed soft flesh in my hand, and hear the noble princess moan in my embrace.

I swiftly banished that decadent thought. "Sixteenth Princess, I truly cannot drink any more due to my low tolerance for alcohol. I believe I have eaten and drunk enough, and I should return to my residence. Your subordinate has been extremely tired these past two days; I humbly request the Princess’s permission to rest."

Ma Xiaorui had already filled my cup for me and lifted it. "No! If you have no symptoms, it means you haven't drunk enough. How can I let you go? Wouldn't that chill the heart of a loyal subject? Drink, drink!"

My vision swam. What in the world was happening? No princess had ever been so enthusiastic about urging someone to drink. I hadn't been treating these two as true royalty anyway, and I was uncomfortable with their royal etiquette. Coupled with my own agitated mood, and Ma Xiaorui babbling in my ear while shoving the cup toward my mouth, I lost my temper and slapped the cup from Ma Xiaorui’s hand.

With a forceful strike, the wine cup flew into the air. Splash! The entire contents spilled, mostly drenching Ma Xiaorui, with a small amount splashing onto me. Even Ma Xiaowei, who sat rigidly nearby, was not spared; a few drops hit her collar, and several others, unable to resist the exposed skin of her soft chest, slipped inside her white, tender skin.

There was no one else in the dining room; otherwise, such insolence toward a princess would surely lead to an impeachment. But if Ma Xiaorui chose to hold this against me, things would become complicated, as I had been excessively rude.

Ma Xiaorui burst into tears, half-sobbing. "You, you are too rude! I was kindly offering you wine, and you treat me like this! Waaah, I don't care anymore! Do whatever you want..." Saying this, Ma Xiaorui fled crying back to her room.

I was instantly mortified. Why did I lose my temper just now? I recalled always being quite polite to young women. Did I truly dislike Ma Xiaorui? I hadn't felt that way before. Was it because my mind was too confused? Why did my heart pound so violently whenever I looked at Ma Xiaowei?