Ma Xiaorui's wine glass shattered in my hand as she ran out crying, her tears leaving a wet trail down the table. Ma Xiaowei didn't speak either, but those beautiful eyes of hers locked onto me with unspoken accusation - General Zhao, you truly are remarkable, first making my sister weep and now my little sister too? We came here to supervise the military, not be insulted.

I couldn't bear her gaze any longer. "My apologies, Princess Maowei," I stammered, "Your Majesty's daughter was just a momentary lapse in judgment."

She smirked slyly as she wiped wine off my chest with a silk handkerchief. "Come now, General Zhao. You know perfectly well you're one who keeps promises and values loyalty."

The shift to familiarity meant we were no longer in official company. "Princess Maowei flatters me," I said quickly, "But isn't it obvious why someone would travel light-years just to find another?"

Her eyes softened with amusement. "That's more like it. I was afraid you'd break your word again. From the moment we met today through this evening's display..." She trailed off, her hand lingering on my chest where wine still glistened.

I stared at the red silk ribbon binding her waist to those full curves above. The sudden rush of blood from my groin nearly undid me when she leaned closer with that damned handkerchief.

The room plunged into darkness as rain-laden wind blew out the candles through an open window. I spotted a fire-starter on the table behind us, but before I could retrieve it, lightning split the sky and thunder crashed like war drums.

"Zhao Qian!" A trembling body collided with mine in the storm's fury. Her perfume intoxicated me as her lips found my ear. "I'm scared," she whispered.

I pulled her closer without thinking. The candlelight reignited seconds later to find us sprawled across the table, a trail of overturned dishes between us.

Her fingers tangled in my hair as we kissed. When I tried to pull away from that intoxicating tongue, she only clung tighter. "Don't leave me," she mumbled against my neck, her breath hot with wine and fear.

A second bolt of lightning struck the palace, followed by another deafening crash. Her body shuddered in my arms as she confessed between kisses: "I love you too."

The words made my chest ache. For all their rigid court etiquette, this royal princess was willing to defy convention for me - a stranger from another world who'd kissed her sister first.

"Shh," I murmured against her damp cheek, my hands already tracing the curve of her waist beneath her robe. "I'll always protect you."

The storm raged on outside as we collapsed onto the floor cushions. Her fingers dug into my shoulders when she caught sight of something moving in the candlelight - my shadow flickering across the room like a living thing.

"Zhao Qian," she whispered, her voice suddenly breathless, "what was that?"

I froze mid-motion between her legs as a pair of hurried footsteps approached. "Sis!"

The door burst open and a flood of torchlight illuminated our compromising position just before the last candle burned out for good.

This work is the exclusive text version premiering on 16k Novels, unauthorized reproduction or excerpts are prohibited. For more latest and fastest chapters, please visit www.16k.cn! Xiaorui Ma had no idea what her sister was thinking, still brooding over the ** incident: "If he didn't fall into bed with you then we can't use him as leverage anymore. Sister, did you really put drugs in the wine? I suspect your heart softened and you held back on poisoning him. Oh, I'm telling you - being too merciful won't get us anywhere. You ruined such a good opportunity, who else will help you from now on? Might as well let Father pick any for you next year."

Xiaowei Ma knew they had laid their cards bare and intimacy had deepened after that intimate encounter. Yet since deciding to hide this from her sister, she couldn't avoid defending herself, "I did add it! I poured the whole package into the wine. Didn't you taste it yourself?"

Xiaorui suddenly yanked back the quilt: "What are you saying!"

Startled, Xiaowei stammered: "Why are you so shocked? I said I put it in the wine, didn't you feel anything when drinking? Maybe your dosage was ineffective instead of blaming me."

Xiaorui's face turned deathly pale. She jumped out of bed without hesitation and puked violently over the chamber pot behind the screen: "You did what to yourself! Quick, come down here now - it's been so long I don't know if it still works. Hurry!"

Shocked again, Xiaowei rushed beside her sister: "What's wrong? Little Rui, why are you acting like this suddenly? Don't scare me, shall we call for the imperial physician?"

Xiaorui didn't have time to explain to her sister: "You caused this! Who would poison themselves on purpose. Get down here and vomit now before it's too late!"

Startled again, Xiaowei realized those ** must be dangerous substances. Putting aside her clothes, she joined her sister in heaving until their faces turned greenish. Finally she panted: "Enough, there's nothing left to throw up. Tell me what really happened. Isn't that drug harmless? Should we tell him to vomit too?"

Xiaorui replied coldly: "Forget it, his house has two girls. Who else can't they turn to for antidote?"

"Wait! Is this ** poison? Rui, you're so reckless. General Zhao is the nation's pillar now - how could you... I'm going to find him immediately!"

Xiaorui grabbed her sister: "Let me finish explaining first."

Weakly sitting by the bed after vomiting, Xiaowei asked as they both felt faint: "Actually tell me what this ** was for. They said it wouldn't hurt people..."

Xiaorui explained slowly: "...I'm not entirely clear either, but from what I overheard among the guards - men who take this become like cats smelling fish. They lose all reason and desire to be with women no matter what..."

Confused, Xiaowei asked: "What does that mean?"

Xiaorui continued: "...I don't fully understand either, but they said the men would kiss you for sure... Considering his nature he'd probably grope your chest too. Beyond that nobody knows. Maybe we could sneak a peek at Shen's house to learn more..."

Frightened, Xiaowei cried: "You're still causing trouble! You almost killed me with this reckless act. Did anyone ever say what happens if women take it?"

Xiaorui frowned in thought: "...The guards never discussed that. Besides, I took the medicine secretly how could I dare ask them? Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't know how to phrase it... Although maybe asking my brother-in-law would be safe..."

After checking her body felt only warm, Xiaowei reasoned: "Since men only want women after taking it, then surely we're fine. Besides, we puked so much there's nothing left."

"Promise me never to do this again! If any of the drugs remain throw them all out. I don't want him with us under external influence... I love the real him. Even if he loses his mind, I'd rather leave him than be forced."

Seeing her sister serious now, Xiaorui quickly said: "There's no more left - we three shared that one package! Heaven help us nothing happens tonight. We won't wake up tomorrow finding ourselves transformed into men!"

Startled but then laughing: "How absurd can you get? Go to sleep already. From now on don't hide anything from me, or I'll report you to the Emperor."

Xiaorui quivered: "Okay... understood..."

Reclining back down they found themselves unable to sleep. What had been strange before now felt like a tingling sensation from their stomachs outward - especially for Xiaowei who was just discovering love. The feeling of being kissed suddenly returned so intensely she let out an involuntary moan.

Contagiously infected, Xiaorui joined in with her own soft whimpers: "Sister, my body feels amazing... It's like all my nerves are being pulled apart. Down there is hot and wet. Did you notice too?"

"It must be the wine. Once we sober up it'll pass," Xiaowei muttered as she blew out the candle. In darkness her hands automatically rubbed her own breasts: "Maybe those residual effects... Don't think about it, just go to sleep. Maybe in the morning..."

Noticing her sister's voice wavered with strange allure, Xiaorui found herself moaning too. Her chest tingled painfully so she had to soothe the two sensitive nipples under her hands. Soon both sisters lay side by side murmuring together, their bodies writhing in pleasure.

The raw unpurified ** wasn't potent and diluted further into a large wine pot. Though time passed after ingestion, vomiting expelled some of it. Overall little remained but Xiaowei's body had just been touched by manhood. Combined with her mature development even minimal ** could stimulate her heightened sensitivity.

Worse still was her habit of freely expressing sensations to this sister. Itching from chest and lower regions made self-touch irresistible despite attempts at restraint. When memories collided with the dark scene in their banquet hall, love-struck Xiaowei finally gave in to her first self-pleasuring touch.

Xiaorui's menstruation had already advanced, making her a true woman during peak ovulation - when female hearts are most susceptible to passion. The weak ** and habitual freedom from suppression combined with hearing her sister moan led her to follow suit unconsciously.

Though direct stimulation felt less real than others gave, as their hands rubbed each other's chests in the narrow bed accidental brushes created a sudden synergy. They discovered mutual touch was far more satisfying. Xiaorui who often admired and caressed her sister's breasts without restraint now lost all inhibition in this madness. Her hands violently attacked those supple curves until they seemed about to burst.

The heavier Xiaorui squeezed, the stronger Xiaowei's excitement grew - which only intensified her counterattacks on Xiaorui. Their sounds transformed from moans into wild cries, occasionally reminding each other how to reach even higher pleasure through touch and friction.

Sensing mutual stimulation wasn't enough in this feverish atmosphere, Xiaorui suddenly straddled her sister. The heat of their bodies fused more intensely than just chest caresses. A gentle rub against Xiaowei's abdomen caused simultaneous gasps as they discovered ultimate bliss. Xiaorui lowered to suckle full breasts while grinding their hips together until the room resonated with waves of pleasure. Fortunately distant maids had already retired and guards stayed afar, otherwise this would have ended in disaster.

Like an exultant melody suddenly ending, two high-pitched cries reached euphoric crescendos before silence fell over the room. Only after long minutes did faint whimpers return as effects faded.

"Sister why are you crying? I felt like flying just now but I probably wet the bed... Tomorrow when maids find it..."

Xiaowei wept: "Rui, you've killed me! How can I explain this to him?"

Puzzled Xiaorui asked: "Explain what? We sleep together all the time. If he dares object I'll bite him!"

"But before was just sleeping... What we did now is indecent! It's your fault for those ** - what should we do?"

Realizing her hands still gripped her sister's chest and had bitten the soft flesh with clear marks, Xiaorui also noticed both their lower regions were equally damp from recent contact. This felt far beyond previous co-sleeping experiences. Was this the legendary bed-sharing? The infamous **? Yet it was two women - could they give birth like married couples?

Panicked by this realization, Xiaorui began sobbing: "Sister we might get pregnant! What do we do... Don't cry please think of something..."

Deep in palace life these princesses knew nothing. When Xiaorui mentioned childbirth, Xiaowei paled instantly fearing death penalty from Emperor or self-imposed suicide over disgrace. Rushing to stand up:

"Not now, I want you to hold me! Where are you going?"

"I won't blame you anymore... But I owe Zhao Qian an explanation. Since we caused this disaster as monitors we must take responsibility."

Horrified at her sister's suicidal intentions, Xiaorui cried even harder refusing to let go: "Don't die please! Without you I don't know how to live..."

"You can't both commit suicide - who will monitor the army? The commander would be blamed and morale ruined," Xiaowei said coldly.

"Then we finish monitoring first before dying together!" Xiaorui clung desperately, "You promised us both must die if he doesn't accept it."

After rational thought, Xiaowei reluctantly agreed: "We'll confess our innocence after at Shuangcheng."

As they made this pact, Xiaorui who never valued chastity as much covered her sister from the cold rain outside. Seeing her still flushed with sweat from their session, she pulled up the quilt and shyly curled into her arms.

Sighing deeply, Xiaowei embraced her sister. Quietly suggesting: "Maybe we don't need to die... Or find? Let's live together?"

"No," Xiaowei replied firmly, "I destroyed my happiness - must atone with death."

"But what if he doesn't care? We'd die too young!"

"Every man would care! He'll be furious. How can we forgive ourselves for losing virtue even if it was between women?"

Xiawhei gently touched her bitten breasts and wiped off secretions with silk: "Is there such a thing as female intimacy? Don't try to deny it... It's so embarrassing!"

Awkwardly silent, Xiaorui knew this would be disastrous if exposed. Yet rebellious thirteen-year-old instinct urged her to argue:

"What if he doesn't want you dead? And accepts the situation?"

Startled, Xiaowei considered: "I must follow him... But no man would accept it."

Seeing a glimmer of hope, Xiaorui pressed: "So as long as he says we can live!"

Still in love's peak, Xiaowei didn't want to die but royal etiquette was deeply ingrained. Recent scandals like princesses with servants and imperial concubines with eunuchs had caused social outrage. Thinking of possible disgrace, she finally relented: "If he truly accepts me..."

Happy, Xiaorui declared: "I'll ask him first thing tomorrow!"

Clutching her sister tightly, Xiaowei panicked: "How could you say that? What if he lies to save our lives?"

"I'll find a way to make him confess his true feelings!"

Sighing despairingly at her sister's antics, Xiaowei shook her head. After all they had already done... it was too late.

"Promise me not to ask yet... But do we really risk pregnancy? I heard only couples can conceive..."

Xiaorui comforted: "I'll check tomorrow! Come on let's sleep - my body feels so weak..."

As Xiaorui snored off, Xiaowei sighed endlessly about lost happiness. If he truly abhorred unchaste women she would have to die...

After one wild night of pleasure requiring all Cloudyaos' martial arts skills for recovery, I slept through the morning. Of course this couldn't escape Linglong who lived nearby hearing every sound.

Expected heavy rain from last night's thunderstorm never came - strange weather indeed! This accelerated rebel reinforcements leaving little time to prepare.

Spend most of day touring camps and receiving intelligence reports in my office. To devise battle plans needed precise knowledge of enemy movements and terrain details.

Maomao started reconnaissance at dawn with 20,000 reinforcements. At noon their fast horses met rebels head-on. If weather clears further, enemy would reach Pingyuan County within two days. From terrain maps there were no ambush opportunities against 20,000 experienced troops under Lin Gu and his capable generals. Total annihilation impossible.

Still needed to delay them as much as possible - kill every soldier we could. After lunch I sent Gufei to General's office to request audience with both princesses.

Soon returned: Both just arose would meet in banquet hall soon. Then ordered Gufei to fetch Guqi and Tieer there too before taking Linglong and Yunyao ahead.

Within half a cup of tea, three figures emerged dejectedly from the hall - their appearance contrasted sharply with yesterday's vibrant selves. "Princesses? Your complexions seem... shall I call imperial physician?"

Xiaowei nervously replied: "No no! Just couldn't sleep due to lightning..."

Xiaorui hastily added: "Right, just didn't rest well. General Zhao requested audience about..."

I said: "Your Highness, I want to dispatch troops to harass the 20,000 rebels marching to Pingyuan County but need authorization from both monitors."

Xiaowei Ma looked visibly flustered, her eyes avoiding mine entirely. Last night she'd promised to come find me today. "Marshal Zhao," she said in a strained voice, "starting from now our supervisor has decided to grant you full authority. From this point forward all matters will be left to your discretion. My sister and I have been feeling rather unwell lately, so there's no need for constant reports anymore."

That suited me just fine - the paperwork had always been tedious. Besides, these routine updates were mere formalities. They never questioned any of my decisions or arrangements.

Before I could speak further, Gu Qi arrived with his report. After bowing to the princesses he asked, "Sir, what's the nature of this urgent summons?"

I replied, "General Gu, you're about to receive a vital mission that requires you uphold our trust in both Princess and myself."

Gu Qi responded immediately, "Please enlighten me with your orders, my lady and sir."

Xiaowei Ma murmured, "Marshal Zhao may proceed. We'll await your decisions."

I'd expected a different reception after last night's intimacy - yet here she was, cold as ever without so much as glancing in my direction. Even the pretense felt excessive now. Yun Yao and Linglong had been furious about me staying at General Gu Qi's banquet last night, suspecting I'd taken advantage of Xiaowei Ma when they weren't around. Their relieved expressions at this display, combined with the princesses' icy demeanor, proved conclusively that nothing intimate had transpired.

"General Gu," I instructed, "I'm assigning you 3,000 men to intercept these 20,000 reinforcements. You'll deploy stone grenades and spear-throwing machines while ambushing them strategically from cover. This will both weaken their morale and delay their advance. Remember - no reckless pursuit, just swift strikes then retreat."

Gu Qi's eyes lit up. He'd been eager for combat but frustrated by the lack of opportunities. This mission suited him perfectly - no direct confrontation required, merely tactical harassment with guaranteed escape routes.

"At once!" he declared enthusiastically.

I continued, "Once they reach twenty li from Pingyuan County you'll withdraw immediately. Don't enter through the main gates - instead return to our original encampment east of the city where our troops await."

Though puzzled by my orders, Gu Qi obeyed without question. Turning to Xiaowei Ma I added, "My assessment is that this enemy force could reach Pingyuan County in two days' time. After reviewing the situation this morning, I intend to lure their commander into the city and eliminate him while he's distracted. With their leadership gone we can crush them decisively."

Xiaowei Ma responded calmly, "Your strategy makes perfect sense. From now on you needn't report to us for approval. We're exhausted and must return to rest. Marshal Zhao, is there anything else?"

Before I could respond, Tie Er arrived with his own report. After bowing respectfully he asked, "Sir, what task awaits me today?"

I explained my observations about double-kingdom infantry armor: "Their defenses are heavy but lack handheld shields. My proposal would be to lighten their armor significantly - redirecting the saved weight toward shield production. This would increase both mobility and combat flexibility while providing superior protection."

Tie Er responded thoughtfully, "Historical records show that ancient warriors used iron shields extensively until they fell out of favor during peaceful eras due to material demands. Our foundry workers can craft them easily enough - though acquiring sufficient metal remains problematic."

I suggested an alternative approach, "Let's begin with just fifty iron shields first. For mass production we can commission our woodworkers to weave vine-armed shields as effective countermeasures against blades and arrows. I've seen bandits employ this method successfully."

Tie Er nodded in agreement, "At once! I'll return immediately to draft blueprints for your review before commencing production."

I added final instructions, "Standard infantry weapons aren't particularly sharp nor penetrating. The shields needn't be thick - prioritize lightweight durability instead. Once completed distribute them first to my personal guards for testing."

After Tie Er departed, Xiaowei Ma offered a polite yet distant farewell: "Marshal Zhao's strategic foresight is truly commendable on behalf of our nation and people. If there are no further matters we'll take our leave now." Her tone remained frigid as she refused even the smallest glance in my direction.

I bowed stiffly before exiting, but just as I reached the door Xiao Rui suddenly called out: "Marshal Zhao! I've heard your personal guard Sun Chang possesses martial expertise. Might you transfer him to our service? You see, we believe our physical weakness stems from poor conditioning. If we could learn some basic training techniques..."

I readily agreed, "As commanded by Princess No.16, I'll send Sun Chang immediately."

After the court dispersed, both princesses slumped onto the floor like lifeless statues. Xiaowei Ma whispered anxiously, "I fear he suspects something. If he discovers my secret thoughts... I don't know if I could ever face him again."

Xiao Rui replied with equal concern, "I dread even more what might happen if he suddenly makes some cruel remark. You wouldn't live to see the end of these bandit operations - you'd likely die by self-inflicted violence right then and there."

With her head bowed, Xiaowei Ma admitted softly, "Actually... I've been reluctant to part with him. If it weren't for that hesitation I would have visited last night."

Xiao Rui scoffed, "Forget about it sister! He made you cry yesterday - a heartless man like that doesn't deserve your affections!"

Though incapable of sharing her intimate experience from the previous evening, Xiaowei Ma still questioned her sister: "Little Rui, why did you request one of his guards? Are you plotting something again?"

Xiao Rui explained shrewdly, "Don't you see? Sun Chang has been closest to him for months. He must know everything about Zhao Marshal's thoughts and behaviors. We simply need subtle inquiries to discover how he views last night's events."

Sun Chang certainly hadn't anticipated becoming a martial arts instructor for two imperial beauties - though these princesses showed little interest in actual training, instead sipping tea while watching his demonstrations.

"Guard Sun," Xiao Rui asked formally, "how long have you served Marshal Zhao?"

Sun Chang responded respectfully, "Since the personal guard unit was established, Your Highness."

Xiao Rui pressed further, "Then surely you understand his temperament and character intimately? Of course I don't mean to offend - I'm merely gathering information for future recommendations before presenting him at court. We must be thorough in our assessment first."

Sun Chang's heart leapt with hope - this was exactly what he'd wanted! Naturally his superior's promotion would benefit all guards, but still... "Please ask anything you wish, Your Highness. Everyone in the Imperial Guard knows Marshal Zhao is kind-hearted and fair-minded. The rumors about him being a 'Beheading Star' or 'Carnage King' are entirely baseless."

Xiao Rui inwardly rejoiced at Sun Chang's cooperative attitude. She continued probing: "Then tell me, does our Marshal have any particular views regarding marriage?"

Sun Chang hesitated unexpectedly - who knew recommending officials required examining their marital philosophies? "Well... it's difficult to say. Though he certainly isn't conventional in matters of the heart. Take for instance General Liu's wife Wen Niang..."

Suddenly realizing his audience was composed of princesses, Sun Chang became flustered: "I apologize! This is perhaps too personal a matter to discuss here."

Xiao Rui was growing impatient - how could this guard be so indecisive? "Wen Niang? Speak up already or I'll accuse you of withholding important information from the royal court!"

Shaken, Sun Chang continued without reservation: "Wen Niang was violated by rebel commander Shen Nian and four accomplices while gathering supplies. She took her own life in shame..."

Xiao Rui scoffed, "But yesterday General Liu seemed quite cheerful - could he possibly be eager for another wife?"

Sun Chang clarified, "Princess No.16 misunderstands! General Liu is most honorable. When Wen Niang's body was discovered in the burial ground, Marshal Zhao insisted on saving her despite knowing this would create complications."

Both princesses paled at this revelation: "Did he use that special needle treatment again?"

Sun Chang nodded solemnly, "Indeed. But I don't wish to focus on the medical process itself. Before this, there was an important conversation between our commander, Lady Yun, and Miss Linglong regarding the matter..."

The two princesses leaned in anxiously, "What did he say?!"

Sun Chang revealed, "The marshal worried that even if Wen Niang survived, General Liu might reject her due to her violated state. When asked by Miss Linglong 'If you were General Liu what would YOU do?' our commander replied emphatically: 'Nonsense! Life is the priority - who cares about reputation? It's not her fault she was forced!'"

The princesses suddenly embraced tightly, Xiao Rui exclaiming, "See sister? I told you he was different from ordinary men. This proves it!"

Though Xiaowei Ma had also realized his integrity wasn't in question, she still hesitated: "But our circumstances aren't the same as Wen Niang's..."

Xiao Rui interrupted sharply - they'd already gone too far with their probing and Sun Chang looked genuinely frightened by their emotional reactions. "Later then," she said quickly, dismissing him with a warning that would haunt his ancestors if any information leaked.

Though confused about why he was summoned in the first place, Sun Chang left immediately, vowing to forget everything upon exiting: "Even if they killed me I wouldn't utter a word!"

Once alone, the princesses embraced again until Xiaowei Ma suddenly pushed her sister away: "We must maintain distance. Last night's actions were forced by unnatural influences - now it would be deliberate."

Xiao Rui protested, "Come now, we've been sisters since childhood! Besides, who knows - maybe he actually prefers our... unconventional nature?"

Xiaowie Ma warned sternly, "Say another absurd thing and I'll ignore you forever!"

Finally, Xiao Rui admitted, "Alright. But please don't consider suicide again after becoming military supervisor. I've heard hanging is an extremely painful death."

Finding some solace in this new revelation, Xiaowei Ma mused: "At least he doesn't care about such things... but what should I do? I'm the one who betrayed him."

Xiao Rui sighed inwardly - her sister's pain would never heal unless Zhao himself resolved it. The guilt over causing this suffering weighed heavily on her, especially remembering how their previous innocent embraces had never triggered such issues until last night.