Watching Linglong battle two princesses alone made my heart ache, but the truth was she'd invited this trouble upon herself. How could such a young girl be so possessive? It baffled me that jealousy seemed as natural to women as breathing. Even Yun Yao occasionally pouted and confided in secret that I loved her less than others.

"Look at these portraits I drew for Master," Linglong returned from her room with a stack of drawings she'd never shown me before. Women really were mysteries beyond comprehension.

Ma Xiaorui examined several sketches before sneering, "All movie stories anyway. My older sister paints far better."

Linglong smirked triumphantly, "Your sister's works are locked in my cabinet now. Lately Master prefers fresh new ideas over old favorites."

The Ma sisters' faces turned crimson with rage, especially when Ma Xiaowei's sharp gaze shot toward me. Ma Xiaorui initially bristled but seeing I sat there quietly eating and drinking without comment, she suddenly stood up. Noticing her aggressive intent, I tossed my chopsticks onto the table and declared, "I'll go to the study for some business discussions. You ladies continue your feast."

Ma Xiaowei firmly grasped her sister's arm - they knew Linglong was a palace maid with intimate familiarity that could easily defeat their petty squabbles in everyday matters. Now wasn't the time to escalate things when facing an opponent who controlled the battlefield of affection.

Yun Yao remained neutral, sometimes even finding satisfaction in these confrontations as proof of her husband's allure. Though these women claimed pieces of his love, she'd long accepted this reality and embraced it with equanimity.

In my study, Ah Mao unfurled a detailed map of Hongping County. With fewer people than Pingyuan County due to its hunting/artisan economy versus rice cultivation, the journey would normally take five days but recent floods had damaged roads - at minimum six or seven days now required.

Hongping's location nestled between three mountains formed natural defensive barriers. The county constructed walls and gates across each mountain pass. These peaks exceeded 200 meters in height with gentle outer slopes but sheer inner faces making mountain control difficult for descent.

From the map, these high points lay under a kilometer from the city center. Intelligence reported 15,000 defenders but complete absence of troops on the mountain passes - an obvious strategic oversight. While ordinary citizens might view these peaks as useless obstacles, our trebuchets could easily launch projectiles across such distances from elevated positions.

"Sir, the Eastern Factory intercepted a report about the Dog-Killing Gang's recent activities in Shuangcheng," Ah Mao continued. "Our agents have infiltrated their organization but they use beggars for cover. We've only managed to position minor clerks within their branch offices."

I set down my map and asked, "Have they resumed assassinations? What about Minister Pang's movements?"

Ah Mao replied, "Yes sir - their targets remain focused on peripheral members of Minister Pang's faction. Initially they attacked inner circle figures but those individuals now rarely travel due to heavy security. As for Minister Pang himself, nothing has changed except his intensified efforts on city governance. He recently proposed a collective punishment system."

"Collective punishment?" I frowned.

Ah Mao explained, "Group ten households together with an appointed leader responsible for their conduct. If any one household commits crimes, the other nine share blame unless someone proactively exposes offenses first. This creates mutual surveillance more effective than patrolling imperial guards."

I mused, "Effective indeed - people would eagerly report minor infractions. But if a family truly warrants punishment, nine innocent ones will suffer. Amazing how such peasant-level schemes resurface here."

Ah Mao asked cautiously, "Do you oppose this policy? The minister's faction supports it and Shuangcheng's security has improved significantly."

I shook my head, "My opinion won't matter much in court circles where no one wants opposition. And while effective now, I fear future innocent deaths. As for the Dog-Killing Gang - they're causing more harm than good by alerting their targets to heightened vigilance. They've already killed Linglong and me indirectly, so naturally I have little sympathy."

Ah Mao nodded in agreement, "We share this view. Their haphazard tactics nearly ambushed you before - if not for Linglong's and Lady Yun's combat skills, the consequences would be dire. We targeted them from the Eastern Factory's inception but their organizational secrecy remains formidable."

Reassuring him, I said, "Their increased caution is understandable under intensified persecution. For now my guards keep me safe so let's discuss Pingyuan County's population sentiments - we can't risk another rebellion after our forces depart."

Ah Mao reported, "You needn't worry sir. The people simply want peace to farm without war. Even those with relatives in Luyang serving as rebels were conscripted against their will. Our Three Commandments and Eight Rules have earned us good reputation compared to the previous bandits' atrocities."

"How about merchants? Their future stability affects Pingyuan's finances."

Ah Mao replied, "Most have perished - farmers fared better but wealthy merchants were thoroughly looted by rebels. These money-hungry types often got killed during disputes with soldiers. However, many are descendants of Shuangcheng's royal families now deceased so their lands reverted to the county. General Liu is conducting population surveys for redistribution."

I nodded grimly as more insights emerged about Hongping's situation and mineral resources before finally receiving promising news about potential iron deposits in Luyang...

Xiaowei blushed, "Why are you picking on me? Say it about yourself instead."

Xiaorui giggled, "Sis, if I had breasts as big as yours I'd certainly talk about myself. But men barely even glance my way. It makes me feel so inferior... Hmph, at least I have you to balance things out a bit."

Xiaowei glanced at Yuyao and said, "How could mine be that big? Yours is even bigger than mine, not to mention Niexi or Susu. Who's better here?"

Yuyao replied, "According to my observation, our cup sizes are the same - including NiNi's. Mine and NiNi's will keep developing as we're still young. Growing into Susu's shape is impossible though. Besides, your husband wouldn't want us all identical. He prefers uniqueness."

With no others present in the room after their previous alcohol-fueled brouhaha had dissolved biases and conflicts, Xiaowei leaned drunkenly against Yuyao and confessed, "Yuyao, since our cup sizes match and I'm even younger than you, why does mine look so inferior?"

Holding up a brassiere, Yuyao said, "This is one reason."

"The what?" The other three women snatched it.

"Stop fighting," Yuyao laughed. "This was made especially for Xiaowei. Your cups are too small to wear bras right now - better stick with those red belly wraps for now."

Honglong and Xiaorui blushed as they handed the brassiere back to Xiaowei, who beamed with pride at finally feeling like an adult. Honglong and her childish rivalries were just little girls in comparison. Her previous prejudice against them seemed petty now. Considering how much he adored her chest, Honglong probably wouldn't even catch his eye - what she had was barely a slight bulge after all.

Yuyao explained, "This bra not only prevents sagging and tearing but also shapes the curves. You're still young with surprising cup size, yet letting them hang loose constantly will soon make them saggy and flat, losing elasticity and sensation..."

Xiaowei turned pale, "Don't say another word! I once saw an elderly palace lady who supposedly had the most exquisite curves in Twin Cities when she was young. Now her breasts need ropes to hold up - otherwise they dangle down to her waistline hindering movement. Is this my future? No way! I'd rather die than become that!"

Xiaorui, having also seen the old palace maid, hugged Xiaowei tightly in fright, "Sis, you won't end up like that! I love your current curves! What would I do if you did?"

No one noticed the double meaning behind Xiaorui's words. However, Honglong secretly snickered at Xiaowei's fear - finally something to scare her about. With such tiny curves herself she had nothing to worry over after all. At that thought, her earlier insecurities about her "airplane" figure vanished completely.

Suddenly realizing how every one of her husband's wives possessed stunning curves, Xiaowei grabbed Yuyao's arm and declared, "Yuyao, teach me! From now on I'll call you sister and follow all your advice!"

Yuyao smiled - she wasn't some holy figure but just a regular girl. Who wouldn't like being revered by other beauties, especially when one was a princess? "Don't worry little sis," Yuyao reassured her. "Wearing this combined with massage techniques will ensure your curves last until childbirth. As for after... well, that's our Zhao family secret."

The girls knew about the special cream enhancing elasticity and promoting breast development - proven by Cheng Susu, Yi Xiaorou and Elena. Particularly impressive was how even super-sized Western curves responded to it. Still, there was no reason to push her man out of the picture so Yuyao stopped short.

Xiaowei, a clever woman, suspected this secret had something to do with her beloved. Now she wasn't too worried - as long as current preventive care worked, what was he going to refuse when the time came? She'd just have to extract details tonight or else withdraw and stop using her mouth on him from now on! The thought made her face burn. Men weren't trustworthy creatures after all... yet why did women always end up obsessed?

As Xiaowei examined the brassiere in hand, Xiaorui asked, "Yuyao, how come you're same size as my sister but your curves look perkier and bigger?"

Since this wasn't about undressing completely Yuyao didn't refuse. Stripping off her top to display her dancer's perfect hourglass figure made the other two gasp in awe.

Raised on a farm mastering needlework, Yuyao had crafted that brassiere herself - far superior to any Earth-made one. Because of its corset-like compression, Xiaowei's otherwise identical cups looked distinctly less impressive compared to hers. The deep cleavage was particularly enticing, making Xiaorui drool with the urge to dive into it.

Holding up the brassiere, Xiaorui coaxed, "Sis, wear this and compete against Yuyao! Her cleavage is much deeper than yours - your cups are practically spilling out sideways!"

Used to being pampered as princess, Xiaowei's competitive spirit ignited, "Fine then. Let Yuyao demonstrate so I can learn properly before these two develop in the wrong direction... nobody would like me anymore."

With no outsiders around and Honglong already a martial arts expert while Yuyao had her anti-gravity shoes for protection against surprise attacks, the women began undressing. Xiaorui helped as Xiaowei slipped out of her robes revealing a vibrant youthful body glowing before Honglong and Yuyao's astonished eyes.

Yuyao had to admit defeat over Xiaowei's flawless skin - their childhood status differences had created vast disparities in skincare regimens. While proud of her own healthy glow, she couldn't match the princess' perfection... though at least her sun-kissed tone balanced things slightly.

Xiaorui gently removed Xiaowei's red belly wrap to reveal snowy white perfections making both Honglong and Yuyao gasp. "Wow," Honglong exclaimed, pointing at a faint bite mark on Xiaowei's breast. "Sis, what happened here?"

Though barely visible, the mark stood out glaringly against those otherwise flawless curves. Both girls blushed as Xiaorui hurriedly explained, "No reason! Just help me wear this brassiere to compete with Yuyao!"

Honglong persisted though, "Not right... that's clearly a tooth mark! Let me examine it properly."

Lifting up the breast gently, Honglong traced the indentation while Xiaowei trembled uncontrollably at the contact. The involuntary shiver didn't escape Yuyao who instantly suspected her husband had already enjoyed these curves - or perhaps another man was involved? Tonight she'd definitely question him about this!

Xiaorui's eyes flashed with jealousy not over the discovery itself but because Honglong's hands were touching her sister. In a huff, Xiaorui grabbed the other breast herself in an obvious challenge to Honglong. Embarrassed by their antics, Xiaowei pushed them both away, "What are you two doing? Someone might see us and I'll die of shame! Put it on or not - if not then I'm dressing again!"

Honglong had already confirmed the bite mark wasn't hers nor her beloved's - his teeth were neither that sharp nor small. A princess getting involved with others was unforgivable... she'd report this to Lord Zhao immediately and keep him far away from Xiaowei. What a fool she was thinking of competing with such a woman!

Yuyyao also blushed at the two girls' indecent behavior - if her husband had been there he would've surely taken advantage again. Men were just so... vulgar!

After finally managing to wrestle free, Xiaowei examined the brassiere while the other three fumbled with it together. Honglong and Xiaorui took every opportunity to pinch and squeeze her breasts during this process until she was nearly drowning in redness - though no one noticed her lower body was already soaked from the Twin Cities' enhanced female physiology.

Possibly out of envy since even women couldn't resist those curves, Yuyao decided to show off her superior bounce. "I'll teach Xiaowei how to wear it," she declared. "You both watch closely - when your chests develop you'll need these too! We're at war fighting not sightseeing!"

As Yuyao undid the back clasp, a pair of perfectly elastic curves leapt out and bounced several times before settling into place. This satisfied her immensely since even 16-year-old Xiaowei couldn't match such resilience. She'd finally gained ground in this contest.

Xiaorui gasped, "So bouncy! Sis, without touching I can already tell Yuyao's curves are more elastic. But looking at their actual size..."

"I see," Xiaowei interjected with a hint of jealousy, "...that's why her husband loves her so much. Our cup sizes match exactly but she uses this brassiere to lift and enhance the effect through its thickness - making my curves look inferior by comparison."

Ignoring the conversation, Yuyao adjusted her brassiere before instructing, "Now follow me. Hook these shoulder straps over your shoulders first then bring both ends behind while gently lifting your chest upward... slowly fasten them together at the back. Now carefully position it to the most suitable spot - this is crucial! Don't let those precious curves suffer in there or they'll have the opposite effect."

After several attempts, Xiaowei's curves finally took on a new shape rivaling Yuyao's. Dressing over it gave her an extra full look that made her beam with gratitude again and again. "Thank you Yuyao! You've taught us so much today - please keep helping us in the future!"

"Of course," Yuyao smiled, "We're sisters now. Besides, as Zhao Da's military supervisors, I naturally want to flatter you."

Internally Xiaowei thought: My status as supervisor is already worthless though! Instead it should be me flattering you so I won't get left behind among the other twenty-plus women...

Honglong and Xiaorui pouted together. "Yuyao, we want one too! Favoritism!"

"Your cups are way too small to even consider sagging," Yuyao laughed, "Plus there's no smaller size available yet. Wait until you grow up."

The two girls stomped off to drink separately in mutual sympathy, their bond strengthening further through shared childhood innocence and gossamer-thin conversations that would fool anyone into thinking they were best friends now.

Xiaowei felt unusually cheerful - perhaps it was the brassiere's effect like having his hands gently supporting her curves from within. "Yuyao," she said, "Xiaorui has been spoiled since childhood so don't take offense."

"No problem at all," Yuyao replied, "Honglong does this often too. After returning to Twin Cities I plan to open a women's clothing shop - if the princesses are interested they can drop by anytime. You might find something you like there!"

"Really?" Xiaowei brightened, "You make most of these clothes yourself then?"

"Some," Yuyao admitted, "Your kingdom's fashions are too loose to show off feminine curves so I modified some existing ones and created new designs myself."

"This one was made by you? Exposing such a large portion of chest skin is unheard of in our land! He didn't scold you for it?"

"He would rather we were sensual," Yuyao laughed, "What man wouldn't want his wife to be alluring before the world? It gives him an amazing sense that such a beautiful woman belongs exclusively to him!"

"Really?" Xiaowei asked uncertainly.

"Do I have any reason to lie to you?"

Xiaowei shook her head. "You probably don't... though sometimes I worry what others might say about someone like you."

Yuyao was resolute, "If he likes me then nothing else matters!" After retrieving a matching diamond necklace from the jewelry box - a dazzling heart-shaped gem perfectly nestled in the cleavage - Yuyao fastened it around her neck. The diamonds cast an even whiter glow on her already snowy skin while enhancing that deep valley between her breasts.

Adding earrings made the transformation complete, suddenly making Xiaowei gape at this alluring figure she'd never seen before. "He... he must love you so much!"

Yuyao blushed slightly, "He's quite demanding sometimes - insists I dress up for him even in the middle of the night! But somehow... I'm happy doing it. He truly is a romantic soul."

Xiaowei's heart bled with jealousy over these jewels she also owned from Zhou Ni but had never worn except occasionally out of boredom. Now she understood why he hadn't been interested before - they simply weren't matched properly. Fortunately yesterday's boldness had already paid off; waiting for his affection would take much longer otherwise.

"Eryao," Xiaowei suddenly decided, "help me pierce my ears too? I want to learn your homeland's fashion style!" Her sister Xiaorui had been begging her endlessly and now was the time to commit completely for him!

Yuyao remembered her goal of integrating high-ranking women into diamond jewelry culture so they'd appreciate their value. Having them agree to ear piercings made things much easier, "Sure thing - I'll prepare everything tomorrow!"

Lowering her voice, Xiaowei added, "Eryao... you said there was also some sort of massage routine for breast care? Teach me that too today!"

"Okay," Yuyao agreed. "Practicing it every night before bed will guarantee your cup size surpasses mine within months! My breasts haven't even begun developing yet - once given the right external conditions they'll explode with growth. This technique was taught to us by Hua Qingqing and works very well!"

As she began undressing, Xiaowei groaned, "Why must you strip again?"

"Because this massage focuses on acupressure points," Yuyao explained. "If I teach it wrong there'll be no effect at all - but if I give the wrong instructions causing harm instead of benefit... you'd hate me forever!"

Respecting her words, Xiaowei quickly undressed too, standing in front of Honglong and Yuyao with four young women under twenty revealing perfectly rounded peaks. The already warm room seemed to heat up further as sweat dripped from their cheeks while the four ivory-white breasts radiated unbearable intensity - even Honglong and Xiaorui drinking nearby felt the waves of heat.

"Hey you two," Honglong laughed, "Didn't just finish comparing sizes? Why start again when it's already a draw? Wait until next year!"

Xiaowei protested, "Who said we were competing! I'm learning this massage technique! You're too young - go away now!"

Suddenly Xiaorui remembered something, "We want to learn too! Didn't you say practicing would make our curves bigger? We won't let either of you stay ahead!"

Honglong was even more direct, tearing off her top immediately. Seeing the competition, Xiaorui followed suit and both girls quickly undressed completely before sharing a knowing glance - four small watermelon-like peaks appeared, each pair fitting comfortably in an average man's palm. Yuyao and Xiaowei both stifled giggles behind their hands at the sight.

Annoyed, Xiaorui shouted, "Stop laughing! Don't you all start from such tiny sizes too?"

The four quickly united against her, Honglong agreeing with Xiaorui, "Of course we will be bigger than either of you eventually! Watch us!"

Yuyao rolled her eyes at this childish challenge. "Scare me? What could two little yellow-haired brats possibly do to me? Now lift up your breasts and follow my lead carefully first before I detail each acupressure point individually."

Four hands seized eight soft mounds, squeezing, kneading, pinching and prodding until the women's eyes blurred with sensations. Big had its advantages while small had its charms - all four pairs gradually swelled as their tips hardened into tight little cherries needing continual stimulation. Yuyao was used to this but Xiaowei, Honglong and Xiaorui weren't so lucky, quickly becoming drenched from head to toe as sticky fluids threatened to spill past their skirts' hems.

The class hadn't even finished when the three younger women hurriedly put on clothes again - continuing this way would surely lead to embarrassment! "Eryao," they gasped breathlessly, "Stop for today! We'll come back later... wow, so powerful!"

"Wait!" Yuyao protested, "I haven't even finished teaching yet! Who's going to keep undressing with you every day like this?"

Nobody paid her any attention. Those three women needed to go back and take a thorough bath. I slipped up behind Yun Yao, my palms landing precisely on their targets as I said, "Honey, do you have time for me? Since you're already undressed, why not dance for me?"

Yun Yao giggled playfully, "How did you get here? You're so annoying, letting your eyes feast on those three. Was it all planned out? Admit it - has the big pervert fallen for a princess now? That love bite was definitely from you!"

I protested, "That was unintentional! I meant to wait until you returned to our room... but when they showed up like that, how could I just close my eyes and pretend not to see them? That's against my principles. So I had no choice but to watch from start to finish - their figures are equally impressive."

"Don't try to shift blame," she retorted, "the love bite... let me remind you, would a princess really bite her own chest without reason?"

I countered, "Then it must not be mine! Ask Linglong if you don't believe. Do I even have teeth small enough for that?"

"Fine," she said, "I'll ask Linglong right now - she'd know in an instant."

I turned to face Yun Yao and lowered my head to clamp onto her breast, "No need for all the fuss. Let me give you a mark of my own - one that's definitely different."

Yun Yao pulled my head close against her chest, squeezing me tightly, "Don't bite! I'm not into pain, and remember this is private business between girls now. If you snoop again I'll be furious. This time I'll forgive you, dear... I think the wine was too strong for me - my head's spinning. Take me to bed."

We stayed in bed until the oil lamps were lit. Ma Xiaowei and Ma Xiaoru had already returned to the general's mansion, even Linglong hadn't dared disturb us. Yun Yao lay sprawled across the mattress, "I'll skip dinner tonight. Let's bring Su Su and Ni Ni over instead... I really don't feel up for it. How come your superpowers have regressed but that ability has grown stronger?"

I smiled without answering - how could I know? A voice suddenly called from outside, "Important report for the commander! Lin Gu is requesting an audience in the front hall."

I muttered to myself, "Has he finally lost his patience and decided to negotiate terms with me?"

Yun Yao got up to dress, "Let me come along. What if he tries something against you?"

I said, "Rest a while - I'll bring Linglong."

"How can I sleep knowing you're out there? Come on, I still have strength. If you really care for me, send one of them over now."

The battle outside had already ended; there was no need to keep hiding the current situation in Pingyuan County. I decided it was time to confront Lin Gu directly. First I summoned several tiger-like commanders to bolster my presence, then donned full armor and headed to the front hall. Lin Gu had already drunk two teapots worth of tea but his patience seemed remarkably deep.

"Commander Lin," I said when we met, "Didn't you leave town this morning? Why are you visiting my estate now?"

Lin Gu had spent the entire day touring within the city walls. From what he saw outside to what he observed in town, nothing made sense. But rather than getting agitated, he eventually calmed down - and once calm, realized something was wrong. These defending soldiers were too disciplined, far more organized than any rebel force should be.

This suspicion led him to wander through the civilian quarters where no one hindered his movements... though he constantly felt eyes upon him. After circling around town, Lin Gu's doubts deepened - these rebels treated civilians with complete restraint, as if they weren't starving at all. Though their faces were gaunt and skin pallid, their gait was strong and confident. If the imperial guards had truly been surrounding the city for so long, this scenario would be impossible.

Throughout the afternoon the defending imperial troops had kept reorganizing themselves. As Lin Gu watched from the battlements, he saw the gates constantly opening to let people come and go - including many imperial soldiers in heavy armor. Cold sweat formed on his brow as realization struck: The city's defenders had surrendered!

But this still didn't make sense. If the defending forces had already submitted to the throne, why was no one arresting him? According to protocol, he held the highest rank. Capturing him would be a great achievement! Unless they mistakenly believed he'd been killed in combat... but that couldn't be true, otherwise why maintain surveillance?

As Lin Gu turned these thoughts over and over in his mind, his unseen watchers kept their distance, not even allowing him to question civilians directly. His 500 soldiers were subtly monitored too - a thousand archers patrolled the area with swords drawn. Any sudden movement would surely end in death.

Lin Gu knew escape from town was unlikely at this point. But staying put left him restless, his mind churning like he'd been smothered. So he decided to go against expectations and seek out that Zhao Qian commander - let them kill or imprison him as they pleased. If the man wanted his head for reward, so be it.

Finally facing his adversary, Lin Gu asked calmly, "Commander Zhao changes fast indeed! This morning you wore simple captain's robes but now you're clad in imperial armor. Impressive. No wonder you chose to rebel."

"Crack!" One of my captains snapped, "Elder villain Lin, look carefully - this has always been our commander of the imperial guards against bandits, Commander Zhao! He only disguised himself and came down here to reason with you. But you remained stubborn and refused to see sense... so I believe..." he chuckled darkly, "...you've had your fill."

Lin Gu's expression turned ashen not from the captain's threat but because of the young man's true identity. Turning to Captain Liu Dan beside him, Lin Gu asked, "Captain Liu, is this true? Is he really the commander of our imperial anti-bandit forces?"

Liu Dan said solemnly, "Commander Lin, we won't hide anything further... Commander Zhao is indeed the throne-appointed leader of our anti-bandit forces, chief supervisor of the Imperial Horse Office and head clerk of the Eastern Depot, first-rank scholar in the Jianshi Bureau and official tutor to the crown prince! He's been personally awarded 'The Valor General' by His Majesty!"

Lin Gu burst out laughing suddenly. "Hahahaha... What a small world it is when someone like me offends such an important figure! Commander Zhao, what exactly do you want? Luring me into town was just to make your reinforcements leaderless and easier to control? Clever move - first killing my trusted generals then trapping me here inside the walls. You must be feeling quite triumphant now."

I said gently, "Commander Lin, I respect both your talents and your care for civilians, so I didn't harm you. Yes, this was all a ruse. In fact Pingyuan County was already taken before you arrived - Bai Lang, Shen Nian and Wei Bo were all eliminated. The defending soldiers have all submitted to the throne, and now your 20,000 reinforcements are under my command as well. What would you say to that?"

Lin Gu said, "Nothing. To the victor go spoils; to the vanquished only dishonor. Kill me if you wish. I only regret never having a proper battlefield duel with you."

I replied, "Commander Lin, even now you don't understand my intentions. The fifteenth imperial princess in charge of supervision holds great regard for you and hopes you'll return to the throne's side. Of course I've considered what you said before - throughout history many outer kings were granted titles by previous dynasties but they seized most farmland leaving peasants with nothing, forcing them into slave-like conditions. But the court has noticed these problems, though changing deep-rooted issues takes time. Commander Lin, please think carefully about this... Lord Shou is just a petty emperor. I don't believe he's ready to govern."

Lin Gu remained unmoved, "Commander Zhao needn't waste words further! Today my carelessness led me into your hands, and now I've made up my mind. If you wish to kill me just do it straightforwardly rather than playing false sympathy. Let me die nobly as a man of principles!"

A soldier nearby barked, "Rude! Commander Zhao was already generous with his treatment toward you! Don't be ungrateful - will you even try to escape back to Lakeyang and help that tyrant again?"

Lin Gu turned away without another word, refusing to look at us. His pride was truly formidable... but I thrived on challenging those who opposed me. Let him stew in anger over my strategy - we'd meet again on the battlefield where he'd still be defeated.

"Escort Commander Lin out of town," I ordered, "No one is to stop him wherever he wishes to go."

"What?" My commanders were stunned, "Sir! It's dangerous to release a tiger. This man is no ordinary threat!"

I said, "If someone like Commander Lin fears nothing alone in our midst, do we imperial guards fear this rebel? Let him leave - I look forward to crossing paths with him again on the battlefield where I'll capture him once more and see what he has left to say."

My commanders dared not disobey. A soldier escorted Lin Gu out while he turned back and said, "Commander Zhao, you've earned my respect today. You're a true general. I believe we will meet again someday for our real battle where victory shall be decided!"

I replied, "Commander Lin, warfare isn't always about swords and shields. Our imperial forces were originally weaker than your rebels - how else could we have won without strategy? What you said before is correct: to the victor go spoils, to the vanquished only dishonor. Results speak louder than methods."

Though he likely knew nothing of the Eight Immortals legend, Lin Gu understood my meaning perfectly. He bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you for your teachings Commander Zhao! Your youth and strategic brilliance truly impress me. If I survive today's escape, one day I'll repay this debt with my life. Farewell!"

I said, "Safe travels - no need to see you off further. As for your 500 soldiers, they can stay here under our guidance. One day if you miss them, feel free to visit me. Though we may differ in paths, sharing a cup of tea should cause no problems."

The moment Lin Gu left with his back turned, Ma Xiaowei stormed in. She dismissed the attendants before saying cheerfully, "You let Commander Lin escape? You don't think he'll ruin your plans?"

I said, "Of course I'm afraid he might cause trouble... but there are so many things that scare me in this world. We can't just stop doing things because we're scared. Zhuge Liang subdued Meng Huo seven times before truly winning his loyalty. Today I'm following the same path - if Lin still refuses to submit, I'll kill him outright since his heart is as hard as stone."

Ma Xia9 smiled, "You always find reasons... where were you when we were drinking? Let me show you my changes..."

She pushed out her chest obviously wanting a compliment. I pretended to examine it carefully before exclaiming in surprise, "Wait! That's different from last afternoon - wasn't as perky or round back then. How is that possible? Did it grow overnight? Then I should work harder!"

Ma Xiaowei beamed, "No thanks to you! Yun Yao made me a new brassiere... very pretty. Come tonight and see for yourself."

I thought to myself - after seeing your broadcast exercises why care about one brassiere? With no one else around now (even Linglong and Yun Yao had left), I teased her by wrapping my arms around Ma Xiaowei's waist, "Even if you let me in tonight, your body isn't feeling well... just watch me from afar with hungry eyes."

Ma Xiaowei blushed, "There are other ways to solve things. Don't you want to know what happened last night?"

I said, "Of course! Tell me a little first!"

"Okay," she said, "Xiaoru visited me last night because she was worried about my grief over her. I told her everything had passed so she stayed in my room... but Xiaoru is the type who forgets pain once it's gone. In the middle of the night she crawled into my arms again. So following your instructions I... Xiaoru spent all afternoon learning bad things from you, becoming very bold and enjoying it! She even called out your name with excitement."

I said, "That's it?"

Ma Xiaowei laughed, "Is that what you thought? You overthink too much!"

"Haha, my mistake," I said. "Tomorrow I'll finalize our plan to march on Hongping County first. Let me consult with you now."

Ma Xiaowei replied, "Leave it for later tonight. I'm returning - everything here has been reported to His Majesty. Soon enough your promotion should come through... though it's a shame Commander Lin remained stubborn and you insisted on being honest rather than playing politics. Otherwise the Emperor would have been even more pleased."

I said, "Better if he's not too happy. Hongping County won't be difficult but Lakeyang is still problematic. Our real challenges lie ahead."

Ma Xiaowei replied, "We trust in your abilities so we fear nothing... because you are Zhao Qian - and you're no ordinary man!"

"Let's hope that remains true," I said as I prepared to visit the camps. The faster we moved on Hongping County the better before night brought more surprises.

"Zhao Qian," Ma Xiaowei stopped me, "I don't worry about suppressing bandits... but once our mission is done and we return to court how will you explain our situation to His Majesty?"

I replied, "Aren't we already agreed? Not now until our strength grows stronger. Best when we're ready to return to Earth - then no one can stop us."

Ma Xiaowei said, "I understand... but don't let this make you unhappy. The New Year draws near and once it passes I'll be 16 years old while the mourning period for my mother also ends. Then His Majesty will demand I choose a husband! What happens then?"

Pulling her into my arms I said, "I won't let anyone take your hand in marriage. Trust me like you trust me to capture Lakeyang - there's always a way."

"Yes," she whispered, "dear... the imperial horse office needs more strength right now. With this bandit campaign you should expand it immediately. Otherwise how will we handle dangers from Shuangcheng?"

I stroked her hair as I replied, "That's exactly what I was thinking. This afternoon I already ordered suitable personnel to be selected from surrendered troops and our own imperial forces. When we return to Shuangcheng the horse office must at least have 10,000 soldiers along with our advanced weapons - even Grand Secretary Pang will hesitate before challenging us."

Ma Xiaowei said proudly, "Of course! You're a man chosen by me Ma Xiaowei - how could you be ordinary? Go then. Make your own decisions without these formalities of always reporting first!"

I smiled, "Don't you understand yet? I'm just looking for excuses to see you more often."

Ma Xiaowei touched my face and said, "Your mouth is so sweet - it's frightening how you could seduce other women! Especially Linglong that little demon who follows you around all day. Don't tell me you can't even wait these few days? I don't want her to take precedence over me!"

I reached out and touched her bottom, "Then let me resolve this tonight so you'll stop worrying. The Zhao family's formal marriage ceremony was already practiced on Mengmeng."

"Formal marriage?" she asked in confusion.

I whispered two sentences in her ear. She immediately ran away screaming, "Dirty pervert! Don't touch me tonight!"