After the fiery conquest of Hongping County, the sheer number of surrendered soldiers presented a significant dilemma regarding their disposition. Excluding the heavily wounded and the five thousand-plus who refused to serve, there were still fifteen thousand men requiring accommodation. We had already accepted over ten thousand captives from Pingyuan County; integrating another fifteen thousand posed a massive risk should they decide to revolt.

This issue kept me awake, pacing eighty laps within the command tent. The situation had reached a critical juncture, and a solution was imperative before the main army’s departure in five days. Executing them was out of the question; escorting them back to Shuangcheng would demand too many men and consume excessive provisions. The only viable course was immediate integration, leveraging their strength to expand the bandit suppression forces.

Ma Xiaowei refused to return to her quarters and stayed by my side. Linglong, fearing impropriety if we were left alone, also remained. Eventually, their eyelids grew too heavy to fight, and they drifted off to sleep leaning against each other. I draped robes over them via a palace maid and stepped out of the tent. The lights of Hongping County twinkled; it seemed I had to take a calculated risk tonight.

The captives from Pingyuan County were manageable due to the presence of Xiao Dingzi and several reliable Qianhuzhangs keeping them suppressed. I decided to reassign five thousand of these new captives to Xiao Dingzi, instructing him to mix them thoroughly through existing units. This move would solidify his command, bringing his total force to ten thousand men, effectively securing his two general appointments.

Another five thousand surrendered soldiers would be transferred to the Imperial Stables, giving A-San a force of fifteen thousand. The final five thousand would go to Gu Qi, which would restore his position as a Weizhang, bringing his actual combat strength to twenty thousand.

Warfare inherently involves risk. The five-day window before the push toward Huyang was specifically allotted for the difficult task of integrating these captives; any unrest during the main assault would be disastrous.

Having made the decision, I called Kong Wu to my side. "Kong Wu, are you interested in becoming a Qianhuzhang?"

Kong Wu started, "My lord, you no longer wish for me to remain close to you? I—I haven't done anything wrong."

I replied, "You have certainly done nothing wrong. It’s not that I don't want you near me; the current situation is too complex. As you saw today, twenty thousand enemy soldiers surrendered. How to manage them is a huge problem. Logically, they should be absorbed into our ranks to increase our power. But how loyal are these captives? We have no idea. I want to send you under General Gu as a Qianhuzhang. You are someone I trust absolutely. With you on the ground level watching the sentiments of those captives, I can rest easier."

Kong Wu stammered, "My lord, you overestimate this humble servant. I am merely a personal guard. How can I possess the 'qualifications' to be a Qianhuzhang? This position might be difficult to make the others accept."

I clapped Kong Wu on the shoulder. "If I say you are qualified, you are. I am not afraid of whispers from others because I know your capabilities, both in combat and tactics. If you lack some knowledge, you can learn it slowly. I myself wasn't born knowing how to fight. We have an old saying back home: failure is the mother of success. As for acceptance, how many people truly know your original background? The majority of our current force consists of former enemies; they won't care about that detail."

Knowing my mind was made up, Kong Wu bowed. "This subordinate obeys the lord's command and will certainly not fail your expectations."

I nodded, then turned to Sun Chang. "Sun Chang, how would you feel about transferring under General Ding as a Qianhuzhang?"

Sun Chang was sharp; he understood this command carried a heavy responsibility, as chaos among the new captives would spell massive trouble. He affirmed resolutely, "I obey the lord’s order!"

I said, "Gu Fei, you will remain with me for now. It will be too difficult for me to lose all three of you simultaneously. I will let you take an official post outside later."

Gu Fei chuckled, "Lord, I still prefer staying with you. Hehe, no need to worry, and I get good food and drink every day."

I teased, "But those two are shaping up to be generals. Don't be envious later."

Gu Fei considered this. "Then, if there’s a chance, my lord, transfer me out as well. Otherwise, if those two get ahead and I remain stagnant, I fear people will mock me."

I laughed, "It will happen. Huyang Prefecture has even more rebel troops. After defeating them, even more men will join our ranks, and we will rely on you to manage the reorganization. Since the number of personnel will continuously grow, I intend to temporarily abolish the title of Imperial Guard and establish the designation of 'Army Group' instead. The highest-ranking officer of the Army Group will be the Commander."

Kong Wu, Gu Fei, and Sun Chang asked in unison, "My lord, what does 'Army Group' mean, and what position is 'Commander'?"

I explained, "It is merely a designation for a military formation, similar to the Imperial Guard. The Commander is me, leading everyone in this revolution. Under the Army Group, there will be the First, Second, and Third Armies. Each Army will consist of twenty thousand men, with one Army Commander, one Deputy Army Commander, and one Chief of Staff per Army. Below the Army, there will be Divisions; each Division commands ten thousand men, with one Division Commander, one Deputy Division Commander, and one Chief of Staff per Division. Two Divisions make one Army. Below the Division, we retain the original Qianhu and Baihu system: ten Qianhus make a Division, and ten Baihus make a Qianhu."

Kong Wu calculated, "From what the lord says, the Commander is equivalent to the Grand Marshal, the Army Commander is the former Weizhang, and the Division Commander is the former General. So, what positions are the Deputy Commanders and Deputy Division Commanders, and the various Chiefs of Staff?"

I clarified, "The deputies assist the primary officers in handling affairs. The Chiefs of Staff, frankly put, are like advisors—they must devise strategies for their respective superiors and are also responsible for the ideological and political work within the unit. Furthermore, we will establish the position of Political Instructor within the Qianhu and Baihu units to manage propaganda and political struggles."

The three praised, "My lord’s thinking is truly ingenious; we would never have conceived such an idea. Abolishing the old Imperial Guard designation is completely necessary, as we are no longer guarding the Emperor inside Shuangcheng; the current mission is clearly different. Calling it an Army Group sounds fresh and imposing."

I did not reveal the true source of my inspiration, letting them imagine as they wished. "I plan to appoint Gu Qi as the Commander of the Army Group's First Army, commanding twenty thousand men; A-San as the Commander of the Second Army, commanding fifteen thousand; and Xiao Dingzi as the Commander of the Third Army, commanding ten thousand. Do you find these appointments suitable for Army Commanders? The missing personnel for the Second and Third Armies will be supplemented later. The Artillery Battalion and Siege Battalion will remain direct subordinates of the Headquarters, commanded by me personally."

The three pondered for a moment. "In our view, my lord, these selections are highly appropriate. These three possess the capability to serve as Army Commanders. We trust they will not disappoint your expectations."

"Very well," I said. "Go summon the others. I want to announce this immediately. The Inspector is still in the command tent, so I will seek his approval first."

Ma Xiaowei was hazy-eyed, simply nodding at everything I said. I didn't actually need her approval, but I followed protocol to demonstrate that the Zhao family upholds principles of fairness, not just male authority.

The assembled generals were hurriedly pulled from their sleep. Some supported my plan, while others were confused about why we would discard the familiar and favorable title of the Imperial Guard. However, Gu Qi was the first to voice his agreement, hitting the crucial point: our force was destined for infinite expansion, and the old Duwei structure would certainly become inadequate.

With one taking the lead, and the change being merely nominal—General becoming Division Commander, with the addition of deputies and Chiefs of Staff—the discussions continued until dawn. By then, Linglong was sound asleep. At least Ma Xiaowei had maintained her composure in front of the generals, ensuring the Princess did not lose face.

Having settled everything, I felt a great weight lifted. I could finally depart for Huyang with a clear conscience, as leaving this mess unresolved had been worrying me. Now, a nap was in order; I would depart tomorrow afternoon.

No one called me for breakfast that morning, as Linglong and Yun Yao understood my habits: as long as there was no official business, meals would be served whenever I awoke. However, I was roused by the noise outside—the four women were already engaged in a fierce debate in my absence. The core issue was that Linglong and Yun Yao were permitted to accompany me, while Ma Xiaowei and Ma Xiaorui had to remain at the main camp.

Ma Xiaowei opposed this decision from every angle. She longed to join me in Huyang, unwilling to be separated from the man she loved, especially after several nights of shared intimacy had completely captivated her heart. Yet, she found it difficult to voice this desire directly, so she subtly prompted Ma Xiaorui to speak up.

Ma Xiaorui, on the other hand, felt she must go. Her primary motivation was novelty; the excitement of mere camping around the main base had worn off years ago. Seeing the sights in Huyang would be delightful. However, Linglong and Yun Yao adamantly refused to allow either of the Ma sisters to come. It was one thing for the Marshal to risk his life, but if anything happened to the Princess, no one could bear that responsibility.

Though awakened by the commotion, I feigned deep sleep. If I intervened, Ma Xiaowei would only become angrier—and admittedly, I had taken liberties with her the night before, and her yielding compliance made it hard to refuse her. Moreover, after being apart from her for days, I felt a strong reluctance to leave her behind as well.

The four women knew better than to speak openly. After a battle of sharp words, the final decision allowed only Ma Xiaorui to accompany me. The Ma sisters had reservations about allowing an extra person in the entourage, but Linglong and Yun Yao were Captains of the Guard, able to protect me in close quarters. Ma Xiaowei and Ma Xiaorui, by comparison, would be burdens. Securing permission for even one of them to come was a minor victory. Furthermore, someone needed to remain to stabilize the morale at the main camp, and the Inspector was a suitable candidate. Ma Xiaorui was deemed too frivolous to be left unsupervised, forcing Ma Xiaowei to reluctantly stay behind, though she consoled herself with the thought of greater compensation upon my return.

Accompanying us were fifteen personal guards, ten of whom were equipped with laser rifles, perfect for close-quarters combat and covert operations. Nineteen warhorses were readied. After lunch, the small contingent sped off toward Huyang Prefecture. At our current pace, we should arrive in three days at most.

According to intelligence from Ah Mao, there was a checkpoint every ten li within a hundred li radius of Huyang. These Red Scarf rebels had become clever, using wolf smoke signals. Indeed, we encountered the first checkpoint the following afternoon, meaning we were exactly one hundred li from Huyang.

The checkpoint was manned by a Baihu unit—a substantial number, making a direct confrontation difficult. After brief consultation, we decided to sneak past. Speed was essential; these hundred enemies would scatter when the main army arrived anyway, and eliminating them would offer no significant strategic advantage.

"Hey, hey, stop! What are you doing? What are those things—are they the legendary horses?" The sentry seemed knowledgeable, identifying what we were leading. He looked like a minor officer.

Following the prearranged cover story, Gu Fei stepped forward with a casual air. "Officer, we are a troupe of traveling performers. We have been invited by Prince Shou to put on a show in Huyang for entertainment. Please grant us passage."

Upon hearing of the horses, forty or fifty soldiers emerged from the temporary camp, surrounding the nineteen horses and riders. The situation hadn't escalated to drawn swords yet; they were merely curious about the novelty.

"What is a traveling troupe? We have no record of Prince Shou inviting you. Step aside quietly. We need to search you, and all these horses must be left here." The leader clearly thought this was his chance for a windfall; presenting nineteen horses to Prince Shou would be a major achievement.

Hearing this, everyone instinctively reached for their weapons. The soldiers were no fools either and quickly drew their blades as the tension rose. Gu Fei maintained his smile. "Officer, why the hostility? We traveled a thousand li from Wanma Country to meet Prince Shou. This is hardly the proper way to treat guests. Here, take this small sum for tea money. As for the horses, we intend to present them to Prince Shou after the performance. If we hand them over now, how can we explain ourselves to the Prince?"

A soldier resembling a Wuzhang nearby addressed the leader. "Second Brother, I think they might have been invited by Prince Shou to entertain at the banquet celebrating the recovery of Prince Ji and Prince Kang. Let’s not delay their journey; we cannot afford the blame if something goes wrong. Take the money and let them pass."

The leading Baihuzhang grabbed the bag of iron coins Gu Fei offered and tossed it to a subordinate. "Our brothers risk their necks guarding this road while they enjoy feasting and revelry in Huyang. What kind of world is this? Hey, you! Show us a trick first. Oh, and that young lady looks nice—smooth skin, small waist, large chest. Sing a song or dance for our amusement. If you please us, we’ll let you go immediately."

This Baihuzhang’s words were immediately echoed by the assembled soldiers. Hearing the commotion, even those resting in the barracks emerged. Over a hundred men blocked the road; at this point, a direct rush was impossible.

The Baihuzhang had actually been addressing Yun Yao. The three women, being vain, refused to change back into male attire, and my indulgence had caused trouble. Ma Xiaorui, being a noble Princess, could not tolerate being leered at by these vulgar men. In the past, she might have ignored it, but having recently become aware of sexual matters, those gazes held a distinct implication of stripping her down and taking her to bed. This enraged her. In reality, the soldiers weren't focused on her—they barely noticed the undeveloped child—they were only looking at Yun Yao. But Ma Xiaorui stood behind Yun Yao and mistakenly believed the attention was directed at her.

"Pah! What kind of filth are you, daring to ask this Princess to dance and sing for you? Look at your lewd eyes! Guards, seize them!"

The moment Ma Xiaorui spoke, I knew disaster was inevitable. She still thought of herself as a Princess. She and Linglong were supposed to be Yun Yao’s maids now. But she let her royal temper flare. Bluffing our way out was impossible now; it was time to draw weapons—strike first, strike decisively.

Yun Yao and Linglong exchanged a look. With a sharp cry from both women, the personal guards, long accustomed to their signals, immediately drew their firearms and opened fire. The five guards without laser rifles pulled back their crossbows and joined the attack.

Caught by surprise, the Red Scarf rebels at the outpost descended into chaos. We quickly eliminated over twenty of them, but the remainder rapidly organized a counterattack, taking cover behind roadblocks and returning fire with bows and arrows, momentarily pinning us down in a small depression beside the road.

Linglong had not engaged in combat for a long time and became excited, unleashing a volley of arrows with her fine bow. Several Red Scarf soldiers, seeing her fierce assault, focused their entire fire on her. Linglong became flustered trying to evade the barrage. Unnoticed, three small figures managed to sneak up behind her. They drew their bows and nocked arrows aimed at Linglong.

Linglong was no novice; hearing the whistles of the incoming arrows from behind, she knew she was in danger. However, she was too engaged dodging the arrows coming from the front to pull away. Instinctively, she ducked her head, avoiding the first arrow. But the second struck her thigh, and the third hurtled toward her back. At close range, the arrow's penetration power was immense. Linglong closed her eyes, resigning herself to fate.

"Don't harm her!" Gu Fei, who was firing beside Linglong, roared, and his stout frame moved with surprising speed to shield her back. Thud. An arrow struck him in the waist and abdomen.

I was too far from Linglong to offer immediate aid, but seeing Gu Fei take the blow for her finally eased the tension in my chest. I roared, "Fire the Thunder Crash Bombs! Blast these dogs to death! Leave none alive!"

At the command, a guard unstrapped a Thunder Crash Bomb from his back. He lit the fuse with a flint, and when the fuse burned down sufficiently, he hurled it out. Everyone trained knew what to do—they ducked low and flattened themselves to the ground, avoiding the blast. The Red Scarf rebels, unaware of what the round object was, some even advanced to pick it up and examine it.

With a deafening BOOM, seven or eight men were riddled with holes; the dense concentration of the enemy amplified the bomb's destructive power. Another guard lit the second bomb. This time, no rebel dared to be careless. Seeing another round object rolling toward them, they panicked and fled, exposing their backs—becoming easy targets for the laser rifles. Between the explosions and the laser fire, this group of enemies was swiftly annihilated.

Linglong was shot in the upper thigh from behind, and Gu Fei in the waist and abdomen from behind. The others, protected in time, suffered no serious injuries. The two—one stout, one thin—lay side-by-side on the ground. My medical assistant for the moment was Yun Yao.

I drew my military knife. "Light a fire, sterilize, and prepare hot water immediately."

These personal guards were well-trained. Without needing further orders, some rounded up the spooked horses, others cleaned the battlefield. Two men started a fire, set up a small campaign pot, and began heating water scooped from a roadside ditch.

Ma Xiaorui cradled Linglong’s head. "Sister Linglong, it’s my fault. If I had held my tongue, none of this would have happened. Now you and Fatty Brother are suffering and nearly lost your lives. Can you forgive me?"

Linglong’s face was pale, blood steadily seeping from the wound on her thigh. For someone of her slender build, losing a bowlful of blood could be critical. "It's fine. I’m not that fragile. I hated the way those men leered at us. Even if you hadn't cursed them, I was ready to strike."

Ma Xiaorui looked doubtful. "Really? You've always argued with me. I thought you would scold me this time."

Linglong managed a weak smile. "Even when we argue, we are still friends. But those men were genuine enemies. With a real foe before us, how could I possibly argue over trivialities? That's absurd."

Ma Xiaorui questioned, "You really consider me a friend? Besides Sister Xiaowei, even my imperial younger brother doesn't treat me as a friend. He always treats me like a child who hasn't grown up, but I truly have grown up! I am equal to anyone, and I'm even a year older than you."

Linglong sighed. "We all consider you a friend. Just sit over there and let me rest a bit; I'm so tired."

Ma Xiaorui turned to Gu Fei. "Fatty Brother, you are so brave! I like you."

Gu Fei was overwhelmed with flattered surprise. "Thank you, Your Highness. This humble man doesn't deserve such praise. Just hearing you call me 'Fatty Brother' makes it worth scraping off all my flesh! Furthermore, Miss Linglong is my life-saving benefactor. I could not let anything happen to her, even at the cost of my life. Besides, my bones are sturdy; I can take a beating."

Linglong weakly opened her eyes. "When did I become your life-saving benefactor? You've got it backward; you are mine."

Gu Fei insisted, "Miss Linglong, don't you remember? On the day the troops were recruited, I was so hungry I was nearly passing out, yet I still had to prove my special skill by moving two large Zhenshi stone beasts. The moment I learned I was selected, I nearly collapsed from exhaustion. Luckily, you gave me two iron coins. After eating, I managed to save my life."

Linglong shook her head. "I don't remember. Even if that happened, it was just two iron coins, and besides, that was the Lord's money, not mine. You should thank him."

Gu Fei stubbornly replied, "But I received them from your hand, so you are my life-saving benefactor. I must find every opportunity to repay you in this lifetime."

Linglong countered, "Then saving my life just now counts as repayment. We are even."

Gu Fei refused. "What happened just now doesn't count. The Lord said it well: 'A drop of kindness received should be repaid with a gushing spring.' It’s rare for you to encounter danger, so my repayment is only just beginning. I must keep looking for opportunities; I must continue the 'gushing spring'..."

Ma Xiaorui interjected from the side, "Why are you being so nice to Sister Linglong? Could it be that you have a crush on her? One fat, one thin, hehe!"

Gu Fei made no comment, but Linglong anxiously interjected, "Oh, what nonsense are you speaking? I am the master's... person. If you continue speaking nonsense, I won't speak to you again."

Gu Fei's eyes showed a hint of disappointment. He turned to Ma Xiaorui and said, "Your Highness regards a mere servant like me too highly. How could Miss Linglong and I possibly be a match? Setting aside my physique, our ages alone forbid it. I only ever see her as a younger sister."

Ma Xiaorui murmured low, "Indeed, pressed on top of someone, they'd surely be crushed to death. But even between actual sisters, that can happen. You two mustn't mess around."

No one clearly heard what Ma Xiaorui muttered, or Linglong would surely have scrambled up to kick her. I held my military knife over the fire to sterilize it, then turned back to the trio. "I say, you all look quite well. Was one arrow not enough? Shall I give each of you another?"

Linglong and Gu Fei exchanged a glance and immediately clamped their mouths shut. I turned to Yun Yao. "Set up the tent and carry Linglong in for me. I need to remove the arrow. Under this scorching sun, don't let her little bottom get burned black."

Linglong’s face flushed. "Please tend to Brother Gu first, I can hold on a while longer."

Gu Fei gritted his teeth. "Mine is a wooden arrow without a barb; dealing with it is simple enough." With that, Gu Fei reached behind him, and with a muffled groan, he actually pulled the arrow out himself. This wooden shaft was merely sharpened at the tip, with no arrowhead. Linglong was less fortunate; hers was an iron arrow with two barbs. It would be impossible to remove safely without cutting the flesh.

Yun Yao rushed to help Gu Fei pour hemostatic powder onto his wound. This powder was a field remedy formulated by our accompanying physician, later supplemented by me with a small amount of analgesic and anesthetic. It worked remarkably well for stopping bleeding and pain, and also had anti-inflammatory properties—an absolute essential on the battlefield, responsible for keeping our combat attrition losses at an absolute minimum.

After treating Gu Fei's wound, Linglong was gently carried into the tent. Ma Xiaorui held her hand the whole time, keeping her company. After dismissing the men, I first used my knife to cut away Linglong’s undergarments. The wound was right beneath her buttocks, in an extremely awkward spot. Thankfully, my relationship with Linglong was already unusual, so she didn't mind my handling, and I felt no need to be discreet. Otherwise, with the girls here not wearing underwear, manhandling someone’s backside in such a manner would truly be improper.

Better a sharp, quick pain than a lingering one. After administering the anesthetic, I bit down and cut an incision near the root of Linglong’s thigh where the arrow was lodged, then pulled the arrowhead free. Yun Yao helped apply the hemostatic powder and bandage the wound. Linglong’s face had grown even paler; she had already passed out, likely helped along by the anesthetic, so I wasn't overly worried.

Leaving Yun Yao to look after Linglong, I stepped outside the tent and washed my hands in the nearby ditch. A deputy captain of the personal guard, named Manfu, approached me. "Sir, what are our orders now?"

"We halt the march for today. Arrange for everyone to make camp where we are. Send scouts ahead to gather intelligence. We move out at first light tomorrow."

"Yes, Sir." Manfu took his orders and left. This man was quite sharp, though he occasionally indulged in petty trickery. I didn't trust or rely on him as much as I did Gu Fei, Kong Wu, or Sun Chang. However, he got things done much faster than those three, which is why I kept him by my side on this journey.

After resting for the afternoon, I made a decision during dinner: send two guards to escort the nineteen horses back to the main camp. We would proceed on foot. If not for the horses, perhaps we wouldn't have attracted the attention of the Red Turban Army today. Without the mounts, future enemy checkpoints could be bypassed simply by slipping through the mountains.

Yun Yao returned from Linglong’s room. "Linglong refuses to eat. You should go feed her; I think she’ll listen to you. You are her Master, after all. She’s pouting over there, I don't know what she's sulking about."

Carrying a bowl of rice gruel, I entered the chamber. Linglong was staring blankly at the tent ceiling canvas. "What are you thinking about? You lost a lot of blood this afternoon and need nourishment. Do you need me to feed you? Yun Yao said you were angry; what's wrong?"

Linglong shook her head. "Master, I can’t eat. Please don’t bother with me. I hate how useless I am, unable to dodge even a single arrow, making Brother Fatty suffer for me."

I sat beside Linglong and gently stroked her soft hair. "Does the wound hurt badly? Why don't we arrange for someone to send you back to the main camp tomorrow? You can leave for Huyang with Ma Xiaowei in a few days. Otherwise, this rough journey will be too much for you."

"No, no!" Linglong said anxiously. "What kind of talk is that? Actually, I’m just worried about a scar remaining. I must follow you. Will you despise me if I have a scar there?"

Sigh. So that was what she was worried about, enough to stop her from eating. I soothed Linglong. "Did I say I would despise you? That spot is so hidden, only I can see and touch it. Besides, I can take the opportunity to 'take advantage' of you when I change your dressing. Your little bottom is so white and cute..."

Linglong reached out to cover my mouth, her heart swelling sweetly. "Master, you’re talking like a hooligan again. I'm not like Sister Yun Yao; it’s not right for you to speak to me like that. If Sister Yun Yao hears, she’ll surely scold you."

I picked up the rice gruel. "Alright, no need to worry now. If we find Qingqing, she can help remove the scar. Are you satisfied now?"

"Really?" Linglong was overjoyed. "Even if no one else can see it, you can. If it can truly be removed, that would be best. Otherwise, I myself would feel uncomfortable."

"It can definitely be removed," I assured her. "Even if it can’t be taken off on Gemini, this minor surgery won't be hard back on Earth. Now eat properly, or if you don't get enough nutrients and the wound gets infected, we might have to saw off one of your legs..."

Linglong hurriedly said, "I'll eat, I'll eat! If you didn't have a leg, you'd despise me even more then; I'd have no choice but to dash my head against a wall. I don't have the assets that Ma Xiaowei has; I'm not as good as her in that regard..."

After feeding Linglong and telling her a few stories to coax her to sleep, I finally went to Yun Yao’s room to rest. Half-asleep, I didn't know how long I dozed before I heard someone softly calling from outside, "Zhao Qian, Zhao Qian, you dead pig, you pig-head, stop sleeping!"

I jolted awake, releasing Yun Yao from my embrace, and whispered, "Who is it?" With personal guards posted outside, it had to be one of ours.

"It’s Ma Xiaorui. Come out, I need to talk to you."

Yun Yao stirred sleepily, clinging to me like an octopus. "Husband, who is it? It's the middle of the night, go back to sleep."

I gently pushed Yun Yao’s hand away. "It’s nothing, just need to relieve myself. You sleep first."

Stepping out of the chamber, I saw Ma Xiaorui sitting on a large blue stone by the path, holding a lantern. I approached her. "Your Highness, what business do you have in the dead of night? Don't tell me you want me to accompany you to admire the moon and recite poetry? I remember memorizing one when I was little: 'Before my bed, the moon shines bright, suspected to be frost upon the ground. I raise my head to watch the bright moon, I lower my head and think of home.' Ah, I understand. You’re homesick. I told you not to follow us, but you wouldn't listen."

I showed off a bit of my literary flair, but it seemed entirely wasted on her. Ma Xiaorui seemed not to have registered any of it. She pulled me along toward her quarters. "Brother-in-law, there's something I need to ask you. Perhaps my sister and I are in for big trouble, very serious trouble—it might cost us our lives."

The wind in the latter half of the night was a bit cold. Thinking back to the 'ghostly incidents' I encountered at the Yuejin Construction Building and Xiao Chuchu’s strange dream in Peach Blossom Village, a chill ran down my spine. Could it be that Ma Xiaorui had a bizarre dream, dreaming that she and Ma Xiaowei were in danger?

The light in Ma Xiaorui's room was dim; she must have taken one lamp outside. She sat on the edge of the bed and pulled me down to sit beside her. "Brother-in-law, first, tell me—are you truly not angry about what happened between my sister and me? You know, the time you saw my sister and me embracing..."

"I was never angry to begin with," I replied. "I explained it all clearly to you both at the time. It’s nothing; just two little girls playing out of curiosity. When you both eventually get your royal consorts, you'll forget about it. It’s just a small episode in growing up; many people experience things like that."

Ma Xiaorui suddenly sounded like an adult. She said gravely, "Then let me thank you first. My sister is utterly devoted to you. Because of that incident, she almost took her own life. But I just couldn't control myself; otherwise, you wouldn't have discovered it that time. But my sister later explained it to me, saying it’s a form of self-gratification, very common. Now hearing you say that, I am finally relieved."

Discussing this matter with one's sister-in-law in the middle of the night was highly improper. I cut Ma Xiaorui off. "Enough of that. Let’s get to the main point. What did you want to ask me? Was it just to confirm I'm not angry anymore? I’m not angry. I never restrict my wife from doing such things. Heh heh, you probably saw that when you peeked at my phone that day, too."

Ma Xiaorui nodded. "Brother-in-law, I admire you for that. Just wait a moment, I can’t hold it any longer."

Saying this, Ma Xiaorui got off the bed and hurried behind the screen. I thought she meant something else she couldn't hold back, but soon I heard a few splash-splash sounds. My blood ran hot—Ma Xiaorui was urinating! She couldn't hold her bladder any longer.

This princess is too much! How could she bring a man into her room in the middle of the night and relieve herself right in front of him, all while constantly luring me into saying suggestive things? Could it be she’s trying to seduce me?

With little fanfare, Ma Xiaorui emerged, her face flushed. It seemed she wasn't entirely without a sense of shame; she was likely genuinely desperate. "Brother-in-law, you saw it. I couldn't hold it for even a moment. Do you think I'm going to have a child after what my sister and I did?"

I was completely confused, unable to utter a word for a long moment. Ma Xiaorui seemed to sense my bewilderment and explained further, "You’re so slow! Didn't you see? I've already relieved myself twenty times tonight, but I still feel the urge to go again shortly. And it burns down there, it’s so uncomfortable. I... I’m going crazy! Is it because my sister and I kissed, and she touched me, and I touched her? Am I going to have a baby? This is serious! Unwed pregnancy will result in severe punishment, and it will disgrace the Royal Family. Father Emperor will surely kill me!"

Thump! I collapsed onto Ma Xiaorui's soft, fragrant, and comfortable bed. "Please, having a child requires the combination of sperm and an egg. You are both female; where would the sperm come from? You absolutely must not tell anyone about this, or they’ll laugh their heads off!"

Ma Xiaorui became anxious and actually lunged onto me, but her frame was too light to exert any pressure; instead, she felt soft, like a wad of cotton. "You big rogue, you're still joking! I... do you think I dare tell anyone in this state? I wouldn't even dare mention it to my sister, for fear she'd worry again and try to kill herself."

I feigned confusion. "Then why dare you tell me? I'm a man. Are you perhaps more trusting of me than your own sister?"

Ma Xiaorui pulled back the edge of the quilt like a wounded kitten and huddled towards the inner part of the bed. "You’re different. You’re a physician by trade, and you already did everything when you saved me from drowning. Later, you saw my sister and me fooling around, and instead of scolding us, you explained things and put our minds at ease. After those two times, you’ve seen all of my body, and I have no secrets left to hide. And I trust you, so I came to you. You won't abandon me, will you?"

I suppressed a smile. "So, you expect me to take responsibility for you?"

Ma Xiaorui looked very serious. "Yes. You’ll have to take the blame for this. Otherwise, can you bear to destroy both my sister's and my reputation? It would be so shameful if the news of two princesses consorting privately got out. But how do we explain it to Father Emperor? Should I just say you were overcome by lust and assaulted me? Or should I say you made a mistake unintentionally while drunk? The latter reason will likely result in lighter punishment for you. For my sister's future happiness, let’s go with the second reason. Father Emperor wouldn't kill you, a great war hero..."

"Why don't you just say you assaulted me?" I protested. "That would be a monstrous injustice."

Ma Xiaorui said solemnly, "You are a grown man; how can you say that? I admit, I caused this situation myself, and I should bear the consequences. But aren't you my brother-in-law? Tell me, I need a definitive answer tonight: do you truly love my sister Xiaowei? My sister cast everything aside for you. If you betray her, you’ll be struck down by lightning."

To avoid being struck by lightning, I reluctantly spoke the truth. "I love her, alright? But my love for her has nothing to do with your 'pregnancy.' Don't try to force a connection."

Ma Xiaorui argued righteously, "How is it unrelated? I am my sister’s most beloved younger sister, which makes me your sister-in-law. If you, as her brother-in-law, don't take care of me, who will? Are you heartless enough to abandon me?"

"Even if I take care of you, how will you explain our situation to your sister? Do you expect me to say that I assaulted you tonight and you immediately conceived? You want me to suffer this terrible accusation; I should ask for some compensation from you first."

Ma Xiaorui seemed inspired. "That's right! I didn't think about having to explain this to my sister just now. I like your reasoning. Wait a moment, I can’t hold it again. I’ll continue after a moment."

Again, I heard the splash-splash sound from Ma Xiaorui. When she emerged, she said, "Wait, that's wrong. I’m taking the blame for my sister here. Because of the way she handled me, I'm the one who's going to have a baby. I’m taking the blame for her, and you’re taking the blame for me. Ultimately, this is what you should do—what is the relationship between you two? So, I won’t give you any compensation. Instead, you and my sister owe me compensation, or I won’t give you this child!"

I almost spat out my drink. I struggled to suppress the smile spreading across my face while buried in the quilt. Then I said to Ma Xiaorui, "Your sister and I can have children ourselves. What does a child born from your belly have to do with me? You keep it, my dear. Ah, thinking about a thirteen-year-old girl nursing a baby—that scene will surely be moving."

Ma Xiaorui grabbed my arm, afraid I would run. "It has to do with you! It has to do with you! My sister did this to me. She sucked my breasts and squeezed my little nub down there. Every time we got carried away, I’d wet the bed and have to shout loudly that I loved the big rogue. So this child belongs to my sister, and what belongs to my sister belongs to you! Do you admit it, or I’ll tell my sister to never speak to you again because you are heartless and won't even claim your own child!"

I could no longer endure this torment. I jumped off the bed and squatted on the floor, roaring with laughter, almost rolling around on the ground. Ma Xiaorui stayed frozen in bed, her face completely innocent. She probably thought I had gone mad.

Finally stopping my laughter, I said to Ma Xiaorui, "Sixteenth Princess, didn't I just tell you? A girl only gets pregnant when an egg and sperm combine. Whether you’ve reached the age of ovulation is one thing, but you and Xiaowei cannot produce sperm. Pregnancy? That’s the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."

Ma Xiaorui asked, trembling, "Brother-in-law, you mean I’m not pregnant? Who knows what this ‘sperm’ and ‘egg’ you mention are? Don't laugh at me, tell me quickly! Do you know how anxious I am?"

I replied, "Of course you’re not pregnant. Pregnancy only occurs after a man and woman sleep together, and only under the right conditions."

Hearing that she wasn't pregnant, Ma Xiaorui collapsed onto the bed like a deflated ball. Perhaps her nerves had been too taut; now that she relaxed, she was immediately back to her inquisitive self. The danger had passed, but hearing so many new terms, she scrambled back up. "What is 'sperm'? What is an 'egg'? What does 'sperm' look like? Is it like that thing I saw on your phone, your monstrous thing entering a girl's body? That’s terrifying! I’d rather never have sex in my life. Also, what do you mean by the 'right conditions' for pregnancy?"

I hadn't expected to give a sex education crash course to the second student so soon after finishing one with her older sister. "Sperm is something inside a man's body. An egg is something inside a woman's body. A man's 'thing' can be manufactured at any time, but a woman's egg usually only releases one a month, barring mishaps. When the man's monstrous thing enters the woman’s body and releases sperm, the two meet inside the woman's uterus—that’s fertilization. Only a fertilized egg develops into a fetus. Do you understand now?"

Ma Xiaorui shook her head. "I don't understand. But it doesn't matter. I can ask you anytime. You’re my brother-in-law, you have a responsibility to teach me. Besides, you’ve seen and touched my entire body, so you can't refuse to teach me! But I won’t tell my sister. Her thinking is too backward; she'd get angry if she knew I was pestering you."

"Stop saying such things about me and your sister," I warned. "Nothing happened between us. If others hear, they’ll spread rumors that I seduced a princess. I can't bear that grave charge."

Ma Xiaorui laughed. "I know. You two are secretly in love, I’ll keep quiet. Brother-in-law, don't believe what I said earlier. My sister and I only did that once, and you caught us red-handed. We haven't done it again since, honestly. Don't stop talking to my sister because of this, or I'll be in deep trouble."

I pressed Ma Xiaorui. "Really, just that one time? You’re not lying? Fine, swear it to me."

Ma Xiaorui instantly went silent, biting her lip and opening her mouth a few times without a sound before finally saying, "Fine, you win. I admit it. We did it a few more times afterward, but I was the one seducing my sister every time. Whatever you want to do, just aim it at me! It has nothing to do with my sister! I’m the lewd one, the shameless one; I like that feeling. I pester my sister every night to do it. You can hit or scold me, but a hero owns up to his actions. If you dare to have the slightest opinion about my sister, I’ll fight you to the death!"

Ma Xiaorui adopted a look of brazen indifference—a 'dead pig isn't afraid of boiling water' attitude. I dared not tease her further. If she repeated this to Ma Xiaowei, my sister-in-law would surely get furious with me for playing games with her sister, especially given the unusual relationship that I had approved and required Ma Xiaowei’s agreement for. "Why would I hit or scold you? As long as you two enjoy it, I don't mind. I already said it—you truly have a pig's brain."

Ma Xiaorui scratched her hair. "Oh no, I fell for your trick! You yourself are fine with your wife messing around with her own kin. I should have admitted it earlier. Now I’ve taken on another charge unnecessarily. Hey, take out your phone again, can we look? Do you have any other films? I want to see if Sister Susu has any movies with other girls. I like her chest; it’s so big! Lying on it must feel incredibly secure."

I stood up. "No, I’m going back to sleep. How can someone so young be thinking about such messy things?"

Ma Xiaorui suddenly clutched her lower abdomen. "Wait a minute! You said I wasn't pregnant, so why do I still urgently need to go? You lied to me!"

"Lied to whom? You probably have prostatitis, oh no, perhaps something like inflammation of the uterus or appendages. In short, you’re sick. Tomorrow, I’ll have Yun Yao examine you. She knows what medicine to give. Girls are experts at this sort of thing; I’m just a man, how would I know so much?"

"Oh," Ma Xiaorui dutifully lowered her head.

I cautioned them, "Go easy on your sister when you play, don't go too hard or too often. And pay attention to hygiene; that area is delicate and prone to infection. Otherwise, even if you heal this time, the problem will return. Don't say I didn't warn you; I don't have an endless supply of medicine for you."

I was about to remind Ma Xiaorui not to accidentally ruin her proof of virginity, but then I realized I wasn't even sure if they had that membrane there. I had considered observing myself closely the past few nights, but Ma Xiaowei refused both times, citing filth. Besides, saying such a thing to Ma Xiaorui felt a bit too much; I decided against it. Ma Xiaowei knew about the situation; she would surely be careful and gentle.

Even though Ma Xiaorui was open-minded, being directly reminded of this made her intensely shy. She pulled the blanket over her head and muttered, "I know, I know! Why are you so blunt? I was just curious, I'll be careful from now on. Anyway, you don't mind, and my sister has been quite cooperative lately. I feel truly lucky."

As we were about to leave, I remembered, "Right, don't tell your sister about tonight, or she'll scold you fiercely. She might not play with you again either."

Ma Xiaorui paused to consider, "Yes, if my sister gets too worried about me, that would be trouble. Thanks for the reminder, Brother-in-law. I realize you’re actually quite kind. What if you take my sister and leave this place to go back to your hometown someday? I'll miss you."

I joked, "Then you can come with us."

Ma Xiaorui brightened, "That's a great idea, but I worry my sister won't take me. I'll discuss it with her later. Brother-in-law, you should help me now. I... I need to relieve myself again. Is anyone supposed to sleep? It's all my sister's fault; I asked her to be hard, and she was really hard! Now I'm suffering terribly."

I sighed, "Then I'll go ask Yun Yao what to do."

Ma Xiaorui objected, "You're the Imperial Physician, why ask her? It would be awkward if she found out."

I explained, "I'm not a gynecological specialist. I won't tell her about you and your sister. I'll be right back."

Yun Yao was woken from a deep sleep when I shook her. "What is it, Husband? Has morning come? Let me sleep a little longer. You always take so long each time; my stamina can't handle it!"

I said, "Wake up first. Something's happened with Ma Xiaorui."

"What?" Yun Yao sprang up, not bothering to cover her upper body. "What is it?"

I told her, "She has urinary frequency. See what medicine might be appropriate. She’s extremely anxious. I told her I’d have you examine her tomorrow, but she insisted on solving it tonight."

Yun Yao sank back into the covers. "That's all? Some anti-inflammatory drugs will do. But they take at least 24 hours to work. No matter how anxious she is, it won't help. Why does she have urinary frequency? She’s a princess; her personal hygiene must be impeccable—she washes daily! Besides, young girls don't mess around. It's strange."

I dared not mention that this was instigated by me and Ma Xiaowei. "How would I know about a princess's affairs? I'll get her medicine. You go back to sleep."

After coaxing Ma Xiaorui to take the medicine and wait for it to take effect, she stared at me with her beautiful eyes and asked, "Brother-in-law, can you stay with me a little longer? Usually, you're always trailed by those two little shadows; even my sister can't be alone with you."

I pulled up a chair and sat by her bed. "Oh, I remember you didn't have a good impression of me before. You always called me a big brute and even threatened to kill me to prove your innocence. Now I seem to have become a good person."

Ma Xiaorui blushed. "Past is past. You are a brute, aren't you? Why else would you have so many wives? And I still haven't killed you, just said it to vent my anger. If I actually killed you, my sister would panic to death! I was just trying to scare her. She clearly loves you to death but refuses to admit it. It’s my credit that you two got together; I was the matchmaker. If I hadn't pulled the strings, you two would have drifted apart long ago."

I said, "If the day comes when we can marry, I'll certainly give you a seat at the matchmaker's table. Does that work?"

Ma Xiaorui laughed. "That sounds better. My efforts weren't in vain. Brother-in-law, I'm very curious about you. When I first met you, I thought you were a bad man, but now I see I was wrong. You’re quite a decent person; everyone in our unit praises you."

I countered, "I'm afraid those soldiers curse me. I've killed hundreds of them."

Ma Xiaorui shrugged. "The officers respect you anyway, and I don't know those soldiers. Sitting here is boring. Could you lend me your mobile phone to play with?"

"No," I refused immediately. "What if you break it? I need it for communication."

Ma Xiaorui insisted, "I won't! I'll be very careful. I just want to watch a movie; otherwise, I can't sleep. Are you afraid I’ll accidentally expose your dirty secrets again? In that case, I’ll have my sister demand the phone from you later. I’ll see it sooner or later, and I'll spread it around wildly. I’ll tell Chenchen and Jingjing all your bad stories in front of them, making them run away whenever they see you. They don't remember you were once their wife anyway. They’ll believe me more easily. I’ll tell them you were seducing common women in Huyang, not even letting pregnant women go..."

Facing such an 'evil person' I couldn't afford to offend, I had no choice but to surrender. "Fine, you win. You're vicious. Tell me what movie you want to watch, and I'll play it for you."

Ma Xiaorui replied, "Something about you and your sisters."

I was firm. "Absolutely not! Even if you command me with your status as the Princess Supervisor, it won't work. It will corrupt you. How about I show you an adventure film? Maybe if you get scared, you'll fall asleep."

Ma Xiaorui blushed. "If I get scared, I definitely won't sleep. But I prefer sleeping after my sister has worked on me; that’s the most comfortable. Please find one for me. I swear, besides in front of you two, I am an absolutely proper princess. My sister and I grew up together, ate and slept together, and you've already touched my body and seen everything my sister and I did, so I have no need to pretend in front of you, right? That’s what I truly feel. I yearn for it; please satisfy me."

"All right then. I'll find a film made by that bird country from our hometown. Their style is relatively gentle. Otherwise, if I showed you an American one, I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to handle it."

Ma Xiaorui asked, "Isn't it about you and those sisters of yours?"

I retorted, "Of course not. Do you think we specialize in making X-rated films? If you get something to watch, shut up."

Although Ma Xiaorui was somewhat

The East Gate was the main entrance to the city, where commoners were strictly forbidden from building homes. However, the two side gates had no such restriction, leading to three li stretches of residences built along the official roads leading from each. Taverns were ubiquitous among these dwellings, resembling towns outside the city walls, though these civilians lacked the protection of the ramparts and would be the first to face an attack.

“Get him! Get him! Don't let that brat escape!” A squad of Red Turban rebels sprinted after a man in his mid-thirties, shouting an alarm when they spotted more rebels ahead.

A’Mao restrained his men. “Clear a path for them and don't cause trouble. We mustn't endanger the safety of the Lord and the Princess.”

I asked A’Mao, “Why aren’t some of the soldiers wearing red kerchiefs? Is the red cloth running short? A simple red ribbon wouldn't take up much silk.”

A’Mao replied, “That’s not it. Prince Shou wasn't the original instigator of the rebellion. The commoners who first rose up tied red kerchiefs around their heads, hence they were called the Red Turban Army. Prince Shou joined later and has since become the leader of the largest rebel faction. When he first rebelled, he used the slogans of the Red Turban Army—opening the granaries, distributing grain, and killing the King to divide the land—so he also wore a red kerchief. But now that his power has grown, he no longer cares about such symbols, so many of his troops no longer adhere to the rule of wearing them.”

While A’Mao was explaining, the pursued man was chased right up to us. The road was littered with stones, and the man slipped and fell, only to be immediately swarmed and seized by the pursuing Red Turban soldiers.

“Damn you, you bastard! You even dare to dig up the grave of Old Man Chen Sixi, Prince Shou’s father! You disloyal, unrighteous rabble—this time, we'll kill you to be your burial accompaniment! See if you dare to rob graves again!” several soldiers cursed while binding the captive.

“Hmph!” Ma Xiaorui, the troublemaker, suddenly spoke up. “You are the disloyal, unrighteous rabble! You defy the court's orders and refuse all education. I think you are the ones who should be killed for burial accompaniment.”

We were still some distance from the shantytown outside the West Gate. Although pedestrians passed by intermittently, they dared not approach, running away from a distance without even daring to look, a clear sign of how much mischief these soldiers usually caused.

Yun Yao couldn't stop her in time, and Linglong rolled her eyes, thinking Ma Xiaorui was utterly tactless. Two of our best bodyguards had already been shot—one in the backside, the other in the waist. Although these dozen or so soldiers might not be a match for us, a fight would surely alert others, and if tens of thousands swarmed us, we might be crushed even if we weren't killed.

The grave robber on the ground was securely tied. The leading soldier boldly blocked our pig cart. Ma Xiaorui, hidden under a ragged blanket inside, insisted on staring defiantly at the soldiers. Her beautiful face immediately caught the attention of the Red Turban rebels.

“Ooh, I see why you’re so fiery—a little chili pepper! You have a fine look, but you speak without knowing your place. Brothers, take her with us! We’ve captured another one plotting against Prince Shou. But don’t hand this one over for a reward; we’ll keep her tonight for our own pleasure. So fair and tender, the three of us can share her tonight and let her have a blast. Maybe she won't even want to leave afterward, having grown accustomed to our manly power—other men might find it hard to give her the same pleasure.”

Ma Xiaorui realized she had been too impulsive. She simply couldn't tolerate these men twisting right and wrong. But now it was too late. Seeing the soldier’s hand reaching for her face, she leaped off the pig cart and hid behind me, deliberately sticking her tongue out at the Red Turban leader.

A’Mao quickly stepped forward to calm the enraged leader, pressing money into his hand. “Officer, my sister is young and ignorant; please forgive her. You brave men work hard for Prince Shou. Take this and find a woman at an inn to enjoy yourselves…”

Yun Yao expressed her displeasure. “Princess, you are going to get us killed! We are surrounded by a hundred thousand people right now—can you please be more serious?”

Ma Xiaorui knew she had caused trouble, hanging her head and tugging at my sleeve without a word. I said to Yun Yao in common Chinese, “Forget it. She’s still a child. Besides, she is technically our superior; we should give her face.”

Yun Yao complained in Chinese to me, “Brother Zhao, indulging her like this is not good; it will only spoil her. Oh, did you perhaps take a liking to her? You probably wouldn’t blame her even if she brought down the heavens.”

I retorted, “What nonsense are you speaking? How old is she? Does she have your voluptuous sexiness and womanly charm? Stop making unfounded accusations! Aren’t we earning our keep under her father’s command right now? Moreover, she is the Princess Inspector; if she makes a mistake, we can teach her later. Right now, let's figure out how to deal with these men.”

Linglong, having learned a good deal from our conversation, whispered to me from the cart in common Chinese, “Master, if you doted on me like that, I would be blissfully happy. Unfortunately, this Princess might not appreciate your kindness; just a short while ago, she was speaking of killing you to clear her own name.”

Ma Xiaorui grew agitated. “Hey! What are you saying? I don’t understand a word! Are you speaking ill of me? I know I was wrong just now; I’ll admit it! At worst, I’ll pretend to be mute later, but they are clearly the disloyal, unrighteous rebels, yet they insist on calling others that—I truly cannot bear it.”

I said, “Stop talking. A’Mao is about to move. Everyone, choose your targets. Be swift, precise, and ruthless!”

While we were whispering, A’Mao’s polite persuasion had failed; the rebels insisted on dragging Ma Xiaorui away for that. How could a dignified Princess be allowed to be toyed with like that? Since money wasn't working, they would have to be sent to the West to fetch scriptures. A’Mao’s subordinates understood his every move. Before the men could surround them, they had already chosen their targets. The men disguised as Red Turban rebels formed a circle to block the view from outside. When the Red Turban leader tried to seize Ma Xiaorui, A’Mao let out a low roar, and everyone struck simultaneously. In less than five seconds, no enemy remained standing before them—their speed was truly astonishing.

We expected our action to alert the main body of the Red Turban Army, but thanks to the shield provided by the fake rebels on the periphery, no one noticed what transpired within the circle. The group quickly and efficiently dragged the corpses to the roadside bushes. By the time anyone else discovered the scene, we had already withdrawn.

Everyone remained silent, wiping the blood from the ground. Following the plan, we separated to enter the city. One of our men cut the ropes binding the captured grave robber. A’Mao whispered to him, “You may go, but please remember to guard your tongue. If you dare to speak carelessly, watch your head.”

The man replied, “I, Han Wei, am not an ungrateful wretch. I thank you all. I know you are heroes. I am from Huyang Prefecture; if you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.”

I said, “Why don’t you travel with us into the city? We can discuss things there; it’s too dangerous out here.”

I walked beside the pig cart. Ma Xiaorui and the others lay inside, concealed by ragged blankets, pretending to be the sick. Beside her was Linglong, and next to Linglong was Yun Yao. Another cart was driven ahead, maintaining a considerable distance between us. Since the Imperial Army had not yet approached Huyang Prefecture, the city defenses were not very strict. After inspecting us and confirming we carried no weapons, the various groups entered the city separately.

When the inspection reached us, we had to pay extra because of the three added female companions. Otherwise, those soldiers would have started their familiar fondling, given that the three girls were all exceptionally beautiful. Despite our efforts to smear dirt on them to appear unsightly, their innate elegance still captivated the soldiers at the gatehouse.

Ma Xiaorui reached out from the cart and secretly traced characters on my palm. However, I had only studied the script for a few days, and the recent chaos had forced the postponement of my plan to learn the Shuangcheng script. I couldn't decipher anything she wrote. Fortunately, she eventually explained herself, whispering, “Brother-in-law, you are so good to me, even more doting than my own father. I feel so safe when I am with you.”

Linglong’s ear twitched. “What? What did you say?”

Ma Xiaorui maintained a calm face. “Nothing. I was just saying how long until we reach the inn. This smudge of ash on my face is unbearable; I want to wash up.”

Linglong said, “You should be content! We nearly caused a massive incident just now. If you expose that pretty face again, what if those filthy men try to drag you away for that?”

Ma Xiaorui ignored me outside the cart and lay down next to Linglong. She asked in confusion, “Linglong, what is that? Those men just now seemed quite pleased about it, so it certainly can’t be a good thing.”

Linglong laughed. “If it were a good thing, I certainly wouldn't stop you. I’m afraid with your slight frame, if they ganged up on you, you might actually die.”

Ma Xiaorui grew anxious. “Don’t speak in riddles! What exactly is that? If you don't tell me, I’ll ask Sister Yun Yao.”

Yun Yao, sitting nearby, had obviously overheard their exchange. She deliberately put on a stern face. “Children should not inquire about such tiresome things, especially a Princess whose pure soul must not be tainted by such thoughts.”

Ma Xiaorui was not one to be put off by Yun Yao’s sternness. She pulled the ragged blanket up and dragged Linglong under it. “Little Sister Linglong, I’m begging you, secretly tell me what that means. If you won’t tell me, I’ll ask Zhao Qian. You saw how much he dotes on me; he’ll surely explain it.”

Linglong didn't want Ma Xiaorui bringing up such matters in front of her Master. She said, “You’re so slow. Don’t you understand that?”

Ma Xiaorui nodded. “I think I get the gist. Is that when a bunch of men keep doing that?”

Linglong replied, “You’re clever enough. That’s roughly the idea. I’m not entirely clear on the specifics either; they always avoid me when they talk about that sort of thing.”

“Hmph!” Ma Xiaorui snorted. “He’s only pretending to be serious. Let’s two figure out a way to reveal his true colors.”

Linglong was intrigued. “How? I won’t participate if we make Master unhappy.”

Ma Xiaorui leaned close to Linglong’s ear. “We each use our best tricks! Preferably lure him to the point where he can’t bear it anymore, and then have Sister Yun Yao suddenly appear. Let’s see how long he can keep up his pretense then.”

Linglong thought to herself: The Princess is indeed a Princess. Though she can be foolish sometimes, when it comes to scheming and playing clever, she’s far more capable than I am. “I don’t have any secret moves. What do you plan to do?”

Ma Xiaorui replied, “I haven’t thought of anything yet either; I was hoping to ask you! You’re so skilled in martial arts; you must have a way.”

The pig cart was cramped to begin with. The two young women suddenly realized they were nearly embracing just to talk comfortably. At that moment, their conversation concluded, and the united front they had hastily formed over a common goal instantly collapsed. Both girls huffed and turned away from each other, yet neither of their minds was idle as they began to plot separately.