Heard that my wife had surpassed single digits, He Yuxin stormed off by herself. I stood there glumly stewing in my annoyance - it was a fact that I had multiple wives now, but could I really blame He Yuxin for driving the others away? That would be completely impossible, yet how should I handle He Yuxin's current behavior? Would we have to start all over again?

"Patron! Patron! It's New Year's - why not buy some cosmetics for your wife?" A shopboy at the store entrance tried to entice me. Some shops remained open through the night during these holiday days.

"Go away, go away," I muttered irritably. My mind was too distracted by my troubles to pay attention to him. If every wife wanted their own beauty products, what use would they be?

"I want some! I should at least look presentable when we go home - otherwise the others will laugh at me. All my old stuff is still in the headquarters." He Yuxin suddenly appeared beside me with a sweet tone.

Heh, such was fate's twist. "Never guess what a girl wants" - once again this ancient truth proved itself. It seemed He Yuxin had finally accepted her situation. Haha, only Ou Yang Qian remained to be dealt with. As for Xu Chen, she wouldn't hesitate to leave when Cai Jingjing accompanied her.

I bought a pile of cosmetics, though ultimately He Yuxin paid herself as I had no money on me. The shopboy spilled drool all over his counter while watching beautiful women try on makeup in the mirror. While He Yuxin was getting ready I called home to announce her return so they could prepare - more importantly these women needed to explain some Earth-based matters to me, otherwise there'd be no way for me to fully explain everything to He Yuxin.

When we arrived at Zhao Mansion's gate, a line of breathtaking beauties greeted us. Even beautiful He Yuxin herself was stunned by the sight. She secretly felt grateful she had washed and dressed up - otherwise she wouldn't have dared enter this place. That man really wasn't simple-minded, perhaps he was some kind of beauty collector? It seemed like all the world's most gorgeous women had gathered here.

Xu Chen and Cai Jingjing also requested special permission from the Emperor to spend New Year at Zhao Mansion today. So Zhao Mansion was missing only Ou Yang Qian now - her location remained unknown but I believed fate would bring us together eventually, she'd return to my side sooner or later.

Thanks to our previous emotional foundation even though He Yuxin had lost her memories, these women quickly integrated with her group. This pleased me greatly as I didn't want to see He Yuxin unhappy - especially since she just returned and deserved more affection from me.

My return immediately revived Zhao Mansion's atmosphere. Red lanterns were hung high and smiles bloomed on everyone's faces. Watching the women chatting merrily in the main hall, I retreated to my room as their conversations exceeded my knowledge level. Their chatter made me drowsy - only sleeping was an option for this man.

Ling Long followed me inside. "Why aren't you playing with them? He Yuxin is very easy-going; you all have already become familiar," I said, wrapping my arms around her small frame.

She didn't answer but soon tears formed in her eyes. Gently hugging her close I asked, "What's wrong on such a festive day? Who hurt your feelings?"

Ling Long whispered, "It's because... because seeing you happy makes me so emotional."

I kissed her cheek softly and said, "Foolish girl - we've only been separated for one day. Must you overreact like this? You're still just a child."

She sobbed, "You don't know how worried I was about your safety! If anything happened to you I'd regret it forever. From now on wherever you go bring me along please - these past twelve hours felt longer than ten centuries!"

Her affection moved me deeply but I didn't want her worrying about unhappy things so I joked, "Alright then, I'll take you to bed with me."

"Go away!" she swatted my butt playfully. "You were just being serious for a minute and now this again! I won't stay in the living room watching you two flirt - it's too embarrassing! Cai Jingjing told us about your... vulgar live stream sessions, so I definitely won't stay here!"

I fell back onto the bed with Ling Long naturally nestling into my arms. "After tonight you'll be thirteen years old," I mused smugly. Slowly this little flower would bloom - soon I could have my own personal live stream.

"Yes, another year older," she sighed. "When I grow up I can accompany Master Zhao every moment."

I lovingly rubbed her back and asked, "Have you been exhausted these past two days? Have you secretly followed me to protect me the whole time?"

"I couldn't follow too closely because Yun Yao said you'd be unhappy with that," she admitted. "Actually Ling Long should trust Master Zhao - nothing bad will happen to you since you're Zhao Qian and The Bird God who can do anything."

I chuckled, "Still bringing up those old stories."

She giggled happily in my arms, recalling the time we had delivered a baby for Er Dan Zi's wife at his home. Back then she never imagined she'd one day lie in this man's embrace - he was so bad with hands that couldn't keep still! Already she felt them sneaking under her clothes again.

"Stop it Master Zhao!" she squealed, "What if the sisters walk in? Oh wait here's a letter from Ma Xiaowei for you. I didn't dare hide it this time or make you angry," Ling Long said while grabbing my wandering hand.

The letter wasn't significant - just New Year greetings since Ma Xiaowei and her sister couldn't leave court, delivered through Cai Jingjing. Yet they promised to visit tomorrow morning. The envelope looked tampered with and Ling Long's eyes darted nervously, confirming she'd read it secretly. I wouldn't reprimand the girl for opening my mail - in fact she was too adorable and caring about me.

"Master Zhao! Master Zhao!" Shi Qing's voice called from outside. This time she stood at the door rather than entering directly, "New Year dinner is ready, the ladies asked me to call you down."

Ling Long said, "Let me first remove those fake features on your face - it looks so unnatural. I prefer seeing your original self."

Seven wives waited at the table: Cheng Susu, Hua Qingqing, Zhou Ni, Yun Yao, Xu Chen, Cai Jingjing and He Yuxin. The other six must have already explained Earth's situation to He Yuxin. She laughed off Yun Yao's "flirtatious" night before, having already been won over by the intimate moments in that seafood cellar. Despite feeling pressure from these beauties, she now knew they only cared for her well-being and would never harm her. As for my restored appearance, He Yuxin showed no discomfort - clearly lost memories made strangers easier to accept.

Ling Long tried standing behind me as a servant but I pulled her next to me. The women giggled knowingly while Yun Yao and Zhou Ni understood silently. Technically all of them were still my wives though Ling Long's status remained unspoken. Though Xu Chen knew she was already married, she hadn't yet mustered the courage like Cheng Susu or He Yuxin to throw herself at me without restored memories. Perhaps forceful persuasion would work - tearing that veil could make everything clear.

As head of household I naturally delivered a New Year speech: "Wives..."

Ling Long and Xu Chen blushed, knowing my address included them. He Yuxi shot me an annoyed look while the others presented evidence to prove their identities. Now even if beaten she'd never believe herself as that dog-killing gang's leader's daughter - Hua Qingqing had used a whole truckload of proof including DNA tests since blood recognition was unreliable.

Ignoring my wives' expressions I continued, "Today we must celebrate this Double Star New Year like Earth's Spring Festival. Thank you all for enduring hardships recently and to Heaven for helping me reunite with these seven of you. Now only Qianqian remains missing - while celebrating let's hope she has food and happiness until I come get her."

Seeing my choked voice, the women comforted me: "Husband! Qianqian is clever - maybe she's having a better time than us right now! Next year work hard to bring her back to Zhao Mansion so we can return home together!"

I nodded then said, "Steel production at the factory increases daily. Once foundational progress begins I'll shift operations to mass steelmaking. As casting technology improves, restoring my spaceship's drive shaft should be possible. Although Qingqing failed escaping through Double Star's atmosphere in her escape pod, I believe my ship can return safely - it had enhanced protection against mysterious wormholes during our arrival journey!"

They replied: "As long as we're with you location doesn't matter! Just poor sisters at home must miss you terribly."

And my poor son too. But thinking wouldn't help so I said, "Return plans must wait until Qianqian is found. Now about Yuxin's situation..."

He Yuxin was surprised - she thought returning home would push her aside and had already prepared for cold palace treatment. "Me? What problem could there be? Though I've forgotten my archeologist career, Qingqing said she found some clues to help restore memories soon."

That was good news but within expectations given Hua Qingqing's medical expertise. "Forget memory restoration first," I said, "let's discuss the dog-killing gang's situation."

He Yuxin forgot her identity for a moment. "Do as you wish - I'm too tired being a woman in charge. Just name me out of position if you want?"

I laughed, "Joking! Letting an official become head of a criminal organization? What I mean is the dog-killing gang's original intentions were good but methods misguided. Forget about that assassination attempt which caused the old leader's death - now their actions are reckless. Killing small fry angers General Pang and his precautions strengthen daily, making future assassinations impossible."

He Yuxin turned red then pale while Yun Yao protested: "Brother Zhao! Don't criticize Yuxin sister so harshly - she didn't lead the dog-killing gang before anyway!"

"Not criticizing," I said quickly.

Zhou Ni argued, "But she's their leader now! What's the difference?"

Seeing all my wives ready for debates I rushed to say, "Alright alright it was my mistake - I apologize to Yuxin!"

Grateful He Yuxin thanked them: "Sisters thank you! Actually Zhao Qian is right about our recklessness. Though we had some successful hits, eventually our actions became too passive leading directly to the dog-killing gang's destruction."

I said, "Don't worry about prisoners I'll find excuses to release them though not now - General Pang watches closely and they might be killed leaving Double City anyway. Now then about our spy in Zhao Mansion?"

He Yuxin shook her head: "I wasn't hiding but revealing it would damage that person's reputation. I'll order them to stop activities and just work from now on. Otherwise who will dare serve the dog-killing gang anymore?"

The women gasped, "A traitor! We could've guessed since only three staff work in Zhao Mansion - they're trustworthy so certainly an issue with the guards!"

Ling Long growled, "Tomorrow transfer all palace guards to new ones from the Imperial Horse Office."

Deputy Yun Yao added: "Enhance background checks too! Who knows if other traitors exist? Thank heavens it was Yuxin sister this time - what would've happened had someone else targeted Brother Zhao?"

He Yuxin almost cried, "Sisters please believe me - my actions were unintentional before I knew my true identity. That person won't act without dog-killing gang signals! Please trust me on this!"

I said, "Enough of that - don't have any thoughts against Yuxin since she had to consider the whole organization's safety. Also Yuxin and I must remain secret even from Dajiang - you trusting me doesn't mean others will believe us. I'll handle your affairs in secret for now, mainly due to General Pang's potential future attacks on the East Factory and Horse Office."

Though I said not to pursue it, Yun Yao and Ling Long had their own plans but wouldn't mention them. "Probably won't happen," Yun Yao mused. "General Pang wants to cooperate until absolutely necessary - our strength is too much for him to ignore!"

I replied: "Conflict will come eventually! I promised Ma Xiada tonight that he can take his place tomorrow during court sessions so tensions with General Pang will escalate. Then smooth diplomacy won't work anymore - must openly support the Crown Prince so General Pang and others hesitate! Otherwise how would the Crown Prince hold any position?"

The women said: "We don't understand politics, just do as you say. Originally wanted New Year greetings but now a meeting? Eating or not?"

I raised my cup: "To a happy new year!"

As per wives' wishes we stayed up all night until morning - though I couldn't join them so secretly dragged Cai Jingjing to play with her breasts game, taking advantage while she was in court. Must avoid Xu Chen though lest she develop thoughts.

First light brought knocks at the door. Fu Bo held his precious lantern and asked who it was through the door - a high-pitched voice outside answered: "It's me Ma Xiada! Here to greet you on New Year morning since I have early court sessions today!"

Now Fu Bo finally realized Ma Xiada was the Crown Prince - this terrified him and two palace maids for a long time as they recalled past interactions, confirming no major disrespect before relaxing.

"Old servant greets you!" Fu Bo opened the door while knowing not to call out "Crown Prince".

Ma Xiada laughed, "Good thing I brought red envelopes otherwise would've offended your address!"

Bai Shi handed out the envelopes then early-riser Shi Qing and Shi Shuang emerged with their own red envelopes. Me? Pulled from bed by Ma Xiada - Cai Jingjing had already sneaked away while I ran to Cheng Susu's room only to find her sleeping elsewhere, leaving me waiting in vain all night.

"Still sleeping?" Ma Xiada wanted to splash cold water on me. "Must attend my official entry ceremony! You must come witness!"

I rubbed my eyes: "Forget it - just formality nonsense again! I won't go anyway since your sister is coming later."

Ma Xiada angrily said, "You're being fickle with friends! I'll tell her about you!"

Washing up I replied, "What? Your sister probably ignores me anyway."

He sneered mischievously: "So you've developed a quick relationship with my sister Xiaowei too - hiding from me now. Admit it, did you have actual breakthroughs?"

I said, "You're still young! Understand what an 'actual breakthrough' is yet?"

He laughed: "Of course I know - the other night I touched concubine's breast! You didn't know? It was fun!"

I worriedly replied, "Oh no... right at your first court session you did this? Future king of debauchery!"

If anyone else said that to Ma Xiada it'd be treason but he shrugged: "I'm learning from you! Will a pervert be judged by how many women he touches? You're the biggest degenerate then!"

Angered I said, "Why copy my bad habits? My romantic flings are exactly what shouldn't be imitated!"

He smirked then suddenly turned serious: "Sao Qian, helping me assist our father in politics will definitely hurt General Pang's interests. At that time you must support this little brother - otherwise my words won't carry weight among courtiers or your sister-in-law would lose face."

I said, "Already prepared! New guns have been distributed to East Factory allowing them to legally remain in central city where they'll be very useful. Also met Gu Qi last night and military situation is improving - we just need gradually replace some trusted commanders."

Ma Xiada sighed: "Good thing you plan all this for me! Otherwise with my father's lazy attitude I wouldn't handle anything."

I replied, "Your father has his reasons too - events have exceeded expectations but from everything he's secretly helped us create conditions. Rapid development of East Factory and Horse Office owes much to him!"

"Cheap!" Ma Xiada scoffed. "Gave you no funding! Remember Horse Office is our joint project? Although he's my dad I still despise him - good father yes, emperor not so much."

I knocked his head: "You impudent boy! How could you speak ill of your father?" Just then we heard about last night's dog-killing gang incidents.

Ma Xiada said, "Just

I chuckled. "You're testing me, aren't you? Who else but Peng Hu would it be? I've already given my word to you. But let's talk about building our own strength first. If we kill off everyone who might help, who'll actually do the work?"

Ma Xiaoda said, "Forget about building our own strength for now. Since our target is to kill that Peng scoundrel, and killing the Dog-Killing Society is equivalent to killing Peng Hu himself, why did you send the Eastern Factory to raid them? I know His Majesty gave you an order with a three-month deadline to deal with the Dog-Killing Society. I also know about your great feat last night when you destroyed their main base—an act that's already made waves in court and pleased His Majesty. But do you realize you've just eliminated a force capable of resisting Peng Hu? With them as a distraction, our plan might have progressed more smoothly. Now that the Dog-Killing Society is obliterated, Peng Hu can focus entirely on us. Tell me, aren't you becoming an enabler for evil?"

I said, "Ah, it's about this business, wasn't thinking anything else. However, there seems to be a misunderstanding: the leader of the Dog-Killing Society is my wife."

"WHAT?!" Ma Xiaoda gasped, gaping at me. "You...you...your wife? What kind of logic is that! If you're going to eliminate them anyway, why not wait until we have absolute strength to confront Peng Hu?"

I said, "The truth is a bit different from what you think and know. The Dog-Killing Society essentially destroyed themselves."

Ma Xiaoda looked puzzled. "What do you mean? How could they destroy themselves unless there was infighting."

I said, "No infighting involved. They moved too hastily against Peng Hu, which triggered his fatal counterattack. I suspect someone in the Dog-Killing Society leaked information about the assassination at Qingyun Building to Peng Hu before this all happened. He then laid an ambush with heavy troops aiming to capture them. The subsequent events have been entirely under Peng Hu's control. It was just that the Eastern Factory moved faster than Peng Hu, finding and capturing members of their inner-city chapters first."

Ma Xiaoda said, "This action from you was really unwise—you should have let them continue their struggle with that old dog so we could gain more time."

I said, "I wanted to do exactly that. But my wives acted on their own when I wasn't around. However, they made a valid point: Peng Hu has sealed off the inner city—how can anyone escape? Even if a few managed to flee, they wouldn't be able to pose any real threat anymore. Also, after capturing numerous Dog-Killing Society members at Qingyun Building, Peng Hu would eventually learn their chapter locations from prisoners anyway. So who do you think is better suited to capture them: us or Peng Hu?"

Ma Xiaoda said offhandedly, "Definitely better for us to do the capturing since we can be more flexible with our prisoners."

I said, "Exactly! And yet you still accuse me of enabling tyranny? Now all I need to figure out is how to release these people. Of course, any further random assassinations are strictly off-limits—if we're just going to stab blindly, we won't even scratch Peng Hu's bones."

Ma Xiaoda nodded repeatedly. "That makes sense. You really do think more carefully than me. No wonder why Peng Hu has been constantly reminding my father recently about taking care of the rebels first—it turns out he also fears these people regaining their freedom. But since you were on leave and didn't attend court, my father decided to put this matter aside for now."

I said, "Then I definitely can't go to court today either—if your father asks me to kill someone, what should I do?"

Ma Xiaoda said, "We certainly cannot carry out any executions. Otherwise that old dog would be laughing up his sleeve for days! Ugh, just thinking about him gets me so angry. We need to come up with a plan to release these people."

I said, "That's precisely on my mind too. But we can delay the release as long as possible. The reason is because court officials are currently closely watching this issue. If we simply let them go now without any pretext, it will inevitably raise suspicions. Instead, wait until attention gradually fades over time. Then find some grandiose excuse like 'universal amnesty' to organize a training session for these released members and then send them back home to farm."

Ma Xiaoda paced around the room several times before saying, "That's probably our only option then. Otherwise regardless of what we do, it will surely attract criticism from the dog thief. By the way, take me to meet your wife—she must be quite an individual as their leader."

When He Yuxin heard that the current Crown Prince wanted to see her, she was so frightened she didn't dare step out of her room. Linglong grasped her arm and said, "Sister Yuxing, I'll go with you. That Ma Xiaoda has to address me respectfully as 'big sister.' Don't be afraid—no matter what he says or does, I'll beat him up for you."

He Yuxin was shocked beyond belief: "Linglong! I know your martial arts are strong, but can we even hit the Crown Prince? Our Dog-Killing Society is only against dog thieves and corrupt officials, not trying to seize power and become rebels!"

Linglong said, "Sister, you don't understand. Ma Xiaoda is very close with our master. He treats our master as more than just a friend, so when you meet him, you'll see exactly what I mean."

Although He Yuxin felt uneasy in her heart, she knew Linglong wasn't speaking nonsense and finally followed her out of the inner room. When she saw Ma Xiaoda was merely a child, a sense of safety gradually emerged—after all, how much could a little kid do? However, Ma Xiaoda's subsequent actions left He Yuxin both amused and exasperated.

"Little Fourth Sister," he said cheerfully, "you've become so beautiful since the new year. Tell me, did you decide deliberately to seduce my sister-in-law?"

Linglong had heard Ma Xiaoda mention those two princesses once again. Although she firmly resolved in her heart to be a good and non-jealous girl, she couldn't suppress her emotions instantly: "Ma Xiaoda! Who exactly are you referring as your brother-in-law!"

Ma Xiaoda blushed unashamedly, "Of course it's Zhao Qian! I've decided long ago that if the Fifteenth Princess refuses to marry him, even heaven and earth can't force anyone else. Haha, with me guarding his back, what could possibly scare us from this old dog? By the way, let's give each other New Year greetings—Bai Shi..."

Without needing Ma Xiaoda to continue further, Bai Shi already knew exactly what to do next. He pulled out two red envelopes and gave them to both girls: "Ladies, these are gifts from His Majesty personally. In my entire half-life of existence, I've never heard of a Crown Prince visiting his subordinates' homes on New Year's Day to give blessings..."

Ma Xiaoda was clearly displeased. "Bai Gong, aren't you unhappy following me to Zhao's mansion? Next time I'll bring General Jing instead."

Bai Shi hastily replied: "Your Majesty, old servant dares not...old servant just feels this action violates the ancestral system."

Ma Xiaoda angrily said, "I feel like you want to replace General Jing's position. If that's what you want, go ahead and take over the rites department while let General Jing handle our daily lives instead!"

The morning air was still quite cold but Bai Shi already wiped sweat off his forehead as he knelt down: "Your Majesty, old servant will definitely never speak recklessly again. But please don't assign me to the rites department—I might die trying to understand those complicated procedures."

Ma Xiaoda waved his hand dismissively and said, "Go outside and wait—no matter what luxury dishes or countless beauties others offer, I simply don't care. The reason why I chose to personally visit Zhao Qian was because he treats me like a true friend and brother. Understand? This kind of relationship is incomparable to anything else!"

After watching Bai Shi's cowardly reaction for a moment, Ma Xiaoda sighed heavily: "I suppose you wouldn't understand anyway. Go on outside, go on outside—I need to chat with my new sister-in-law."

He Yuxin secretly sweated in her heart—this Ma Xiaoda was indeed an extraordinary Crown Prince. But from his words and actions alone, she could already sense how remarkable her husband must be for the Crown Prince to show such high regard.

Ma Xiaoda looked at Linglong and said: "Little Fourth Sister, I think it's best if children step outside when adults are talking privately."

Linglong shot him a glare in response. "Don't try to play superior with me. At most you're just a few days older than me! I won't leave—what if you bully Sister Yuxin?"

Ma Xiaoda said, "Look at my body structure—is it really possible for me to bully her? We need to discuss some confidential matters anyway. Fine then, since you refuse to go out, I know Zhao Qian dotes on you."

Linglong felt somewhat embarrassed after being challenged like this and finally said: "I'll wait outside the door. You two enjoy yourselves."

After Linglong left, Ma Xiaoda solemnly performed a bow of respect before her. The sudden gesture startled He Yuxin into hastily returning it with equal politeness: "Your Majesty...how could I possibly accept such honors from your grace!"

Ma Xiaoda said, "Since you're Zhao Qian's wife now, let's skip all the formalities—this bow is a true expression of gratitude. I absolutely despise that Peng old dog with every bone in my body. Unfortunately my father has been overly indulgent toward him before, allowing his power to grow so large that even the court cannot handle it now. Although your Dog-Killing Society didn't achieve much remarkable results previously, this bow is still necessary."

"Ah!" He Yuxin hadn't realized until now that even the Crown Prince harbored such intense hatred for the Peng Grand Secretary. After all, palace rumors are difficult to spread into the streets and alleys—and she had only been a citizen of Shuangcheng City for several days anyway.

However, just as Ma Xiaoda was being serious for one minute, he immediately reverted back: "Your name is He Yuxing right? I've seen your portrait before—haha, Zhao Qian always said you weren't really his wife. Now I understand—he's been erring on the side of caution! No wonder, after all, you're too beautiful...look at this figure even my Fifteenth Princess can hardly match up with. By the way, what are your plans for the future? I'd like to include you in our efforts against that old dog."

He Yuxin found it difficult to adapt instantly to such a mixture of public and private conversation—half praise interwoven with half teasing: "Your Majesty...my entire life is at Zhao Qian's disposal. He tells me what to do, I'll simply follow his orders. After all, as an ordinary woman, these affairs should be better managed secretly by him behind the scenes."

Ma Xiaoada chuckled and said, "Haha, that's great! That's great! I know although your main base in the inner city was destroyed, there are still around 100,000 members spread across the entire country. This force cannot be left to develop freely—it must either be properly organized or completely disbanded. We need a stable solution. However you just said 'husband leads and wife follows' anyway—so after that, this issue will naturally be resolved by me and Zhao Qian."

This statement by Ma Xiaoda caused He Yuxin to reassess him once more. Although he was still quite young, the Crown Prince displayed remarkable intelligence and friendliness, showing great potential for future achievements. He Yuxing bowed respectfully: "Thank Your Majesty for not holding my past mistakes against me."

Ma Xiaoda said, "No mistake, no mistake—any mistake would belong entirely to that Peng dog thief! One day I will personally chop off his head so he dares never look down on me again! Alright then—if there are no other concerns from you, I must return to court now."

After saying these words, Ma Xiaoda left hurriedly. Today not only required him to attend the official ceremony for taking over state affairs but also needed to arrive at the southern gate of the outer city in time to bid farewell to the troops heading for border defense. The long-postponed reinforcement mission had finally been decided—Grand Secretary Peng's faction recommended Zhang Guan as chief general, Chancellor Party suggested Wu Zhuangyuan as deputy general, and Wang Party proposed Hu Tong as military supervisor.

This arrangement satisfied everyone's expectations: naturally, Grand Secretary's forces were stronger with Zhang Guan as the chief commander; the Chancellor Party came second in strength making them suitable for a deputy position; while the Wang Party had relatively little real power but benefited from royal connections—serving as a military supervisor to check on behalf of the emperor was an ideal role.

According to intelligence reports, although the number of raiding horsemen reached historical highs at 5000, it wasn't exactly overwhelming for the 40,000 reinforcements being dispatched. The reason why the entire army needed to be sent fully to Nanyang included both facilitating long-term garrisoning and addressing Shuangcheng's increasingly scarce grain reserves.

I casually took a sick leave once more, successfully avoiding court again. Whether Ma Xiaoda would be upset about it or not didn't really matter to me since today I was going to accompany He Yuxin in disguise back to the Shi family mansion—Shao Xiao still remained there and needed to be rescued first before being properly relocated. The father and son from the Shi family had previously assaulted He Yuxing, so they were no longer trustworthy figures for her to seek help from.

Besides that, if He Yuxing truly insisted on rebuilding the Dog-Killing Society in the future, I would definitely support her. Even though this society might do bad things at times, I wouldn't hesitate one bit—I was simply being my true self. Probably the reason why all my other wives remained so devoted to me is because of that unconditional love towards them.

I summoned a disguise expert from the Eastern Factory and soon had my appearance restored from yesterday's look. Then I also modified Linglong's features slightly, making her appear as one of my newly recruited footmen. Yun Yao was lightly made up too, transforming into He Yuxing's new maid. Originally I felt confident enough to guarantee my own safety, but since Linglong absolutely refused to separate from me, we had no choice but to implement this arrangement.

He Yuxing and I walked somewhat ahead while the two girls behind clearly intended to give us some private time together. Whispering softly, He Yuxing said: "Sorry Zhao Qian. Maybe...I should reveal who that informant is after all—but please don't punish him, okay? We used improper methods to lure him into betrayal."

I smiled and said, "Forget about it. Don't worry yourself over this matter either—no need to mention his name. If he continues working diligently in the future, I won't hold anything against him anyway."

Holding onto my arm tightly, He Yuxing said: "Zhao Qian, you're truly wonderful to me. That must mean I was a good girl on Earth back then since otherwise why would someone like you ever notice me?"

I objected and said, "Nonsense! Of course I noticed you. Do you know the night when you stayed in my room for the first time? It was our initial meeting—and your perfume smelled so intoxicating that right then I thought to myself: someday if I could just hold you while sleeping, it would be perfect."

He Yuxing giggled joyfully and said, "You're being a pervert again! On our very first meeting you were already thinking about these vulgar things. But at the time I was quite bold too—just after getting to know each other I actually stayed overnight in your house! If you had sneaked into my room at midnight, I

Zhang Shouren said, "My Lord Chancellor, we must eliminate a third of these ten thousand imperial guards. I fear General Gu Qi will not stand with us either. You see, he accompanied Duke Zhao Qian to suppress bandits in Lake Yang for an extended period. After such prolonged association, Gu Qi has surely pledged his loyalty to him. With his 20,000 rear command troops and the 15,000 imperial guards he brought back dispersed among the regional commands, there's a real danger he could lead these 35,000 men directly against us - an outcome that would spell serious trouble."

The Chancellor replied, "I've indeed considered this possibility, which is why I'm aggressively recommending General Zhang Guan as commander of our border reinforcements. This maneuver adds another 40,000 troops to our strength, more than compensating for the potential loss of those 35,000 men. However, we must be cautious - during his last campaign outside the city walls, General Zhang was routed by mere hundreds of Red Turbans despite no fault being his own. I hope this never happens again, or these 40,000 could very well perish under his command. During my inspection, I found their formations disciplined and their combat readiness comparable to the imperial guards - in some aspects even superior. Controlling these forces would effectively secure our dominance over several southern provinces. Therefore, everyone present must remain extremely vigilant regarding this matter."

The gathered officials nodded assent as the strategic framework was established. Someone raised the Liu case: "Duke Liu originally served as a favored courtier under Emperor Ma Da's father but retired early to live out his days in leisure at Shuangcheng. Yet tragedy struck when Chancellor's faction members unearthed decades-old correspondence between Duke Liu and Lord Zhu Shou's late father from years past."

Though Zhu Shou had been paraded back to Shuangcheng without execution, he remained confined in the imperial dungeon where judicial officers routinely interrogated him with notable results. This time, Chancellor's operatives discovered certain vague phrases within Duke Liu's letters that suddenly appeared suspicious after Zhu Shou's rebellion. When pressed under interrogation - and knowing well how brutal these sessions could be - Zhu freely confessed whatever was asked of him, unwittingly dragging an innocent elderly man into the web of intrigue.

Duke Liu now languished in imperial custody at over seventy years old. The emperor had yet to decide his fate since this was once his father's trusted advisor known for extreme caution and discretion who never sought controversy. Executing such a man solely over ancient letters would indeed raise eyebrows.

After some discussion, Chancellor Pang Hu declared, "Comrades, since our agents uncovered these documents, we must see this through to the end. Duke Liu must face justice - not merely because he's guilty of treason but also as a silent power struggle against the Xiang party, Wang party and imperial prince himself. Should Duke Liu ultimately be acquitted, imagine how smug those factions would become. With opportunists already eyeing our vulnerabilities, this could destabilize our entire position in court politics. This case is too significant to treat lightly - Duke Liu must die! We need everyone to clearly understand that ultimate authority within the empire lies squarely with us!"

A few sycophantic officials declared, "Of course my Lord Chancellor commands everything! Your distinguished service and revered status are unquestionable. When defending imperial interests with such righteousness, surely no one would dare oppose our just cause."

Pang Hu stroked his beard smugly, "Precisely my thinking. After today's ceremony you must immediately petition the emperor about this matter. Should he or the prince object to Duke Liu's execution, be prepared to threaten resignation - quite an effective lesson for that presumptuous young heir."

A chorus of sinister laughter followed as Pang Hu turned to Zhang Shouren with renewed seriousness: "You'll also need to remind your son Zhang Guan to intensify his efforts in cultivating loyalty among Wang party officers. My negotiations with Crimson Prince remain incomplete so their forces won't yet fall under our command temporarily. However, the Wang faction lacks real strength and will ultimately be absorbed by us. Though Emperor still maintains some influence over courtiers, allowing Wang loyalists to strut around for another few days doesn't concern me - once that weak-minded prince actually ascends, we'll have complete control."

Zhang Shouren vowed, "Please rest assured my Lord Chancellor, I shall immediately confer with my son regarding your directives."

Pang Hu continued, "We must cultivate Wang party officials while systematically eliminating General Qi Lianshan the deputy commander. Finding a suitable opportunity to remove this potential threat would ensure our full command of these 40,000 border reinforcements. However we cannot yet replace those two current commanders - once our men master their tactical doctrines, we'll systematically replace all senior officers since they remain loyal to Zhao Qian and might someday cause us difficulties."

Zhang Shouren responded, "Understood my Lord Chancellor, I shall immediately inform my son of these instructions."

Pang Hu sighed wearily, "Enough for now. Return to your posts - remember our responsibilities as the imperial court assembly begins shortly."

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