Linglong looked worried as she hadn't stayed home to greet the two princesses with New Year greetings. "Master," she said anxiously, "what if they think I'm behind this? I did give you the letter. If those two start causing trouble, please don't leave me hanging."

Cloudy laughed lightly. "We're all aware of what happened. What are you afraid of? They might be princesses but surely can't ignore reason. Besides, it's almost midday and they haven't shown up yet - I think we should just sit back and wait."

Linglong sighed in relief. "With Lady Cloudy supporting me, I'm much more at ease. This year I made a vow to the heavens - if they misinterpret things about me..."

"What did you wish for?" Both I and He Yuxing asked together.

Linglong blushed furiously. "Not telling you."

Cloudy whispered in my ear, "Linglong said she wants to become a gentle, virtuous girl who won't fight with other women anymore."

Now I understood why she was so reluctant to speak openly - what a relief this decision was for me! It would spare me the torment of being caught between her and Ma Xiaorui in future.

The Shi mansion came into view. Adjusting our attire we approached the gates with calm dignity. The servant at the door recognized He Yuxing immediately. "Oh my, Lady He please come in quickly! The master and young master have nearly lost their minds searching for you last night - most of the household retainers were out looking!"

He Yuxing felt a sudden surge of emotion. No matter what, the Shi family still treated her as headmistress. "We encountered people from the Pang house at the seafood restaurant and had to hide," she explained while glancing at me. Hadn't I told her about Shishi's return?

After closing the gate, the servant continued, "He returned! Don't know what cursed Imperial Guards ran into him, claiming young master defiled their - they worked over our boy so badly he's barely recognizable!"

As we walked toward the hall my hand went to cover my mouth in stifled laughter. He Yuxing tugged me aside with a puzzled look. "Why are you laughing? What happened?"

"I can't keep it from you any longer," I said, "last night when that fellow kept hounding you I had some friends teach him a lesson. Not sure if Young Master got his goods serviced or not - better observe carefully later."

He Yuxing twisted my earlobe sharply. "You! How could you come up with such a rotten idea? That Ruhua is so ugly, if our boy really accepted her services he'd probably want to commit suicide!"

"Relax," I said, "I've been serviced twice myself last night and look - still alive and well!"

He Yuxing's face suddenly reddened as she recalled the two times she had willingly offered her own services. She tightened her grip on my ear, growling, "You dare talk about it? Think if I'll cut this off!"

Linglong gently tugged He Yuxing's sleeve. "Miss Yuxing, don't let anyone see!"

Realizing the inappropriate moment for romance, He Yuxing released me and hurried ahead to create distance. Linglong carefully rubbed my aching ear. "Master, doesn't it hurt?" I said with mock seriousness, "Why not keep me company tonight then?"

Linglong skipped away as we entered the courtyard - indeed few retainers were present, which explained why they had been searching so desperately for He Yuxing. The four elders' conflicting ambitions aside, they couldn't truly abandon their headmistress without risking rebellion from lower ranks bound by loyalty to her bloodline.

"Sunny!" Shi Tong rushed out with an unusual face - not disfigured but certainly as unattractive as Ruhua could be. Clearly our boy had been serviced last night!

Shikeui also emerged. "Lady He, you almost broke my heart!"

He Yuxing's reply was cold and businesslike. "Everything is settled now elders. Last night I encountered Imperial Guards and people from the Pang house so took shelter until morning before hurrying back. How is Third Master? Let me go see him."

"Patience," Shikeui said, "he's improved - drank two bowls of porridge this morning. These two are..."

"He Yuxing interrupted, "New recruits I just recruited for the pack. They'll be useful in rebuilding our dog-slaying mission."

The new recruits drew little attention from Shikeui who was already distracted by other matters. Cloudy subtly flattened her chest to avoid notice and succeeded in escaping Shi Tong's gaze entirely.

"Senior Wolf is here, Lady He please come discuss business," Shikeui urged.

He Yuxing hesitated. "Senior Wolf is with you?"

"Yes," Shikeui confirmed, "along with Senior Du and Senior Nian - they've been deliberating your case. Fortunately you returned safely."

The four elders' unexpected reunion puzzled He Yuxing. Earlier these men had fought bitterly over power - what could possibly have brought them together now?

"Let's go in then," she said to me, "to see how the dog-slaying pack can be rebuilt quickly with their leadership."

But Shikeui blocked our path. "You three aren't qualified for internal affairs discussions. Wait outside."

"No!" He Yuxing refused sharply, "these are my most trusted people I want their opinions. Come in!"

With no choice but to obey, the elders watched as Shi Tong's resentful glare followed us into the hall. He would be furious - last night he should have been our hero but instead was forcefully married off. We spent that time together and he must be dying with envy - though I wonder if he'd still be alive after learning about my two special experiences.

Inside, a crowd of old and young people mingled. Some might be here for New Year greetings, others likely discussing the dog-slaying pack's leadership succession since He Yuxing had gone missing last night.

Senior Wolf approached immediately. "Sunny! Where were you? We were so worried when those from Pang came to arrest us - had to retreat without finding you."

He Yuxi bowed politely to all elders before seating herself, though before she could speak Senior Wolf suddenly accused me of being an East Factory spy demanding immediate capture.

The four elders simultaneously drew weapons at hearing "East Factory" - the very name that destroyed their most important territory. Who cared if it was justified? If someone claimed East Factory, they had to be killed now!

"Halt!" He Yuxing rose sharply. "He's my grandfather in rank not some spy! How many among our dog-slaying pack were former officials? Should we reject capable people just for their pasts?"

The elders remained unmoved. Shi Keui sneered, "I've always disliked this guy - he was an official! If it were just any commoner I'd accept him but he's been following you closely. Who knows if his loyalty is genuine? At least banish him from your side!"

He Yuxing darkened her expression. "If you four insist on making a scene, sorry - I'll leave with Third Master right now."

The elders paled at this unexpected defiance over something trivial. Though they had recently united against external threats after power struggles, they exchanged glances and decided to temporarily defer the issue as it was their territory.

Silence fell between them but Shi Tong and Senior Wolf weren't content. The other two elders had no male heirs - one had a daughter only. Today's attendees were just close confidants; if these two had sons, their faction would be much stronger.

"What makes you worthy of being a senior to the headmistress?" Senior Wolf challenged. "Does your martial skill surpass Uncle Yu?"

This was strange indeed! Last night Uncle Yu saved him yet failed to locate He Yuxing who vanished from under his nose in an instant!

And now here they both were - what had they done together all night?

Shi Tong added, "Indeed, how about strategy? Can you outmatch my father? You're just some pretty face deceiving our Lady! Father, uncles - we must eliminate this thorn before discussing business. Who knows if he's a government beauty trap? Look at her eyes since she arrived!"

He Yuxing slammed the table in anger when things escalated too far. "Enough! Who runs the dog-slaying pack me or you four? I say he's good so he is! My affairs need no interference!"

"Hmph!" Senior Nian scoffed, "You might not know this Lady He - before passing away our late master gave verbal instructions to us four elders that in critical situations we can jointly assume leadership."

He Yuxing's face twisted. "Are you trying to overthrow me?"

Senior Du said calmly, "Don't take it personally Lady He. You are after all the legitimate daughter as proven by shared blood. But with so many dangers and our late master's assassins dying one by one, we four have decided - you need to choose a husband today! After wedding ceremony in half year you'll bear one or two children for the pack - then even if things get worse, there will be no extinction crisis!"

"You're completely out of your minds!" He Yuxing hissed. "I'm not some breeding machine! No one is making me marry anyone!"

Senior Wolf continued undeterred, "As a woman with low martial skill, you're better suited to produce future leaders for the pack. The fighting can be left to men. We've already decided - choose from my son or Shi's boy!"

He Yuxing grabbed my hand desperately. "This is forced marriage! I won't agree to it!"

Senior Wolf ignored her protests and continued, "Our four elders have always served the dog-slaying pack loyally. Choosing between these two excellent candidates will strengthen unity within the pack. Shi Tong and Wolf Hao are among the finest new generation warriors - marrying them wouldn't lower your status."

He Yuxing pulled me toward the door. "Forget this leadership position! You want to choose someone else go ahead, I've already wanted to repay my debt to our late master but now..."

A loud crash as the gate slammed shut behind us.

Senior Nian blocked the exit. "For the pack's future we must keep you Lady He until children are born. Then if you wish to be with this pretty face, we'll accept it."

Shi Tong shouted in protest, "No! Sunny should never marry that worm - I'm the one who will take care of her!"

Wolf Hao scoffed, "Check your reflection first before talking nonsense! With your looks you think she'd want you? Gross!"

Last night Shi Tong had indeed been serviced by some Ruhua from an unknown brothel with venereal disease. The woman refused to let go all night and when he softened would just lick again until he almost died of dehydration. Now his parts were swollen red - who knows if they'll ever function again? But even if not, marrying the current beauty was worth it!

Turning to Wolf Hao, Shi Tong growled, "Don't bark at me! Sunny likes me better! These wounds on my face are from protecting her last night - these are honors! What about you with three concubines already? Can you guarantee her happiness?"

He Yuxing was furious. She had never imagined the four elders would conspire to reduce her to a broodmare. And those shameless young men dared think they could have what they wanted so easily!

The idea of becoming some man's wife suddenly seemed absurd - she was just a weak girl, better suited for love than gang wars.

"I won't let any of you!" He Yuxing declared fiercely, "I will marry the one I love. But even if we have children, they'll never inherit the dog-slaying pack! You're all crazy! Let's go Hua Qian!"

At hearing this, Wolf Hao and Shi Tong both went berserk. Suddenly united in their shared goal of eliminating me, they turned against each other with murder in their eyes.

Senior Du laughed darkly, "So it was true - our Lady He is indeed intimate with this man! No wonder she ignores his East Factory past. What a disgrace to the late master!"

Wolf Hao raged helplessly, "Sunny tell us! Did you sleep with him last night? This trickster seduced you probably just wants your leadership position! You're a gang leader yet have no wedding ceremony - how shameless!"

He Yuxing wasn't sure but knew she had done those things twice. Yet she argued confidently, "Nonsense! Hua Qian and I never did anything like that! Your minds are dirty!"

Shi Tong and Wolf Hao were now suspicious too. If their sons were to be chosen as spouses for the headmistress, they needed confirmation first. Who knows if all this effort would end up producing someone else's child?

They exchanged glances confirming their thoughts.

"Since you claim your innocence," Shi Tong said, "why not prove it in front of us?"

He Yuxing blushed violently - how to prove? Did they want her to perform for them right here?

Senior Wolf noticed her confusion. "We have an ancient method to check the vermilion mark. If it doesn't come off after applying - that proves your innocence."

I felt elated - what a convenient coincidence! Was this some mirror theory from Earth civilization manifesting here? As far as I knew He Yuxing was still pure unless someone had done something during her amnesia period, which seemed unlikely.

"Fine!" She agreed.

Shi Keui immediately sent for his special vermilion powder. When ready, He Yuxing rolled up her sleeve while Cloudy assisted applying the mark. Though in Earth standards revealing an entire arm was normal attire even in summer, here on Twin Stars it caused quite a stir among the crowd.

Shi Keui had wanted her to apply behind the screen but seeing his son's dazed stare at the white delicate skin he kept silent - if his son liked it so much, why not watch?

He Yuxing faced only me as Cloudy applied the vermilion. After waiting she tried wiping with a handkerchief - surprisingly the mark remained firmly in place.

Proudly raising her arm toward us, He Yuxing declared, "Look well now! Still don't believe me?"

Shi Tong and Wolf Hao rushed over to see up close while unknowingly exposing bare flesh near her underarm where an intoxicating musk wafted out. Even with countless women behind them, they had never encountered such perfection - a vision of beauty combined with fragrance.

Her coy expression as she proved her purity to me made her even more alluring now that romantic feelings had bloomed in these past two days. The two lotharios were entranced, drooling profusely while struggling to find words.

Satisfied the boys wouldn't get cuckolded, Shi Tong and Wolf Hao felt relieved. "Our Lady He has indeed maintained her virtue," Shi Senior said, "she may stay here until she bears my son's child - then she'll be free."

Shi Tong almost fell at his father's feet hearing this.

Wolf Senior suddenly exploded, "Why your son? What makes him better than mine? If the future leader of dog-slaying pack looks like you're son it would dishonor our late master!"

"Indeed," Wolf Senior agreed, "in every way my Xiao is more suitable for Lady He."

He Yuqing gave a cold laugh.

"You're dreaming in broad daylight," she said, "I'll only love one man. Not your master, but him!"

Kill him! This was the simultaneous reaction of Shitong and Langxiao, who both attacked at once. Don't underestimate Shitong for his frail appearance; when driven to desperation, a person's potential is boundless. Langxiao already had martial skills, which were amplified by sheer rage.

Bangs... Two loud sounds echoed as the two men slammed against the wall behind them. Their pained screams pierced the air—Shitong and Langxiao nearly lost control of their bowels, lying motionless for a long time before Linglong intervened.

She stood in front of me, addressing the four elders:

"You're disgraceful. It's Rainqing's right to love who she chooses, just as it is her right whether or not to bear children. Never have I seen such shameless old men. If this Dog-Slaying Society won't reform itself, let it perish!"

The four elders erupted in fury:

"What are you? A lowly servant daring to speak to us like that! Without the support of our four senior leaders, Headwoman will never hold her position securely!"

I couldn't help but say:

"Such arrogance. Do you even know who you're dealing with? The Headwoman can do whatever she pleases. No one dares stop her—no one will dare, not if they want to live."

The four elders united instantly. In unison, they roared:

"Kill this arrogant brat!"

Suddenly their retainers surged forward. Linglong stepped before me, landing punches that sent men flying in all directions. Yet more enemies kept coming—some of them skilled warriors. Cloud Yao and I no longer held back, drawing laser guns to target the attackers.

Fighting against these backward Double Star people with such advanced weaponry was effortless. Though some could leap away through martial arts, they had to react before we squeezed the triggers. At laser speed, escape was impossible. The council hall erupted in flashes of white light and screams.

The lasers were devastating but the retainers outnumbered us. With four elders joining the fray, the tide turned ominously against us. The old men quickly figured out our pattern—the moment Cloud Yao or I aimed a weapon, they scattered from that direction. This made it impossible to harm them while they continuously intensified their attacks. Linglong at the forefront was nearly overwhelmed.

Shikehui slashed toward Linglong's neck. She ducked but Du Lao attacked her midsection with a kick she couldn't evade. As she sprang back, Du Lao's foot narrowly missed her crotch—yet Shilao's strike still sliced through the white headscarf resting on her head, causing her black hair to cascade down like flowing water.

Shitong and Langxiao, hiding to strike from ambush, froze in shock. This skilled subordinate was actually a girl. If one only saw her figure and long hair, she would appear far more extraordinary than what she had revealed so far.

Uncle Yu joined the melee, seizing an opportunity to slash down at Linglong with his sword. Disoriented by Shilao's strike and her own falling hair obscuring vision, she couldn't dodge when she heard the whistling blade...

Twang! A metallic resonance filled the air as Linglong closed her eyes, resigned to her fate. No matter how skilled one was, it was impossible to defend against sheer numbers. She would never be with him again, never witness tomorrow's beauty. The injustice burned within her heart.

"This is impossible!" cried Uncle Yu in disbelief. His blade had struck a bare arm—shredding the clothing but leaving flesh unscathed while his sword bent from contact.

Linglong opened her eyes and threw herself into his embrace:

"Master, I thought for sure this would be my last moment."

Though skilled in martial arts, she was still just a girl. I tightened my hold.

"No one will ever take you away from me," I said, "If these people won't respect reason..."

I spun around and flung Linglong toward He Yuqing. The three women formed a defensive triangle while I seized Uncle Yu:

"Old man, didn't you say yesterday's fight wasn't enough? Let's settle this properly."

When I blocked that blade for Linglong, I hadn't expected my body to react like this. Though I couldn't feel the power consciously manifesting, it surfaced at the most critical moment. I had almost lost an arm saving her—but now my abilities were fully restored! What could possibly stop me?

I swiftly grabbed Uncle Yu's bent sword, crushing it between both hands before hurling the twisted metal toward him. He dove aside just in time as the weapon crashed through the wall behind him with a loud bang.

Turning to look at the hole in disbelief, Uncle Yu muttered:

"Impossible... No such martial arts exists in this world."

Ignoring his shock, I entered the fray, delivering blows that sent victims collapsing one after another. When only Uncle Yu and Shitong/Langxiao remained standing, I left them with clear messages—Uncle Yu needed to learn humility for thinking age alone grants authority; the latter two should understand who truly deserved He Yuqing's affection.

As for those four elders, their limbs had been instantly dislocated in an instant. Any further plans about breeding schemes were now moot. My performance even stunned Cloud Yao and Linglong—though she already knew my power could return suddenly, I hadn't expected my speed to exceed previous limits. To the attackers' eyes, everyone fell at precisely the same moment—the screams had barely begun before everything stopped showing just how fast I was moving.

To the stunned Shitong and Langxiao I said:

"My women won't even allow you to touch a single finger of them!

This is only a small punishment. If you dare meddle with our Headwoman again, it won't be you standing here—it'll be you laying in coffins."

Uncle Yu stared at the chaos unfolding before him:

"No mortal could move that fast or possess such unbreakable flesh. You're... an abomination."

I replied:

"Even if I am a monster, consider yourself lucky. Out of respect for your respectful behavior toward our Headwoman yesterday, I'll let today's events pass. But know this—the Dog-Slaying Society is ruled by its Headwoman now. From here on out, keep your opinions to yourselves."

The three men dared not speak. They were utterly defeated—this level of power completely exceeded their comprehension. It felt like ordinary humans suddenly confronting aliens, leaving them helplessly paralyzed.

Cloud Yao and He Yuqing pushed open the council hall doors with a loud boom. Sunlight streamed in, forcing the injured to shield their eyes despite themselves. The four elders, though furious and desperate for another scheme, lacked both skill and courage now fearing further reprisals from that terrifying figure who had silenced them all.

He Yuqing turned to those on the ground:

"I'll rescue our comrades captured by the Eastern Factory. Third Leader, you're coming with me. I won't inform these four of how the Dog-Slaying Society should proceed in the future. If any among you still have ambition, return to base and assist me. But if not—no one has recognized your identities here. You may live in peace within the twin cities... unless I learn of further treachery from you."

He Yuqing's declaration effectively severed ties with the four elders. Her boldness came from absolute confidence in his ability to protect her happiness. The recent threats were trivial compared to what he could accomplish, especially since those old men had resorted to such despicable schemes.

The retainers outside now sensed something amiss and quickly surrounded us. Some even carried archers—though I was unafraid of them, the three women's safety needed protection. Linglong seemed particularly shaken today, gripping my arm like a frightened child hiding behind me.

Booms echoed as doors were smashed in—the returning retainers froze at this sudden development. A massive crash followed as two heavy gates collapsed inward when a squad of heavily armed imperial guards stormed in with blades and arrows drawn. Terrified, the retainers dropped their weapons to flee—only to be quickly subdued by the advancing guards.

A pure-hearted girl appeared at the entrance. Linglong peeked from behind me:

"That's Ma Xiaorui. What is she doing here?"

I said: "She must have gone mad for thinking we'd wait home while her family visited us on New Year's Day. I'm slipping away now, you two handle things."

Ma Xiaorui ordered the imperial guard captain:

"Find them immediately! Kill anyone who dares stop me! The Crown Prince has given urgent instructions—this rescue must happen now!"

Hearing this, I took Cloud Yao and Linglong out of the council hall. "Xiaorui!" called Cloud Yao.

Upon hearing her voice, Ma Xiaorui rushed in:

"Sister Cloud, where is Zhao Qian? Tell him to come out! The Crown Prince needs him for an emergency mission!"

This girl was too careless shouting my name openly and revealing the identity of the Crown Prince's close associate. I quickly stepped forward to cover her mouth:

"Keep it down! Are you trying to kill us all?"

She bit into my hand defiantly:

"What ruffian dares assault a princess?! Guards, kill him!"

I hurriedly said after realizing she hadn't recognized me yet through the disguise:

"It's me—you didn't recognize me in this makeup."

Realizing my voice now, she grabbed my wrist and pulled:

"Hurry! I was told at Zhao you came here. The Crown Prince is in grave danger—since you're his best friend, he needs your help immediately!"

At these words, I seized her arm tightly:

"What's happened? What kind of trouble could possibly befall him in the palace?"

"I'll explain while we run," she said urgently.

The imperial guard captain approached:

"Princess, numerous injured were found in the hall. How should they be handled?"

I replied: "Let them go and withdraw everyone."

Unsure how to respond, he looked anxiously at Ma Xiaorui who commanded firmly:

"He speaks for me! Do as ordered!"

Though the injured remained inside, no one had yet discovered our identities. However, those retainers in the courtyard likely overheard something. Better to capture them now—until such time my hidden identity no longer required secrecy.

Ma Xiaorui followed all my instructions obediently, even arranging lodging for Third Leader at an inn without hesitation. Such compliance suggested a genuinely urgent matter indeed.

We hurriedly left Shifu toward the inner city. Long after we departed, two figures finally emerged from the council hall—Shitong and Langxiao. The sudden turn of events left them stunned until Uncle Yu began tending to the wounded.

"Who was that?" asked Shitong anxiously.

Looking at the suddenly deserted courtyard, Langxiao replied: "This is your house. I should be asking you why all retainers disappeared?"

Shitong had no time for missing servants right now:

"How could this boy move so fast? It's completely unnatural! Do we still have any chance of winning back Qing'er?"

Hearing the groans of wounded retainers, Langxiao said:

"I think not. Unless we can beat him."

"I refuse to give up!" Shitong argued, "I've never seen a woman with such an exquisite figure!"

"Who says otherwise?" replied Langxiao, wiping sweat from his forehead, "But life matters more than women. Our fathers are already half-dead—what do you think we can fight against? That boy is an abomination. We cannot afford to provoke him."

"Fine," Shitong conceded, "If four elders combined couldn't handle one round with him, we must accept this loss for now. But someday..."

Suddenly he gasped:

"The drug didn't work! Otherwise we wouldn't be in this mess right now!"

"Wait!" exclaimed Langxiao in shock, "You actually drugged Qing'er?"

"What's so strange?" Shitong replied, "If you were in my position would you not have done the same?"

Langxiao turned red as a tomato. If that headstrong woman had been in his home instead of hers... he'd have likely tried something similar too.

"So why did it fail? Was your drug ineffective?" asked Langxiao, "Next time I'll get better quality."

"Maybe I bought counterfeit medicine," Shitong muttered, "Or perhaps Qing'er has such deep martial arts skills she neutralized the effects herself..."

"Or someone else saved her!" finished Langxiao grimly.

"But we saw clearly—her vermilion mark was intact!" Shitong insisted.

"The method of reversing aphrodisiacs is simple," said Langxiao solemnly like a teacher, "It's just that she may have had intimate contact without penetration."

"That's impossible!" shouted Shitong. My drug was special—it caused intense pleasure while the victim remained conscious! Only by inserting male seminal fluid could the effects be neutralized!"

"Then she must have drunk his seminal fluids," said Langxiao, "Not from below but above!"

Suddenly realization dawned on Shitong—he understood exactly what happened.

"Oh no..." he groaned as he punched a wall in frustration, biting his teeth at the pain. So that's why she was so compliant with him—she must have performed oral sex or served breast milk! How frustrating to see those two scoundrels get together through such means!

Recollecting possible scenarios, Langxiao shuddered as visions of the woman kneeling before them filled his mind... The climax sprayed across her face and chest while she licked every drop with a sultry look in her eyes. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he unintentionally released a stream of urine—overexertion had left him vulnerable to these thoughts.

"Damn it," muttered Shit

"Damn it!" muttered Shitong, still clutching the wall from where he'd punched it. "How could I let that damned East Factory official interrupt our plans? That woman and man must have been hiding in their secret chamber for hours—ten rounds of self-pleasure would've produced enough seminal fluid to drown them!"

With this revelation, Shitong hit another punch at the wall, wincing from pain. "No wonder she was so obedient! She probably serviced him with her mouth or breasts! I can't believe it actually worked out for those two scoundrels!"

Even more incensed by his own failure, he added: "Stupid drug money wasted!"

Langxiao could also see the likely scenario now. Visualizing that beautiful woman kneeling before them, receiving a powerful climax in her face while she eagerly lapped up every drop with that sultry expression... A chill ran down his spine and, without realizing it, he released yet another stream of urine—his mind had been too consumed by these thoughts.

"Brother Lang," Shitong continued, "I won't let this go. Even if she's been 'played' before, that kind of treasure is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you can't have her three days a week and I take two, it'll be a fair arrangement."

Langxiao straightened his pants and nodded: "Of course. But we shouldn't do this directly—since we're outmatched physically, perhaps another approach would work better?"

Shitong leaned closer eagerly: "What did you have in mind?"

Langxiao suggested: "We can use the authorities to our advantage. While she's a wanted criminal now, no one knows who we are. If we plan carefully and manipulate the situation properly, we could still gain her... Even if it means involving imperial guards or the judicial department. After all, if multiple men 'contribute' to her future child, there'll be no need for any more power struggles over the leadership position."

Shitong gave him a thumbs-up: "Brilliant! But this guy is extremely powerful—better keep our plans discreet otherwise we risk our lives."

"Of course," said Langxiao. "Let's get a doctor now before your father and mine die."

While running, I urgently asked Ma Xiaorui about what was happening.

"It started with the

Ma Xiaorui said

"My younger brother means for you to mobilize Guxi's Palace Guard Legion. This campaign demands your absolute victory, or else he'll have no face left to stay in the game."

I replied

"No way. The Palace Guard Legion of Guxi must remain hidden until their strength justifies deployment. Better to send forces from the Eastern Depot. I'm calling Ah Mao right now to assemble men. Have Cai Jingjing keep her phone with you all, maintain instant communication through it."

Ma Xiaorui said

"Understood. That'll be me going then. Watch your step carefully. My sister still remains in the palace covering his back for my brother - I must return there as well to give him moral support."