The crowd plotting for their own interests all froze at the news. After all, a great victory on the frontlines was something to be celebrated—but the detailed military report that followed left everyone stunned. To defeat three thousand horse bandits and retake Feilong Commandery had cost an entire division of ten thousand men.

I stood there in shock, my mouth agape for a long time before I could speak. This so-called "great victory" made Prince Ma's entourage hesitate to voice their thoughts. Young Ma Xiaoda finally broke the silence: "How can this be called good news? Are Zhang Guan and Qilian Mountain pigs that they couldn't handle such a small recapture operation? Just fire them all!"

Ma Da frowned in confusion, "Even if those three thousand horse bandits are formidable, how could we lose ten thousand soldiers on our first engagement? With this kind of combat ratio, four thousand reinforcements might not be enough. Do we need to pull troops from Luyang? But then southern grain supplies will become even more insufficient."

I didn't care about the numerical strength right now—I was grieving over those ten thousand men. Though they had been reorganized from defectors, they were still citizens of Shuangcheng Kingdom and soldiers I'd built up through hard work. Losing an entire division was a wound outsiders couldn't possibly comprehend.

Pang Taishi was even more shaken. In his eyes, the border reinforcements required no personal involvement—four thousand men to slaughter a few thousand bandits should have been effortless. All he needed to do at home was arrange his power struggle with the crown prince. But this report made his palms sweat—had Divisions Four and Five been wiped out? What military strength would remain in the south then? His entire plan needed restructuring.

After thoroughly reviewing the report, people finally grasped the battle's general course. Though Zhang Guan's nature led him to exaggerate his own merits and shift blame onto Sun Chang and Kong Wu, Guardians Hutan and Qilian Mountain strongly opposed it and refused to sign the document. So Zhang Guan was forced to order Zhu Teng to rewrite it.

Though still factually distorted, he took credit for the horse bandit cavalry's decisive strike but avoided slandering Kong Wu and Sun Chang—though their contributions were entirely omitted. Yet achieving this restraint was no small feat; if the imperial auditor or vice marshal had been from Pang's faction, who knew what kind of report they might have produced.

After analyzing it thoroughly, everyone agreed the horse bandit cavalry was particularly dangerous. Our current siege operations lacked geographic advantage despite numerical superiority. Future battles must proceed cautiously—never trade watermelons for sesame seeds—and thus we would not recognize this so-called victory but instead approve Zhang Guan's risky advance to account for the ten thousand fallen.

Though Pang Hu disagreed inwardly, losing ten thousand soldiers enraged him. Zhang Guan was young and hasty; giving no discipline might encourage further recklessness. So he remained silent about Ma Da's opinion—after all, it was only verbal punishment without demotion or salary reduction. It didn't matter much.

Ma Da finally declared: "Loyal ministers, there are no more wars in the west, and bandit problems have been cleared from Luyang and Liuyang commanderies. Next we must appoint officials to oversee governance of these two areas. Many local administrators were lost during the war, so I hope all loyal ministers will volunteer for border region reconstruction. Once stability returns there, suitable candidates can be selected locally for management positions. Then I'll recall the officials stationed in those regions and reward them according to their merits."

I stepped forward: "Your Majesty, I recommend Lin Gu from Luyang Commandery. This man has military expertise and demonstrated governance insights I've heard about before—he's a rare talent worth cultivating. Though he was once a rebel officer, these rebels were originally our subjects who only turned rogue under Zhu Shou's manipulation. Now that the bandit leader is dead, we shouldn't let this past obscure his abilities."

Immediately, someone from Pang's faction objected—Speaker Xia Jian of the Ministry of Rites. On our first day in Shuangcheng Kingdom, he had tried to seize extra warhorses I brought that weren't listed on official reports. After we refused his theft attempt, he'd harbored resentment toward us ever since. With my falling-out with Pang Hu now public, his words were especially ruthless.

"Your Majesty," Xia Jian declared loudly, "Minister Zhao's intentions are sinister! Constantly promoting defectors to positions of power is a great threat to our army's loyalty. Zhu Shou spent years planning in Luyang—his men have been brainwashed for too long to genuinely submit to imperial forces. If Minister Zhao keeps elevating these disloyal commanders, their future rebellion would be far more dangerous than Zhu Shou himself!"

Ma Xiaoda retorted immediately: "Father, I don't agree! Our great kingdom has vast territory and should possess a vast heart. Zhu Shou was just a useless nobody who occupied western regions thinking he could escape imperial oversight. But what happened? We crushed his rebellion within a month! The principle of 'trust your appointees or don't use them at all' is fundamental for an emperor. I'm sure Father possesses sufficient discernment to understand this."

Ma Da nodded: "With General Weiwu's loyal protection, even if there are future troubles we have nothing to fear. Summon Lin Gu immediately—he can serve as a court official after passing my personal examination. This will also send a message to former rebels that if they demonstrate reform efforts, I won't hold past offenses against them and will certainly assign positions according to their talents."

Now Ma Da's stance was clear—protecting General Weiwu and his son Ma Xiaoda. Though he held little real power as emperor, he remained the symbolic head of state. No one dared openly defy him, especially with the Imperial Horsemen Guard and East Factory forces remaining loyal to the throne.

Ultimately, the decision to form new palace guards passed through—Changshi was named commander while Manjiang became deputy chief. With key positions filled by his own men, Pang Hu no longer strongly opposed this initiative. After all, these were just minor bodyguard units that didn't threaten him—he still held firm control over the Imperial Guards.

On Earth I'd always hated such mundane meetings, so unless absolutely necessary I never convened unnecessary gatherings. Even now on this twin planet, I remained indifferent to imperial court deliberations. Why turn simple decisions into convoluted debates? When you're sure of your position, just act decisively instead of arguing with people who'll surely oppose anyway.

After the morning audience ended, I gave Ma Xiaoda a subtle nod and we entered the back chamber of Wencheng Wude Hall sequentially. Ma Xiaoda dismissed eunuchs and palace maidservants around us: "I was about to find you—now that the new palace guard formation is finalized, how's your preparation? Don't delay at all, you promised me speed as a key factor. Once Pang Hu realizes this force is formidable enough to stop."

I replied confidently: "Don't worry, I never do things half-heartedly. The people are already here. Since Your Majesty gave permission and Pang Hu allowed it, let them into the inner city immediately. These men have absolute loyalty and have received proper etiquette training—you can use them directly. Each is physically skilled with firearms to protect your family. As for Pang Taishi's opposition... well, technically it was only Your Majesty's word that needed deciding—yet he insisted on making things 'democratic' so inevitably someone wanted to find problems."

Ma Xiaoda laughed in relief: "Good preparation! At last I have a completely loyal personal bodyguard team now. Regarding my father... forget about changing his stubborn old habits. By the way, why does your face look unhappy? Are you still worried about those ten thousand southern losses? Don't be—it's inevitable to lose soldiers during war. Though Zhang Guan won this battle he was actually defeated. Father has already rebuked him in imperial orders; I doubt he'll repeat such mistakes again or else next time they'll dismiss him."

I sighed: "Still, I don't trust that kid Zhang Guan. That's why I transferred Kong Wu and Sun Chang's Divisions Four and Five to the frontlines. These two are my personal soldiers—I absolutely trust them. If everything goes according to plan, they should have sent reports by now describing battlefield conditions."

No sooner had I finished speaking than my phone vibrated. I'd set it on vibrate during court proceedings out of respect for palace decorum—assuming it was a call from home or wife. But the caller ID showed "Mao Mao," who worked at the Imperial Horsemen Guard and surprisingly had just received letters from Sun Chang and Kong Wu.

Mao Mao read me the messages while I put my phone on speaker so Ma Xiaoda could listen. There were two letters—first written the night before capturing Feilong Commandery, describing Zhang Guan's arrogant refusal to follow suggestions leading to 5000 casualties without self-reproach; second after conquering Feilong Commandery itself, detailing how Zhang Guan removed the previous commanding officer and claimed victory for himself.

I told Ma Xiaoda: "Sun Chang and Kong Wu are people I absolutely trust—they would never denigrate Zhang Guan for personal glory in their reports. So these events they described must be true. We can judge from just those ten thousand casualties alone."

Ma Xiaoda clenched his teeth in fury, "Don't talk anymore—I wouldn't even be human if I didn't trust you and your people. I'll go directly to my father—the war can't continue like this or else those four thousand men will all be lost!"

I sighed: "You won't be calling me 'brother-in-law' for much longer."

Ma Xiaoda gasped in shock, "What? Are you breaking up with my fifteenth sister?"

I replied calmly: "It's not that I want to break up. You probably don't know yet—Cholesterol wants to propose his son to you through marriage. Only just now was Changshi promoted as palace guard commander. I suspect your father might actually agree to this proposal in order to court Cholesterol."

"Blind!" Ma Xiaoda shouted, "I would never accept that! Besides you, no one has the right to be my brother-in-law! By the way... maybe I should also promise my sixteenth sister to you!"

I chuckled: "You really understand my heart's desires. But let's solve this immediate problem first—Changshi already had a history of trying to take Jingjing from me, and now he's eyeing Xiaowei too. With his old personality, he'll certainly keep pursuing these things."

Ma Xiao recalled the previous incident where we nearly failed retrieving someone from Chang until Ma Da personally intervened. He thought for a moment before saying: "You're right—we should go see my father immediately and explain everything first. When Cholesterol proposes later, let my father reject him outright!"

I agreed: "Then I'll trust you with that. My current position makes it improper to bring up the wedding matter directly with your father. We need some way to prevent others from even attempting to court Xiaowei. Otherwise rejecting one Changshi might just lead to another one like Dan Ni."

Ma Xiaoda said decisively: "Let's deal with this first—come on, I know where my father will be having lunch today at his mother's quarters. Let's go there and spread some bad things about Changshi immediately! Better yet, have him removed as palace guard commander so he can't even find chances to harass my sisters!"

I added: "Though personal matters are important, official business is more urgent. I'll notify the 300 palace guards to enter the inner city immediately. With them nearby for protection, I feel much more secure doing things without second thoughts."

The 300 palace guards waiting at the inner gate were summoned by the crown prince and entered in an orderly procession—polished weapons gleamed, sharp steel blades shone, compact crossbows clicked menacingly. The Imperial Guards could only watch enviously as they salivated over their envy. Pang's faction immediately learned this news, with Pang Hu lamenting his miscalculation—the enemy had already prepared troops beforehand. Even if he hadn't approved the palace guard formation during morning court proceedings, there was no stopping the crown prince now. With each unexpected move from the other side, he found himself constantly on the defensive and needed to adjust strategies quickly.

Since I'd previously guided these guards through inner city defense priorities, they immediately occupied key positions upon entering while pushing aside relevant Imperial Guards. This 300-man reassignment would take some time to fully complete, but at least replacing Ma Da's personal bodyguards with them made me more at ease. We could deal with other matters gradually.

Accompanied by ten of our own guards, Ma Xiaoda and I headed toward the palace quarters in high spirits—after all, these were our men now! We felt free to discuss anything without worrying about it reaching Pang Hu's ears, especially since those arrogant Imperial Guards who always acted condescending finally got their comeuppance.

Suddenly a person ran past us hastily, followed by a group of eunuchs and palace maids—it was Sixteenth Princess Ma Xiaorui. She panted dramatically: "Brother! Finally found you—Sizhang? You're here too, good. Something terrible happened—we have to see it immediately!"

Ma Xiaoda and I asked in unison: "What is it? You look so alarmed. Once we replace your personal guards with our own people, no one would dare cause trouble inside the inner city."

Ma Xiaorui glared at me accusingly: "You still have leisure time here while my sister is about to marry Changshi!"

"What?" We both gasped in surprise—didn't expect this news to spread so fast.

Ma Xiaorui explained hurriedly: "I was just playing sports with my sister when a little maid from Mother's side told me that Uncle Cholesterol arrived early with gifts and asked Father to propose marriage between Xiaowei and his son Changshi. Probably right now he's already meeting with Father—and if Father agrees I don't know what we'll do! I hate Changshi, I love you as my brother-in-law!"

Ma Xiaoda raged: "Nonsense! Who knows if Uncle Cholesterol has even met Father yet? We should get there first and delay the proposal—no way will he achieve his goals. Hurry up!"

We rushed back toward the palace when we spotted Cholesterol exiting with a smug expression. Seeing Ma Xiaoda, he performed courtly bows: "Congratulations to Crown Prince on becoming my extended family! I hope royal bloodlines can become even more pure through this union."

Ma Xiaoda fumed in anger: "You proposed to Father?"

Cholesterol smiled knowingly: "It seems the crown prince is well-informed. The emperor has already agreed, and our son was appointed as chief commander of palace guards—a true blessing from imperial grace! The royal family's generosity toward us deserves my utmost loyalty and service to the kingdom!"

Ma Xiaorui suddenly burst into tears, "Go away! Never show your face again!"

"Xiaorui!" said the princess's mother Yuguifei as she exited the palace—she was also Cholesterol's niece. "How could you speak this way to Uncle?"

Wiping her eyes furiously, Ma Xiaorui accused: "Mother, did you help him propose to Father?"

Yuguifei looked puzzled: "Of course! Your fifteenth sister is over sixteen and of marriageable age. I know you always get along well with her, but even after she marries you can still visit freely since the imperial mansion isn't outside Shuangcheng Kingdom. Why are you so sad?"

Ma Xiaorui cried in frustration before running off: "I hate you mother—you don't understand at all that Xiaowei loves who!"

Ma Xiaoda turned around and ran back into the palace immediately, shouting: "I'll go see Father right away!"

Cholesterol asked me calmly: "Minister Zhao, what's wrong with Crown Prince and the princess?"

I coldly replied: "No idea. The noble lord seems very pleased. I have other matters to attend to—excuse me now."

Unintentionally, I entered Xiaowei's quarters where I heard Xiaorui sobbing loudly from inside. From within came Xiaowei comforting her: "Xiaorui, don't cry—it's my own marriage that's happening, not yours."

Xiaorui protested: "Sister! I hate Changshi—I won't even speak to you again if you marry anyone but Sizhang!"

Xiaowei sighed: "But can we really decide such matters ourselves? Do you think I like Changshi either? A sickly brat who's also a flirt—willing to

The two princesses burst into girlish laughter, the previous gloom dissolving instantly. Honestly I was still a bit worried but there's always a solution when you reach the mountain peak. Cholesterol's proposal wasn't an immediate wedding after all. The spaceship could already take flight and my superpowers were gradually returning - what did they have to fear? I just needed to show some respect for the father-in-law; if he lost face these princesses would inevitably blame me later, as he was their actual biological father.

I told them amusing stories that had both girls laughing nonstop. Especially Ma Xiaowei in her tight-fitting exercise suit - every giggle made her chest shake visibly, making my mouth water alongside Ma Xirui who secretly gave me a hand gesture indicating intimate contact with her sister. She didn't know I'd already enjoyed all the holes on Ma Xiaowei's body except that one.

"Hey! You two still have time to laugh!" Ma Xiada stormed in. "My father is an old fool, it makes me so angry!"

Today all three siblings had insulted their father - ironically because of me. It was touching yet awkward. I comforted Ma Xiada: "Forget about it. Stone Gallbladder certainly doesn't have the ability to take Xiaowei away. This husband role is mine for sure. Let him dare come into the palace and try!"

Ma Xiaowei declared, "I'll die before agreeing to marry anyone else. Father can't force me."

Ma Xiada added: "Father claimed it's to strengthen royal unity by accepting Stone Gallbladder's proposal. Also Fifteenth Sister is marriageable age now. I suggested marrying her to Zhao Qian but do you know what my father said?"

I responded, "Surely nothing good. Best not say anything since your dad knows about me already."

The two princesses anxiously exclaimed: "No no! Tell us quickly!"

Ma Xiada sighed, "Father insisted ancestral rules must be followed. He could betroth Chenchen and Jingjing to Zhao Qian but couldn't arrange his own daughter's marriage lest the kingdom mock our family for letting a commoner steal away a princess."

A collective sigh of anger rose from me and the Ma siblings, though we remained cautious about actually doing anything - dare I beat up my father-in-law?

Finally I told Ma Xiada: "No more discussions. After I dismantle Peng Hu I'll leave with Xiaowei and take whatever others say. As long as two hearts are truly united, external opinions matter little."

Ma Xiaowei smiled brightly, "Exactly! I've decided - no separation from Zhao Qian no matter what. People's gossip doesn't scare me anymore."

Xiaorui coldly remarked: "You two get to fly together while I'm stuck waiting? Am I supposed to wait until sixteen and marry someone else?"

Ma Xiaowei offered, "If you want we'll all leave together."

"Really?" Xiaorui brightened. "Husband-in-law, if you agree I believe it!"

I nodded toward her younger brother, "He must approve first."

Ma Xiada's face lit up instantly: "Approved! Of course approved! Why would I let my two sisters marry outsiders? Since you're so promiscuous just take all of us. Now I'm a double niece-father-in-law!"

Both Xiaorui and Xiaowei cried, "What are you saying!"

Xiada hurriedly backtracked, "Xiaorui is still young, we'll discuss it later... since you're not worried anyway what's the point in me staying? Excuse me while I go."

I grabbed his arm: "Beware Stone Gallbladder. Originally I wanted the Reform Party to lead the guards but Peng Hu probably refuses so I didn't mention it earlier. Watch his every move - if not for your father blocking him, I'd even let Gu Fei take that position!"

Xiada nodded solemnly, "Understood. Father insists on promoting his own clan members which I can't change. But at least I've secured Chenchen and Jingjing for you. The emperor said to grant the betrothal so just go get them later - formalities don't matter since you've already shared a bed."

Xiaorui exclaimed, "I need to hurry and congratulate them! Maybe they'll give me all their toys... excuse me while I stop being your light bulb. Hehe, I'll return tonight!"

The sisters stormed out dramatically. Xiaowei offered: "Stay for lunch? Today's chaos must have stressed you. Afterward I'll give you a massage."

I pounced on her as she stared at my tempting figure, "Just a massage?"

She whispered in my ear, "Wait until I shower first. Better claim me now before Stone Gallbladder takes advantage later!"

I crushed the tea cup in my hand, dust spilling through my fingers, "Does his head have this kind of hardness? I'll make him regret being born into this world!"

Strong men always captivate women's hearts. Xiaowei kissed my earlobe and murmured: "Wait for me... back after showering..."

In the afternoon I visited Cai Jingjing who stood behind Xu Chen, smiling and winking at me - probably Xiaorui had already broken the news. Ma Da slapped me first then gave a sweet reward. Earlier his conflict with Stone Gallbladder over Cai Jingjing forced him to bring her into palace for mediation. Now that Stone wanted Xiaowei he dared not argue about Jingjing, so he casually released both women - an unexpected bonus.

"Ready?" I asked Xu Chen who just smiled silently. Cai Jingjing finally answered: "What preparation? Just come with me! Anyway we arrived empty-handed. When a chicken is married it follows the rooster. You must treat us well. Chenchen, call your husband!"

Xu Chen blushed and tickled Cai's ribs, "Shameless Jingjing why don't you call..."

Watching their banter I relaxed in my lounge chair. The day had been chaotic but wouldn't affect my quest for love. My spaceship was nearly repaired, while my superpowers weren't fully restored yet they would emerge when critical. No need to fear anything - Stone Gallbladder? Peng Hu? They couldn't hold me hostage.

"Go honey," the two women suddenly appeared with small bundles of belongings, "Xu Chen shyly uttered her first title then lowered her head. I knew Cai had already worked on her. Now only Ou Yang Qian remained unresolved, but who needs to fear seven wives if she has amnesia? Only Zhao Qian could pull off this feat of bringing home a wife by taking one with.

Since the wives were still at the horse office, we left inner city directly for outer lands. The other women happily prepared dinner while I enjoyed Linglong's massage - her martial arts training gave her strong yet soothing hands.

"Lord," Linglong massaged thoughtfully, "I want to visit Hulou village..."

"Just take the spaceship tonight if you like?" I replied sleepily.

"But with two wives at home if I monopolize you they'll scold me. Let Yuniao accompany me instead. The Feiying territory has fallen - I'm worried about my parents' safety."

"Who would dare scold? You're beloved by all," I said, "If Hulou village is in danger bring everyone here. This place is much safer."

Linglong proudly puffed her chest: "Thank you Lord! The sisters obviously love me more than Ma Xiaorui with her constant chatter. I always make sure to maintain good relations with your wives - otherwise how would I enter the household?"

"Lord," Shi Shuang's voice called from outside, "A girl wants to see you. The outer gate guards sent her here."

Linglong puzzled: "Who? All my women are present. Ma Xiaorui wouldn't come without notice!"

"Don't assume every woman is a problem," I said standing up.

In the living room I examined this attractive girl whose beauty rivaled Ma Xiaowei - an extremely rare find in Twin Cities Kingdom. But who was she exactly? Familiar face but no memory...

Linglong noticed my confusion and remained vigilant toward her intentions. I asked directly: "Where have we met before? What business brings you here?"

"I'm Ximen Yan," the girl brightly replied, "Do you really forget me so quickly Zhao Qian?"

"What!" I jumped up startled as did Linglong, "Aren't you the little princess? How did you grow this tall suddenly! Is it Lord returning to deceive us?" Indeed - how could I not recognize her with her sudden growth spurt!

Ximen Yan sighed humorlessly: "I was going to ask you about those injections. After you left my body kept changing until this morning when I became... this. Now I can't use subterranean travel methods, and reaching the sea is extremely difficult. So I shamelessly came to request help."

Linglong, still a child at heart, couldn't believe her eyes - suddenly the legendary dwarven princess had grown into an adult! She immediately spread the news among the cooking women who soon swarmed in like zoo visitors ready to touch.

Ximen Yan was shocked by this crowd of beauty who all subtly displayed affection toward me. "Who are they?" she asked perplexed.

I introduced each as my wives: "They've heard about you from me, hence their curiosity. Wanting to reach the sea is simple - tell me your approximate location and I'll fly you there."

Ximen Yan sincerely thanked: "Even after my assassination attempt? Thank you so much!"

Yuniao took her hand: "I'll accompany you! No need to thank Zhao Qian who always can't resist beautiful women even if they're enemies!"

Ximen Yan shyly lowered her head, "How could I compare with your beauty..."

"Where's Xiaocui?" I asked. "Did she also change?"

"She didn't receive those special injections," Ximen Yan replied, "Afraid of misunderstandings she stayed outside hiding."

Linglong suddenly excited: "Yuniao let me come too! Let me see what dwarves really look like... oh wait are you truly underground dwellers? Is there another world beneath that rock shell?"

Hu Qingqing noted, "Their pale skin reveals all. Long lack of sunlight explains it. Fortunately their bodies have adapted or they'd likely suffer from dermatological issues."

Linglong's complexion paled in comparison to the others - a mountain upbringing result. Envious of Ximen Yan's porcelain skin: "I wish to live there a while! Would my skin become this radiant too?"

Ximen Yan sighed, "It's deep underground where entrance is nearby but now with this new body I can't return alone. Zhao Qian, since you enlarged me, can you reverse it? Not that I dislike your human form - but among dwarves I look strange and the underground tunnels don't fit my size."

I explained: "This requires Hu Doctor's expertise. Probably dosage issues or genetic differences. The drug used is humanity's fundamental life essence which subtly transformed your body into human height standards."

Hu Qingqing added, "I'll study it further but conditions here are limited. If we return to Earth perhaps solutions emerge."

Ximen Yan insisted: "Regardless please accept my gratitude for previous troubles. Only desperate would I bother you again."

The women laughed warmly, "Miss Ximen be less polite! Let's call Xiaocui inside and eat together then send you to sea!"

Ximen Yan nodded and went outside but asked: "Can we avoid public view? Our identities remain secret - besides the mission not yet completed, our existence alone might cause human reactions."

I looked at nightfall: "Take spaceship outside so no one sees."

Soon Ximen Yan returned with Xiaocui. The wives treated them like holy relics - hugging and kissing making Xiaocui embarrassed. She fretted to Ximen Yan: "Princess now you're their size how do I handle this awkwardness?"

Ximen Yan comforted, "Don't worry about my appearance changes. Hu Qingqing promised research solutions."

Hu Qingqing smiled: "Actually your current form is quite nice! Why return to original state?"

Ximen Yan sighed: "You won't understand. Sudden transition from dwarf to human... if there's even a small hope please help me Qingqing!"

After dinner Ximen suddenly stood up, "Thank you all for hospitality - may I depart now? Father and brother remain missing so I'd like to borrow troops from Uncle to rescue them."

Yuniao agreed: "Since you're urgent let's go. Linglong wanted to come too! Let's take Qingqing's spaceship?"

I added: "I'll join as your uncle is an underwater dweller. Seeing such intelligent beings would be educational."

Ximen Yan hesitated, "Actually I shouldn't refuse this small request but dwarves live secretly. If you meet my Uncle he might get angry."

I compromised, "Fine then we'll deliver you to destination and leave without causing trouble."

Suddenly Ximen paled: "Ugh... pain... body aches! Another transformation begins!"

Hu Qing! grabbed her pulse and examined eyes: "Heart racing, pupils dilating - the blood blossom needle's effects continue!"

"Life danger?" I asked.

"Uncertain," she decided. "Bring her to my clinic with spaceship medical equipment for observation."

Linglong suddenly tugged my sleeve: "Look Lord! Ximen Yan is shrinking!"

All eyes fixed as indeed her body rapidly contracted like a punctured balloon. The clothes - likely stolen from Xiaocui - quickly became too large and fell off. Though in pain, she still covered herself modestly with arms over chest and hands at waist.

I turned away, "Take care of her while I go outside."

After fifteen minutes the crowd emerged carrying a tiny beauty now wearing hastily adjusted clothing held by sashes. Ximen Yan sighed: "Looks like recovery but who knows if it'll change again? This is disastrous."

"Better than life-threatening," I said, "This form should help see your uncle! Hurry before another transformation!"

We all went north beyond Twin Cities Kingdom through marshes and jungles past mountains - a months-long journey on foot with many dangers. With spaceship we only needed ten minutes to fly: high technology at work!

Landing on open beach - my first ocean view since arriving at Twin Stars. The sea breeze revived me as Ximen Yan and Xiaocui disembarked. Linglong gave them short swords.

"Carry these for protection," she said, "Unfortunately no phones but if attacked call us... seeing such tiny beauties makes me worry about safety."

Ximen asked: "Can we activate your phones to collect frequency patterns? Your technology is advanced so maybe communication methods exist?"

Cai Jingjing passed one over: "Need this for what? Zhao Qian said dwarves have their own communication systems!"

"Actually no," Ximen Yan admitted, "We never needed external travel. But underground cities do communicate with each other through tunnels. I'll collect frequency data first so we can contact you if urgent."

Weak beauties always inspire compassion. The wives warmly offered: "No problem! Contact us anytime - come visit Horse Office whenever possible!"

I longed to swim but knew the dwarves needed time-sensitive communication, so ordered: "Wives return home now - don't interfere with Princess Ximen's business!"

Ximen Yan activated Cai Jingjing's mobile phone and aligned its signal transmitter with a "watch" on her wrist. After several flashes of light, the device fell silent. She returned the phone to Cai Jingjing before parting ways with the others.

Xiao Cui followed Ximen Yan into the sea, asking as they waded deeper, "Your Highness, do you think Duke Ximen Ding would help us? Opposing the Nangong clan is no easy task."

"Without his aid we have no other options," Ximen Yan sighed. "As long there's a chance to rescue my father and brother, I must try."

"But what if Prince Ximen Qing tries to use our old marriage pact as leverage?" Xiao Cui worried. "Your Highness, perhaps we should ask Lord Zhao Qian for help? He may be a womanizer but he's not heartless - better than that despicable Ximen Qing! I truly fear for you."

"We cannot trouble him further," Ximen Yan said solemnly. "His repeated acts of kindness despite our past offenses already burden my conscience. Besides, part of the underground passage is inaccessible to humans with their large frames. And if we use human forces to reclaim the city, how would the citizens view us Ximen descendants?"

"The path could be widened!" Xiao Cui countered. "What do citizens' opinions matter compared to saving the Emperor and Prince?"

By now seawater reached their necks, silencing further conversation as the two tiny figures disappeared beneath waves. Guided by memory of her previous visit, Ximen Yan quickly found an underwater stone corridor and swam with Xiao Cui to its end - a towering stone gate. With a button press, the portal opened.

Behind lay dry air sealed by waterproof barriers. As the door shut automatically behind them, hot currents dried their clothes. Facing the entrance was what resembled a LCD screen flashing briefly before revealing a mischievous young face.

"Ah, little sister Yan! You're quite the rare guest," sneered Prince Ximen Qing through the display. "This is your first unscheduled visit, no? Missing me?"

The video feed revealed Duke Ximen Ding's heir - this underground city emperor's son whose reputation would have earned him universal scorn if heard by Earth dwellers, though one wonders if any woman named Pan Jinlian existed in this realm.

"Prince Ximen Qing," Ximen Yan said formally. "I urgently need to speak with Uncle Ximen Ding."

"I'll let you enter of course," the prince replied instantly. "The gates are open. I'll personally greet you at the city entrance soon."

His eagerness wasn't just about dwindling female dwarf population or spotting rare beauty like Ximen Yan. A childhood betrothal between them had been dissolved years ago when his father's court separated from hers, followed by rumors of his numerous affairs reaching her father.

Reeking like a toad, Prince Qing led the way with exaggerated flair toward Ximen Ding's chamber until the elder dwarf learned of the crisis and hesitated. "My dear niece," he sighed, "It isn't that I refuse aid but we have few warriors left. And you know how ruthless Nangong clan is among dwarves. When I advised your father to eliminate them completely years ago, he refused! Now this disaster - it's his own doing!"

Sobbing, Ximen Yan pleaded, "Uncle if you won't help no one will! Even just saving my parents would be enough - any price I'm willing to pay!"

"Father!" Prince Qing interjected anxiously. "How can we ignore our betrothed's plight? It'll make the whole family look foolish!"

"I've already dissolved that marriage pact," Ximen Ding insisted reluctantly. "By rights this affair no longer concerns us."

Ximen Yan gritted her teeth, "Uncle if you'll send soldiers to save my parents, I'll marry Prince Qing."

Delighted, Prince Qing begged, "Father! Please agree!"

Completely indulging his son's wishes, Ximen Ding finally relented. "Very well, little Yan. If you truly wed my son, we'll help rescue your family members."

Prostrating herself in gratitude, Ximen Yan vowed, "Thank you Uncle! Please send the troops immediately - I shall never renege on this!"

"But dear," the elder hesitated, "I think we should wait for reconnaissance reports first. Otherwise there's no certainty of victory."

Accepting her fate, Ximen Yan waited as planned while Prince Qing launched endless harassment. Each time she asked about delays, Ximen Ding claimed scouts hadn't returned yet. Worse still, he began pressuring the betrothal completion before considering military aid - plunging her into unprecedented crisis.

To avoid palace intrigue, I'd taken an extended leave from Yuma Jian citing special duties with my wife. More honestly, I was searching endlessly for Ouyang Qing while receiving only negative reports from every direction - each silence cutting deeper than the last.

Foals were already being born in the horse stables now that Ma Chong's expertise had made breeding and training a success story at Yuma Jian. Recently Ma Xiaoda returned one of our smaller horses, arguing tiny riders should match tiny steeds. Now besides the inner city, both outer districts allowed riding on horses or pigs - dramatically improving travel speeds.

That afternoon brought drizzle as I sat in my office doorway watching skyward deities when wives played cards or holed up for clandestine activities. Even Linglong had stopped following me this week - clearly corrupted by their schemes!

Hoofbeats approached the camp gate at a gallop. Few could ride here, fewer still could race through Yuma Jian's halls. The light hoofbeat meant only one person.

Sure enough, soaked Ma Xiaoda burst into view moments later, leaping off his horse as exhausted White Shi and imperial guards followed. "Trying to mimic adult romance in the rain?" I asked before he reached my door.

He wiped water from his face grimly. "Romance? The Flying Dragon Fortress is under siege! The border reinforcements sent urgent pleas - Majesty summoned you immediately. This is a royal decree - the mighty General Zhao Qian must ride to war!"

I sprang up instantly, "Flying Dragon Fortress besieged? Impossible! That's four thousand troops! Even losing one thousand leaves three thousand men strong enough for anyone to challenge?"

"Bandits nursing resentment since we seized their city have organized over ten thousand riders," Ma Xiaoda explained urgently. "Now the fortress is surrounded by battle-hardened steeds - border forces are defenseless! Three thousand soldiers now huddle inside waiting for reinforcements when you're our only hope against cavalry, my lord!"