The scouts kept reporting that the marauders who burned our camp last night had retreated to Black Dragon County, fifty li from Feilong City. They gathered with existing outlaws in the region and now totaled over four thousand men fortifying themselves. After clearing the battlefield, we counted more than a thousand captured horses plus countless steeds killed by fire. Breakfast indeed brought roasted horse meat - not inferior to pork here whether grilled or stewed - which significantly alleviated our food crisis.

Zhou Ni's agricultural expertise rivaled Professor Baihu's despite lacking Earth-like biolabs. She'd already bred new rice varieties that increased yield while preserving fragrance, adapting the twin stars' warm climate for year-round cultivation by shortening growth cycles.

We've begun small-scale planting in areas under our control to address the impending food shortage. As for corn and sweet potatoes - besides climatic feasibility questions, creating these species outright proved impossible for now.

With reinforcements yet to arrive, we remained at Feilong City after burning off the siege with only 25,000 of our original 40,000 border guards left. Every time I saw Zhang Guan's grotesque tumor, I wanted to punch him, but he was barely alive and attacking would damage my reputation.

Devising countermeasures against marauders' horses consumed much thought - we manufactured trip wires and pikes in bulk for now. Without armor, lances and arrows could wound their mounts, though our trebuchets offered some effect until deployed tactically rather than during direct charges.

Exploiting horses' skittish nature, I trained over a thousand captured steeds to tolerate mine detonations. This would prevent cavalry chaos while potentially disrupting enemy formations through sudden noises.

"Your Highness, the 15,000 Mounted Guards reinforcements have arrived at the city gates," A Si reported one noon after entering.

"Let them in," I ordered, "remaining outside risks attack from Black Dragon County just fifty li away. Have the cavalry immediately take control of these horses to build our own force - they'll be vital soon."

As we watched the mounted guards arrive on the city walls, Ma Xiaoda asked, "Shall we now launch a proactive strike against the outlaws?"

Ma Xiaowei added, "With our current strength, need we still fear them?"

"Hard to say," I replied. "Though forty thousand marauders remain along borders, their full might hasn't been deployed yet. The Crown Prince wants total annihilation - but we know nothing of the Iron Horse Division's actual power."

Ma Xiaoda joked, "Guess we'll see what circumstances allow."

I turned serious, "Your words carry weight now as Crown Prince. If promises are repeatedly broken, who will trust you? Consistency is basic for royal conduct."

"Xiaoda," Ma Xiaowei scolded, "Zhuo Qian's criticism is valid. You can't act like a child forever - he won't always be there to shield you!"

"Got it, sister," Ma Xiaoda laughed, "though finding Qianqian is still urgent... and my relationship with Zhuo Qian's wives remains uncertain."

Linglong and Yun Yao were helping below so she dared speak freely. "No rush yet - we haven't found Qianqian, plus my own situation with Zhuo Qian's other wives is unresolved."

Ma Xiaoda flattered his sister, noting her enhanced femininity since intimate encounters with Ma Xirui. He even mentioned the "gifts" he'd given her that made her blush crimson.

"You're a child," she rebuked, hitting him as she fled from embarrassment. Though annoyed by his teasing, she secretly acknowledged physical changes after those encounters - perhaps becoming more womanly indeed.

"A Mao reports enemy scouts with over 300 riders are circling Feilong City gathering intelligence," A Mao announced later.

"Try gunfire to deter them," I ordered, "we won't let them treat this as a free zone."

A Mao warned of potential enemy maneuvers: "They might bypass our city and strike northward."

"Nonsense!" I countered. "Without secure supply lines how can they sustain themselves?"

"You forget their mobility," A Mao cautioned. "With water and grass forage, they can survive anywhere - cities would only hinder them."

"Valid point," I conceded.

Strategizing continued as Stone Mountain, Ma Da, and Ma Chong joined us with A Si, discussing their journeys alongside Sun Chang and Kong Wu. Over tea on the city walls, Ma Chong shared outlaw knowledge though his limited past experience constrained details - now he served as a more reliable interpreter than the little man.

Regarding armored cavalry, Ma Chong explained: "The Iron Horse Division once had around 3,000 imported from the Gold Kingdom at great expense. If all 3,000 marauders here wear armor, either they're direct units or new supplies mean hidden Golden support - impossible for even unified Wuma to fund so quickly."

Zhuzhou's rebellion also hinted at Gold Kingdom backing through their weapon manufacturing capabilities. Now Wuma's invasion connected similarly suggesting those "blacks" were particularly devious.

A Mao updated us: "Black Dragon County has over 300 armored cavalry with many more in Huanglong, Bai Long counties and Feie City to the south. We must find ways to penetrate that armor or even regular weapons will fail."

These twin-world horses - massive with only exposed udders on females - carried riders at speed despite heavy armor. Though difficult in mountainous regions, plains would allow them tank-like mobility making attacks challenging.

Kong Wu suggested targeting vulnerabilities: "We've fought these before. The horse's hindquarters lack protection and knees need flexibility so armor stops above the joints. We can slash under the bellies for kicks - but it's dangerous."

I interrupted with an idea: "Sickles won't work well enough. Why not build curved spears? Longer shafts let infantry attack mounted riders while the curved tip can sever hooves."

"Hooked spears?" The concept was new.

Sketching the design, I described a long spear with a crescent-shaped blade at the head. By extending reach for overhead attacks and using the hooked blade to target legs, these could effectively disable cavalry charges if blades were sharp enough.

After testing prototypes by tying models together, we confirmed effectiveness - even if a single pull couldn't cut hooves cleanly, sharp hooks could still inflict damage without close-range risks. Finalizing dimensions, we dispatched detailed blueprints to Luyang for urgent production by Tie Zhen's blacksmiths combined with existing pikes and trip wires.

Court reactions to our victory reports were enthusiastic despite early battlefield exposure of spaceship technology - but many palace guards had witnessed these during the Luyang siege so secrecy was moot. Zhang Guan's injury had already reached court, though careful control ensured no one suspected his injuries came from my punishment. The military even proposed honors for Zhang Guan to offset earlier losses while Ma Xiaoda refused moving him back to Shuangcheng fearing secret leaks.

After intense training, we finally formed specialized cavalry killer units with thirty-man squads: fifteen pike-wielders forming defensive circles against charges, ten hook spear specialists targeting legs, and five concealed riflemen ready for ambushes. To prevent looting-induced chaos like at Luyang, I strictly prohibited plundering to avoid repeating similar breakdowns when gaps appeared.

As preparations neared completion with enemy scouts increasingly active around Feilong City, our counterintelligence efforts faced challenges due to the marauders' speed. Conventional rifles lacked range so we developed primitive sniper rifles requiring two people each - thickened barrels and precision optics compensated for weak steel allowing only single shots but packing enough power with specially designed bullets (single iron projectiles replacing lead shot) to penetrate riders through great distances.

Thanks to my maintenance equipment shipments, this advancement accelerated unexpectedly. Without them, our weaponry development would have been much slower proving technology's foundation dependency - reinforced by data stored in our minds and high-tech ship components serving as crucial backup.

"Report! Your Highness, the Crown Prince, imperial envoys have arrived," a messenger announced one day.

Ma Xiaoda paused his chess game with his sister. "Who is it? What business?"

"It's Dan Shi, head of the Imperial Guards," the messenger replied. "He brings an edict to the city gates."

"Impossible!" Ma Xiaowei exclaimed - she remembered this man had once spied on her private moments and feared information had leaked despite current frontline tensions.

Ma Xiaoda was equally displeased. "Why him? Father's making a mistake favoring this man again!"

"Let's hear what it is first," I suggested as Ma Xiaowei blushed and tried to withdraw.

"This isn't possible!" Ma Xiaoda stopped her, "As Commander-in-Chief and military supervisor, we all must be present."

Soon guards cried out "Imperial Edict approaches!" We knelt at appropriate ranks while Dan Shi's sickly demeanor seemed rejuvenated. His gaudy armor clanked loudly as he cast a smug then resentful glance at me before lingering lecherously on Ma Xiaowei.

The decree itself was incomprehensible in Double City bureaucracy, but after Dan Shi's poetic recitation, the two siblings interpreted: court had grown impatient with our inaction and demanded immediate action to secure borders.

Ignoring Dan Shi entirely as he was merely a palace guard commander, Ma Xiaoda stored the edict before declaring, "If Father is anxious and we're ready, perhaps it's time for another decisive battle."

We began planning when Dan Shi approached Ma Xiaowei. Though she respected his position as envoy, her face burned from memories of his voyeurism that night - especially recalling him witnessing her intimate moment with a mysterious man.

"Princess," Dan Shi greeted smoothly, "you've grown slimmer and more alluring." Indeed, though thinner, her enhanced curves made the lecherous man's eyes glaze over. He found twisted stimulation from both anger at her promiscuity and forbidden attraction - not yet his wife but close enough for exploitation.

Ma Xiaowei's discomfort was evident when she replied coldly: "Sir Dan, I'm now military supervisor, not the palace's fifteenth princess."

Moving closer as others weren't paying attention, Dan Shi whispered: "Your Majesty has already approved my father's marriage proposal. Once Nanzhao is pacified we'll wed - but there are other matters you might want to keep private. Before reinforcements arrived that night... shall I speak about certain events?"

This veiled threat made Ma Xiaowei's blood boil though she maintained composure: "What do you mean? Father's approval doesn't make me your wife."

Dan Shi dared not force her but aimed for future leverage, promising to expose the mysterious man eventually.

"Who are you talking about?" Ma Xiaoda cut in. Seeing his sister distressed, I also stepped closer for comfort.

Too afraid of offending a crown prince, Dan Shi stammered: "Nothing - just chatting with Princess."

"Leave," Ma Xiaoda dismissed him, adding, "I'll draft a reply to Father through you."

After he departed, Ma Xiaowei angrily sat down. When asked by her brother what happened, she grabbed my arm and pulled me into the back chamber.

"You!" she accused dramatically while I tried to reassure her with hand-holding.

"Did that creep harass you when your brother wasn't looking? If he wants death just tell me - I'll send him to join Zhang Guan."

"It's not that," she pouted, "it's all your fault for letting Dan Shi see me like that! Now he threatens to expose my secret lover. You need to find a way to make Father cancel our betrothal before my sister-in-law finishes with you!"

(Space here represents paragraph break as instructed)

It all made sense now. Even Daoshi wouldn't dare make a move in front of me and Xiaoda. I said, "Don't worry, he won't have peace until Jingbian is settled. Besides, there's absolutely no way he can hold that incident as leverage against us. If you don't believe it, we'll just wait and see."

Ma Xiaowei wasn't clueless - Daoshi couldn't even begin to convince anyone of his accusations anyway. It was her own guilt that made her hesitant in manner.

"Alright," she said with resignation, "I'll try my best, but having our private matters exposed is really embarrassing."

I laughed, "Consider it practice building up your calloused skin. After all, there will be even more embarrassing situations waiting for us down the road."

Leaning against my chest, Ma Xiaowei cooed in sweet voice, "Could anything possibly be more humiliating than what I've already sacrificed for you? My body has no secrets left to hide - and don't forget about that time I let Xiao Rui... How could anything ever top these experiences?"

I strode out of the room laughing. The noble princess Ma Xiaowei was now thoroughly under my control, and if I wanted it she might even strip naked and dance in front of me. This precious treasure deserved to be cherished. As for Daoshi - a subtle hint would suffice. Didn't this little brat realize the ambiguous relationship between us? If he dared cause more trouble...

Gathering all commanders to discuss military deployment, we decided that Feilong must be our first secure base. The previous administrative staff had been slaughtered by bandits, so for now Sun Chang was temporarily handling official business at the county office. We couldn't mobilize all 40,000 soldiers for the attack on Heihe County either - initially determining to deploy the Artillery Corps, Siege Corps and Cavalry Corps fully while sending two divisions of infantry under General As four.

The best strategy against bandits was luring out their cavalry for open-field battle. We had thoroughly debated this approach - forming 30-man squares would certainly reduce casualties compared to direct city assaults. Although we now possessed large-caliber steel cannons, Heihe County's thick walls might withstand an entire day of bombardment without yielding. Moreover, trebuchets risked high collateral damage given the civilian population inside the city. Therefore this battle should focus on open-field combat, as our training against bandit cavalry should be adequate.

Xiaoda and I were decisive people - once plans were set we departed at dawn the next day. Originally Ma Xiaowei wanted to stay behind in Feilong but she insisted on accompanying me for two reasons: first her desire to remain by my side, second because Daoshi hadn't hurriedly left yet claiming he wanted to observe military operations longer. This angered Ma Xiaowei who vented at me several times before finally deciding to accompany the army to avoid Daoshi's harassment.

But what shocked Ma Xiaowei was that Daoshi followed like a shadow, actually requesting permission from our expeditionary forces and surprisingly obtaining it with Xiaoda's inexplicable approval. Ma Xiawei came to me in tears:

"Zhang Qian, Daoshi keeps harassing me! You need to find a solution!"

I was also troubled and asked Xiaoda why he agreed so easily - the man just smirked without answering. Comforting Ma Xiaowei I said, "Don't worry, I've already instructed Yun Yao to accompany you for protection. He won't dare make any moves. When appropriate I'll personally deal with him."

Since Feilong was only fifty li from Heihe County, our departure immediately alerted the bandits. By afternoon we encountered their surprise cavalry attack - about 1,500 riders who began charging as soon as they were within a few miles.

The command flag changed positions rapidly while two divisions of infantry quickly formed defensive squares around supply wagons. After two cups of tea time, enemy cavalry finally arrived at our position. Without pausing for hesitation they charged directly into our spear defenses with reckless abandon.

Dust rose thick in the air as battle cries echoed across the field. The bandit riders indeed gained initial advantage through their momentum but paid a heavy price - dozens of horses were pierced by our sharpened log staves. These staves were longer and more robust than ordinary javelins, with one end planted firmly on the ground and the other angled upward to pierce horse bellies. Some heavily armored steeds crashed through so forcefully they even pierced their own protective gear.

The first wave of cavalry was completely halted but soon followed by second and third waves that couldn't set up new stave defenses in time. Thirty-man battle formations collapsed as riders breached our lines, reaching the center of our forces within moments.

A ruthless warrior howled orders for more horses to charge directly toward the command banner. Just as they reached striking distance however, five rows of soldiers suddenly emerged from cover - each with over fifty men. The rhythmic popping sounds were unmistakable as gunpowder exploded in synchronized bursts, though still drowned by hoofbeats. The leading warrior's head suddenly erupted in blood before his horse stumbled and crashed to the ground. Behind him dozens more horses collapsed under gunfire while riders were trampled beneath hooves.

This was only beginning - once first row soldiers reloaded their muskets they dropped down allowing second row shooters to fire without interruption. By fourth round we formed continuous volleys of fire with no gaps between salvos, creating relentless hailstorms of lead balls. Meanwhile another unit wielding mysterious luminous weapons appeared - about twenty men who could pierce either bandit or horse armor with each beam.

The momentum completely shifted at this point as cavalry transformed from aggressive attackers to defensive targets. According to original bandit plans they would breach our lines, slaughter command staff then retreat and scatter our infantry formations. But they hadn't anticipated the difficulty exiting after breaching - now disoriented horses lost their forward inertia and couldn't charge past sharpened staves. Hooked sickles suddenly swung across horse legs from behind, each strike cleanly removing hooves before victims were instantly dispatched.

Thankfully strict orders prohibited looting so no one attempted to seize valuable items from fallen bandits. Using fast cavalry to split infantry formations had always been their strategy but today they miscalculated badly - the initial single-file charge did breach defenses yet now they couldn't maneuver freely within the encirclement, instead being trapped by our coordinated use of staves and sickles while musket fire rained down unceasingly. No one wanted prisoners these days; soldiers had long endured this bandit oppression and finally found their release.

The initial 1,500-man cavalry charge was like a giant boulder thrown into still water - but soon waves dissipated without leaving traces. As fighting progressed warriors grew more skilled with formations until eventually only about 300 survivors remained who might have lived had we not needed to capture their horses for spoils.

Though our losses exceeded one hundred dead and nearly one thousand wounded, this was a decisive victory resulting in over one thousand bandit deaths including mounts while capturing three hundred prisoners. Even considering the one-to-one ratio it was a celebration-worthy outcome - particularly since our forces weren't even properly camped so couldn't raise defensive palisades to prevent cavalry from reaching command banners.

Ma Chong led his thousand-man cavalry detachment for their first small-scale engagement, carefully avoiding damage to friendly infantry lines but still gaining invaluable experience. He personally beheaded the last bandit attempting to reach the command banner before galloping over to Prince Xiaoda:

"Your Highness! I arrived too late and caused you concern!"

Xiaoda sneered darkly, "Yes indeed - those bandits were practically at my boots. Did anyone suffer casualties?"

Ma Chong assumed he'd been reprimanded for delayed arrival:

"My Lord's punishment is deserved! Please strike me down if necessary!"

Xiaoda then turned to Ma Liu and Baisi behind him:

"Liu! Baisi! This battlefield was extremely chaotic, quickly check the command staff for any injuries or missing personnel. After all this small victory we must show former General Zhang what I told him before - he might think our bet about battle prowess was nonsense. Frontline discipline cannot be treated lightly, and I'll need a written confession from him."

Ma Liu returned after inspecting with loud exclamations:

"Oh no Your Highness! General Zhang ran around wildly and got completely trampled by bandit horses!"

Prince Daoshi who stood nearby paled at this revelation - earlier he'd personally seen General Zhang in good condition. He couldn't comprehend how such a dashing general could become nothing but bloody pulp, nor understand why the prince carried such an obvious liability. But according to Xiaoda's statements it seemed there had been some kind of bet between them where now Prince Daoshi appeared victorious.

But the corpse that arrived wasn't even intact anymore - just unrecognizable meat with shattered limbs and a bloodied mouth that could only twitch uselessly. No one could imagine why Zhang would run around like this after becoming such a mess?

Suddenly Xiaoda wailed in exaggerated grief:

"My dear General Zhang! What terrible luck you had! While no one else was trampled by bandits, how did you get such bad fortune? How will I explain your death to your father...?"

Ma Liu joined the act with loud mourning as if his own brother had died instead of universally hated Zhang. Baisi advised the prince:

"Your Highness must preserve royal dignity! General Zhang's father would certainly be grateful for your compassion."

Prince Daoshi also flattered, since after all the man was already dead - how he died didn't matter anymore. During that fierce battle even he nearly wet his pants from fear. Perhaps Zhang had fallen off a cart and been trampled? Thinking this over Prince Daoshi added:

"Your Highness! Everyone sees your care for subordinates. As your royal uncle I sincerely advise you to take better care of yourself! Given how desperate the situation was, even General Zhang's father would find it difficult to prevent his son's death."

Prince Daoshi was indeed Xiaoda's cousin so his flattery wasn't considered overstepping boundaries. Wiping tears Xiaoda responded:

"Since everyone witnessed this it's fine. Although General Zhang lost many battles he still deserves punishment according to military law. But since he is dead and I never wanted to pursue crimes of the deceased, upon returning to court I'll request my father spare all penalties normally due him."

All officials suddenly fell on their knees:

"Your Highness is wise! Your mercy is boundless!"

Prince Daoshi joined in:

"I will dedicate my life serving Your Highness! Help you become an enlightened monarch!"

Ma Xiaowei rolled her eyes and rode away with me. Only after we were out of sight did she laugh quietly:

"My brother's acting was so bad even a child could see through it."

I sighed, "But people actually believe this nonsense. Unexpectedly, Xiaoda devised such a clever method - better than my original plan to remove Zhang's teeth and tongue then claim he'd been taken by bandits. Now we just need to eliminate his personal guards and redeploy those two thousand imperial soldiers guarding the border so they never return to Shuangcheng."

Ma Xiaowei pouted, "Wouldn't the imperial soldiers dare spread rumors? Even if someone believed them no one would dare do anything to us!"

I smiled inwardly - Ma Xiaowei now completely trusted me. With my powers gradually returning, this confidence was justified. Turning to Linglong I said, "You guard the princess while I check battlefield cleanup progress. Also speed up our march in case enemy cavalry launches another attack. Set camp early for better defense."

Xiaoda had performed his role flawlessly in what he considered a perfect plan - it helped resolve his brother-in-law's problems yet the most important scene still awaited its climax with Prince Daoshi as target.

This unexpected battle quickly ended and we continued our march toward Heihe County. As Prince Daoshi enjoyed royal favor to observe military operations, he naturally flattered Xiaoda with every opportunity.

Regarding other key figures in the prince's entourage, Daoshi prioritized Bai Shi first since Ma Liu and Dali Wan held animosity towards him. Recognizing Bai Shi's greed for wealth, Daoshi secretly gifted several popular diamond accessories from Shuangcheng to make the old man smile broadly:

"Uncle Bai," he said with a flattering expression, "His Highness is so young yet already achieves great things! His influence in court grows stronger every day. When Your Highness ascends the throne you will be second only to him. Don't forget to look after poor little Daoshi at that time!"

Bai Shi stuffed the gifts into his robe then deliberately fell behind whispering, "Of course - I always weigh which side of the scale is more valuable. Since you belong to one of the Eight Royal Princes, even if old man wanted to ignore His Highness he couldn't be allowed."

Hearing this Daoshi felt flowers blooming in his heart:

"Thank you Uncle Bai! Thank Your Highness! I Daoshi will dedicate my life serving the empire!"

Coughing to avoid attention Bai Shi continued, "Daoshi Prince... we are not outsiders. Given your current status and royal favor you'll soon be rising rapidly through court ranks. At that time perhaps old man might need your assistance too. But remember - as goes, accompany a tiger is like accompanying death itself. We must always act cautiously to avoid displeasing the Emperor or His Highness. When they don't want something said we cannot say it; when they don't want something seen we cannot see it; and when they don't approve of someone we certainly can't associate with them. Do you understand?"

Realizing his gifts had earned favor, Daoshi bowed immediately:

"I understand! Thank Uncle Bai for the guidance. Please continue offering wisdom in critical moments."

Bai Shi whispered mysteriously, "Since we're not outsiders I naturally won't harm you. But remember many palace secrets - even if we know them we must pretend ignorance to avoid drawing misfortune upon ourselves. The Emperor and His Highness are all true dragon-born nobles with fates too powerful for ordinary people. Sometimes their own lives might become unstable... Well, it's a delicate matter I'm not sure you'd believe."

While Bai Shi spoke about palace politics, Daoshi misunderstood - thinking he was referring to his secret observation of the fifteenth princess and her lover. He believed the old man warned him to remain silent or face execution.

Suddenly doubts began plaguing Daoshi's mind - could that mysterious figure be someone with immense power? His body type wasn't like Minister Pang, but who else in court had more authority than him? It couldn't be the Emperor himself obviously. Then who was it?

"Uncle Bai," he stammered, "I... I..."

Bai Shi continued unaware of Daoshi's internal monologue:

"Heard about Zhang Guan and Xu Chen Princess yet?"

Daoshi didn't see how this related to his eavesdropping on the fifteenth princess:

"Zhang Guan and Xu Chen? Learned some details recently. Seems he secretly liked her but she rejected him. By the way Uncle Bai, palace rumors say Xu Chen was betrothed with Xiao Yu by imperial decree to Sire Zhao? Unofficial news only... But why did her quarters suddenly become deserted?"

Bai Shi replied, "The betrothal is real - although ordered by the Emperor to remain discreet and avoid public attention. Are you still trying to seduce that Cai girl?"

Daoshi solemnly said, "Of course not! Since my heart belongs to fifteenth princess all other women are merely dirt in my eyes."

Bai Shi scolded, "Don't change topics Daoshi Prince - I'm warning you these royal princesses have extremely strong destinies. You're already weak and sickly; even Zhang Guan who was a powerful general got trampled into pulp by their fate. How long do you think you'll last as just another fragile flower in an imperial garden? I won't say more, consider it my personal opinion."

Suddenly realizing his eavesdropping hadn't been discovered, Daoshi's mind raced with memories of other jilted husbands who had mysteriously died after pursuing princesses. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

"Uncle Bai! Don't go!" he cried desperately, "According to you this means even Emperor's daughters can't be married to ordinary men?"

Bai Shi replied, "Of course they must be married - but only to those with strong destinies. If not for our current relationship I wouldn't have warned you

The arrow let out a trembling hum. Dan Shi first blanked out, then fell to the ground with a thud—by such a narrow margin had his life just barely missed death! It was quickly revealed that during the chaotic melee, one of the small launchers hadn't been properly disarmed; the bumpy ride accidentally triggered its mechanism.

No culprit could be found for this incident. Dan Shi had to swallow his misfortune in silence. Bai Shi walked beside him quietly and muttered, "I told you so—ever since Princess showed even a hint of affection toward you, disaster followed. If you don't hurry up, I doubt you'll live long enough to return to Shuangcheng!"

To Dan Shi's eyes, what had just happened was merely the princess cooing sweetly at him before he nearly got himself killed. Had she kissed him instead, wouldn't he have bled out on the spot? His complexion turned ashen and cold sweat dripped down his neck. Recalling Bai Shi's words, he instinctively moved further away from Ma Xiaowei.

The army marched in silence without rest through the night until midnight when they reached their designated encampment. The Eastern Factory spies were already positioned at strategic points around the perimeter. After losing fifteen hundred horsemen to the ambushes, the marauders had become subdued. It seemed they couldn't devise any effective strategy against Shuangcheng's forces and opted to fortify themselves in the city awaiting another opportunity.

Troops worked through the night setting up camp defenses. When raiding cavalry attempted to sally forth from the walls, they were met with devastating volleys from ballista machines and crossbow launchers positioned near the gates. By dawn, all defensive preparations had been completed. Now even if the marauders launched an assault, it would prove no easy victory for them.