It seemed Ma Xiaoda intended to save the main event for me, likely having already sounded out the assembled ministers beforehand; otherwise, he wouldn't need me to bolster his authority, and his earlier honeyed words were clearly meant to intimidate them.

After proclaiming the words ‘Inner Eight Princes,’ Ma Xiaoda glanced at the assembly before continuing, “When my Imperial Father reigned, he bestowed immense favor upon the eight princely uncles. Yet, those led by the Red Prince and assisted by the Coward Prince conspired with the Myriad Horse Kingdom and the Jin Kingdom to plot against my Father and me. The excursion to the North City for hunting, which I deliberately allowed Commander Shi of the Imperial Guard to know about, resulted in me being hunted by tens of thousands of horse bandits. It was these same people who secretly opened the city gates for the Jin forces infiltrating through hidden tunnels. They are cut from the same cloth as the Rebel Pang—thoroughly traitorous dogs! I decree they shall suffer death by slow slicing!”

Niu Nai stepped forward. “Your Majesty, we do not object to severely punishing traitors, but I believe the Protector Prince’s household has served the court faithfully. We cannot condemn them all simply because the Red Prince and the Coward Prince have caused trouble.”

Ma Xiaoda scoffed. “Faithfully? He knew of the Red Prince’s machinations yet failed to report them to me or my Father. Is that faithfulness? I see only clear, treacherous intent!”

Luo Cheng interjected, “Your Majesty, the Protector Prince’s son served diligently and impeccably as the Military Supervisor at the front lines. We cannot dismiss them all out of hand. The court is in desperate need of capable personnel; we cannot so easily cast such talent aside.”

Luo Cheng and Niu Nai were now leading figures in the court. Their words were both deeply considered and surely discussed with the others, so the officials present did not object. They even enumerated some of the Protector Prince’s past merits. Although during Ma Da’s reign, princes were discouraged from political involvement, the good deeds these ministers cited were mostly minor acts of kindness, like helping elderly women across the road or dispensing gruel. Still, this suggested the Protector Prince enjoyed a decent reputation.

Ma Xiaoda shot me a look for help. The fellow hadn’t even given me a heads-up beforehand. Truthfully, ever since I treated the Protector Prince for his serpent-coil sores, my opinion of him had been decent, and later, having worked alongside Hu Tong for a time, I found him to be a genuinely upright man. Executing his entire family certainly went against my wishes.

I coughed lightly. “Your Majesty, perhaps this matter warrants further discussion? Heh heh, this is a grand affair; it cannot be decided in a single breath. Furthermore, precisely how the Inner Eight Princes conspired with foreign enemies must be thoroughly investigated. We owe the populace an explanation, lest the Emperor’s peerless, broad-minded majesty not be fully displayed. Your Majesty has just ascended the throne, and the state’s turmoil has only just subsided. We must tread cautiously with every step. Just as with the investigation into the Pang Faction, let us establish the case first, and only determine the verdict once all crimes are clarified.”

Ma Xiaoda’s face lit up. It wasn’t easy to earn my flattery. Settling the matter today was almost impossible anyway. His primary goal was to suppress the Left and Right Chancellors first. After all, having people immediately oppose him shortly after taking the throne showed a profound lack of respect. Indeed, judging by his governance these past few days, Ma Xiaoda was quite sympathetic to his father. Sometimes, being an emperor truly required balancing the various court officials; otherwise, if one faction acted unilaterally, the Emperor himself might find he couldn’t maintain control.

“Scholar Zhao, though you prefer not to involve yourself in governance, the investigation into the Pang and Wang factions is vital. I wish to entrust this task to you…”

I gasped. “Your Majesty, this humble subject is currently overwhelmed with work! This matter… could another person be assigned instead?”

Ma Xiaoda replied firmly, “Absolutely not! You are the person I trust the most. Besides the great debt the Dual Cities owe you, you are also my brother-in-law. Tell me, what exactly have you been so busy with that your eyes are so red and swollen?”

Damn. Ma Xiaoda’s words completely dismantled the excuse I had prepared for being late. The gazes of everyone in the hall instantly turned toward me. Even with my thick skin, my face flushed with heat. “Your Majesty, during the day I handle miscellaneous affairs, and at night I study. Truthfully, some things cannot be hidden from everyone. Many ministers must know about the Dwarves and the Fish-Folk. It’s just that everyone chooses not to speak of it. The Dwarves were an intelligent race predating us surface humans. After suffering a catastrophic blow to their race, they retreated deep underground and have had no contact with surface dwellers for a thousand years. The Fish-Folk predate even the Dwarves; they, too, went deep beneath the sea after being destroyed by external forces. Now, that dark power threatens to return to this world. I fear it won’t just be the Fish-Folk and Dwarves who suffer; we surface humans will hardly escape disaster. That is why I labor through the nights, seeking a way to save this planet.”

Before I finished speaking, murmurs of astonishment rippled through the hall, the noise briefly drowning out my voice. I knew they couldn't easily accept my assertion. So, I continued, “Your Majesty, since everyone is skeptical, why don't we have Ximen Yan and Little Fish-Girl come in? We must face this reality. Three human subspecies may need to interact in the future; better to establish communication now to avoid shock and panic later.”

Ma Xiaoda brightened. “Indeed, Sister Ximen Yan and I get along quite well. It’s a pity they are kept locked up every day. If they could become known to everyone sooner, it would be a good thing. I greatly look forward to the day Dual Cities becomes a center for cultural exchange, where humans, Fish-Folk, Dwarves, Black people, and White people can coexist peacefully, perhaps even intermarry. Only then will it truly reflect the prosperous era under my reign.”

I summoned Linglong and instructed her to fetch the guests. Since the women already resided in the palace, Ma Xiaoda’s utopian vision was nearly realized before he finished dreaming. The five hundred war chariots previously seen in the sky were not only a mystery to the common folk but also a source of intense curiosity and boundless imagination for these ministers. When they saw Ximen Yan, small as an infant, and Little Fish-Girl, half-human and half-fish, they were all momentarily speechless.

Little Fish-Girl and Ximen Yan were admirably composed. On the way, Linglong had already explained the situation to them. Thus, the two women, in their capacities as princesses, first offered their greetings to Ma Xiaoda, simultaneously declaring their nations’ willingness to cooperate and assist the Dual Cities, fostering trade and supporting Dual Cities’ technological development going forward. Although Ma Xiaoda was familiar with the two princesses, this was his first formal discussion with them, especially in front of the entire court. He felt immensely dignified and accomplished.

The attitude of the assembled ministers toward the young Emperor immediately began to shift. They had reluctantly accepted the young Crown Prince, having been unable to defy the old Emperor’s command to step down, yet they preferred the former. They assumed that due to his youth, the Crown Prince would possess no effective governing strategies, especially with the nation in such disarray—what could a mere child accomplish? But they had underestimated him. The fledgling was unafraid of the tiger. First, he rapidly promoted new faces to high positions, then he made the decisive move to reclaim the lands of the Outer Kings. Now, he had even allied with two mysterious races. Even the old Emperor couldn't manage such feats! Praise erupted from all sides.

My bringing forth Little Fish-Girl and Ximen Yan was primarily to divert attention, allowing me to speak privately with Ma Xiaoda later. If the Protector Prince hadn't committed any grave offenses—and since I had some acquaintance with his son, whom I’d fought alongside the Crown Prince to pacify the Southern Barbarians, and whose character I knew well—I hoped they could be spared. However, today’s morning court session could not be revisited, lest Ma Xiaoda become displeased again, thinking I refused to give him face or help. If he and his two sisters ganged up on me, I certainly couldn’t withstand it.

Ma Xiaoda, somewhat dazed by the chorus of praise, finally focused and addressed the two women. “Two elder sisters, you are good friends of Scholar Zhao, and naturally, you are also good friends of this Emperor. Now, setting aside personal feelings, I shall issue official letters to establish friendly relations with the Fish-Folk Kingdom and the Dwarf Kingdom. Our technology is practically non-existent; we will rely on your support.”

Little Fish-Girl replied, “That is not a problem. As long as Zhao does not object, whatever you need, our Fish-Folk Kingdom can provide.”

Ma Xiaoda listened to Ximen Yan’s translation. “Scholar Zhao certainly will not object; he is my brother-in-law.”

Ximen Yan spoke up. “Your Majesty, we were previously misled by Pang Hu and attempted to assassinate Zhao Qian. At that time, Pang Hu had also secretly provided us with over a decade’s worth of grain. However, this crime is indeed severe; we beg Your Majesty’s punishment.”

Ma Xiaoda thought to himself, Doesn't this princess know she’s putting me in a difficult position? How dare I punish her? Everyone knows she’s his wife now, and she even beat my two older sisters to him! If you hadn’t gone to assassinate my brother-in-law, perhaps those two wouldn’t have gotten together in the first place.

“This… punishment is certainly necessary. I propose letting you remain by Scholar Zhao’s side to serve him,” Ma Xiaoda said, barely suppressing a smile.

Ximen Yan, thinking Ma Xiaoda intended real punishment, blushed and nearly burst out laughing at the latter half of the sentence. Ma Xiaoda then sobered his expression. “Although Dual Cities faces difficulties now, I realize your Dwarf Kingdom’s grain supply is likely also strained. I will do my utmost to ensure your needs are met.”

Ximen Yan had intended to raise this very issue, and hearing Ma Xiaoda bring it up proactively left her so moved she didn't know how to reply. Finally, she decided, “Your Majesty, we will send an engineering team to help Dual Cities restore damaged structures. The gates of the two inner cities must be repaired quickly. Although the Jin Kingdom and the Myriad Horse Kingdom are unlikely to attack again, for security reasons, the repair work should commence early.”

Ma Xiaoda exclaimed, “That is excellent news! I was worried sick about this very matter. The immense stone materials required are beyond what Dual Cities can currently manage. Having your assistance makes it vastly simpler.”

Little Fish-Girl offered, “Ximen Yan will handle the stone collection, and we Fish-Folk will manage the transport—after all, this damage was partly our doing.”

I added, “Then I will take responsibility for the bricklaying. It was my order, after all. Fortunately, I’ve watched masons at work before; I shouldn't manage to build the wall down.”

At that, everyone, including Ma Xiaoda, burst into laughter. The previous arguments suddenly seemed inconsequential. I felt it necessary to return to the main topic, so I interrupted the laughter. “Your Majesty, esteemed sirs, you have now met the princesses of the two new races and seen that my claims are not false. These past few nights, I have stayed up studying the advanced technology of their two nations, hoping to find a way to counter that dark force. Now that His Majesty has decided to issue a formal decree establishing relations, we must unite henceforth. I hope we can assemble a force capable of resisting alien invasion in the shortest possible time.”

Making these ministers grasp the concept of aliens would be tricky, but fortunately, Ma Xiaoda was enthusiastic, nearly tossing aside his crown to argue with them. All pretense of seriousness had vanished.

The assembled ministers, already thoroughly shaken by the impending disaster, grew even more terrified upon learning of the external threat. Ma Xiaoda rallied them. “Do not be afraid, everyone! What good are aliens? As long as my brother-in-law is here, everyone will behave, or one finger from him will be enough to end their lives.”

The ministers believed this, having witnessed the event before the Hall of Civil and Military Achievements. No one cared about the Emperor’s somewhat coarse language. I couldn’t crush their newfound confidence, so I could only acquiesce. Seeing the way they looked at me, I truly seemed like a savior.

Ma Xiaoda sensed this was the perfect atmosphere to conclude the morning court session. He declared, “My loyal ministers, it is growing late. We shall end here for today. Any further matters can be discussed tomorrow. My brother-in-law once said that one cannot become fat in a single bite. Go back and contemplate today’s events. Tomorrow, I hope we can reach a consensus. Court is dismissed.”

There were already few in attendance, so they dispersed quickly. Luo Cheng and Niu Nai lingered at the back, repeatedly exchanging meaningful glances with me. I knew they needed to speak with me. As Ma Xiaoda made no move to stop me, I bowed, gathered Ximen Yan and Little Fish-Girl, and exited the hall. Behind me, Ma Xiaorui’s dissatisfied voice rang out, “Damn Xiaoda, why did brother-in-law leave?”

I instructed Linglong to escort Ximen Yan and Little Fish-Girl back first, then followed Luo Cheng as he turned into an area with artificial rock formations. Niu Nai was already waiting there. I asked, “My two Chancellors, what instructions do you have for me?”

Niu Nai chuckled. “Scholar Zhao, stop teasing us. Before, we were like frogs in a well, but now we know there are heavens beyond the heavens. However, those grand matters are beyond the purview of us mere mortals. Let’s stick to the immediate issue: the Protector Prince actually has no direct connection to us two, but our old bones know in our hearts that he is a good man. Even if he never sent gifts, we wish to preserve a talent for the state. We need you to mediate with the Emperor on this matter.”

I replied, “Even if you two elders hadn't mentioned it, I intended to do so, but let me review the East Depot’s files first. Truthfully, I don’t wish for them to be implicated. After all, I shared some camaraderie with the Young Prince; we pacified the Southern Barbarians together. I have a decent understanding of his character, and I believe neither father nor son would commit any major evil. I will certainly do what I can to help.”

The two Chancellors suddenly bowed deeply to me. “We thank Scholar Zhao. The court is currently depleted of talent; the number of actual officials is less than a tenth of what it was, and most are novices. Hu Tong is indeed young and promising, and the Protector Prince is a scholar well-versed in literature. We truly hope the young Emperor can make an exception and employ them. The state needs people now; we cannot cling to old models.”

I assured them, “My two Chancellors, rest assured, I will find an opportunity to discuss this with the Crown Prince—no, the Emperor—soon. But since you two Chancellors are willing to break convention, heh heh, then please do not be stubborn regarding land reform. Lin Gu is talented in management, but he currently lacks manpower. Managing millions of acres of arable land will likely be difficult; you must provide substantial assistance.”

Niu Nai responded, “Since Scholar Zhao has spoken, we will naturally comply. However, Scholar Zhao, do you believe this high-pressure seizure of land will truly align with popular sentiment? Many Outer Kings hold considerable local prestige. Forcibly turning them into royal parasites devoid of means—I fear they will not agree.”

I countered, “I don’t wish it either, but do you have any alternative plan to resolve this? The land issue in Dual Cities must be settled quickly. Hasn’t the enfeoffment of Outer Kings already ceased since the previous reign? Thus, most Outer Kings’ lands are hereditary. This unearned method should be abolished. If any Outer King is genuinely capable, I will recommend him to the young Emperor. If they are merely a parasitic cohort, then returning the land to the state is only right. As for the farmers, I will expedite the development of machinery applicable to agriculture so they can cultivate large tracts of wasteland. As long as they have land to farm, they will not voice opposition.”

The two Chancellors conceded, “If Scholar Zhao is behind the planning for this, then our two old bones need not worry anymore. After all, we don't understand high-tech matters. Scholar Zhao, please take good care of the Protector Prince’s situation. We take our leave.”

After seeing off the Left and Right Chancellors, I returned to the Hall of Eternal Clarity. Inside, I heard Ma Xiaoda say, “Stop blaming me, you two. Those two Chancellors clearly had business with Zhao Qian. If I hadn't stopped him from leaving, how would I know what the two Chancellors think of me?”

The young eunuch was about to announce my arrival, but I waved him off. He knew the nature of my relationship with Ma Xiaoda and remained silent. Stepping into the hall, I found the three siblings chasing each other wildly. Ma Xiaorui spotted me and stopped abruptly, looking embarrassed. “We were just jogging to exercise our bodies.”

Ma Xiaoda smiled, placed his crown back squarely on his head, and returned to his throne. “What did those two old men want with you? They kept winking at each other; did you think I didn’t notice?”

I asked, “It’s about the Protector Prince. Do you really plan to execute them all?”

Ma Xiaoda retorted, “Do these traitors expect my amnesty? Even killing them won’t quench the fire in my heart! My Father treated them well, yet they stabbed us in the back at a critical moment. If I don’t kill them, who should I kill?”

Ma Xiaorui grabbed Ma Xiaoda’s neck. “Listen to brother-in-law! You’re too young and lack any worldly experience, yet you’re planning to write a book!”

“Write a book?” I questioned.

Ma Xiaowei explained from the side, “Yes, His Imperial Younger Brother feels deeply affected after a few days as Emperor and understands the difficulty Father faced. He’s decided to write a book detailing these experiences for future descendants to reference.”

I laughed. “Have you decided on a title? Let me help you with one.”

Ma Xiaoda’s intention to write a book received affirmation from someone else for the first time, and he became excited. “Yes, yes! What should it be called?”

I pondered and said teasingly, “How about The Days?”

Ma Xiaoda murmured it a few times. “‘The Days’? It sounds a bit melancholic. It’s acceptable, but it doesn't exude imperial majesty or the dominance of a glorious age. Is there something better?”

Ma Xiaorui suddenly interjected, “How about The Month or The Year? Those sound much better than The Days!”

I nearly fainted. “Ma Xiaorui, have you seen our Earth’s comedy skits?”

Ma Xiaorui asked innocently, “No, what does that have to do with naming things?”

I chuckled. “Then I also plan to write a book.”

The sisters flocked to my side. “What book? You must let us read it first.”

I replied, “I’ve already decided on the title: Attending the Month Confinement!” I burst into laughter.

The three siblings stared for a moment before joining in the laughter, shocking the young eunuchs outside into smacking their lips—an Emperor this approachable was truly rare. Ma Xiaowei, being older, was the first to stop. “Alright, enough joking around. Tell us what you think about the Protector Prince’s case.”

I asked, “Have you reviewed his records? One has no right to speak without understanding the facts.”

Ma Xiaowei replied, “The East Depot sent them over; they are right there on that table beside you.”

There were no tables before the Emperor’s seat—this wasn't the main hall of a government office. However, beside Ma Xiaoda’s throne was an antique-looking table holding several scrolls. I casually picked up the stack of documents marked ‘Inner Eight Princes.’ The East Depot’s investigation was quite detailed; basically, the transgressions of all eight princes were recorded. I focused on the Protector Prince’s file. He hadn't committed any major crimes, only minor acts of greed that didn't warrant execution.

Ma Xiaoda saw me close the dossier. “Brother-in-law, are you suggesting we let the Protector Prince go? Won’t I lose face in front of everyone? Besides, who knows if he harbors hidden disloyalty? If he cooperates from within later, we’ll suffer a great loss.”

I stated, “According to the records, the Protector Prince is being implicated by the title ‘Inner Eight Princes.’ While he may occasionally make foolish decisions, it doesn't warrant a death sentence. Here is my guarantee: if anything happens, you hold me accountable.”

Ma Xiaoda sounded reluctant. “Then how should we handle it? I can’t just lose face publicly! I’ve just ascended the throne, brother-in-law, give me some respect.”

I considered for a moment. “Let’s do this: convict those who are clearly guilty. For the Protector Prince’s situation, detain him for a couple of days, then you find a pretext to release him, showing your imperial grace.”

Ma Xiaoda conceded, “Brother-in-law, I’m only doing this for your sake. If anyone else had pleaded for him, I would have kicked them out immediately. The heinous crimes of the Red Prince and the Coward Prince are enough for a hundred death sentences each; the rest, who blindly followed, cannot be spared. I actually got along reasonably well with the Protector for a time. I’ll listen to you and have him and his son detained for now. In a few days, when I announce a marriage or an engagement, I will issue a general amnesty and release them.”

I said, "Your saving face for me is useless; you need to save face for the two prime ministers. I don't need to teach you about winning hearts and minds, do I? I’ve already settled things with them: as long as you drop your insistence on protecting the King, they will help Lin Gu reclaim the lands of the Outer King. After all, Lin Gu hasn't established his own network or prestige; sometimes it's easier for the two prime ministers to handle things."

Ma Xiaoda laughed, "It’s truly my brother-in-law, always looking out for me. I truly regret that my other sisters married off too early. By the way, brother-in-law, have you thought of a way to deal with the aliens? When will they return, and should we be making preparations?"

I replied, "Preparations are useless; let nature take its course. Even if they don't come these few days, I think they will come in a few days. Those people won't accept defeat easily. Besides, they need the energy blue crystal from the Binary Stars. Oh, is the secret passage used by the Jin people for their invasion sealed yet?"

Ma Xiaoda said, "I was just about to ask for your help with that matter. With the power of our Twin Cities, it’s impossible to seal that enormous underground corridor. If only Ximen Yan and Xiao Yu'er were willing to help."

I said, "Don't seal it for now. If we really have to fight the aliens, we can let the common people take shelter inside. Whether they survive or not, at least they’ll have a hiding place. Furthermore, the Jin people dare not harbor any more rebellious thoughts; they know that any further disloyalty would only lead to their own demise. Let’s keep the secret passage; perhaps it can even be developed into a tourist attraction in the future."

Ma Xiaoda said, "You think so far ahead. I need to report today's events to Father Emperor. You three can enjoy yourselves slowly."

The two sisters pushed me onto that Emperor's throne, one on the left and one on the right. The young eunuch at the door took one look, got scared, quietly closed the door, and slipped away. No one else was permitted to touch the Emperor's seat, but he didn't dare offend any of these three, so he pretended not to see anything and bolted.

"What are you two planning to play?" I asked.

"Play with you!"

I laughed, "What's so fun about me? How about I treat you to lunch? Let's not cause a ruckus here; if someone sees, they’ll report us for great disrespect."

Ma Xiaorui said, "Who would dare! But going to your place for a meal is fine. Let's go, sister, we have nothing else to do anyway. Sitting for half the morning has made my backside quite sore; it’s a good time for some exercise."

I stared at Ma Xiaorui’s backside and chuckled, "There are many kinds of backside exercise, and I can help you with that."

Ma Xiaorui turned to Ma Xiaowei and said, "Sister, look at your husband flirting with me."

Ma Xiaowei retorted, "You haven't flirted with him any less. I think I even heard the Royal Brother say he wants to marry me off to you as a consort."

Ma Xiaorui became a little flustered and said, "Th-th-that has nothing to do with me! It was the Royal Brother's own idea. He's trying to curry favor by offering up his sister as a gift."

Ma Xiaowei said, "So you're unwilling? I'll tell the Royal Brother later to drop the idea early."

"No, no," Ma Xiaorui said anxiously, "Let me consider it. After all, you married far away into the Imperial Family alone; I worry someone might bully you, or you might feel lonely. We grew up together, ate together, and slept together; our bond is as close as one person. I can't refuse to help with this favor. If the Royal Brother really decides, I will follow behind you without hesitation. Hehe, sister, you won't kick me out, will you?"

Ma Xiaowei said, "If I spank your bottom too hard, I'm afraid someone wouldn't allow it."

Ma Xiaorui ran towards the exit, saying, "I won't disturb you two lovebirds. I'll go find Sister Yun Yao first. Remember, don't mess around here!"

"Who’s messing around!" Ma Xiaowei said angrily.

Only the two of them remained in the hall. I pulled Ma Xiaowei up, "Let’s go, come back with me. You aren't officially outside the palace now, so you don't need to ask anyone's permission."

Ma Xiaowei didn't move; instead, she asked me, "That afternoon, you almost took my sister, didn't you?"

I asked tentatively, "Are you angry? Hehe, I lost control then, but thankfully, I didn't do anything wrong in the end."

"You and Linglong... already, haven't you?" Ma Xiaowei suddenly asked calmly.

I nodded, "Did Xiaorui tell you?"

Ma Xiaowei said, "Yes. If Xiaorui hadn't come when she was having those female problems, you would have gotten a double catch that day, wouldn't you?"

I said, "You two really talk about everything. What else did she tell you about me?"

Ma Xiaowei said, "She also called you perverted for asking her to rub sunscreen oil on her. Hehe." As she spoke, Ma Xiaowei suddenly burst out laughing. "Linglong and Xiaorui are so young, and you could lay a hand on them! Could I not spark your interest?"

I replied, "Of course not. I wanted to leave you with a beautiful memory for your first time—preferably on the wedding night..."

Ma Xiaowei cut me off, "You just know how to sweet-talk people. Let's go; we can't dawdle here, or the others will get the wrong idea."

I whispered in Ma Xiaowei's ear, "Next time, we’ll go to the seaside together, and I’ll rub sunscreen on both of you."

Ma Xiaowei was incredibly shy. Fortunately, no one else was there. She clutched the hem of her clothes and mumbled, "I don't want anyone else around, just the three of us."

I was delighted, "Great! You move aside so Xiaorui can apply it. I guarantee the effect will be first-rate."

"Heavens, how did I, Ma Xiaowei, fall for a pervert like you."

The matter regarding protecting the King was settled. Ma Xiaoda hinted to the two prime ministers, intentionally or not, that I was the one who played the crucial role behind the scenes. Those two elders were incredibly grateful to me. Of course, they did help Lin Gu quite a bit, recommending many capable newcomers to him. Although the Outer King strongly disagreed with reclaiming the land, when Gu Qi stationed the hundred thousand outer troops in detachments of a thousand households across various regions, the Outer Kings had no choice but to obediently follow orders. The reclaimed land was quickly redistributed into the hands of the common people. Since the leasing terms were quite favorable, everyone was highly motivated, and it was believed that the next season’s harvest would fully satisfy the needs of the entire nation.

The reform of the currency system was also proceeding rapidly. Due to the war, a large amount of iron coins hoarded by the populace flowed out. Additionally, the Jin people had secretly introduced a massive quantity of iron coins into the Twin Cities' market recently to destabilize the financial order. Under these two circumstances, the value of iron coins plummeted. Although it hadn't dropped to the inherent value of the iron itself, it was close. At this juncture, the Ministry of Revenue promptly introduced the Diamond Token system, establishing the exchange ratio between iron coins based on the diamond's carat weight and quality. Since diamonds required polishing and their mining locations were highly concentrated, making them difficult for ordinary people to obtain themselves, this significantly improved both value preservation and security.

Many advanced mechanical tools were somewhat popularized in the Twin Cities. I built a batch of rice transplanters and threshers based on designs from Earth, greatly relieving the burden of heavy labor. The acreage one person could manage increased severalfold. Simultaneously, electric lighting was first inaugurated within the Twin Cities. Converting the blue energy crystals into electrical energy was simple: build a few high-power generators driven by the energy crystals. With electricity, nighttime hours could also be utilized, significantly extending working time.

Ma Xiaoda truly began laying telephone lines throughout the Twin Cities. To speak with any minister, he only needed to make a call. According to his vision, he planned to install closed-circuit television too, but there was nothing worth broadcasting here. They couldn't just show them adult films all day, so I vetoed that plan. Besides, with war imminent, who had the mind for such things?

After careful consideration, I made modifications to the war chariots of the Merman Kingdom. First, I reinforced the propulsion system. Since the Dwarves had abundant energy crystals, there was no need to worry about waste. This increased the chariot's speed without an anti-gravity system. Simultaneously, I improved the detonation mechanism of the energy cannon, confident that one shot would destroy the jar-shaped flying craft encountered previously, rather than being as ineffective as an ant trying to shake an elephant. As for laser weapons, since the Merman Kingdom hadn't heavily developed that field before, they had to be temporarily shelved.

One morning, Xiao Yu'er rushed to find me, "Zhao, the main drive shaft you requested has been fabricated."

I, who had been sitting at the computer studying data, jumped up, "Really? That’s wonderful! Let’s go repair the spaceship! We might be able to conduct atmospheric penetration tests tomorrow."

Xiao Yu'er stopped me, "Wait a moment. I just got a call from Fish Capital. The ship's main drive shaft just came off the production line and needs time to be transported over."

So that was it. I said, "Then we'll go personally. I’ll pilot the ship directly to your place to repair it, avoiding any accidents during transport."

Xiao Yu'er agreed, "That works too. The surgical tools Sister Qingqing needed have also been successfully manufactured. We can head back together. I need to perform surgery this afternoon; will you stay with me? I have to cut open the tail with a knife, and I’ll be scared."

Xiao Yu'er had helped me immensely, so of course, I couldn't refuse such a request. "Sure. Speaking of which, I'm considered a divine doctor; I can assist Qingqing then."

Xiao Yu'er happily exclaimed, "That’s wonderful! With you there, I won't worry so much. Let's go; we must return to Fish Capital immediately."

Linglong and Yun Yao did not accompany us; only Hua Qingqing, Xiao Yu'er, and I went. The spaceship I arrived in had excellent sealing performance and wasn't afraid of great depths. Before long, we arrived at the underwater Fish Capital. A good portion of the underwater structures had been restored, but considering another possible alien attack, most efforts were shifting toward development beneath the seabed rocks, which was somewhat similar to the Dwarf Kingdom.

Even with the drive shaft installed, atmospheric penetration tests couldn't happen today. So, I decided to help Hua Qingqing complete Xiao Yu'er's leg separation surgery first, and then repair the spaceship. Although I was anxious to search for wormholes in the outer reaches of the Binary Stars, having already waited so many days, this afternoon wouldn't make a difference.

Xiao Yu'er’s surgery had received the approval of the Merman Emperor, otherwise, if we turned her tail into legs and the old man later started complaining, it would look like we had meant harm. The sterile operating room was ready, and the shadowless lamp and all the instruments were laid out. Hua Qingqing didn't need other assistants; she only kept me in the operating room.

I said, "Qingqing, the doctors here in Fish Capital are also quite capable. Why don't we call a few in? They might be able to help at a critical moment."

Hua Qingqing smiled faintly, "No need. With you here, what do I have to be afraid of?"

"Ah, you don't think I'm a deity, do you? I don't know any internal energy techniques, so I can't help you circulate energy to boost your power. Let's invite them in; you know my medical skills are limited to treating Xiao Rou’s illnesses."

Hua Qingqing couldn't help but chuckle, "I dare not comment on your treatment methods. If we let them in, first, we can't communicate verbally, and second, they can’t stand up properly, so let’s forget it to avoid causing more trouble. Xiao Yu'er, are you ready? I’m going to administer the anesthetic now."

Xiao Yu'er, wearing a cyan-blue gown, lay on the operating table, tightly gripping my hand, and nodded, "I'm ready. Sister Qingqing, I heard Zhao is also a divine doctor, which is why I asked him to come along. You two must help me complete the surgery successfully! Zhao, don't leave; stay by my side, or I’ll be afraid."

Hua Qingqing assured her, "Don't worry, Xiao Yu'er. I’ve repeatedly verified this surgery of yours; the success rate is ninety-nine percent. Okay, slowly, count with me: 1, 2..."

After counting to fifteen, Xiao Yu'er closed her eyes. The anesthetic here was very effective and purely plant-based. The Hua Shi Pharmaceutical Group could establish a branch factory here in the future.

Hua Qingqing turned to me and said, "Take off her clothes."

"Ah," I was startled. "Can't we just expose her legs? I should have asked Yun Yao to help you instead."

Hua Qingqing said, "Didn't you see her lower body the other night? Besides, Xiao Yu'er specifically asked for you to assist. I think she has deeper intentions."

I tried to defend myself, "Don't overthink things. While she trusts me, we haven't done anything unfaithful. Seeing her lower body before was because they naturally don't wear clothes; that’s not my fault. We have a purely platonic friendship now."

Hua Qingqing retorted, "When have you ever maintained a pure friendship with the girls around you, including me? But what happened in the end? Once Xiao Yu'er's surgery is successful, her self-consciousness will disappear. She might pursue you even harder then, and I fear you won't be able to withstand her passion. Alright, hurry up and undress her."

Recalling the night we swam in Moon Lake and I stole a kiss from Xiao Yu'er, perhaps that relationship wasn't pure anymore. Would Xiao Yu'er like me? After all, there were differences between us, but she did return the kiss that day. Maybe we really did have a chance. Undress. My current role is a doctor; why have so many scruples? Besides, Xiao Yu'er asking me to stay must have taken that into account; if she isn't afraid, why should I be?

With that thought, I began undoing the buttons of Xiao Yu'er's cyan-blue gown, revealing a fair, tender fish tail no less stunning than Ximen Yan's. Undoing it this far was acceptable