The Princess and Her Number 44

My husband had been away at war for three years. When he returned, he had a cold, beautiful woman by his side.

He said the woman had saved his life and he wanted to bring her into our household.

I waved my hand magnanimously: "No problem. Concubine No. 44, take your number plate."

My husband was stunned: "No. 44?"

I smiled: "Yes, that's right. These 43 sisters are all the concubines I've taken for you during these three years you've been away. Come now, dear sisters, take Little 44 away to rest."

Chapter 1

My husband Xiao Yan was originally a descendant of the Southern Dynasties' nobility. That year, the Great Zhou army breached the Southern Dynasties' capital, and the Southern gentry clans, led by the Xiao family, all surrendered. To appease them, my father emperor arranged for Xiao Yan to marry me.

After all, I am Li Wanwan, the most honored eldest princess of the Great Zhou.

Three years ago, Xiao Yan and I had just married, and before we could even settle into our new life, he was sent south to suppress rebellions.

I patiently waited for him for three years, only to have him give me this unpleasant surprise the moment he returned to the capital.

When the triumphant army returned, he rode a tall Western Regions white horse at the front of the troops, holding that woman in his arms.

They entered through Xuanwu Gate, walked down the central avenue, passed through the East and West markets, making a grand, imposing display that attracted countless onlookers.

People said that woman was as beautiful as a celestial being, and General Xiao was young and dashing—they truly made a perfect couple, destined for each other.

They said that woman was brave and resourceful, having saved General Xiao's life at a critical moment, and that such a life-saving debt should be repaid with devotion.

They also said that the Grand Princess was morally corrupt and jealous, unworthy of being the general's wife, and should voluntarily step down from her position.

When my maid Xiao Shuang told me these things, her lips trembled with rage. She said resentfully: "These blind fools! They never stop to think—if it weren't for the Grand Princess's favor, how would that Xiao fellow have his current glory! If it weren't for the Grand Princess, he'd still be a commoner—how could he have become a general?"

I patted her head: "It's fine, it's fine. Let's just treat it as watching a play. Don't you enjoy watching a good show without spending any money?"

Chapter 2

Sure enough, early the next morning, Xiao Yan and the new Little 44 put on quite a show for me.

At that moment, I was sitting in the center of the main hall, surrounded by 43 beautiful women of various shapes and sizes, drinking tea and chatting idly when I saw Xiao Yan accompanying Little 44 inside.

The woman was indeed beautiful. Having discarded yesterday's white dress, she wore embroidered silk and satin, adorned her hair with pearls and jade, and applied light makeup, making her as radiant as a blooming peony—breathtakingly beautiful.

In contrast, I was wearing casual clothes without jewelry or makeup, appearing rather plain by comparison.

Xiao 6, the most quick-witted among them, immediately went out to fetch a cup of tea and pressed it into Little 44's hands: "Here, Sister 44, hurry and serve tea to the mistress."

Little 44 held the tea, casting a pitiful glance at Xiao Yan, her eyes reddening.

What was this supposed to mean? Had I bullied her? I hadn't even said a word yet.

Always considerate, I immediately said: "If you don't want to serve tea, then forget it. General, take her out and set her up in a residence outside—keep her as an outside mistress."

Little 44 looked at Xiao Yan, tears welling in her eyes: "General, you promised me we would be together for life..."

Xiao Yan looked at her with affection: "Yanran, the oath I made will be honored. I will not fail you."

I nearly got goosebumps. Xiao 8 beside me couldn't restrain herself: "General, your rightful wife is present, yet you publicly declare eternal love to another woman. Where are your manners!"

Xiao 9, with her sharper tongue, said slowly: "You don't understand, sister. The courtesans in the pleasure houses make eternal vows with their patrons every night, but when dawn breaks, they lift the covers and it no longer counts."

Xiao 12 added fuel to the fire: "Indeed, perhaps Sister 44 is unwilling to serve tea to the mistress because she can't bear to part with her other patrons."

Xiao 6 feigned innocence: "I really can't tell—Sister 44 appears so refined and dignified on the surface, yet she comes from such a filthy place."

Xiao 9 continued: "As you don't know, I've heard that while in the south, Sister 44 flaunted herself daily, walking through military camps—she was even more shameless than a brothel woman!"

Seeing the girls' remarks becoming more outrageous, Little 44's face flushed red then pale. Xiao Yan roared in anger: "Insolent! All of you, shut your mouths!"

I gently raised my hand, and the girls immediately fell silent.

I said: "What do you really want, General? Give us your terms! If Sister 44 wishes to enter the household, she must serve me this tea. If she's unwilling to serve tea and stay by your side, whether as an outside mistress or a serving maid, I have no objections."

Xiao Yan glared at me coldly, while I maintained perfect noble lady decorum: smiling serenely, unmoved.

Finally defeated, he turned to Little 44: "Yanran, for my sake, just endure this for now."

Little 44 bit her lip and nodded reluctantly.

She held the teacup, took small steps to approach me, and knelt unwillingly: "Sister, please have some tea."

I took the teacup, smiled slightly, and poured it on the ground.

Little 44's expression changed as she cried out pitifully: "Sister..."

Xiao Yan couldn't take it anymore: "Li Wanwan! Don't go too far!"

I maintained my perfect smile: "We talked for so long just now—the tea must be cold. You wouldn't want me to drink cold tea, would you, Husband? Xiao 18, pour another hot cup for Little 44."

Xiao 18 moved quickly and soon brought a full pot of hot tea, pouring another cup for Little 44: "Here, Sister 44, this one's for you."

Little 44 looked at Xiao Yan again, crying so hard her makeup was about to run.

Xiao Yan guiltily turned his head away.

Little 44 had no choice but to take the tea, kneel on the ground, and offer it to me: "Sister, please drink the tea."

This time, I took the teacup and sipped lightly.

"Sister 44, from today on, you have officially entered the Xiao family," I said. "Here are your 43 elder sisters. Let me introduce you now: This is Xiao Shuang, this is Xiao 3, this is Xiao 4, this is Xiao 5, this is Xiao 6..."

By the time I had introduced up to Xiao 28 in one breath, Little 44 was about to faint from kneeling.

Xiao Yan couldn't take it anymore: "That's enough, that's enough. We'll introduce them another day. Yanran is in poor health—let her go rest first."

I smiled faintly: "Fine, Husband, whatever you say. Little 44, go rest now. Come pay your respects tomorrow morning, and I'll introduce them slowly."

Xiao Yan's expression was terrible. He picked up Little 44 and left without a word.

Watching them depart, Xiao Shuang beside me said fiercely: "Improper!"

"It's fine." I smiled faintly. "He's just throwing a tantrum. Does he really think he can escape from my grasp?"

Chapter 3

I really didn't expect Little 44 to have such a temper.

Early the next morning, a maid came to report that Sister 44 had caught a chill yesterday and was bedridden, unable to come pay her respects.

"Very well, then come tomorrow," I said, then smiled and continued drinking and making merry with my 43 beautiful sisters.

On the third day, Little 44 was still ill.

On the fourth day, Little 44 was still ill.

Though ill, it didn't stop Xiao Yan from spending nights in her room.

I felt this couldn't continue. The new sister was always sick—didn't this imply I wasn't showing enough concern, that I was incompetent as the mistress of the household!

I instructed Xiao 5 and Xiao 7 to take several nimble-fingered sisters to check on Little 44.

When someone's sick, they need treatment, don't they?

After an hour, Xiao 5 and Xiao 7 returned. Xiao 5, being quick-tongued, told me about their visit to see Little 44:

When they arrived, Little 44 was lying in bed wearing only a thin undergarment, her ink-black hair flowing loose, making her appear even more pitifully moving.

Xiao 7 knew medicine and without saying a word, took Little 44's pulse. According to her: "That little hussy has nothing wrong with her—she's faking it."

Nevertheless, Xiao 7 frowned and put on a worried expression: "Sister's illness seems to be a chronic condition of many years. It runs so deep it's truly difficult to cure. But don't worry, Sister will prescribe you medicine. Take it three times daily, and over time, you will recover."

She immediately prescribed a Coptis Decoction for nourishment, had the little maids go fetch the herbs, prepared it fresh, and made a large bowl of thick, murky-looking soup with dregs, ready to pour down Little 44's throat.

Little 44 tried weakly to refuse, but how could she resist? Several sisters immediately held her hands, legs, and head, while another pried open her mouth, and they force-fed it to her until she wished she were dead.

Before leaving, Xiao 5 also left her with these words: "Rest well, Sister. We'll come back to feed you medicine at noon."

Listening to their simultaneous descriptions, I laughed until my branches shook.

Xiao 7 also told me that the Coptis Decoction had no real medicinal effect—its only characteristic was bitterness.

The medicine cured the illness. The next morning, Little 44 indeed came obediently to pay her respects.

Handmaidens helped the delicate beauty rise, like one newly favored. Little 44 wore a plain white brocade dress, her hair simply styled with a pearl hairpin at her temple, from which hung pearl strands that swayed with her steps—truly graceful and pitiable to behold.

She paid her respects to me weakly: "Sister, I was unwell these past days and couldn't come pay my respects. Please forgive me."

I smiled: "It's fine. You mustn't force yourself. If you're not fully recovered, go back and drink a few more doses of medicine."

She looked alarmed: "I'm well! I'm truly well now!"

"Well, that's good then." I said, "You still haven't met all your sisters from last time. Let me introduce them again. Oh, right, where did we leave off last time?"

No one answered. I said: "Never mind, let's start from the beginning. This is Xiao Shuang, this is Xiao 3, this is Xiao 4, this is Xiao 5..."

I spent an hour introducing them from number 2 to number 43, until my throat was dry and my stomach was rumbling. Fortunately, I had told the sisters to eat well before coming today, otherwise, several would have gone hungry.

As for Little 44, whether she was hungry wasn't my concern.

When the introductions were complete, I said: "That's all for today. Little 44, remember to come pay your respects tomorrow."

Little 44 was apparently still not hungry enough. She said with a wronged expression: "Sister, I'm not called 44. My name is Rong Yanran."

I waved my hand: "You can call yourself whatever you like. I won't remember it anyway."

Chapter 4

I knew that Little 44 went crying to Xiao Yan as soon as she returned.

Because that very afternoon, Xiao Yan came storming to me, demanding to dismiss this house full of beauties.

"How could that be?" I said, "These sisters are all from good families, everything was done properly. I've drunk their tea—how could I dismiss them just like that? If word gets out, people will think I'm morally corrupt and jealous!"

Xiao Yan glared at me fiercely: "This is my own home—can't I be the master here!"

I smiled faintly: "Husband, men's business is in the imperial court, but here in the inner quarters, this is women's domain. It was never your place to make decisions here to begin with."

"I...I'll divorce you!" he said viciously.

I remained unmoved: "Husband is welcome to try."

Xiao Yan was furious. He snorted and turned to leave.

I don't know how Xiao Yan portrayed me to others, but early the next morning, an imperial edict arrived from the palace, summoning me for an audience with His Majesty.

I entered the palace and saw my imperial brother. A few months without seeing him, he seemed to have lost weight, with a few more white hairs at his temples.

My brother held my hand, unwilling to let go for a long time. He said: "Wanwan, you've been wronged."

When I married Xiao Yan, it was personally arranged by Father Emperor to appease the hearts of the surrendered Southern Dynasties gentry. However, human greed is insatiable, and Father Emperor's magnanimity only fueled the ambitions of those Southern Dynasties clans. In just three years, southern rebellions broke out frequently, with many Southern Dynasties remnants secretly waving the banner of the old Murong clan, recruiting soldiers and attempting restoration. Uprisings spread like wildfire—extinguished in one place, only to flare up in another.

My marriage became a joke.

I, Li Wanwan, who had once led tens of thousands of elite soldiers, arranged battle formations, and fought on the battlefield when I followed Father Emperor in his uprising, was now trapped in the inner quarters, daily disturbed by trivial household matters and women's affairs. How could I not feel wronged, how could I not hate!

But I also knew that the greater good of the nation must come first.

So I just shook my head and replied: "It's nothing, just small matters."

My brother said again: "Wanwan, that Xiao fellow is so outrageous, disregarding royal dignity. If you but say the word, I can immediately issue an edict for you two to separate."

"Not yet." I said, "The time hasn't come."

Chapter 5

Xiao Yan had been coming home less and less recently.

I knew he was in frequent contact with certain military figures. Those he associated with were mostly officers from southern commanderies who harbored sympathy for the Southern Dynasties. Sometimes, when he went to socialize with them, he would even bring Little 44 along.

He thought he was being very discreet, flawless in his execution, but in reality, everything was within my grasp.

Of course, I had my own arrangements as well.

The next morning, I deliberately mentioned in front of Little 44, who had come to pay her respects, that I had been feeling unsettled lately, sleeping poorly at night and having constant nightmares.

"Sister, you must be haunted by unclean spirits." Xiao 8 had always been straightforward. "Perhaps you should find a master to take a look."

Xiao 12 picked up the thread: "I heard there's an ancient temple on Qingliang Mountain outside the city that's especially efficacious. Sister, why not go there to worship before the Buddha and burn some incense."

"But Qingliang Mountain is remote, and the outskirts haven't been peaceful lately. What if we encounter bandits or robbers on the way?" Xiao 9 asked innocently.

"You're foolish—what bandits or robbers would be so blind as to touch the Grand Princess's carriage!" Xiao 12 scoffed.

"It's rare that the weather has been nice these few days. Why don't we all go together? We can treat it as a spring outing."

"Good idea, let's all go together! The more the merrier!"

I watched the girls discuss with great enthusiasm and said: "Very good, let's set it for the first day of next month. We'll all go to Qingliang Mountain Temple together."

I paused and deliberately looked at Little 44: "Little 44, what do you say?"

Little 44 hesitated for a moment, then also replied with a smile: "Yes, of course that's good."

I didn't miss the flash of malice and calculation in her eyes.

On the first day, I prepared the household's many sisters and carriages, ready to depart for Qingliang Mountain.

Before leaving, I specially sent a maid to call for Little 44, but the maid returned saying Little 44 was terribly ill and couldn't get out of bed.

Xiao 7 went to see her—she truly couldn't get out of bed, running a fever hot enough to cook eggs.

Xiao 16 said disdainfully: "No wonder she has a fever! I heard from the maids that she soaked in cold bathwater for several hours last night."

I sighed: "Forget it. Since she doesn't want to go, we won't force her."

So I set out with my 43 good sisters in grand procession.

From the capital to Qingliang Mountain, the route passed through a small path called Yuyu Slope.

Yuyu Slope had unique terrain—surrounded by mountains on one side and adjacent to water on the other, with narrow roads and no one around. It was a perfect place for an ambush.

It was here that dozens of burly men in tattered clothes with long knives at their waists rushed out to attack our carriages.

I sat in the carriage, calmly drinking my tea.

Xiao Shuang beside me stepped out and shouted: "Make way! This is the Grand Princess's carriage! Who dares to block our path!"

The leader of the men laughed lewdly: "We are heroes from East Mountain, living as outlaws here. Since you young ladies have encountered me, consider yourselves unlucky—hand over your lives!"

"Insolent!" Xiao Shuang roared.

The big man drew the large knife from his waist, plucked it with his fingernail, producing a sharp metallic tremor. The other men also drew their knives and surrounded us.

"Wait." I said.

Xiao Shuang lifted the carriage curtain for me. I unhurriedly set down my teacup and said: "I have a few questions for you heroes."

The man was startled, then replied: "Fine, ask away, I'll let you die an informed ghost!"

I said: "Since you claim to be from East Mountain, why do you speak with a river valley accent? And why do you carry a Southern Dynasties military knife at your waist? If I'm not mistaken, that knife's design is the Spring Embroidery Knife exclusive to the Southern Dynasties' forbidden army, isn't it?"

The man's expression changed dramatically. He suddenly straightened his spine, his manner becoming severe as the ruffian air disappeared from him. He spoke again, his accent changing to the softness of the Southern Dynasties: "The Grand Princess has sharp eyes. I am Shen Jianqiu, former commander of the Southern Dynasties' forbidden army."

"Commander Shen, my unworthy husband sent you to kill me, didn't he?"

"The Grand Princess understands—why ask further?" Shen Jianqiu said.

I smiled slightly: "You Southern Dynasties people truly refuse to see the coffin until you're in it. Must you learn from the old Chu state, fighting to the death, sacrificing yourselves for your country one by one, only to end up with mountains and rivers shattered and corpses everywhere before you're satisfied?"

Shen Jianqiu said: "Loyalty to sovereign and love for country is a subject's duty. If I die for the nation, I will die without regret."

"Good, then I won't persuade you further." I said, "I have asked my questions. Proceed."

Shen Jianqiu cupped his fists in salute, bowed slightly to me, and said: "Shen Jianqiu of Jinling, respectfully requests instruction from the Grand Princess!"

With that, his long knife trembled slightly, sparkling with cold light. With a kick of his feet, he rushed toward me with his knife. The blade's edge was fierce, drawing a silver arc through the air.

I sat in the carriage, unmoving.

The long knife rushed toward my face with great force, but stopped abruptly just an inch away, unable to advance further.

What blocked it was a long red-tasseled spear.

A red-clad young woman leaped out from behind the carriage, deflecting Shen Jianqiu's long knife, and shouted: "Someone like you isn't worthy of facing the Grand Princess."

"Xiao 14, play with him for a while." I said.

Xiao Shuang lowered the carriage curtain again. I sat inside, continuing to leisurely sip my tea.

I didn't concern myself with the battle outside, because there was never any doubt about the outcome. Xiao 14's original name was Cui Hongyu, the only daughter of the Shu spear master Cui Lian, trained by her father since childhood. When the Cui family was implicated in the Third Prince's rebellion case, the entire family was executed. I only managed to save her.

Like Xiao 14, there were many among my 43 sisters: daughters of military families whose fathers and brothers died serving the country, daughters of knights-errant caught in江湖 disputes, and descendants of loyal officials who were wronged...

I took them under my wing to protect them, treating them all equally.

Chapter 6

In the carriage, I leisurely drank my tea while Xiao Shuang fanned me beside me.

When the dust settled, I stepped out of the carriage to see the so-called "bandits" lying scattered on the ground, killed by several of the sisters. Shen Jianqiu had also been knocked down by Xiao 14, with the spear tip pressed to his throat.

"Spare his life." I said.

Xiao 14 nodded and placed her foot on Shen Jianqiu's body, withdrawing her spear.

When Shen Jianqiu saw me, he struggled to raise his head and said through gritted teeth: "You... you knew all along! You were prepared, waiting for me!"

"To deal with a motley crew like you, what preparation was needed?" I said coldly, leaning down to look directly into his eyes. "Commander Shen probably doesn't know that it wasn't my imperial brother who led three thousand elite cavalry on a thousand-li raid to attack the Western Chu capital, killing twenty thousand imperial guards, then slaughtering the Western Chu royal family and executing tens of thousands of civil and military officials by burial pits—it was I, Li Wanwan."

At that moment, I saw fear rise in Shen Jianqiu's eyes, spreading across his face like dark clouds.

I laughed. For the first time in a long time, I laughed freely without reservation.

I said: "I had originally intended to slaughter your Southern Dynasties as well, but unfortunately, just as I was halfway through, Father Emperor's heart softened. He said that as a girl, I had too much blood on my hands, which would bring disaster upon my descendants."

I looked up at the sky, as if seeing again the day Father Emperor took away my military power and arranged my marriage to Xiao Yan. I couldn't help but sigh.

"Father Emperor, oh Father Emperor, I never intended to marry and have children anyway—why would I fear disaster upon my descendants?"

I waved my hand, instructing several sisters to tie up Shen Jianqiu and throw him into the carriage.

Next, we continued with our original plan to go to the old temple on Qingliang Mountain, enjoying the spring scenery, burning incense and worshiping Buddha.

Qingliang Mountain had few people, with clear mountains and beautiful waters, making the scenery so captivating that one couldn't bear to leave. My sisters and I had such a wonderful time that we stayed for several extra days.

We had set out at the beginning of the month, and by the time we returned to the capital, it was almost the fifteenth.

Before the carriage reached the princess's residence, I could already see white silk hanging from the gates. When the carriage arrived at the entrance, I could hear the sound of crying from within the residence, and saw Xiao Yan and Little 44 both dressed in white, standing like a married couple at the entrance, exchanging greetings with guests.

"What's going on? Who died?"

I jumped down from the carriage, ignoring everyone's shocked expressions, and asked innocently.

Xiao Shuang also came down and tugged at my sleeve, feigning concern as she replied: "I'm afraid it's you, Your Highness."

Without me needing to say more, several sisters had already sprung into action: Xiao 14 went to arrange the carriages, Xiao 8 went to deliver a message to the palace, Xiao 6 explained to the guests, and Xiao 5 gathered the servants to remove the white silk decorations from various places.

Meanwhile, I stood in place, smiling as I examined my husband.

"Husband, what's wrong with you? Why do you look at me as if you've seen a ghost?"

Xiao Yan glared at me fiercely without saying a word.

Little 44 was somewhat clever and quickly explained: "Good sister, when my husband and I saw that you and several sisters had been away for so long and heard there were bandits near Qingliang Mountain, we thought you had met with misfortune, so we..." She pretended to wipe away tears. "We were just worried and overreacted."

I smiled faintly: "Bandits? What bandits?"

"Nothing. It's good that you're safe, sister." Little 44 said somewhat flusteredly, nudging Xiao Yan with her elbow, "Husband, isn't that right?"

Xiao Yan, rarely not glaring at me, forced a smile uglier than crying: "It's good that you're back safely. Go rest now."

I smiled brightly: "Thank you for your concern, Husband. By the way, Little 44, I brought some gifts for you."

I waved my hand, and Xiao 15 and Xiao 16 carried a large wooden chest over and dropped it at Little 44's feet.

I said: "These are Buddhist scriptures I specially requested for you. From now on, copy them once daily to pray for Buddha's blessings. Otherwise, the unclean spirits haunting me might go after you too."

Little 44 looked at this large chest of scriptures and was momentarily speechless: "I... this is too..."

"Enough, Little 44, hurry up and start copying. Xiao 8 will remember to check daily." I said.

"Don't worry, I absolutely won't forget." Xiao 8 replied.

To celebrate my "narrow escape," I made grand arrangements for a flower-viewing banquet, inviting the capital's noble ladies and young women to attend. I instructed Xiao 18 to send out many invitations, delivered to the homes of military officers as well as court ministers. Especially the families Xiao Yan was on good terms with—not one was missed.

I entrusted the banquet preparations to Xiao 4, and she didn't disappoint me, arranging everything in perfect order. The chef poached from Zui Xian Ju was exceptionally skilled, making the most exquisite and delicious pastries. The exotically song and dance troupe hired at great expense was full of charm, especially skilled in the Whirling Dance. Even the courtyard was decorated elegantly and luxuriously, displaying my noble status.

Of course, while supervising the banquet preparations, I didn't forget to inquire about Little 44's scripture copying progress. According to Xiao 8's report, Little 44 was initially somewhat reluctant, but ever since she heard I planned to send her to Qingliang Mountain and wouldn't let her return until she finished copying, she became much more diligent, copying from morning till night until she was nearly sick of it.

Soon, the day of the flower-viewing banquet arrived.

None of the guests dared to refuse my invitation, and all attended. Since they were all female guests, Xiao Yan obediently stayed away to avoid being an eyesore. Everything proceeded perfectly according to plan: I and the many noble ladies enjoyed the flowers, composed poetry, ate refreshments, watched song and dance performances, and gossiped...

Just as the banquet was drawing to a close and we were all feeling drowsy, a sudden cry of surprise rang out!

It was Xiao 27. I saw her running over crying and shouting: "Mistress! Something terrible has happened! Come quickly! It's Little 44! I just saw her secretly meeting a man behind the garden!"

I feigned shock: "What? Under my very nose, such licentious behavior is happening?"

"Mistress! Come with me quickly!" Xiao 27 said.

I immediately stood up and followed Xiao 27 toward the garden, while the noble ladies present, highly interested, followed behind us.

In the garden, Little 44 was surrounded by several sisters in the center, looking like raindrops on pear blossoms—pitifully beautiful. Her hair was disheveled, and her clothes somewhat messy.

"What's going on?" I asked, "Don't worry, speak slowly."

Xiao 9 immediately took the offensive: "Mistress! We caught Little 44 here secretly meeting an outsider, engaged in improper conduct!"

"I didn't! Don't slander me!" Little 44 protested. In front of so many ladies and young women, her face flushed red, as if about to bleed. "I really didn't! They're lying! They conspired to frame me! Please believe me!"

I sincerely believed her words, after all, this was all my design.

However, the noble ladies present probably wouldn't believe her.

Xiao 12 snorted: "For no reason, who would joke about such a thing! Besides, if this gets out, it's General Xiao's reputation that will be lost!"

I feigned hesitation: "Little 44 and the General share deep affection, and I'm unwilling to believe she would commit such licentious acts. Could there be some misunderstanding?"

"What misunderstanding could there be? Several of us saw her getting physical with that outsider." Xiao 17 said, "If you still don't believe it, Mistress, we can capture the man and question him."

As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao 14 shouted: "Mistress! We've captured the outsider!"

Two servants dragged a tall figure over and kicked him behind the knees, forcing him to kneel on the ground.

This person was none other than Shen Jianqiu.

Only now he had shaved his head and changed into monk's robes, his mouth also bound with cloth strips, unable to speak.

"Oh my! It's a monk!" I feigned surprise. "Little 44, do you recognize this man?"

Little 44's panicked expression showed that she did recognize him.

However, before she could speak, Xiao 9 spoke first: "I was wondering why Sister 44 has been copying Buddhist scriptures day after day—turns out she's taken up with a monk."

Xiao 14 timely produced a note: "Mistress, we found this note from Sister 44 on the monk, arranging to meet in the garden tonight."

Xiao 12 said: "With both witness and evidence, let's see how you argue your way out of this!"

Little 44 protested urgently: "I didn't... it must be fake... someone framed me..."

"What? Sister 44, look, isn't this your handwriting?" Xiao 12 asked.

Little 44 took the note and was immediately stunned. That line of small characters was neat and graceful—identical to her handwriting.

Of course it was identical—Xiao 28 had spent several days carefully studying her handwriting to imitate it.

Little 44 looked at Shen Jianqiu, then at me, and suddenly knelt down: "Mistress! I swear to heaven, I never wrote that note, nor do I know this man! If I'm lying half a sentence, may I die a terrible death! Mistress! I beg you! Everything I said is true! I..."

Before she could continue, she was grabbed by Xiao 14 and Xiao 8, one on each side, her mouth bound and dragged to the side.

I turned to look at the many noble ladies around me and said with a bitter smile: "Misfortune in the family—I've made you all laugh."

Everyone rushed to comfort me. Old General Chen's wife, who in life had most hated flirtatious and showy concubines, said directly: "Grand Princess, don't blame yourself. For such a lowly person, just throw her in the river to drown."

My gaze subtly swept over the female relatives of the court ministers and military officers who had been particularly close to Xiao Yan recently, and I said: "What do you suggest we do, Mrs. Zhao?"

Mrs. Zhao was startled, then said awkwardly: "This is the Grand Princess's family matter—it would be better to wait for General Xiao to decide."

"Why wait for the General? This kind of family scandal needs swift, decisive action!"

"Yes, yes, just beat her to death!"

I let them discuss among themselves while my gaze continued to wander among those few ladies. I knew that among them, there were those who recognized Little 44 and Shen Jianqiu, knew their true identities, yet none were willing to speak up for them.

Look, look—they were just a bunch of contemptible worms.

Chapter 7

I waited patiently, and soon enough, Xiao Yan hurried over.

"Husband..." I hurried forward to meet him, putting on a tearful expression. "Little 44 was secretly meeting an outsider—we have both the people and evidence. Please, Husband, decide what to do."

Xiao Yan's face turned black. He looked at the bound and gagged Little 44 and Shen Jianqiu on the ground, then at the indignant noble ladies around him, and after a long moment, couldn't squeeze out a single word.

Mrs. Chen said: "General Xiao, to protect the Xiao family's reputation, deal with these two quickly!"

Xiao Yan stammered: "Perhaps there's some misunderstanding here."

Mrs. Xu, the Grand Tutor's wife, had also suffered at the hands of concubines and couldn't help but speak sarcastically: "With both witness and evidence, what misunderstanding could there be? General Xiao, surely you're not reluctant to part with this little hussy, are you?"

Miss Wang, the school instructor's sister, said leisurely: "I wonder what special tricks this woman has that she could captivate both the General's soul and backbone. Otherwise, how could he endure such humiliation?"

"She looks so delicate and weak—truly unexpected that she would commit such licentious acts. I wonder how the General usually instructs her."

"Perhaps the General is unable to perform..."

These noble ladies most hated husbands who favored concubines over wives. Now seeing that Xiao Yan was unwilling to deal with a concubine who had secretly met an outsider, they all itched with resentment, like a flock of agitated hens, chattering and discussing incessantly.

Though I considered myself sharp-tongued, compared to these women, I felt inferior.

Their words were like knives and spears. Though they didn't directly curse Xiao Yan, their indirect, circuitous insults were even more ingenious and venomous, leaving Xiao Yan utterly humiliated and red-faced.

Every word and phrase was like placing Xiao Yan on a fire.

I spoke up at the right moment: "Husband, if you truly can't bear to deal with this adulterous pair, then send them to the Court of Judicial Review for the authorities to handle!"

Xiao Yan froze. He knew clearly that under no circumstances could these two be sent to the Court of Judicial Review. Just take Shen Jianqiu, a former minister of the Southern Dynasties—once he entered the Court of Judicial Review, how many people and how many matters would be implicated!

Xiao Yan looked at the tearful, gagged Little 44, then at the monk-dressed Shen Jianqiu with his ashen face, and gritted his teeth, as if having made a decision.

"Someone! Beat this monk to death with sticks. As for this little hussy, fifty slaps on the face, then lock her in the woodshed. I will deal with her personally tomorrow!"

Hearing this, Little 44 struggled desperately, whimpering continuously, while Shen Jianqiu proved to be a man, remaining motionless as two servants dragged him away.

Xiao 8 and Xiao 14 picked up Little 44, Xiao Shuang rolled up her sleeves, and started slapping away! After just a few slaps, Little 44's fair, handsome face turned bright red and swelled severely.

There were fifty slaps in total—she had plenty to endure!

Chapter 8

After giving a sufficient beating, the watching noble ladies finally had their fill and bid their farewells and departed.

When all the guests had left, Xiao 8 and Xiao 14, who had been holding Little 44, also released their grip. Little 44 collapsed limply to the ground, having fainted.

Xiao Yan held her, his face full of concern: "Yanran, don't worry, I will definitely not let you suffer this injustice in vain!"

He looked up, his expression vicious: "Li Wanwan! You've gone too far!"

I smiled: "Is that so? And what does Husband plan to do about it?"

He put down Little 44 and lunged at me.

However, before he could reach me, he was blocked by several sisters—Xiao 30, Xiao 31, and Xiao 32. These sisters were no simple matter—they were all daughters of poor families who had chopped wood, split firewood, drawn water, and carried loads since childhood, developing strong muscles. Especially Xiao 30—her father was a blacksmith, and she could single-handedly swing an eighty or ninety-pound hammer without breathing heavily.

Xiao Yan looked at the sisters' well-developed biceps, apparently realizing that brute force wouldn't gain him any advantage, and took half a step back.

"This time I will definitely divorce you, you vicious woman!" he said fiercely.

I watched him with a smile: "Husband wants to divorce me, but you need a reason. Which of the seven grounds have I violated?"

He glared at me again and said through gritted teeth: "Barrenness!"

"Barren, am I?" I smiled even more brightly. "Husband, do you know that the offspring of these sisters can also be counted under my name as the principal wife."

"So what?" he asked.

I patted my forehead: "Oh, I forgot to inform you. Xiao 45 is already with child. Congratulations, Husband, on the impending blessing of a son."

He was startled: "What did you say?"

I waved my hand, and a young woman came out, supporting her slightly protruding belly.

I said: "This is Xiao 45. She is now three months pregnant. If we count the days, it was conceived on the very day you returned from your expedition, Husband."

Xiao Yan exploded in rage: "Li Wanwan, you're dreaming! Don't even think about passing off this bastard as mine! I would rather die than acknowledge it!"

I sighed softly: "Don't worry, Husband. I will treat this child as my own, raise him well to adulthood, and bring glory to the Xiao family line. Even under the nine springs, you can rest in peace."

After speaking, I sighed again.

Xiao 30 and the other sisters, some holding daggers, some white silk, and others wine jugs, surrounded him with默契 understanding.

By this point, Xiao Yan finally understood.

I watched as Xiao Yan's expression changed from shock to anger, then from anger to naked hatred.

"Li Wanwan!" he shouted, "How dare you! You—you vicious woman! You will die a terrible death!"

I said: "Dagger, white silk, or poisoned wine—choose one you like, Husband."

He cursed violently. I ignored him and said: "Since Husband is unwilling to choose, I'll choose for you. Poisoned wine—it will at least leave a whole corpse."

As soon as I finished speaking, several sisters had already surrounded Xiao Yan, some holding his hands, some forcing his head back, lifting the poisoned wine to pour into his mouth.

Xiao Yan finally became afraid. He pleaded desperately: "Wanwan! Wanwan! I was wrong, I beg you..."

The poisoned wine flowed down his throat, cutting off his final words. I watched intently as the light in his eyes gradually faded. I truly never tired of watching such scenes.

Chapter 9

The next day, the entire princess residence once again hung white silk.

I spread the word that Xiao Yan had lost all face at the banquet, tossed and turned all night unable to sleep, grew increasingly agitated, and finally died from a sudden heart attack brought on by rage.

I also spread the word that the General's concubine was already pregnant, and that I, Li Wanwan, vowed never to remarry, choosing instead to raise this child to adulthood.

When this news spread, the world universally praised the Grand Princess for her chastity and virtue, calling her a rare virtuous wife and good companion in the world.

When Xiao Shuang told me these things, I laughed until tears came to my eyes.

After completing Xiao Yan's funeral, I finally went to see Little 44.

Since the garden incident with the outsider, she had been locked in the woodshed. Therefore, she knew nothing about what had happened afterward. She didn't even know Xiao Yan was already dead.

"Where is Xiao Yan? I want to see Xiao Yan!" she shouted as soon as she saw me. "Xiao Yan! Come save me! Xiao Yan!"

I said coldly: "Xiao Yan is already dead."

She didn't believe it: "You're lying! Xiao Yan will come for me soon! I'm telling you, let me go quickly, or Xiao Yan will surely make you pay!"

I sighed softly: "Murong Yanran, even now you think you can turn things around with Xiao Yan?"

Hearing me call her real name, she froze.

"You... you know everything?"

I smiled: "Murong Yanran, you are the youngest daughter of the last Southern Dynasties Emperor Murong Bowen, exceptionally intelligent since childhood, known as a talented woman, and called 'Southern Yan, Northern Wan' along with me. When the Southern Dynasties capital was breached, the Murong family was slaughtered, only you managed to survive. I guess that the reason you approached Xiao Yan was hoping he could raise an army to overthrow Great Zhou and restore your country, right?"

Murong Yanran remained silent.

I said: "But you won't open your eyes to see clearly—with that waste Xiao Yan, who can't even manage a few thousand troops properly, how could he possibly shake the foundations of my Great Zhou's empire! Relying on those few civil and military officials who sympathize with the Southern Dynasties? When you, this Southern Dynasties princess, were being humiliated, their female relatives weren't even willing to speak up for you. Do you expect them to risk their heads to help you rebel?

"Murong Yanran, oh Murong Yanran, if you truly wanted to restore your country, you should have abandoned everything to climb into my imperial brother's dragon bed—that would have given you some hope."

Murong Yanran stared at me blankly, a flash of regret and unwillingness in her eyes. She said: "Xiao Yan and I knew each other in the Southern Dynasties, childhood sweethearts. We truly love each other."

I snorted.

"For the sake of personal affection, you tied yourself to a waste, only capable of daydreaming about restoring your country?"

She suddenly burst into tears, wailing like a shrew: "Don't call Xiao Yan a waste! Xiao Yan is a good person! He treats me very well! He's just too kind, not like you, you vicious woman who understands only sinister schemes!"

"With someone like you, how dare you compare yourself to me, Li Wanwan?" I said contemptuously, turning to leave.

"Wait!" she shouted, "Li Wanwan! Come back! What do you plan to do with me? Just kill me!"

I stopped and looked down at her: "I have no need to kill you, Murong Yanran. If you want to die, you can do it yourself."

"Or," I smiled slightly, "you can live on like a pathetic maggot, lingering on in the palm of my hand."

Chapter 10

Murong Yanran ultimately did not have the courage to take her own life.

Instead, those civil and military officials who had been close to Xiao Yan, under my kind "persuasion," one by one took their own lives.

The court of my Great Zhou cannot tolerate such contemptible worms.

Xiao 45's child was born—a boy. I named him Xiao An. His biological father was a Great Zhou soldier who died serving his country. I hope Xiao An will inherit his father's will and continue to fight on the battlefields for my Great Zhou.

The Southern Dynasties rebellions also subsided. Rebellions need a spark—one was the Southern Dynasties gentry leader Xiao Yan, the other was the last royal family member Murong Yanran. Now that both of these sparks were in my grasp, even if some had ulterior motives, they couldn't stir up any significant trouble.

Meanwhile, my good sisters and I traveled across the vast lands of Great Zhou, enjoying mountains and waters, drinking and making merry, living freely and happily each day.

Oh, right, my sisters keep increasing—now we're already up to number 205.

(The End)