Another woman

Seeing Zheng Wan's look of incomprehension, Gao Yuan patiently explained to her.

"Although we won a great victory in this war, the consumption was also enormous. Seventy to eighty percent of our stored grain and fodder was consumed, and soldier casualties exceeded thirty percent. The pensions alone will empty our treasury, and we might even have to take out a loan from the bank."

"Most importantly, once territory is taken, it must be garrisoned and developed, otherwise occupying it is meaningless. But we don't have that much population right now; you should know our strategy."

Zheng Wan nodded. She naturally remembered Gao Yuan's standard for occupying a place, which was the Sinicization rate.

Whether it was population migration or the Sinicization of the indigenous people, only when the local Common People truly identified themselves as Han in their hearts could a place be considered thoroughly occupied.

Lessons from history told Gao Yuan that if it were a simple conquest, it would be like the nomadic tribes of the north or the various states of the Western Regions, where the drama of surrendering and then rebelling would constantly repeat.

"Wan'er, we cannot leave hidden dangers for our future generations. Otherwise, if an incompetent child is born in the future, this foundation we worked so hard to build will eventually be ruined."

"If it's lost to other Han people, it's not so bad—it's just meat rotting in the same pot. But if it's lost to those brutal foreign tribes, have you thought about what would happen?"

Zheng Wan, born into a prestigious family and well-read in classics since childhood, had naturally seen the blood-stained pages of history books. She suddenly felt a chill, shuddered, and nodded while shrinking into her husband's embrace.

"Mhm, I understand. You still think much further ahead, Husband."

With the New Year approaching, Gao Yuan hurried along the way and finally returned to Guchang County and his warm home on the twentieth day of the twelfth month in the fourth year of era name.

Before he even had a chance to take a sip of tea, a massive pile of battle reports was stacked on Gao Yuan's desk.

Gao Yuan's head felt as big as a peck basket. Rubbing his temples, he looked at his wife beside him.

"Zhao Xiyaos informal address, have you read these battle reports? Why don't you tell me about them? I really don't have the energy to read them one by one."

Zhao Xiyao smiled faintly and took out a document, handing it over.

"Knowing you've worked hard, Yaoyao already transcribed the important content into a briefing. These reports were only brought here in case you were interested in specific battles."

Gao Yuan broke into a smile, leaned over, and gave both women a loud "smack" on their faces.

"With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for!"

Amidst the women's playful rebukes, Gao Yuan put away his playful grin and began to read the briefing. His brow furrowed deeper the more he read. After a long time, he put down the briefing and started rummaging through the pile of battle reports.

By the time he finished reading all the reports, it was already pitch black outside. Gao Yuan sat in his chair, rubbing his temples while muttering to himself in confusion.

"How could the combat effectiveness of the Southern Palace Imperial Guard be so poor!"

Two warm little hands reached over to help massage his head. From the calluses on those hands, he knew it was Mu Qing.

He grabbed one small hand and pulled the woman into his arms, first taking some liberties with her.

The woman struggled for a while before breaking free from the haze of passion, murmuring in a voice like a mosquito's buzz.

"Husband, it's time for dinner. The food has already been reheated twice."

Gao Yuan looked at the sky outside and suddenly realized. He laughed and picked the woman up in a horizontal carry, striding toward the dining room.

Since Gao Yuan hadn't arrived, none of the women had touched their chopsticks, just sitting there waiting. This made Gao Yuan apologize immediately upon entering.

"So sorry, so sorry! I really got lost in the battle reports and forgot the time. I've kept you all waiting; my apologies, my apologies."

Zhao Xiyao stood up and gave Gao Yuan a bow.

"Lover, you are worried about state affairs. It is merely a late meal; there is no need for this."

After speaking, the woman waved her hand, and the maidservants immediately filed in carrying various dishes. Soon, about ten plates were placed on the table.

While out on campaign, even if Gao Yuan was in the rear, he had to maintain an appearance of sharing joys and sorrows with the soldiers. It was impossible to eat very well; having a few more dried mushrooms or pieces of jerky in his soup noodles was considered preferential treatment.

Seeing the fine food at home, Gao Yuan's appetite was truly whetted. He devoured a large bowl of rice like a whirlwind and cleared away all the remaining scraps.

His famished manner made the women feel a pang of heartache, and they kept instructing the kitchen to add more dishes.

Having eaten and drunk his fill, he took a hot bath. It felt so comfortable that every pore on his body seemed to open up, and Gao Yuan felt all his fatigue swept away.

Returning to the main courtyard, he held his beautiful, soft woman for a passionate bout of lovemaking and then slept in. This world was truly wonderful.

By the time Gao Yuan woke up the next day, it was already the end of the Si hour. Today he had even missed his morning exercise; he rarely did so and forgave himself in his heart.

After washing up, there was still some time before lunch. Gao Yuan then opened the system space and looked at the three cards in the warehouse. With a thought...

"Host is using an A-rank Random Talent Summoning Card. Randomizing..."

"Congratulations to the Host for summoning A+ rank talent Princess Consort Huang Yueying..."

Gao Yuan jumped up from his lounge chair in shock and roared at the system.

"Holy crap! System, you're trying to screw me over again, stuffing another woman into my hands. How am I supposed to explain this to my wives..."

As soon as he finished speaking, a flash of golden light appeared, and a pretty figure manifested before his eyes. Looking closely, she had long golden hair and azure blue eyes—the image of a Western girl, looking a bit like Hermione at first glance.

Gao Yuan's first reaction was:

"No wonder she was called an ugly woman; with these looks, it's no surprise. I don't know if Old Man Huang had some ancestral genes resurface or if he got a foreign concubine from somewhere;"

"Wait, no, I heard this girl is a genius at inventions... Tsk tsk tsk, she really is a very suitable talent!"

The more Gao Yuan thought about it, the more excited and thrilled he became.

The girl was clearly a bit shy; seeing the excited Gao Yuan, she subconsciously took a small step back.

Gao Yuan noticed the girl's unease, and his expression softened.

"Yueying, don't be afraid. I have no ill will; I'm just a bit excited to see you. Come, come, sit down first."

For some reason, Princess Consort Huang Yueying felt a natural affinity for the handsome man before her. Her tension gradually eased, and she nodded slightly before walking to a stool and sitting down.

After chatting with Princess Consort Huang Yueying for a bit, Gao Yuan finally confirmed that she was absolutely a genius girl in science and engineering. It seemed that unofficial histories weren't entirely baseless.

In his heart, he silently apologized to the Prime Minister.

After some internal struggle, Gao Yuan decided to send the girl to Chu Xi's place. Otherwise, if she stayed at home, the women would surely cause an uproar.

First there was Wu Zetian in her youth, then Chu Xi and Xian Ying, and now Princess Consort Huang Yueying—the household would never be at peace!

At the sudden sight of the blonde, blue-eyed girl, Chu Xi was also greatly shocked. She looked at Gao Yuan with a wary expression.

"You aren't trying to make me help you hide a mistress, are you? I'm telling you, I won't do anything to betray Sister Zhao Xiyaos informal address."

Gao Yuan rolled his eyes at her in annoyance.

"What are you thinking? This is a science and engineering genius girl. Since you also know a bit about inventions, you two can work together to create some good things."

"Really?"

The look Chu Xi gave Gao Yuan was clearly still skeptical, but after a brief conversation, she put her doubts aside. However, when she learned the girl's name, she was also visibly stunned.

But she wasn't some naive fool; she leaned in close to Gao Yuan and whispered mysteriously.

"Do you have a cheat system?"

Gao Yuan asked the system in his mind, and after receiving a positive reply, he nodded in admission.

"I do indeed!"

Chu Xi jumped up in excitement, hanging directly onto Gao Yuan's neck and laughing wantonly.

"Hahaha, it looks like I've really hitched my wagon to a star!"