After hosting a meeting regarding post-war reorganization and decision-making, the conflict with the Steppe People came to a conclusion. Despite some regret over their own losses, the fact that there would be no need to worry about the Steppe People's threat for a long time put everyone in a relatively good mood.

The residents of the southern city were particularly elated upon receiving the exact casualties and losses figures announced by the defenders—it was just that this did not include those who had lost loved ones in the war.

Therefore, even though many people had such thoughts, Xiang Ling issued orders to prohibit large-scale celebrations in order to cater to the feelings of the families.

"I didn't realize you cared so much about the common folks' feelings," Tiran remarked, leaning against the parapet atop the main city building, addressing Xiang Ling who had just walked out of the council chamber. She had listened to the entire meeting Xiang Ling had presided over.

"It has nothing to do with caring," Xiang Ling, still dressed in blood-stained attire from the battlefield but significantly lighter without the armor, replied. "Half of the residents living in Yanmen Pass are families of soldiers. Their stability is crucial for boosting the morale of my troops. Although the families of the fallen soldiers make up only a small portion, by tending to their emotions, everyone will feel that 'Xiang Ling is a leader who cares for the people,' and their trust in me will naturally increase."

Indeed, the idea of fighting to defend the country might not have much effect when only spoken with words, but when soldiers have their wives, children, parents within the city behind them, their sense of duty and responsibility will substantially increase, leading to enhanced combat effectiveness.

"You are quite rational..." Tiran couldn't help but smirk, acknowledging the thought process of someone who had obtained the attributes of a main character.

"However..." Xiang Ling turned to look at Tiran, and in her eyes, there seemed to be a sudden surge of emotions, "I was once like them... struggling in the same muddy pit, or even deeper than them. How could I not understand their emotions?"

Recalling the stories Shuma had shared about Xiang Ling's experiences, Tiran sighed quietly to herself.

The officers who had attended the meeting had dispersed, and the soldiers either reunited with their families or went to the residential area with their comrades to find a tavern to celebrate. The once spacious city walls now appeared somewhat desolate, with only a few towers guarded by soldiers at a considerable distance from each other.

Although it was late at night after all post-war matters had been arranged, the residential area of Yanmen Pass, which had emerged victorious, was still quite bustling. While it was necessary to cater to the emotions of some family members, letting more people feel the joy of victory was also a way to boost morale and Xiang Ling's reputation.

Therefore, despite the absence of overt celebrations like fireworks, drumming, or parades, the business at various taverns, theaters, and brothels in the city was particularly good.

"I say, why don't you join the soldiers and generals in celebrating a bit? It might be quite useful in improving your image within the military," Tiran suggested, breaking the silence that had lingered for a while.

"No need," Xiang Ling shook her head lightly, remaining in place before suddenly tiptoeing and spinning half a circle as lightly as a young girl, then leaning against the parapet next to Tiran—although this royal princess could also be categorized as a young girl, Tiran always failed to see any sense of innocence in her before.

"And besides, I am accustomed to spending some time alone on the city walls after a war." Xiang Ling gazed up at the vast, deep night sky.

"Uh... should I go back first...?" Tiran felt a bit awkward.

"No need."

Tiran was taken aback by Xiang Ling's instant and firm refusal, as she raised a hand to lift her chin, a faint smile playing on the face that had been imposing during the meeting just moments before.

"If it's you by my side, Silver War Maiden."

Huh? Huh??!

Was she being flirted with? Princess's brain momentarily froze, but fortunately she reacted quickly, accustomed to various taunts and storms, so she returned a courteous smile, "Um, should I say thank you for your trust, Lord Xiang Ling."

Though Xiang Ling's face was smiling, his eyes showed no trace of joking, "I am serious, Silver War Maiden, do you believe in love at first sight?"

Oh my god, I've never seen a scene like this before, so direct? I've never used this kind of playboy-like approach!

And just a second ago your face said, "I have many stories," how can you say something like this so calmly in the next second!

"Oh, you asked why I didn't celebrate earlier, Silver War Maiden?"

Xiang Ling blinked, "I suddenly feel like celebrating now, so please join me for a drink to celebrate this victorious battle."

"Well... sure...” the princess, completely thrown off her rhythm, had to reluctantly agree, but it should be okay to just drink, right?

Although nominally she was here to help, in reality it was Milanía who needed more help, and there was no need to refuse in this small matter that would help both parties build trust.

"Let's go to my small lodge before that."

"Uh, okay."

"Before that, let's bathe and change together, as both of us are covered in dust."

"Fine... huh?!"

Tiran suddenly realized that something seemed off somewhere.

...

"Sigh..."

Mimi's body suddenly shuddered, and her proud bosom swayed slightly, lightly brushing against Chirp, who was sitting obediently on a small stool in front of her, letting Mimi wash her hair.

"Chirp? Sister Mimi?"

Feeling the touch on her back, Chirp's pair of beast ears also perked up from under the layer of white foam on her head, blushing slightly as she asked, "What's wrong, Mimi?"

"What's the matter with you, Mimi?"

In the private bath arranged for them by Xiang Ling—basically a spare bathing room for military officers—Li, who was enjoying a hot water bath in a large tub, squinted his eyes open with some curiosity.

"Nothing, just feeling a bit chilly."

Mimi shook her head.

...

Splish splash...

The sound of flowing water echoed in Xiang Ling's bathhouse in the city.

Thanks to the versatility of mechanical arts, this fortress located in a water-scarce desert location seemed to have an abundant water supply, at least enough for daily use.

This was all thanks to Mo Yi and the cultivators researching mechanical arts at the Tian Nan branch at Gai Xia, who used large drilling machines to tap into underground water sources deep below the city, drawing out water that under normal circumstances would be impossible to reach through ordinary well digging, to supply the entire city.

Unlike modern technology where drawing too much water from underground could lead to land sinking, and mechanical arts not being part of the regular water-intensive industrial system, the previously untapped underground water supply was more than sufficient for a fortress with over ten thousand inhabitants.

"So that's why it feels so comfortable to take a bath..."

As Tiran applied the noble shampoo made from who-knows-what of eclipta, soapnut, and olive on her wet hair, she turned around with a complicated expression to look at Xiang Ling who was briskly washing her body on the other side.

Ah...how should Tiran put it, she started to think if she was being too wicked, completely misunderstanding the other party's intentions. Although His Highness Xiang Ling sometimes appeared flirtatious and handsome, deep down she was definitely straightforward, just genuinely taking a bath and using the shower head, far from the romantic and steamy Roman baths she had imagined.

It's reassuring in a way, but also subtly disheartening...

Of course, the disappointment was mainly due to another reason.

Tiran's gaze was firmly drawn to a certain part of His Highness Ling.

"These hair are so big, no, these legs are so fair!"

This defies science! You couldn't see any curves at all when she was wearing armor. Wasn't she malnourished and underfed growing up? How could they be this big?!

Tiran glanced at a piece of long fabric in the laundry basket by the door, thinking that even the bandeau cloth should only go up to a D cup. And yet, this princess could stand toe to toe with Mimi!

"Silver War Maiden, it seems like you've been staring at my chest all this while."

*Cough!*

Tiran nearly choked on her saliva. She had never heard someone speak so bluntly before. Even if Coco caught her staring at something, she would just blush and say nothing.

"Y-yes, Your Highness Ling developed well..." Tiran blurted out subconsciously.

As soon as Tiran said it, she regretted it. What on earth was she saying?!

"Developed well? But such size would affect movement without special treasures."

His Highness Ling lowered her head, raising her hand to give them a slight squeeze, the swaying motion nearly causing Tiran to spurt a nosebleed.

"I still prefer to be like you, Silver War Maiden, less troublesome."

Tiran felt a pang in her heart. If she didn't know Xiang Ling's character, she would've thought this was a challenge.

"I can see where Zhi Lan got her unfortunate personality from..." Tiran muttered irritably, then coughed twice to end the topic. "Anyway, can you tell me about the plan? You must be planning to compete for the throne, but aren't you going back to Luocheng City soon?"

"When I go back, I'll go back. But as I've said, it's against the dynasty's rules for foreign generals to return to the capital without permission."

"So, what's your plan?"

"Wait. Wait for the messenger to summon me back. It should be happening in the next couple of days."

"Wait, what do you mean by 'the next couple of days'?"

"I've already told you, Silver War Maiden, the method that allows me to be recalled."

You really followed through! Tiran was astonished. And to think there's news in the next couple of days, your actions are too fast!