Chapter Fifty-Three: Preparing for Battle

Page 1 of 3

“Huh? Wha...what?”

Xu Xuan hurriedly waved his hands to explain, “Sister Liu, don’t misunderstand. I have no designs on you. This contest has to do with the Liu family’s legacy—it must not fall into outsiders’ hands. Tomorrow, I’ll fight on behalf of Young Master Sisi. No matter the outcome, I, Xu, will not covet the young lady or anything of the Liu family. Once the villains are gone, this becomes a matter for the Liu Fortress alone, with no room for outsiders to meddle.”

Lingshuang nodded and said, “That’s a good solution. If you can truly defeat that knave Su and free us from this siege, it would be a great kindness to both me and the Liu family.”

“Please, don’t say that, Young Lady. From the moment I entered Liu Fortress, I became a member of the Liu family, in life or death. Such a thing is hardly worth mentioning. My Xu family is prominent in Lingzhou, but we’ve been merchants for generations. I alone have always yearned for heroism, but nowhere to express it. The fortress master gave me the chance to punish evil and uphold justice. If we’re speaking of kindness, the fortress master’s and the Liu family’s kindness to me is such that, even if I were ground to dust, I could not repay it.”

Nian’er stepped closer and bowed to Xu Xuan, “Senior Brother Xu, your sense of justice truly earns my respect. In the past, when you mocked Young Master Ye, I thought you too were a spoiled, devious sort. But now, every word you say is sincere—clearly, I misjudged you.”

Lingshuang tugged on Nian’er and laughed, “Didn’t I always say Senior Brother Xu is a good man? You wanted to teach him a lesson for Sisi’s sake those few days, but I stopped you, didn’t I?”

“Lingshuang, must you bring up things from so long ago?”

Xu Xuan, a bit embarrassed, scratched his head and said with a smile, “What happened that day was my fault. I was hotheaded and humiliated Young Master Sisi—I deserved punishment. He was generous enough to forgive me, and I’m deeply grateful. I’ve also heard about many good deeds Sisi has done along the way—truly impressive. I admire him from the bottom of my heart.”

Lingshuang stepped outside, glanced at the sky, and said, “Look at the sun, it’s nearly time to eat. Let’s talk while we eat. Oh, and we should find Taiyi…”

“What do you need me for?” Before Lingshuang could finish, Taiyi was already at the doorway.

“Wow, Taiyi, so you’ve been eavesdropping all along!” Lingshuang made a face at him.

Xu Xuan bowed to Taiyi, “Uncle Li, have you come to find Sister Liu as well?”

Taiyi waved his hand and laughed, “What’s this? You’re allowed to go eat but I’m not allowed to pass by? Our rooms are only separated by a wall—if I were eavesdropping, would I need to stand outside? Let’s head to the dining hall before all the food’s gone.”

Lingshuang pouted, “Fine, you win this time.”

In the dining hall, all the disciples were seated but hadn’t touched their chopsticks. The tables were bare. Xu Xuan wondered aloud, “What’s going on? Usually you’re all so eager at mealtime. What’s wrong today? No appetite? Or is the food not to your taste?”

One disciple replied, “Senior Brother, it’s not that the food isn’t good. When we rushed in at the start of the meal and saw today’s dishes, we didn’t dare touch them.”

Lingshuang approached, had the cook bring out a meal, and inspected the dishes. “There’s nothing wrong with the food. Why won’t you eat? I find it quite appetizing.”

The disciple answered, “Young Lady, it’s not that the food is bad—it’s just that today’s meal is too sumptuous. Normally we get four meat and three vegetable dishes, but today there are nine meat dishes! I peeked into the back and saw several large vats of fine wine as well. We thought, could this be a farewell banquet? We swore not to eat it and not to abandon Liu Fortress.”

Lingshuang laughed, “How could it be a farewell banquet? The Liu family spared no effort to search all of Lingzhou just to find you. How could we disband so easily? You must have forgotten—tomorrow is my martial arts contest for marriage, a major life event. My father prepared these dishes and wine so all my senior brothers could eat well and be happy.”

“But...Young Lady, tomorrow’s event isn’t your wish. We’re all sad and angry for you. Why do you seem not to care?”

Page 2 of 3

Lingshuang burst out laughing, “What’s the use of worrying or caring? What must come will come. If it can’t be avoided, better to face it head-on. And listen, every one of you can challenge Su Huantian tomorrow. If you win, there’ll be a big reward. If you lose, there’ll still be a reward. Come, serve the dishes, the wine, and the bread!”

The food was brought out and the disciples filled six large tables. Usually, they each got their own food and ate alone, but today’s shared meal made the Liu family’s disciples feel truly part of the family, like siblings to Lingshuang and Taiyi. Their resolve to protect Lingshuang only grew stronger.

After the meal, the table was a mess, but though the disciples ate plenty, they drank only one vat of wine, pouring just a little for each. No one drank to excess, knowing tomorrow was a major event for Lingshuang. Even if they weren’t as strong as Su Huantian, they would do their utmost—for Lingshuang was like a little sister to them all.

Liu Zhen had given the Liu family army a day of freedom to rest, but by noon, they were already training in formation on the martial field, practicing the Liu family’s seventy-two sword techniques in perfect unison. Every disciple was drenched in sweat, but none slacked off.

The Liu family army moved as one. Lingshuang, Nian’er, and Taiyi stood at the reception hall and watched, nodding in approval. Lingshuang turned to Taiyi and asked, “Taiyi, do you think our disciples stand a chance against Su Huantian?”

“It’s doubtful.” Taiyi sat down on the steps, gesturing to the training ground. “Lingshuang, look at the Liu family’s formation—truly exquisite, each with their role. On the battlefield, they’d be a force to be reckoned with. But in single combat, only Xu Xuan seems strong enough, but...”

“But what, Taiyi? Just tell me. Even if we can’t defeat that Su scoundrel, my father and the elders will have their ways.”

“Did you see Su Xing yesterday? With a casual flick of his sword, the force could have shattered us. If Su Huantian has mastered even a tenth of his father’s skill, things will be difficult—not just a matter of winning or losing, but even the disciples’ lives may not be safe.”

Nian’er, alarmed by Taiyi’s words, furrowed her brows. “But Lingshuang said at the meal that disciples would fight tomorrow. If there are deaths or injuries, we’ll be to blame. Maybe I should go tell them not to fight?”

Taiyi shook his head. “No need to worry, Nian’er. If their lives were truly at risk, I would have stopped Lingshuang the moment she said it. I have my plan—they’ll come to no harm.”

Lingshuang laughed heartily, “That’s good, then! Haha!”

“Lingshuang, what are you laughing at?”

“I’m laughing that now Sisi is gone, you’re our strategist. I trust you’re no less clever than he is.”

At the mention of Sisi, Taiyi’s heart ached a little. He leaned closer to Lingshuang and said softly, “Lingshuang, do you miss Brother Sisi?”

“I do. But what’s the use of missing him? Better to go with the flow. There are still days left in the ten-day deadline. As I said, if Sisi doesn’t return in ten days, I’ll leave home to search for him. If I can’t find him in Lingzhou, I’ll search the world; if not in the world, then to the ends of the earth. We’ll meet again someday. Enough talk—Nian’er, come to my room and teach me embroidery.”

Nian’er nodded and went with Lingshuang to her room.

Taiyi was left alone at the reception hall, listening to the sound of swords and gazing into the distance, murmuring to himself,

“Brother Sisi, where are you now? Lingshuang misses you, though she doesn’t show it. We all know your absence is agony for her. The demon plague in Lingzhou is over, but why haven’t you returned? Could it be...could it be you met with misfortune? Nonsense, Taiyi, stop that—Brother Sisi is favored by fortune, he’ll be fine. He’s just delayed. Tomorrow Su Huantian will fight for marriage. I don’t know if I can defeat him. If you were here, that brat wouldn’t dare cause trouble.”

Unbeknownst to him, Liu Zhen had come up behind and, hearing Taiyi’s words, walked over and sat beside him, saying, “Nephew Taiyi, I happened to pass by—not eavesdropping intentionally.”

“Haha, Uncle Liu, it’s nothing, really. There’s nothing I wouldn’t say in front of you.”

Page 3 of 3

“Nephew Taiyi, you know the friendship between your father and me. We played together as children, and after we grew up, he taught me much and helped me greatly. When I grew old and Liu Fortress was secure, and I could protect myself, he went off wandering the world. We haven’t seen each other in over ten years—I miss him dearly. I once tried to invite him to join Liu Fortress, but he refused, saying he preferred a carefree life. As his elder brother, I still feel uneasy. I enjoy wealth and comfort in the fortress, while he suffers outside—I can hardly bear it.”

“Haha, Uncle Liu, my father isn’t as pitiful as you think. You don’t know how free and happy he is—utterly carefree.”

“Is that really so?”

“Yes. I wandered with my father for years. I could see how happy he was. Every time we arrived somewhere new, he’d tell me stories of his youth there. Sometimes he’d drink too much and realize he couldn’t pay the bill, so he’d grab me and run, only to pay it back when he had the money. That life—I miss it dearly.”

“Then why are you alone? Why not travel with him?”

Taiyi was stirred by the question, sprang to his feet, and declared loudly, “Father always said a true man should stand tall and firm. Only by experiencing hardship for oneself can one understand the Way—can one know what it means to be a hero!”

Liu Zhen pulled Taiyi down to sit beside him and said, “Nephew, do you know why I’m telling you all this?”

“I do not.”

“I want...I wish to match you with Lingshuang.”

Taiyi had barely touched the step before leaping up again, waving his hands. “That’s impossible! Everyone knows about Lingshuang’s feelings for Brother Sisi. How could you matchmake so recklessly? Forgive my rudeness, Uncle Liu, but if it’s not Brother Sisi, I won’t agree to Lingshuang marrying anyone. I know it’s not my place to decide, but I can’t promise I won’t be angry, or that I won’t break an arm or a leg of her ‘honored husband’. If I’ve overstepped, I beg your pardon—allow me to take my leave.”

Liu Zhen grabbed Taiyi and burst out laughing, “Haha, nephew, your temper is just like Brother Qifei’s. I was only speaking casually; no need to be upset. If Lingshuang truly loves Sisi, then I’ll support their union. But tomorrow, I hope you’ll fight Su Huantian.”

Taiyi bowed deeply, knowing he’d just been rude to an elder. Straightening, he said, “Uncle Liu, rest assured—for Lingshuang, for Brother Sisi, I’ll do my utmost to oppose Su Huantian and protect Lingshuang. This is Brother Sisi’s trust in me.”

Liu Zhen nodded in satisfaction, “Good. With that, I’m at ease. If there’s nothing else, go rest.”

Taiyi withdrew. Liu Zhen remained on the steps, watching the Liu family army train, but lost in thought:

“Sigh, Taiyi is such a good child—talented, sensible, and filial. If only he could marry into our family, it would be a blessing. But Lingshuang’s heart is set on Ye Sisi. Though that boy is cleverer than Taiyi, he’s still just a mountain wildling. If Lingshuang married him, wouldn’t it lower her status? And he’s been gone so long—if he’s dead, will Lingshuang pine for him all her life? What will become of the Liu family line?”

Every living being in this world holds their own little schemes, but how often can things go as one wishes?

One can only hope...for the best.