A Veiled Confabulation

Outside the Imperial Study, Eunuch Zhao stood quietly at attention, subtly scratching an itch with the lightest touch. Commander Yan Han of the Imperial Guards maintained an unwavering gaze straight ahead, as immovable as a mountain, silent as still water, yet occasionally casting sideways glances at the young lad's every move. Song Linjie appeared quite impatient—what was there to talk about between these two? He then glanced at the old eunuch, who merely nodded and smiled in return, before falling silent once more. With no concrete information forthcoming from the eunuch, Song Linjie decided to disturb Commander Yan instead.

Song Linjie chuckled softly and aimed a punch at Yan Han’s silver armor. Yan Han raised his sword horizontally, knocking the punch aside, and coldly reprimanded, “Boy, what do you think you’re doing?”

Rubbing his stinging hand, Song Linjie brightened and asked with a grin, “Hey, Commander Yan, how’s your hearing? Can you tell me what’s going on inside?”

Yan Han snorted, scolding, “The Emperor’s private quarters are off limits. How dare you eavesdrop?”

Song Linjie scratched his head in annoyance, then had a sudden idea. “Commander Yan, since you’re the leader of the Imperial Guards, you must be a first-rank officer, right? And since we both wield blades, why don’t we spar a bit to pass the time?”

Suddenly interested, Yan Han glanced at the old eunuch nearby and, seeing him watching, decided it was a good chance to test the academy disciple’s skill. He switched hands on his sword and smiled lightly: “Alright, but if you lose, don’t go crying to your grandfather. I can’t afford to offend the mighty Blade King.”

Song Linjie agreed with a nod: “Fine, but if you lose, don’t go whining to the Emperor.”

The two moved away from the Imperial Study to an open space, simultaneously springing back to stand three paces apart.

Knowing Yan Han was first-rank, Song Linjie didn’t hesitate to ignite the Mirage Secret Technique. As he was less familiar with channeling the Forged Heaven Blade’s fire pattern, he proceeded cautiously, infusing only partial true energy. The fire pattern on his right flickered faintly.

Yan Han was surprised. Though he lacked secret techniques himself, he understood how difficult it was to master one—not something that could be done just by knowing the method. He didn’t dare dismiss the seventeen-year-old as mere decoration. Before striking, he adopted a defensive stance, sword sheath low.

Drawing on his seasoned experience, Yan Han began with two common battlefield techniques: the Charging Strike and the Disorderly Formation. The former was fierce and forceful, forcing the opponent to exert full strength, any slip could be fatal; the latter was unpredictable, designed not necessarily to win but to disrupt the enemy’s rhythm. If the opponent overreached, their mind would falter, and the final fatal blow could be delivered when they tried to flee. These moves were battlefield-tested and rarely failed. Yet Song Linjie, clearly no novice, handled both with ease, giving no chance to gauge his strength.

Song Linjie laughed loudly and wildly wielded the Forged Heaven Blade. Though seemingly chaotic, his every move was precise, matching Yan Han’s every strike with astonishing reflexes. At times, he even mimicked a leisurely swimming fish, calmly pursuing the blade’s path.

Yan Han was taken aback but acknowledged that Song was showing considerable strength. Responding with a fierce palm strike, he stepped back to regroup, the blade scraping the ground and leaving a fading trail.

Yan Han praised, “You’ve got skill, boy. Ever thought of joining the army? Your rank would surely rival mine someday.”

After some exertion against the first-rank commander’s fierce assault, Song Linjie felt somewhat overwhelmed. He rubbed his hand, stretched, and replied, “No interest. There are too few experts in your camp, and too many rules. It’s far better to gain experience in the martial world.”

Yan Han sighed, “That’s a pity.”

They drew swords again, clashing fiercely with no clear victor. A first-rank master could breathe evenly with each movement, while Song Linjie relied on his enduring energy to avoid falling behind. Yan Han was impressed. If this were a second-rank opponent, relentless attacks like these would have already broken their defense. Yet this youth, not even first-rank, possessed such strong internal power?

Suddenly, Yan Han sensed something amiss in the Imperial Study. Abruptly stopping his strike, he retracted his blade. The old eunuch turned around with a frown as well.

The study’s door wasn’t merely opened—it was forcefully pushed aside, and a figure was thrown out, the door shattered in splinters.

On the ground lay a young man unmistakably Zhang Ling. As he scrambled up, a sword circled behind his neck, resting on his shoulder. Zhang Ling, knowing when to play along, raised his hands without hesitation.

Then the Emperor of Chenliu emerged, holding a rolled scroll, and ordered, “Put down your swords.”

Yan Han complied immediately, but the order wasn’t just for him. The Emperor glanced at Song Linjie as well: “You too.”

With no choice, Song Linjie sheathed his blade but watched Zhang Ling and the Emperor with keen interest. What were these two arguing about that suddenly turned violent? Even the Emperor was resorting to fists now?

The Emperor fixed his gaze on Zhang Ling and sternly asked, “Will you do it or not?”

Zhang Ling sighed and reluctantly said, “Your Majesty’s words are clear; I will do my best.”

The Emperor emphasized again, “Not just your best—it’s imperative.”

The others looked puzzled. The old eunuch, having served the Emperor for years, could guess some of the meaning but dared not speak it aloud.

The Emperor surveyed the devastated surroundings and addressed Yan Han, “Yan Han, palace brawling carries a penalty of thirty lashes. Deduct the cost of damages from your salary.”

Kneeling on one knee, Yan Han raised his hand: “I accept the punishment.”

The Emperor then glanced at Song Linjie and swiftly tossed the scroll to Zhang Ling. “The matter is settled, the fight is over. Eunuch Zhao, escort these two out of the palace.”

Bowing, Zhao Wei Zhong approached the two young men, beckoning them to follow. Once out of the Emperor’s sight and ensuring the coast was clear, he cautiously asked Zhang Ling, “Young master, you actually fought the Emperor today?”

Zhang Ling forced a smile: “Yes, didn’t expect His Majesty to be such a master. I took quite a beating.”

Zhao Wei Zhong warned, “Young master, if you fight back against the Emperor, be careful. If you don’t retaliate, you might only suffer some bruises. But if you strike back, it could be a capital offense. The Emperor never kills with his own hands. If something can’t be resolved, you can always speak to me. If there’s a way I can help, I won’t hesitate.”

Zhang Ling smiled and cupped his hands in thanks. “Thank you for your advice, Eunuch. I’ll remember it well. Though this matter is difficult to explain, if I need help, I’ll be sure to trouble you. Your kindness will not be forgotten.”