Qianye remained silent for an even longer time this time.
Behind the official report he submitted, Qianye attached a letter to Qiqi requesting an immediate termination of this assignment. Until now, he had assumed this was but a childish defiance game played by a noble miss unsatisfied with an arranged marriage. With such generous reward, he hardly cared for being put into clear view like a hunting decoy; no hunting mission had ever been void of danger?
Qianye however had not anticipated that the so-called “game” from a noble family might involve an independent battle troop from the royal army treated merely as chess pieces. Without the guarantees provided by Er’ye and Yu Yingnan, he might have never returned at all. He had actually wondered whether the mastermind behind it all would remain unknown to him—whether it was a single person’s scheme, or collusion in masses.
Qianye had little liking for such games where entire, reinforced rifle companies of truly brave soldiers were treated merely as cannon-fodder.
Yet the news Jiyuanjia delivered took Qianye completely off guard. Of course, forcefully requisitioned troupes suffered disastrous consequences—he knew that well enough; certainly Qiqi must know too, so what could have possibly prompted her to do such insanity?
Back from drifting thoughts, Qianye cast Jiyuanjia a gaze. Not a trace of impatience lay upon her face, with her gleaming halberd—a short blade shaped like rippling autumn water—swirling ceaselessly just above her palm as if it were the spinning wheel of youth and time.
“When shall we move?” Qianye asked.
“If nothing else awaits you, let’s pack right now and follow me out.”
Thus, it would be departing amidst the quiet of the midnight. With silent nods given from the one to another, both passed across the drill field, heading for the officer’s dorm lights still ablaze nearby.
Yet as they skirted the courtyard’s edge, Qianye briefly halted his steps. Stationed upon the bare stretch below stood a dozen strange towering figures—in robust forms with steady steps. Though their stances hinted less of military uniformity and coordination; each wore diverse weaponry of personal design—mercenaries, they seemed most likely.
Suddenly he asked, “Tell me… If I had refused, if I had declined and stayed… What would occur?”
Smiling softly, Jiyuanjia remained silently.
Qianye drew a slow but sharp breath, voice lightly laced with ironic mockery. “Major Ji… who’d have thought you’d be so thoroughly prepared?” Then all pieces finally clicked inside Qianye’s mind why she had insisted on the duel from the start upon meeting. Half upon ranged engagements relying on Qianye’s sharpshoot precision, had he been carrying a longarm nearby—things would surely have gotten very tricky. While it remained evident that in close range, she retained superiority—once firearms were added, her ability to effortlessly contain him remained questionable at best.
Her smile undeterred or unchanged in the smallest measure, Ji Yuanjia simply stated. “I merely wish to accomplish every request Lady Qiqi has bestowed upon me.”
Without further words exchanged, Qianye then opened his quarters with nothing much worth bringing with him. Not much passed before a group of travelers departed as stealthily as they had arrived.
Upon the great fortress metropol known as Fanyang, under秦的大洲（Qin mainland）a beast-rider galloped down otherwise empty streets. Reaching a magnificent estate’s front gate—a grand complex of antique red-walled structures, jade-tiled roofs crowned at the tops with carved beasts. The main entrance bore a particularly impressive banner bearing two crimson characters proclaiming *Yin* mansion—with signature said to hailed directly from the Late Emperor himself.
Sliding through lateral entrance on horseback, courier passed off his satchel’s package to the estate master-of-house, from where, shortly after, an expedited envelope already rested upon a study table’s surface.
Inside one side corridor an older male walked in tandem with a gent in middle-age, both proceeding slowly along decorated passage.
Square-faced with natural authority exuded from his presence, the older man stroked his neat goatee and exhaled discontent. “Master Shuiyun… child Qiqi’s talent is indeed rare and precious, but her character falls tragically behind. How could she possibly become heir-worthy of the title ‘successor’? Treat as if child’s play… a vital assessment exam that other three candidates have worked so hard not letting up for seconds? Meanwhile where is young lady Qiqi at?… zero score still!”
Smiling in light amusement though still respectful as any advisor would be, the elderly male spoke. “Ah, third little miss enjoys her playful moments. That’s natural for youths, hardly a fault at worst. You must recall how well that child accomplished tasks upon taking full authority. It’s exactly in being calmly capable to hold pressure where true command spirit shows. I believe she already grasps the full path, thus she waits her time.”
The middle-aged male gave snorting dissonant grunt. “A commander’s air? More like spoiled whims and fancy. Tell me now. Compare now with Yin Xun over at Yian Hall; he’s practically five hundred marks deep!”
Unperturbed elder countered gently. “So, five marks per thousand fallen enemies at most reckoned roughly; that’s but a trifling number. At most merely five hundred strong would yield even a mere low hundred scores. What’s such an achievement worth if you’re not in a battlefield scenario?”
Middle aged snorted, clearly unconvinced “What battlefield of that scale exists for these children of today to play with anyway!”
Still smiling, water-wiseman Shuiyun sighed softly. “But don’t ever underestimate the young, young Tianxing! Young girl has deliberately charted a descent path—she’s ventured into the chaotic Eternal Night. And don’t forget Master’s Lunar Glowing Cloud style; has there even ever been an inheritable other than the young Lady herself?”
Yin Tianxing gave another disdainful grunt and responded. “Being the house master takes more than simple origin force command to solidify leadership!”
Shuiyun chuckled while stroking his beard once more toward his fellow steward. “But then… without a formidable base of one’s origin power, would many truly acknowledge your leadership claim? Let alone command their respect willingly with honor?”
Chats lingering amidst footsteps, soon the pair entered their private study chamber together.
His eyes scanning the scroll delivered earlier on his desk, the aging patriarch emitted mild surprise in the form of sudden intake. “Hmm… interesting.”
After reperusing the contents two more contemplative times, Yin Tianxing presented it to his companion. “This is most unusual indeed.”
Older Steward Shuiyun scanned its text, astonishment spreading over visage. “She mastered the WuGong battle board already? Merely one month?! Wait… she obtained nearly one thousand marks over merely ten days via division-scale conflicts. Half that in points from the stronghold defense alone during one particular strategic point battle?! Must had suffered an intense siege! Only suffering losses limited to: a reinforced battalion from the campaign legion—only one campaign outpost plus one extra company from the Seventh? Tianxing, have the casualty assessments confirmed accuracy already?”
With smirk in knowing pride, Yin chuckled low in response. “This was tallied from reports within Dark Realm territories—we needn’t second-guess those calculations!”
With the old sage smiling while stroking whiskers further while observing, “These expeditionary detachments stationed for defense? Their fighting capacity is well assessed… Seems, this reinforcement squad beneath young lady Qiqi was quite no ordinary team. Seems she must’ve acquired rare talent to back her this time.” He turned additional pages with further intrigued observations, “Mysterious information points—over a hundred bonus score. Seems our third miss encountered the elite guardsmen from the Monroe Bloodclan royalty itself! And an appearance possibly traced belonging to the Peak Monarch himself too?! Very dangerous indeed! A suspicious maneuver involving the temporary reposition of the 60th infantry unit… curious!”
“Yet a high command leader not seasoned by blades’ sharp edges isn’t considered truly tested by battlefield fire,” Yin Tianxing replied back now with unveiled smug tone, pride evident. “But this is good fortune regardless, as such a challenge might’ve tested this young girl of us into forging her mettle! Regarding those 60th unit movements… nothing of such should hinder further discussion of the military board committee anyway since she has exceeded expectations beyond their usual quotas?”
Older mentor nodded agreement, while adding another contemplation. “But… Elder Tianxing, have we settled the marital betrothal discussion surrounding our Miss as yet?”
“No way!” Yin Tianxing, whose smile quickly evaporated as suddenly interrupted his elder, resolute stance against further suggestion. “A match forged of our Yin heritage across a thousand years’ standing as Empire itself founded—we must treat betrothals of this scale not so lightly! Since Qiqi was decided in youth, there shall be and there must be, only to Qiqi still must it adhere!”
After pause allowing a moment of tension dispersal, he added, softer tone. “Besides, House Yian governance balance has matured greatly already. While old man Seventeen commands troops today, his stepping-down remains inevitable at time of retirement. Lady Qiqi with mastery over the refined version Lunar-FlowingCloud art might even earn General grade rank perhaps one day. However, her nature doesn’t fit into strategy or positioning; however Licy, well versed in strategic thought, with plans leaving almost zero gaps unguarded—I cannot deny he’s the perfect support companion to assist and back Lady Yin.”
Shuiyun stated thoughtfully then. “But leadership seldom requires leaders to execute the minute details directly. Observe third Young lady Qiqi and this single battle campaign’s results compared to those others toiled over months. One match decided so much glory… her gift lay not in the strength herself. Her brilliance rests in selection, recognition, placing the most suitable at the right posts!”
“Even if she does eventually rise to heir position of the family name eventually,” Yin Tianxing mused as he dismissed concerns lightly. “There’s still little reason to discard our plans for her engagement to Licy; his family lineage itself may even gain special privilege under our umbrella. Would young man refuse his devotion or question his loyalties then in service beneath the Yin’s legacy?”
Master Shuiyun responded, calm yet revealing. “Yet, I may speak now a different wind… Rumors reaching different directions.”
Evidenced in Yin Tianxing’s suddenly elevated eyebrows as an invitation to explain further.
Overseeing their separate path toward the estate exterior, now the sky bough floated silently against dark’s closing veil.
Qianye stared into an ornamental garden stretching below him—latticed verandas weaving amidst flourishing greenery below while memories overlaid. Narrow soil-locked lanes, broken structures collapsing amid smoke-streaked clouds haunted his vision; two worlds clashed briefly before dissolving.
As soon as the floating vessel stabilized upon touching down upon soil, approaching messengers delivered their brief whispers towards Jiyuanjia nearby.
Without further delay, Jiyuanjia glanced toward nearby figure. “Lady awaits at rear garden pavilions already; allow myself show you in direct route please.”
Eyes sweeping their familiar scenery once again with quiet analysis; defensive preparations within had certainly increased in strength he observed silently with noting armed men standing watch in corners along usual paths… the observation caused minor shift in Qianye facial expression at mention.
“Still awake at this hour?” He half-muttered his thoughts aloud.
“Insomniic most nights lately,” his guide replied back quietly with sympathetic understanding, face bearing no sign of surprise or denial. “She couldn’t rest until very late still, two nights continuously.”
“You said, was she badly hurted?”
The steward of her safety only shook gently. “You shall understand in mere moments, upon meeting face-to-face.”
Thusly, both picked increased pace once again weaving along winding arcades. As this inner mansion territory remained unvisited by Qianye before, the surroundings began thinning, paths became shaded under growing lush canopy of leaf cover overhead while the night cloaked everything more solemn and cold in its silent hush.
Ahead appeared finally a small wisteria-draped Moon gate.
Jiyuanjia paused just before its threshold and spoke gently once again. “Please carry forward yourself alone onwards.”
Crossing his vision through the gateway’s frame Qianye glimpsed first a lattice-style shadow partition within—illuminated under pale white lunar glow pouring down through open space—its radiance seemed nearly thick enough to condense into mist upon the air, obscuring sight inward of its inner chamber.
He stepped forward carefully as a humid warmth brushed his face, the dense vapor coiling with faint floral trails. Then came a view of massive floating lily beds extending outward with the moon shimmering as mirror against liquid mirror beneath. A lengthy bridge stretched out ahead into its center’s elegant pavilion upon water—his guide.
In that moment he located the solitary seated form inside; dressed in flowing deep-sleeved garment with her delicate hands cradling knees drawn close as she silently contemplated water reflection above a pond lit by twin moons of celestial pair—named as Alpha & Beta in their skies’ celestial dance. Awe-struck moment, the sight gave Qianye strange illusion wherein the entire landscape floated suspended in orbit beneath a sky filled to bursting by reflected lunar brilliance. Even pond lifeforms appeared seemingly blooming directly above twin moons themselves like floral birth from the celestial orb’s womb!
She remained still, her posture exuding quiet and solitude so intensely it tugged upon heart within a single glance beneath the overwhelming beauty enveloping their world.
Qianye stepped cautiously into her presence before stopping finally behind Qiqi with gentle words called forward.
“Miss Qiqi.”
The figure on the floor never turned to face him.
After silence broken merely by whisper of evening breeze, she whispered back, “Old servant Li died—he has fallen in my embrace, just as he raised me up since infancy, not foresee a demise coming so soon…”
Holding steady posture unmoving, Qianye waited as if to let silence honor words, granting the grieving moments their time within a heart’s echo.
“Liqi long already achieved warrior-grade power status. Had staying not for our House’s honor, a change of career either into military forces or free-standing duels abroad could easily secured both riches and respect beyond question.” Her tone now wavered in subtle sorrow. “…but yet instead he chose a decade walking in my steps, guiding… guarding, keeping me sheltered. All… because he protected, and guarded me.”
With each pause, the hush weighed more deeply still between speaker and listener under silvery light’s solemn embrace.
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