Since arriving in Dongyao City, my masters had never once questioned my efforts to recruit and train an army. Their silence, however, only made me feel as though they already knew everything.
Among them, Feng Xiuxiu was optimistic and open-minded, treating me more like a peer than a disciple. Master Qiu Lie always remained a bystander to the affairs between us, never taking the initiative to intervene. Consequently, the one I feared most was Master Rong Qin. From my childhood until now, whenever I committed a fault, she never called me out directly; instead, she would wait for me to come to her and confess. Now, that same silent attitude weighed on me with immense pressure.
Still, there was no denying that their presence was a great help. At the very least, I could temporarily offload the various affairs of the recruit training camp to them.
It was as if they had all conspired together to avoid meddling in the governance of Dongyao City. When they had free time, they would stroll through the city or along the Xiluo River. Perhaps they did this because they didn't want to interfere too much in my decision-making. For instance, after lunch, while we were in the study discussing the recruitment of new soldiers, a servant came to report that the members of the Ming Sect had arrived outside the West Gate. Master Rong Qin immediately stood up, claiming she needed to go to the Lishan Training Camp. Without waiting for my reply, she grabbed Master Qiu Lie and vanished. My medical master, Feng Xiuxiu, stood up slowly, coughed twice, and said, "I’m going to check on the farms in the suburbs to talk to them about improving the soil quality." Then, she too disappeared in a flash. I was left alone with Feng Tong, and we shared a helpless, knowing smile.
After the family members were taken away to rest, fewer than four hundred people remained on the vast drill grounds. Despite the exhaustion of their long journey, they looked travel-worn yet possessed an undeniable air of suppressed ferocity. Upon seeing me, a woman in her twenties with round eyes at the front of the line was the first to react. "Subordinate pays respects to the Sect Leader!" she cried out. Immediately, the entire crowd on the field knelt with a heavy rustle.
"Rise," I said, reaching out to help the familiar-looking woman up. Among those who had gone to invite Master Rong Qin to take over as Sect Leader years ago, she seemed to have been one of them. Back then, my only thought had been to follow my master out to see the world, before any of these stories had truly begun...
"Sect Leader?" she whispered.
I collected my thoughts and asked casually, "Where is Ming Xia?"
A look of sorrow immediately clouded her face. "The old Sect Leader passed away three months ago."
I nodded and asked in return, "I haven't undergone the formal succession ceremony. Do you truly acknowledge me as the Sect Leader of the Ming Sect based solely on a purple jade pendant?"
She didn't understand why I would ask such a thing, and a trace of trepidation appeared on her face. The people around her looked at each other in confusion before finally saying in unison, "The Sect Leader's command is our law!"
My gaze swept over their faces one by one. I chose my words carefully. "What if I said I intend to disband the Ming Sect?"
Shock and suspicion appeared on every face. A burly man pushed his way out from behind the lead woman, cupped his fists, and shouted, "We beg the Sect Leader for an explanation!"
I stared at them, speaking deliberately. "You are all rare experts in this world. It would be a waste for you to remain hidden in the wilderness. I hope to use my status as the City Lord of Dongyao to give you a new beginning." I paused, then continued slowly, "I wish to incorporate you into the army."
A commotion immediately erupted among the crowd.
I waved my hand to signal for silence. "As I said, the Ming Sect is disbanded. I wish to organize you into a separate elite unit, and you will elect your own captains. From now on, you will receive a salary like regular soldiers to support your families and earn merit on the battlefield. Should you fall in battle, we will continue to care for your kin. For those unwilling to join the military, I will arrange for you to engage in trade or handle city security. The choice is entirely yours."
Another buzz of discussion broke out.
"Ming Chuan?" I called out. "Who is Ming Chuan?"
The round-eyed woman blinked in surprise and stepped forward. "Subordinate is Ming Chuan."
I hadn't expected Ming Chuan to be a woman. I was momentarily surprised, but then I remembered that the leadership of the Ming Sect had traditionally been passed down through women, so it wasn't that strange after all.
"Everyone, go back and rest for now." I waved my hand, signaling the steward to lead them away.
"The matters I entrusted to you in my letter—how are they?" I asked Ming Chuan in a low voice once the others had retreated.
Ming Chuan cupped her fists. "Reporting to the Sect Leader, everything has been arranged. I have dispatched Ming Feng, Ming Ye, Ming Tao, and Ming Wei to Zhongjing to rescue Young Master Ming Hua and gather intelligence on the Ji Manor. Additionally, I sent Ming Yue and Ming Qi to take a detour through Qizhou to observe the movements there."
It seemed she was indeed meticulous and thorough; no wonder she had been entrusted with the role of acting Sect Leader.
"You've worked hard. Go and get some rest." I clapped my hands and had someone lead her away. "Tomorrow morning, bring those who have decided to join the army here to assemble. I have something to say."
Ming Chuan acknowledged the order and hurried off with the servant.
I let out a long sigh and turned my gaze toward the gloomy sky. It had been clear and sunny at noon, but now the sky was as black as the bottom of a pot. A wild wind swept past, filled with the damp scent of an approaching storm.
A long robe was draped over my shoulders. I turned my head to find Feng Tong.
His face was full of disapproval. As he pulled me toward the study, he grumbled incessantly, "I’ve practically become your old nanny. Why are you still standing out here in the wind when everyone else has left? I’ve told you so many times—this isn't like the south. It gets cold as soon as autumn hits, but you never take it seriously..." The latter half of his sentence was drowned out by a world-shaking crack of thunder.
Just as we stepped under the wide eaves of the study, the rain began to pour in torrents. Blinding lightning suddenly tore through the pitch-black night, followed by deafening thunder rolling overhead. Looking out from the half-open window, the world was a blur of white; I could hear nothing but the frantic drumming of the rain.
Feng Tong closed the window and said thoughtfully, "This is likely the last rain of the year. Once October passes, frost will settle in the mornings and evenings. Last year, it was already snowing by the end of October..."
I wrapped the outer robe tighter around myself and sat down behind the desk. Without realizing it, autumn had arrived—time never slows its pace, no matter how inconceivable the events of the world may be.
As I was lost in thought, a violent kick came from my belly. I braced myself against the desk and couldn't help but cry out, "Ouch!" This little fellow always interrupted my contemplations in such an unceremonious manner. It seemed he—or she—was a child who preferred movement over stillness; perhaps they would be good material for martial arts...
Ever since Feng Xiuxiu mentioned that my body was overly exhausted and might affect the fetus, a shadow had lingered in my heart, refusing to dissipate. I both looked forward to the day of the birth and felt an instinctive dread. Master Rong Qin comforted me, saying, "Those who practice martial arts are stronger than ordinary women," but such words could not entirely dispel the gloom. It was actually something Feng Tong said that put me at ease.
"I’ve heard that one shouldn't overthink things at a time like this," he had comforted me solemnly. "Otherwise, it will only harm the child. When my mother was about to give birth to me, she was still traveling with the Fengyun Fortress caravans to the Kingdom of Anli in the west. On the way back, while passing through the Linxi Mountains, she somehow offended the Black Tribe people, who chased her with spears and blades all the way into the heart of the Linxi Grasslands. She couldn't even get a full meal while fleeing for her life. Everyone said the child wouldn't survive. But look at me—am I not perfectly fine? I was just a bit thin and weak at birth, but after growing up and practicing martial arts, I turned out alright."
Thinking of this, I looked up at Feng Tong. He was sitting by the tea stove, carefully manipulating the cups and pots, pouring the liquid between the small vessels before handing me a cup of hot tea across the desk.
"Taste it," he said proudly. "This is 'Falling Cloud Light,' just brought back by the caravan from Anli. Only the imperial family of the Meng Kingdom gets to enjoy this."
It did have a strange, delicate fragrance. I had just taken a sip when the baby moved again. My hand jerked, splashing the hot tea over my fingers.
Feng Tong laughed. "The little fellow must have smelled my fine tea. Good, a kindred spirit indeed. With such mischief, I suspect it's a boy. Have you thought of a name yet?"
I wiped the tea from my hand and asked him in return, "Do you have any suggestions?"
Feng Tong thought for a moment. "It will take your surname, right? So, Xia... Xia... Xia..." His expression became a bit strained. "Xia Tian? How about that? Or Xia Yu? Xia Xue?"
"Either Rain or Snow—it's all too poetic and soft," I said, shaking my head. "No power in it at all."
"Power?" Feng Tong looked a bit discouraged. "Then why not just call him Xia Bingbao—Summer Hailstone?"
I wanted to laugh, but along with the mirth, a small voice whispered in my heart: *The person who should be discussing the child's name with me is thousands of miles away. He doesn't even know this child exists...*
I looked up blankly and met Feng Tong's deep gaze. For some reason, his eyes suddenly made me feel restless. I pushed aside the *Art of War* on the desk and made small talk. "The rain seems to have let up a bit."
Feng Tong didn't speak, and I didn't know what else to say. A subtle, awkward tension filled the air.
"Xixia..." He called my name softly, his voice trembling slightly.
My hand shook. "Don't call me that name anymore."
"Whether you are Xixia or Wuxin, it is all the same to me." His tone grew urgent. "There is something I have been considering for a long time... I..." He paused, his emerald eyes staring at me without blinking. "You... perhaps you should consider it as well..."
His words were nonsensical. What did he mean, he had considered it for a long time and I should consider it too?
Perhaps my blank expression annoyed him. He stood up and began to pace before me, his steps alternating between fast and slow. He seemed far too agitated. Whatever he was about to say, this state didn't seem appropriate. Moreover, a woman's intuition told me that I might not like what he was about to say. I stood up, intending to suggest we talk another day, but he suddenly spun around and said, word by word, "Let us marry."
My brain felt as if it had been struck by a gong, and I collapsed back into my chair.
Feng Tong rounded the wide desk and strode toward me. His eyes flashed with a strange brilliance I had never seen before—a light so dazzling it was almost radiant, carrying a mysterious magic that drew my gaze and left me momentarily paralyzed.
"Let us marry," his voice was fervent and soft. "Let me have a legitimate status to stay by your side, to take care of you and the child."
My mind was a chaotic mess, but my body responded instinctively. "No."
The light in his eyes vanished instantly. "Why? Where am I not good enough?"
His words left my heart in turmoil. "It's not that you aren't good enough... that's not the issue. It's just..." I paused, trying to calm myself. "I... you know... Most importantly, marriage shouldn't be like this. It shouldn't be a matter of only one person giving..."
Feng Tong lowered his eyes, his face etched with disappointment and pain.
"Feng Tong," I stepped closer to him. "You are one of my best friends, and you saved my life. I know what you're thinking: you don't want my child to be born illegitimate. But marriage is another matter entirely. I don't need this kind of pity."
"It's not what you think!" Feng Tong interrupted me sharply. "I don't pity you! I just... I just... I cannot let you be harmed by rumors..."
"But this kind of protection feels more like an insult to me!" I pressed my hand against my throbbing temple, feeling as though I couldn't breathe. "Do you truly think I am so selfish that I would trade your lifelong happiness for my own temporary reputation?!"
"I only want you!" Feng Tong roared, slamming his fist onto the desk. The brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone all jumped, clattering and spilling across the floor.
I had never seen him lose his temper like this, and I was momentarily stunned. Feng Tong leaned in, his emerald eyes burning with a fierce fire. He spoke through gritted teeth, "You heartless woman! You know perfectly well that I truly want to marry you! You know..." He abruptly cut himself off and turned away in a rage. He kicked open the study door and, heedless of the torrential rain outside, charged out into the storm.
I slumped down, my heart feeling as though it were stuffed with lead. I wanted to cry, but not a single tear would fall. The wind whipped the rain into the room through the open door, making the papers and book pages on the floor rustle loudly.
A gentle figure slipped inside, placed something on the low cabinet by the door, and closed it behind her. It was my master, Feng Xiuxiu. She acted as if nothing had happened, pouring a bowl of thick medicinal soup from a pot and handing it to me without a word.
I didn't know what was in the medicine, but it was both sour and bitter. It choked me, and before I could even swallow a mouthful, tears finally burst from my eyes. The transparent droplets fell into the bowl, creating tiny, intersecting ripples before I drank it all in one gulp.
Feng Tong was truly gone.
No one knew where he went. His half-read ledgers still lay in his study. A freshly changed robe still hung over the lounge chair... The Fengyun Fortress caravans moved in and out of Dongyao City, but none ever brought back news of him.
He had left in early autumn. Now, the first snow of winter had fallen.
A simple banquet was set in the Warm Pavilion by the lake. However, no one was in the mood to admire the snow. After three rounds of wine, the conversation drifted back to business.
"The winters in the north are too long, and the sandy soil makes it difficult to grow ordinary crops." Feng Xiuxiu took a brush and paper from a nearby side table, sketching as she spoke. "However, there are several medicinal herbs that are very suitable for this environment. Moreover, there are abundant water sources nearby..." She made a heavy mark on the paper and looked up at Rong Qin, Master Qiu Lie, Ming Chuan, and the Chief Steward Feng Da. Finally, her gaze landed on me. "I hope to set aside a few farms for trials."
It sounded like a good idea. I looked at Feng Da. The small, lean old man was squinting his sharp eyes at Feng Xiuxiu. Seeing my questioning look, he gave a dry cough and asked solemnly, "May I ask Master Feng, which herbs can be grown? What is the expected profit?"
Feng Xiuxiu thought for a moment and replied, "These herbs can clear internal heat and toxins. There is a constant demand for them in the Southern Island Kingdoms and the southern coastal cities."
Feng Da stroked his short beard and nodded. "I ask Master Feng to write down the names of these herbs. I will contact the Fengyun Fortress caravans to verify this as soon as possible."
When Feng Xiuxiu heard the word "verify," a flash of annoyance crossed her face. She grabbed the brush, scribbled a few names on the messy paper, tossed it to Feng Da, and left the table without a word. Rong Qin and Master Qiu Lie shared a smile but didn't stop her.
Feng Da didn't seem to mind at all. He folded the paper, tucked it into his sleeve, excused himself, and departed calmly. He was one of Feng Tong's men; he had been managing Maple Manor even before I bought Dongyao City. This steward, over fifty years old, was blunt by nature and often spoke without reservation. However, he was meticulous and reliable, especially regarding finances. Over time, I had made it a habit to consult him before allocating any funds—especially after Feng Tong left.
"Based on the news Ming Yue brought back, the situation in Qizhou is much as we expected," Ming Chuan's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Liu Yunhai is an old subordinate of Commander Chu; he does not truly submit to Han Jiang. Although Han Jiang hasn't made any major moves yet, there is frequent friction between his personal guards and Liu Yunhai's men."
I asked her, "What is their current attitude toward Dongyao City?"
Ming Chuan said bluntly, "The City Lord's recruitment of soldiers cannot be hidden from them, but they don't believe our tiny Dongyao City poses any threat. Furthermore, Han Jiang and Liu Yunhai are locked in a standoff; they won't have the energy to deal with us for a while."
"Then let the snipe and the clam fight; I shall be the fisherman who reaps the rewards." I smiled slightly. "Have your people keep a close watch. How can we not take advantage of such a perfect situation? A single scheme of sowing discord could save us thousands of troops."
Ming Chuan smiled as well. Master Rong Qin and Master Qiu Lie looked at each other but said nothing.
"How is the situation in the Palace?"
"The Emperor has moved from the Pavilion of One Dream back to the Imperial Study." She thought for a moment and added, "The Palace celebrated the hundredth day of the prince born to Consort Chen. The Grand Emperor named the child 'Xi.' Additionally..." She hesitated. "The court has bestowed great rewards upon the Ji family, but they are also keeping them under very strict surveillance. The people I sent found it difficult to make a move..."
I nodded numbly. I had already guessed as much. However, hearing the words "Zhongjing" now felt like a place I had visited in a previous life.
Just then, the tall and sturdy Ming Qi hurried into the pavilion, cupped his fists, and said loudly, "While patrolling the city, subordinates captured several spies sent from Qizhou."
I looked at him in surprise. "How can you be sure they are spies?"
Ming Qi looked at me directly and said simply, "I once saw this person drinking with Liu Yunhai in a tavern in Qizhou."
This sounded serious. Ming Chuan and I exchanged a look, and I ordered, "Bring them in."
I never dreamed that the "spies" Ming Qi brought in would be Ying Hui and his family. Although I knew when I left Qizhou that we would meet again, I never imagined it would be under these circumstances.
Upon seeing me, Ying Hui and his wife were stunned. Little Ying Xiong, however, looked delighted and tried to rush toward me, only to be pulled back by his father. The shock on Ying Hui's face slowly faded. He looked calm and alert. His wife looked at him, then at me, appearing lost.
"Brother Ying, Sister-in-law, it has been a long time." I stood up slowly and waved a hand at Ming Qi behind them. "Go and tell Steward Feng to prepare guest rooms. They are my friends. Since they are here, they must stay for a few days."
Ying Hui's brow furrowed slightly.
I smiled and turned my gaze to Little Ying Xiong. "Ying Xiong has grown taller. I have many beautiful horses here; I'll take you to see them when I have time."
Little Ying Xiong grinned at me, revealing a pair of sharp canine teeth.
I made a gesture inviting them to the table. I had just said, "Brother Ying, Sister-in-law, please sit..." when my body swayed slightly. I quickly grabbed Ming Chuan's shoulder. At the same time, a warm liquid surged out of my body without warning.
"City Lord?" Ming Chuan was startled. "What's wrong?"
Perhaps her expression was too tense, for I felt a sudden, groundless fear. "I think... I'm about to give birth..."
Master Rong Qin also stood up in shock. She pulled back the thick felt curtain and shouted outside, "Quickly, fetch Master Feng! Get the midwives!"
The contractions became more frequent and intense. At first, I could barely endure them, but as the night passed, I was exhausted, my entire body drenched in sweat, and the child still hadn't come. The two midwives were clearly anxious. Although Feng Xiuxiu said nothing, her expression suggested she was losing her composure as well.
The scent of burning herbs in the brazier made my head swim. In a state between wakefulness and sleep, Ming Shao's clear eyes flickered before me. At the peak of the pain, his name was a whimper between my teeth, but it was ultimately held back by the cloth I bit down on. I didn't know whose voice it was in my ear, reminding me over and over: "Push... push..."
Another wave of agony crashed over me like a tidal wave. My vision went black, but my body suddenly felt light.
All around me, clouds of black mist drifted. I seemed to be floating within them, feeling an indescribable ease. Before my eyes, the mist parted to reveal a small kitchen. My father was wearing that big apron with the apple pattern, carefully handling a piece of beef on the cutting board, muttering to himself, "Should I scald it with boiling water first? I remember your mom doing it that way..." Standing at the kitchen door was my eight- or nine-year-old self. The shoulder of my white school uniform had a prominent ball print, my short hair was a tangled mess of sweat, and my sun-darkened face wore a skeptical expression...
The black mist shifted, and the kitchen became the Rong Pavilion of the Ji Manor, brightly lit in the twilight. Wu Chao, returning home for the first time, looked around with a face full of curiosity. On either side of me were my father and my little mother, competing to pile food onto my plate. Min Zhi sat across from me, grinning and making a face...
In the blink of an eye, a vast expanse of green stretched out before me. Two horses galloped up a grassy slope. I saw my male-clothed self turn back triumphantly, and behind me, Ming Shao was wearing a radiant smile...
The black mist gathered and parted again. I saw myself lying stiffly on a large bed, hands and feet bound with cloth strips. A midwife lifted her sweat-covered, fat face and whispered to the one beside her, "If it doesn't come out soon, I'm afraid both the mother and child..."
*Is she talking about me?* I leaned over Feng Xiuxiu's shoulder to look at the bed. The "me" on the bed had a face the color of ash, eyes tightly shut. A lock of sweat-dampened hair clung to my forehead. Feng Xiuxiu held a silver needle, piercing it into the crown of my head, my brow, and several other major acupoints...
Everything went dark again. But I clearly heard her voice, filled with relief: "She's awake!"
Every inch of pain returned in an instant. Someone leaned close to my ear and shouted, but I couldn't tell whose voice it was...
"Push... push..."
Just when I thought I was going to die, a weak cry reached my ears. The midwife shouted, "It's out! It's out! Congratulations, Madam! It's a young master!"
The midwife held a tiny child and brought him before me. He was a red little fellow, restlessly moving his neck as if trying to find a comfortable angle in that small space. At the first sight of him, I felt that the face I had imagined a thousand times in my heart looked exactly like this. As soon as my hand touched his small face, he turned his head, as if searching for something.
"Take him out and give him to the wet nurse," Feng Xiuxiu whispered.
My heart suddenly eased, but my body felt as if it had been torn apart; the pain didn't lessen in the slightest. Something else was still pushing its way out of me...
The midwife's voice, filled with shock, reached my ears again: "Heavens... another one..."
Her voice was full of surprise and pity, sparking a premonition of dread in my heart. Someone gripped my hand tightly. I forced my eyes open; it was Feng Xiuxiu. Seeing her expression, a chill slowly crept into my soul. I had already seen the child; why did she look so sorrowful?
"The child..."
Feng Xiuxiu shook her head. "Two sons. Twins. Sadly... only one stayed..."
He lay quietly on a soft cloth, his closed eyes appearing very peaceful. His head was tilted slightly to one side, his tiny hands still clenched into fists. I gently touched one of his little fists; it was a bit cool, but exceptionally soft. A sensation like warm water flowed from that tiny fist into me with that light touch.
"Could there be a mistake?" I carefully took him from the midwife's arms. "Is he just asleep?"
No one answered me.
I leaned in and carefully pressed my face against his. His smooth little cheek was also a bit cool. I quickly pulled him closer, pressing my face against his again, but it remained cold. I pulled the cotton quilt over us to wrap him tightly, but his little body was still so cold...
"Blankets! Get blankets!" I roared. "Bring the brazier over!"
A blanket was quickly brought. I reached out to take it, but a hand shot out and snatched it away. I looked up impatiently; Feng Xiuxiu held the blanket in one hand, while the other held a silver needle, which she thrust toward the point between my brows.
My body instinctively tried to dodge, but my vision suddenly went black, and I fell into an endless darkness.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 冥川 | Ming Chuan | Acting leader of the Ming Sect. |
| 冥峰 | Ming Feng | A member of the Ming Sect. |
| 冥夜 | Ming Ye | A member of the Ming Sect. |
| 冥涛 | Ming Tao | A member of the Ming Sect. |
| 冥微 | Ming Wei | A member of the Ming Sect. |
| 冥月 | Ming Yue | A member of the Ming Sect. |
| 冥起 | Ming Qi | A member of the Ming Sect. |
| 明华 | Ming Hua | A character from the Ji family/Zhongjing. |
| 落云轻 | Falling Cloud Light | A rare type of tea from the Kingdom of Anli. |
| 安黎国 | Kingdom of Anli | A neighboring country to the west. |
| 临西山脉 | Linxi Mountains | A mountain range in the west. |
| 临西草原 | Linxi Grasslands | A grassland region in the west. |
| 黑族 | Black Tribe | A tribal group in the Linxi region. |
| 夏天 | Xia Tian | A suggested name (means Summer). |
| 夏雨 | Xia Yu | A suggested name (means Summer Rain). |
| 夏雪 | Xia Xue | A suggested name (means Summer Snow). |
| 夏冰雹 | Xia Bingbao | A suggested name (means Summer Hailstone). |
| 风达 | Feng Da | The Chief Steward of Maple Manor, a veteran of Fengyun Fortress. |
| 曦 | Xi | The name given to the prince (means sunlight/dawn). |
| 英汇 | Ying Hui | A friend/acquaintance from Qizhou. |
| 英雄 | Ying Xiong | Ying Hui's son (name means Hero). |
| 稳婆 | Midwife | Traditional term for a birth assistant. |
