Brother and I were sent to Lhen Jhing for an upcoming trade deal. We arrived just in time to witness the execution of Clan Chih.
They were charged with treason.
But—
From the whispers in the street, everyone knew the real reason: Chih Rhu—the beautiful daughter of Clan Chih—rejected our Prince Bhi Yha Queh's pursuit.
I hope I'll never have to meet Bhi Yha Queh. I don't want this to happen to my family as well, even though my family has the best weapon forges in Yueh. The Yueh Kingdom relies on our business. Our blacksmithing skills are unparalleled by any existing nation. All of their top warriors seek our weapons, like Uxiospea Princesses, Omenmian and Elementian armies, and even Shen Zhun imports our designs.
My brother is the pride of our family, the best blacksmith to succeed my father. I tried to learn it, but I'll never catch up to his skills. With that said, I'm still proud of my own skills. I think I can start my own shop if I'm not a woman.
Unfortunately, the Gustanese Civil War is coming to an end—our biggest income is going to be gone soon. Father has been so worried recently.
So...
What is this new trade deal we are dealing with?
"Greetings, my name is Ah-Lan. I'm a Kaasian. I represent Mar-Chi Trade."
"I'm Ping Min, I don't know where I'm from, but I'm rich as hell. I represent Shiao Ping Min Trade."
"We want to buy your weapons," they say together.
Why is the second guy's name so weird? That basically means "Commoner." Who names their kids like that? But I heard his trade is big with pirates.
I'm eavesdropping on the conversation because Brother said women are not supposed to be here. Women can learn Shin and fight, but not how to be a leader. This is the tradition.
We are the only nation in Tian Jou that is still so rigid in this formality.
But schools for knowledge are still limited to men across Tian Jou. Only noble ladies can study, but even then, they still can only have private tutors.
I want to go to the famous school in Sehn Taih so much. They have the best language classes and business classes. So that one day, I can move to Uxiospea with the knowledge and start my own business.
They are negotiating who can get the deal. Cyrus-Kaas is looking to strengthen their army against Uxiospea and Shiao Ping Min, a pirate trade deal, period.
This is my favorite part, the part I always eavesdrop on.
I lean over, then—
The sliding door couldn't hold my weight. I fall into the room with the door below me.
Wham!
I hate old doors.
"Hi..." I mutter.
Ping Min turns to look at me. "Ehm?"
"Lhiu Rhi, I told you to stay in your room."
Brother is furious. He cares about me, but he is a traditionalist.
I'm escorted back to my room.
Nothing else to do. I start meditating. An important practice for Shin. At least I won't be useless when bandits show up.
Someone knocks on my window. I'm on the second floor. It must be her. My secret Shin master—Shi Khu Jhi.
She is a famous heroine in the Yueh Kingdom. I heard she was an exiled noble from the south—Gustan, but nothing more. She started a secret Shin school for women in my city.
When she heard I was going to Lhen Jhing, she said she would follow me later. Then the Chih Rhu case. She left to uncover the truth.
Now, she is back.
I open the window, a peach-pink-haired woman leaps in in an instant.
I bow to her. "Master."
She ignores me and walks straight to my bed with her dirty clothes.
Poom!
She falls onto my bed, stretching with a groan.
"I miss a good bed..." she mutters.
"Master, do you want to change before you—"
She sits up sharply. "I need your help."
"How?"
"Chih Rhu is locked in Prince Bhi's personal prison. We're breaking her out."
My stomach drops. "I... I'm not good enough. I've never even been in a real fight. And... my brother locked me in my room."
She waves a hand. "I'm pretending I didn't hear that. You're my second favorite student. You can jump out the window and back in without anyone knowing."
...You didn't have to emphasize second favorite.
Before I can argue, she throws a dagger at me. Instinct takes over. I catch it—barely.
"Master!" I hiss. "I make a living off this face!"
She grins. "See? You're ready."
Then she hops off my bed and tosses me the two daggers I forged for her—Whu Jhen (Dancing-needle) and Rhou Ghuang (Softlight).
"Let's teach those lost government lapdogs a lesson."
How did a noblewoman fall this far?
I smile awkwardly, not answering.
"Too bad. I'm not asking."
Before I can protest, she grabs my wrist and leaps out the window.
I stumble, lose my balance—
Wham!
I land flat on my back.
"...Ow."
"You'll survive. Now feel your Yun."
Energy pulses from her core like a slow breath.
I close my eyes, and follow—
The warmth trickles into my limbs, steady, rising.
Then—
We dash through the midnight street. The night market is still on. Lhen Jhing is the commercial hub of the western Tian Jou, the one closest to Han and Omenmia. It's amazing that the capital's business never stops.
But—
"Master, why are we running through the market. I'm not supposed to be on the street."
I can feel that she rolls her eyes.
"Fine."
She hops onto the rooftop.
"Wait!"
She keeps running without me.
I hate it when she is obsessed with justice.
Alright. One. Two. Three. Jump!
I leap with all my energy.
I did it! I did it!
Then I realize—I didn't.
I'm hanging off the edge.
In a skirt.
This is beyond embarrassing. Please, Elemental Lords—let no one be watching.
Meanwhile, Master is already five rooftops ahead.
Did she even want my help?
I force my way up before anyone can see it. I try to clean up my white and pink dress covers, but they are so stained at this point...
This was one of my favorite sets — now it's ruined. And my back still hurts.
Why can't she wait for me to change first?
I yank my long pigtails into a tight ponytail and pull my flowery dress tighter around me, wishing I had something less... pink.
Time to catch up.
We meet again in a hidden room around the courthouse.
As I hop in, I see a red-haired man meditating.
"Master? Who is he?"
"Our teammate," Master answers easily. "He's a dojo master."
He opens his eyes, sharp but kind, and meets my gaze without hesitation. A sincere bow. "My name is Kar Lin Tif. Chih Rhu... is my heart. Please help me save her."
"Master Kar. Of course, we will. I even brought my second favorite student." Master points to me.
I bow, but I'm still thinking about being called the second.
I'm not sure I'm ready to stand here, but I can't let them down.
Master smiles. "Let's bring real justice to this city of crime."