Morning sunlight spread across the Imperial Palace, illuminating the vast training grounds where hundreds of soldiers had already begun their daily drills.
The sharp clash of swords echoed through the air.
"Again!"
General stood in the center of the field, dressed in a simple black training robe. Sweat glistened on his forehead as he demonstrated another sword technique.
His movements were swift, precise, and powerful.
"Your footing is unstable," he corrected one young soldier. "In battle, one mistake costs your life."
"Yes, General!"
The soldiers immediately corrected their stance.
General nodded with satisfaction before picking up another practice spear.
Nearby, palace maids passed through the corridor leading toward the imperial gardens.
Among them walked Lady Chen.
She had originally intended to visit the lotus pavilion to enjoy the morning breeze.
But as she passed the training grounds...
She stopped.
Her eyes naturally drifted toward the field.
Toward him.
