“Come on,” Yan Huaijin said. “I’ll teach you some swordsmanship.”
Pei Yunting froze for a moment before hurrying after him.
“Your injuries haven’t fully healed yet. You’re already practicing with the sword again?”
“It’s nothing.”
He was more than a head taller than her, and his long strides forced Pei Yunting to follow closely behind with some effort. She had just opened her mouth to speak when the person in front of her suddenly stopped and turned around.
Caught completely off guard, she walked straight into his chest.
The palace maids and eunuchs nearby all tactfully pretended to be blind. Those working continued working, while those passing by wisely lowered their heads.
Yan Huaijin instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her.
Once she had regained her balance, he awkwardly rubbed the bridge of his nose.
“I was thinking about something just now and walked too fast. Sorry.”
Pei Yunting shook her head and pulled him a few more steps forward.
Behind them, Yiner, Zhier, Zhan Yuan, and Zhan Zhao immediately understood that their two masters wished to speak privately. They deliberately slowed their pace, leaving the pair plenty of room to talk.
The two of them had been tugging each other around since childhood, so there were few formalities between them in private. Yan Huaijin had never minded.
Only today did he suddenly realize…
Those slender, fair wrists had always wielded a sword.
And with such clean, decisive movements at that.
No wonder Father Emperor and Mother praised her so often.
“What is it?” he asked quietly.
“About yesterday…” She frowned. “I thought it over after returning home. The people who barged into our private room must have entered the wrong one in their panic. But that Lord Liu… does he have something to do with the embezzlement case you and Zhou Siyan have been investigating recently?”
Zhou Siyan, Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, was the son of the Grand Secretary and one of Yanjing’s most famous young nobles.
His mother had died from difficult childbirth, which was why his father named him after the verse, ‘One string, one pillar, thinking of glorious years.’
His father, Zhou Chongtai, had shared life-and-death experiences with Marquis Pei Zhao’an, making the two families longtime friends.
As a child, Zhou Siyan had been frail and sickly, as delicate as a willow swaying in the wind.
While the two little “Kings of Hell” were wreaking havoc at the Hanlin Academy, he had remained at home recovering from illness.
He rarely even appeared during festivals, so Pei Yunting had little impression of him growing up.
Yet this young vice minister possessed an extraordinary talent for solving criminal cases.
Once his health improved, he immediately astonished all of Yanjing.
The common people claimed he was the reincarnation of the legendary Judge Bao.
Relying solely on his own ability, he solved several long-unsolved cold cases, earning praise from both court officials and the common folk alike.
The Emperor personally promoted him to Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.
Since taking office, he had remained utterly devoted to his duties, and his reputation only continued to grow.
Very few people knew…
Zhou Siyan had long since become one of the Third Prince’s trusted subordinates.
His chronic illness had improved largely because Yan Huaijin had searched everywhere for famous physicians and personally ensured he received proper treatment.
Though the illness had never completely disappeared, he now lived almost like an ordinary person.
If Yan Huaijin wished to prove himself, he had to assist his father in governing.
To do that, he needed capable people.
The cold cases Zhou Siyan solved all concealed hidden truths.
Behind every one of them was Yan Huaijin’s full support.
As time passed, Pei Yunting gradually grew close to Zhou Siyan as well.
The three of them often found themselves of the same mind, frequently gathering together to discuss current affairs and criminal cases.
Yan Huaijin hadn’t expected her to ask about this.
He nodded.
Then glanced at the sky.
“Let’s have lunch at Qiongyu Pavilion today.”
“This isn’t the place to discuss it.”
“When we get there, I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
“All right.”
…
Jiang Boyan, Commander of the Imperial Guards, was renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship.
Because of that, Emperor Ren’an had appointed him as the Third Prince’s swordsmanship instructor.
By extension, Pei Yunting also benefited from those lessons.
Although she wasn’t considered a martial arts prodigy, she had studied under both her father and Yan Huaijin since childhood.
Her swordsmanship and lightness skill were outstanding even among men.
However, as a woman, she couldn’t casually reveal such abilities.
First, they could save her life should danger arise one day.
Second, they spared her endless gossip.
Under ordinary circumstances, she simply kept her talents hidden.
Yan Huaijin had someone bring over his two swords.
Pei Yunting skillfully accepted the Chengying Sword.
She and this blade could practically be called old friends.
After merely glancing at it, she sheathed it again and stood quietly beside the training grounds with the sword in her arms.
It was only midmorning.
The sky had already grown much darker than when they entered the palace.
Rain would likely arrive before long.
The fierce wind lifted Yan Huaijin’s hair as his robes fluttered dramatically around him.
The young prince stood tall and imposing, every bit the image of youthful heroism.
One couldn’t help but stare.
After exchanging formal salutes, both men moved simultaneously.
Yan Huaijin attacked.
Jiang Boyan defended.
Pei Yunting could tell that, at first, they were evenly matched.
Neither held the advantage.
But when Jiang Boyan deliberately retreated to lure his opponent forward before pressing the attack step by step, Yan Huaijin gradually began to lose ground.
Jiang Boyan’s sword angles were astonishingly tricky and unpredictable.
Having survived countless real battles, every movement he made lived up to his legendary reputation.
As expected…
The older generation truly was more formidable.
Just as she reached that conclusion, movement at the edge of her vision caught her attention.
Someone was approaching.
It was Commandery Princess Nanping, the legitimate daughter of Prince Zong.
Pei Yunting immediately developed a headache.
She couldn’t exactly say she disliked the princess.
The problem was…
Nanping had disliked her from the very first meeting for no apparent reason, constantly giving her cold looks.
At the time, Pei Yunting had been utterly bewildered.
Only later did she understand.
Commandery Princess Nanping had admired Yan Huaijin for years.
Meanwhile, Pei Yunting and Yan Huaijin were famous throughout the capital as childhood sweethearts.
Rumors about the two of them circulated endlessly.
Naturally…
Nanping had come to resent her.
As the daughter of a minister, Pei Yunting’s status differed from that of a princess of the imperial clan.
After politely offering her greetings, she had no desire for conversation and returned her attention to the black-clad figure on the training grounds.
Nanping stopped beside her.
After dismissing her attendants, she fixed her gaze on Yan Huaijin without looking away.
After a long silence, she proudly remarked,
“His Highness’s swordsmanship has improved again.”
“I doubt any young noble in the capital can compare.”
Pei Yunting merely lifted an eyelid.
She couldn’t even be bothered to respond.
Nanping had come today solely to see Yan Huaijin.
Along the way, she heard that the Empress had already summoned Second Miss Pei first.
She had sneered inwardly.
Who does Pei Yunting think she is?
A mere marquis’s daughter.
She only earned the title of the Third Prince’s childhood sweetheart because of her mother’s influence.
Yet she dares dream of marrying the lofty Third Prince?
Keep dreaming.
Seeing the way Pei Yunting watched Yan Huaijin made Nanping feel like a fishbone was lodged in her throat.
So she deliberately walked over just to make things difficult.
“Stop following His Highness.”
“I’m having lunch with him today.”
“Second Miss Pei, you’d better head home early.”
The meaning couldn’t have been clearer.
Yan Huaijin belonged to her today.
Pei Yunting shouldn’t even think about intruding.
By then, the duel had concluded.
Yan Huaijin smiled and cupped his fists.
“General, your swordsmanship is extraordinary.”
“I accept my defeat wholeheartedly.”
Jiang Boyan returned the salute modestly.
“Your Highness is equally remarkable.”
“Given enough time, you may very well surpass me.”
The two sheathed their swords and walked off the training grounds together.
The moment Nanping saw Yan Huaijin approaching, her eyes lit up.
The arrogant, contemptuous expression she’d worn only moments earlier instantly transformed into one of innocent sweetness.
“Your Highness!”
“I finally had the chance to enter the palace with Father today.”
“You’ll spend some time with me, won’t you?”
Yan Huaijin halted.
Then he looked toward the expressionless Pei Yunting.
He said nothing.
Jiang Boyan was an old fox through and through.
Sensing the awkward atmosphere, he immediately excused himself with the Imperial Guards.
Yan Huaijin put away his sword before instructing the nearby guards,
“You may all withdraw.”
“There’s no need to remain here.”
“Your Highness…”
Nanping pouted adorably.
“Why are you ignoring me?”
“Did I do something wrong?”
Yan Huaijin choked on his words.
“…Since you rarely enter the palace, why don’t you visit my mother in Kunning Palace?”
“She’s quite bored most days.”
“Then come with me!”
“What’s so interesting about staying here?”
“…”
Yan Huaijin’s head began to ache.
He glanced sideways at Pei Yunting, who stood there looking completely unconcerned.
For some inexplicable reason…
He became annoyed.
Almost out of spite, he agreed.
Naturally, Nanping was overjoyed.
She immediately skipped to Yan Huaijin’s side and chatted happily as the two headed toward Kunning Palace.
Before leaving, Zhan Zhao and Zhan Yuan secretly glanced at Pei Yunting’s rather unpleasant expression.
Meeting each other’s eyes, both silently thought the same thing.
Either their master and Second Miss Pei would have a huge argument later…
Or His Highness would end up climbing over her courtyard wall again to coax her.
Pei Yunting absolutely refused to admit she was angry.
But for some unknown reason…
Watching the two of them walk away together left her feeling inexplicably uncomfortable.
She silently cursed.
Yan Huaijin, you shameless flirt!
You’re really no good at all!
Whichever young lady marries you in the future will truly have rotten luck!
With nowhere to vent her frustration, she drew her sword and began practicing alone in the center of the training grounds, forbidding anyone from approaching.
Although she still wore her flowing lavender dress instead of light training clothes, her sword dance possessed a unique beauty.
The young woman’s expression was icy.
Each movement was crisp and decisive.
Every slash carried overwhelming momentum.
The blade sang sharply against the eastern wind.
Suddenly…
Someone carrying a sword stepped onto the training grounds.
It was Yan Huaijin.
He had come back.
His eyes burned brightly as he smiled.
“Pei Wanwan.”
“Do you dare exchange a few moves with me?”
Pei Yunting rolled her eyes dramatically and made a show of sheathing her sword.
Seeing that, Yan Huaijin burst into laughter.
Without holding back in the slightest, he lunged at her.
Zhan Zhao and the others craned their necks excitedly to watch.
They even started betting with Yiner and Zhier that their master would definitely win.
People always said men possessed overwhelming physical advantages.
Yet Pei Yunting wasn’t at a disadvantage in the slightest.
The two exchanged blows back and forth so evenly that it was impossible to tell who held the upper hand.
Her swordsmanship had always emphasized efficiency and elegance, carrying all the bearing of a true master.
Yan Huaijin, however, harbored entirely different thoughts.
At first, he fought seriously with everything he had.
But after several exchanges…
He abruptly changed tactics.
He only defended.
Never attacked.
Every strike Pei Yunting launched seemed to sink into a pile of soft cotton.
Growing increasingly irritated, she suddenly withdrew her sword and launched a flying kick instead.
The corners of Yan Huaijin’s lips curved upward.
The amusement in his eyes deepened.
He sidestepped gracefully, avoiding the kick.
Then, reaching out, he wrapped an arm around Pei Yunting’s waist.
With a gentle pull…
He effortlessly drew her into his embrace.
Zhan Zhao and Zhan Yuan stared so hard their eyes nearly popped out.
You can do that?
Still breathing lightly from the duel, Pei Yunting didn’t even have time to feel embarrassed before punching his firm chest several times.
After only a few blows, however…
Her own hand began to hurt.
Seeing that, Yan Huaijin finally released her.
“Are you really angry?”
Pei Yunting snorted coldly without answering.
She turned and walked away.
Yan Huaijin chuckled softly where he stood before leisurely following after her.
One hand clasped behind his back, he said casually,
“Let’s go have lunch at Qiongyu Pavilion.”
“My treat.”
When she still refused to respond, he simply smiled to himself…
Then calmly followed behind her all the way onto her carriage.