The Innocent Heart - Chapter 22

Wei Zifu watched the two youths leave together, and then watched them both romp together side-by-side in the garden, smiling with some helplessness.

She was naturally gentle, and to survive in Liu Che’s court, in addition to the Sovereign’s favor, being knowledgeable, discreet, cautious, gentle, and considerate were her winning strategies.

This was the way of survival Wei Zifu had figured out for herself over the years.

She was not a noble lady from a prominent family. Although she had received some training in the arts at Princess Pingyang’s residence, those were merely tricks to please men.

In the palace, only knowing how to please men was clearly insufficient. She had to put the Emperor first, anticipating his worries and thinking his thoughts.

When Liu Che wanted to expand the territory, her younger brother seriously studied military law. When Liu Che favored Huo Qubing, she cherished her nephew even more than he did.

If a palace consort lacked support from her maternal side, her ending would hardly be happy. Although Wei Zifu was illiterate, she was very clever and had discerned some clues by observing the several generations of Empresses Dowager in the Han Dynasty.

Therefore, she worked hard to cultivate and support her younger brother, deliberately creating more opportunities for Liu Che and her nephew to spend time together.

She was also well aware that the reason Liu Che favored Huo Qubing was not only due to his evident military talent but also his straightforward personality.

Therefore, she indulged Qubing, allowing him to do as much as he wished. She persuaded her second sister to stop interfering with her nephew’s aspirations. Both she and the Emperor clearly understood that Qubing was a fledgling eagle ready to spread its wings.

But whether an eagle or a fierce tiger, they were destined to be lonely. Although Qubing had been deeply loved by his elders over the years, he was not liked by his peers; he often walked alone between the palace and the Wei residence.

Wei Zifu also understood that the status of being an illegitimate child was just the most superficial reason. A monarch’s favor is always a double-edged sword; it brings supreme glory to those favored, but simultaneously invites the jealousy of others.

This was the fundamental reason Huo Qubing had no friends. Moreover, he was naturally arrogant and unwilling to flatter others, so he was naturally not accepted by those noble-born youths.

From the garden not far away came the laughter of Huo Qubing and the youth named Guan Yueyao.

Wei Zifu turned to look and saw the youth seemingly spinning a broomstick in his hand.

Thankfully, Qubing now had a friend, Wei Zifu thought with relief.

The silk cloth her brother had asked her to deliver to her surfaced in her mind. It stated that this youth was a promising talent and they should try their best to win him over to the Wei family’s influence.

Thinking of this, the smile on her face grew even gentler.

“Mei Guang, take that stack of steamed cakes over to Qubing and the others. You stay nearby and serve them carefully; do not neglect them.”

Ever since witnessing Guan Yueyao’s saber technique, Huo Qubing had been pestering her, demanding Guan Yueyao demonstrate the saber technique she used in her spar with his uncle yesterday.

However, in the Weiyang Palace, no one could carry a blade without the Emperor’s express permission. Even the clever Guan Yueyao couldn’t cook without rice; she could only ask a passing palace cleaner for a broomstick to use as a makeshift weapon.

The long handle of the broom was made of bamboo, and it wasn’t heavy in her hand. Guan Yueyao swung it twice, only finding the tassels at the end quite bothersome.

She was impatient. Without waiting for the cleaner’s opinion, she stomped her foot and completely separated the bamboo handle from the tassels.

“This is better,” she said, grasping one end of the bamboo handle, flipping her wrist as she played with it like a saber.

“Watch closely now,” Guan Yueyao turned and smiled at Huo Qubing before seriously demonstrating the Thirteen Forms of the Miaodao Saber technique for him.

Drawing Saber Stance, Sweeping Saber Stance, Downward Slicing Stance, Thrusting to Meet, Wiping Saber Stance, Waist Cut, Cloud Saber Stance, Pushing Saber Stance, Smothering Saber Stance, Hanging Saber Stance, Grinding Saber Stance, Upright Cleaving Saber, Pointing Saber Stance.

Each move and stance was formed through years of constant practice into muscle memory. Even though she had been a bit rusty during her time in Japan, once she resumed, her body seemed to move with its own will.

The Miaodao saber was heavy, which meant the person wielding it also needed professional strength training. This resulted in Guan Yueyao being much stronger than the girls, or even the boys, her age.

Although she was holding nothing more than an empty bamboo stick right now, Huo Qubing, standing nearby, could still hear the sound of the bamboo breaking the air incessantly.

The morning sunlight gradually brightened. Amidst a cluster of blooming flowers, Huo Qubing watched his friend stand tall, wielding the length of bamboo in a dazzling display.

No boy would be unmoved by such a sight. Huo Qubing couldn’t help but stare blankly. He greedily watched every movement of the other person, thinking that he too must practice until he achieved such mastery one day.

Guan Yueyao didn’t know what Huo Qubing was thinking. She was completely immersed in her own world.

She truly still loved martial arts, from the bottom of her heart. She wouldn’t let her dislike for the man who taught her the martial arts spill over to the art itself.

She wanted to keep practicing…

The two youths in the garden—one reluctant to stop, the other reluctant to look away—continued for an unknown amount of time until a burst of applause and a hearty laugh broke the overly harmonious scene.

“Qubing, is this the retainer you’ve taken on? A fine saber technique! Truly a hero among the youth!” A commanding voice sounded behind them. Upon hearing this, Huo Qubing quickly strode to Guan Yueyao’s side, forcefully pulling the still-dazed youth, who was staring in the direction of the voice, downwards.

Huo Qubing used full force. Guan Yueyao was caught off guard, felt her knees weaken, and went down with Huo Qubing into a kneel. Just as she was about to flare up in anger, she heard Huo Qubing’s respectful voice by her ear: “Your subject, Huo Qubing, along with retainer Guan Yueyao, greets His Majesty.”

Guan Yueyao closed her mouth, feeling curious again. She slightly raised her head, wanting to sneak a look at what the Emperor looked like. But just as she tried to peek at Liu Che, Liu Che was also bowing his head, examining her.

Their gazes met in the air. Guan Yueyao was startled and hurriedly lowered her head again.

“Rise,” the majestic male voice, bearing a smile, sounded again.

The Emperor doesn’t seem so terrifying, Guan Yueyao thought to herself as she climbed up from the ground.

By this time, Wei Zifu had already come out and was about to usher the group into the hall when Liu Che waved his hand to stop her.

“Guan Yueyao?” Liu Che looked at the youth before him with great interest, stroking his chin. “Demonstrate that saber technique you just performed for Us again, completely.”

Saying this, he glanced at the bamboo stick in her hand, then suddenly turned to Wei Qing, who was by his side: “Zhongqing, give him your saber.”

“Your Majesty!” Wei Qing’s face showed alarm, and he immediately tried to stop him. The Imperial Body was noble; how could he allow a mere youth to brandish a weapon in front of him?

“It’s nothing, give it to him,” Liu Che was unconcerned and repeated his command concisely.

Wei Qing had no choice. He unbuckled his saber, stepped forward a couple of paces, and handed it to Guan Yueyao.

With a more suitable weapon in hand, Guan Yueyao didn’t decline. She simply retreated several zhang away.

Wei Qing’s saber was forged by the Shangfang Commandery, a special gift from Liu Che, made from the finest refined iron. Guan Yueyao practiced the saber and loved blades. The moment the saber left its sheath and settled into her grip, she gasped internally, “What a good blade.”

Thus, she became even more eager to wield this saber. This time, she was even more proficient than in her previous demonstration. With the precious blade in hand, she brought out the bold, sweeping, and intensely powerful momentum characteristic of the Miaodao saber technique.

At first, Wei Zifu was only watching to accompany the group, but gradually, even she became engrossed. Everyone forgot to speak, focusing only on the dazzling, dazzling saber flowers blooming around Guan Yueyao, which were too fast for the eye to follow.

Finally, the last form was demonstrated. Guan Yueyao returned the saber to its sheath with a zheng sound.

It was as if people who had been frozen by acupuncture points suddenly had their meridians cleared. Liu Che, Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing all showed expressions as if waking from a dream.

Among them, Wei Qing’s impression was the deepest. Yesterday, he had engaged this youth in close combat and truly experienced the fierce nature of this saber technique.

Watching today as an onlooker, he noticed even more the life-threatening killing intent hidden within every seemingly simple move of the dozen or so forms.

“Fine saber technique! Guan Yueyao, are you willing to join my Qimen Army?” Liu Che looked at Guan Yueyao with piercing eyes. Perhaps due to long tenure as the supreme ruler, his gaze naturally carried a sense of pressure that discouraged direct viewing.

Guan Yueyao quickly lowered her head, unsure how to answer the Emperor’s proposal.

“Your Majesty, Qubing requests to enter the Qimen with Ayào!” Just then, a loud voice sounded beside Guan Yueyao. It was Huo Qubing.

“You are only ten years old; it is too early. I expect you to lead troops in battle in the future. How about I first teach you Sun Tzu’s Art of War? Warfare isn’t just about archery, swords, and spears; strategic deployment according to the situation is key.”

Liu Che was not angered by Huo Qubing’s words; on the contrary, he seemed pleased. He smiled and made the suggestion.

“The battlefield situation changes instantly. Even if I know those strategies, I feel the methods my uncle told me are more suitable for fighting the Xiongnu cavalry.”

Huo Qubing’s refusal caused Wei Zifu and Wei Qing nearby to break out in a cold sweat, but fortunately, his words did not anger the Emperor. Instead, Liu Che showed a look of curiosity and looked at Wei Qing.

“Oh? Zhongqing has thought of a strategy to counter the Xiongnu cavalry?”

Wei Qing opened his mouth to answer, but Liu Che suddenly stopped him: “This is not the place to talk. Come, follow Me into the hall.” After saying that, he paused briefly: “Qubing, you follow as well.”

He did not mention Guan Yueyao. Just moments ago, she was the focus of the Nine-Five Supreme Being’s attention, but now she was forgotten to the side.

Guan Yueyao blinked, unsure how to proceed next. Fortunately, Wei Qing soon spoke up: “My strategy still requires the assistance of Yueyao.”

The Emperor, who had already raised his foot to step into the hall, stopped again. He turned and raised an eyebrow to look at the youth still standing in the pavilion.

“Guan Yueyao, you come in too.”