One could feel the cold wind in the night sky, while the dim candle lights of the buildings in the Blazing Dawn Sect gave it a very warm and pleasant look. Combined with the cold wind, it felt perfect. However, the cold wind was interrupted and mashed with uneven heat in the training grounds of the Mu Mansion on this silent night. Grunts and kicks could be heard from the secluded grounds of the Mu Family's personal training area.
A lady in a form-fitting, crimson dress with intricate gold embroidery, slit sides for ease of movement, and long, flowing sleeves that danced in the wind, punched forward towards a man. Her dark hair flowed freely, adding to her fierce aura. The man, dressed in a black outfit with silver accents, designed for agility and protection, dodged her punch with a surprised look. This was Li Mei Cha Mu and her husband Han Cha Mu sparring.
This sparring session was mostly for Li Mei to release her frustration and anger, but it was also practice nonetheless. She took a simple step back, formed her Qi around her body, and dashed forward with incredible speed, throwing a kick that landed in front of Han before he could fully react. Half-heartedly, he blocked it with his Qi-covered hand, sending him flying back several meters. He flipped mid-air and landed on one hand, only to face another kick aimed at his face. Spinning to dodge it, he instantly stood up, barely keeping up with Li Mei despite both being 7th-grade martial artists.
As he regained his footing, two more high kicks came his way. He dodged them and attempted to destabilize Li Mei by kicking her other leg. To his surprise, she did a split, boosted herself with a Qi-enhanced handstand, and threw a kick at Han's face. In response, he used the twin blade technique, allowing his hands to move at four times their usual speed. The impact sent dust flying into the air.
Once the dust settled, both stood up. Han had used too much Qi, causing his leg to become unsteady. As he was about to fall, Li Mei caught him and sat down on a nearby stair, placing him on her lap.
“You used a Qi technique, darling. You lost,” Li Mei said to Han, gently caressing his face as he lay on her lap.
“You're just too fast, dear. No one would believe that you’re the mother of two kids,” he replied, looking up at her now calm face.
She pouted with embarrassment. “So you’re saying people will doubt your vigor? Who would dare to do that?”
Caught off guard by her reply, he chuckled. “Yeah, it looks like they will.”
Li Mei, still blushing, said, “Then you’ll have to perform better tonight to prove them wrong.”
Han chuckled at this. “You’ve calmed down a bit now.”
Li Mei nodded. “I might have been surprised and lost this small piece, but I won’t let them have the pie.”
Han sighed. “I know you won’t. Focus on the main objective. We can deal with Edina later. Once the second prince ascends the throne and you become the sect leader, these petty schemes won’t matter.”
Li Mei nodded knowingly. “I know you worry for me, dear, but don’t. I know what to do.”
Han leaned in and kissed her.
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“Iif that is so, we should start planning for how to stage the heist and get the inheritance in our hands” Han said as he pulled out from the kiss.
Next Day, in Li Mei’s Office at Mu Mansion, Blazing Dawn Sect
Li Mei sat at her ornate mahogany desk, meticulously working on the account books and various documents. The morning light filtered through the silk curtains, casting a soft glow on the room's rich furnishings and intricate decor. The scent of incense lingered in the air, a faint reminder of the power and prestige associated with her position.
Just then, Xiao Min and several former staff members of Jinwei Mansion entered the room. Their faces bore a mixture of anxiety and hope, each one silently pleading for either a new job or at least some compensation for the month's work. It was clear from their expressions that they were uncertain about their futures, especially now that Liang Feng’s selected staff had taken over Jinwei Mansion.
As soon as Li Mei saw them, she put down her brush and stood up with an air of practiced grace. “Xiao Min,” she began, her voice smooth and controlled, “I know your sister is getting married soon. Thank you for all the hard work you have done so far.” She reached into a lacquered box on her desk and pulled out three silver teals. “Here, take this. It's for all your troubles, and since you won’t have to bear the blame for tormenting Edina anymore, I’ve added another silver teal.”
Xiao Min’s eyes widened in surprise and gratitude as she accepted the money with a deep bow. “Thank you, Mistress Li Mei. This will help my family immensely.”
Li Mei nodded and then turned her attention to the other staff members, each of whom had worked diligently under her command. She walked over to them, handing out silver teals one by one. “Each of you has done valuable work,” she said, her tone carrying a mix of regret and finality. “Here are 200 copper teals to help you until you find new employment. I appreciate your service and dedication.”
The staff members accepted the coins with deep bows and murmurs of thanks. Li Mei continued, “I understand this transition is difficult, but rest assured, your contributions have not gone unnoticed. Take this time to rest and prepare for new opportunities.”
As the last of the former staff left, Li Mei returned to her desk, her thoughts momentarily distracted by the morning's encounter. She had played her part perfectly, ensuring that her former employees would not speak ill of her. It was a small, calculated move in her larger game of power and influence within the sect.
At least, that’s what she told herself. In reality, she was still that lonely and naive little girl from years ago, trapped in that dark room. The shadows of her past clung to her, whispering doubts and fears that no amount of silver teals or calculated maneuvers could entirely dispel.
Li Mei glanced around her opulent office, taking in the luxurious surroundings that should have signified her power and success. Yet, despite the wealth and status she had surrounded herself with, there was an emptiness inside her that the dark room had etched into her soul. The elegant furnishings and the delicate scent of incense couldn’t mask the lingering sense of isolation she felt.
She took a deep breath, steeling herself against the wave of melancholy that threatened to surface. Her mind raced with thoughts of her next steps, the strategies she needed to employ to maintain her influence and secure her position. But underneath it all, the little girl within her yearned for something more—something she couldn’t quite define.
As she resumed her work, her brush strokes were precise and controlled, mirroring the disciplined facade she presented to the world. But for a moment, her hand hesitated, and the mask slipped. The loneliness that haunted her past and present intertwined, reminding her that no matter how far she climbed, the shadows of that dark room would always be a part of her.