The emperor's face tightened with guilt, his gaze lingering on Lianfeng. "This is my fault," he murmured under his breath. "I never should have let this happen."

"Calm down. It was just an accident," she said, soothingly rubbing his arm. He must stay composed; a single crack could be catastrophic.

Straightening to her full height, she turned her attention to the others in the room. She commanded, "What happened here does not leave these walls. If I hear wind of a single whisper, you will answer to me—there will be consequences."

She arched her eyebrows. Her gaze swept over the room, her eyes as sharp as a blade, cutting through the servant's faces, "I will not hesitate. Is that understood?" The court must not know about this.

"We will heed your order," replied the servants in unison, their voices trembing with fear.

The empress continued and addressed Lianfeng firmly, " Your name is He Ning. You are a palace maid but you will stay with us until your memory returns. I have heard that you possess exceptional martial arts—sufficient to train the princes. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," said Lianfeng bowing her head. He Ning was the name she used as a cover, she couldn't use Huanxin or Lianfeng, as one was a legendary figure and the other was her name to the world. I hadn't anticipated the empress would be so accommodating, she mused, but this unexpected turn of events made my plan easier.

"I heard you were close with one maid. She will serve you and help you recover," the empress declared to Lianfeng.

"Yes, Your Majesty" replied Lianfeng.

Lianfeng was led to the training grounds in the afternoon, where the twin princes awaited her arrival. The training ground was a brown landscape, its dusty expanse surrounded by high walls, guarding against intruders. The sounds of sparring filled the air as the soldiers trained near the walls while the princes in the inner area.

"This is your martial arts master," the maid announced, nodding towards Lianfeng before turning to the princes. "These are the two princes. This is Prince Fei(Fay)," she motioned to the prince at right.

The elder one, sure looks like a responsible person.

The maid continued "This is the younger prince Xian(Shyan)."

Prince Xian scoffed, placing his hands on his waist, "Eh, I was born just a few minutes after him. It makes no difference."

"Yes, your highness", replied the maid, not wanting to anger the prince.

The maid bowed and left them alone. Lianfeng noticed the slight tension in Fei's shoulders and the playful spark in Xian's eyes. She hid a small smile; teaching these two would be as much a lesson in discipline as in martial arts.

Prince Fei, formal and composed, gave her a respectful bow. Prince Xian shot his brother a sly look before mimicking the greeting with a slight smirk.

Lianfeng told them "Be at ease. Have both of you warmed up?"

Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

"Yes," replied Fei in a monotonous tone.

"Okay, then I will teach you a martial arts technique. It is called 'shadow palm' ", announced Lianfeng.

"First, take the Iron Wall Stance," Lianfeng instructed, her tone firm. "Position your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Turn your body slightly sidewards to minimize exposure." She stepped back, watching closely. "Raise your arms—one at shoulder level, the other by your waist. Your foundation must be rock-solid."

She took a breath, giving her words a moment to settle. "If your opponent throws a punch, step back and deflect it with an open palm." She paused, emphasizing her words. "Forcefully, with your other hand, strike their chest directly."

She looked at them both, eyes intense. "This will throw them off balance, creating your opening. Remember, this technique is not about aggression; it's about precision and timing."

"Now, perform the shadow palm technique", she instructed the boys.

Prince Fei followed the steps trying to be precise, while Prince Xian experimented with the moves, trying to make it look effortless.

Prince Fei aimed for perfection, while Prince Xian sought fun. Fei's predictable moves lacked the excitement of experimentation, while Xian's flair lacked his brother's stability.

Lianfeng called a halt. "Prince Fei, your stance and moves are stable. Prince Xian, you have a knack for experimentation. You both lack what the other possesses: experimentation" she said looking at Fei "and stability" turning her gaze to Xian.

After some time of practicing, the bell rang announcing the end of training. The princes and Lianfeng bowed to each other before parting ways.

On her way, Lianfeng reflected on the training session. I can benefit from the princes, but I have to ensure I don't reveal too much about myself. Their relationship reminded her so much of her bond with Wu Hi—one filled with energy and the other grounded in stability. I miss them, she thought, a pang of longing in her chest. But I must push forward with my plan. I have to succeed for everyone.

The moment Lianfeng entered her room, the fragrant scent of jasmine from the incense burner flowed around her. A maid stood outside the door and bowed. "Greetings, miss."

"I am Liu Ren, your maid," said a girl younger than Lianfeng.

Lianfeng instructed, "Come in and close the door."

Ren obeyed swiftly, standing attentively as Lianfeng seated herself. The sight of the young girl reminded her of a fateful encounter that had changed both their lives.

Flashback:

Ren's ragged clothes fluttered as a man loomed closer, his grip tigthening on her wrist, "Come here, beauty. Come with me," he sneered.

She struggled, her heart pounding—until a sharp voice cut through the alley. Lianfeng jumped from the roof into the alleyway "Let go of her," she shouted, startling both the man and Ren.

With her sheathed sword, she pushed his hand away and struck his chest, forcing him a few steps back.

"How dare you!" the man roared, anger written on his face.

"I dare. Now, get away from her, or you will regret it," she shot back.

The man retreated, clutching his chest.

"Are you okay?" Lianfeng asked her with concern.

Everything happened in a flash. Ren was still processing the situation, her heart racing. Who is this girl? Why did she risk herself for me? She felt a mix of relief and confusion wash over her. I was just about to be taken, and now I'm saved by a stranger? The fear that had paralyzed her began to fade, replaced by a sense of hope. Maybe there's still kindness in this world.

She looked at Lianfeng, whose fierce demeanor gave her a sense of security. This girl is so strong. I wish I could be like her.

Meanwhile, Lianfeng surveyed the scene, her anger simmering benath her composed exterior. How could someone be so brazen?

Lianfeng turned back to Ren, sensing the fear in her. She shouldn't have to live in fear. I know what it is like to feel helpless. No one deserves that. Her thoughts drifted to her past. If I hadn't met my family would I have been like her?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Your plan has been smooth till now. What's next? inquired Ren.

"First, send a message to my family. I'll tell you my plan later; let's sleep now," Lianfeng stated. She doffed her shoes and let her legs rest on the bed, preparing for her next move.