Chapter 568

Chapter 568

Having spent a good portion of his life as the sole magisterial heir to Shen Yun, Young Patriarch of the Situ Clan, and eventually the number one Talent of the North, Zian had long since grown accustomed to being the focus of attention. No matter the venue or event, there would always be someone important waiting to greet him as he arrived, as well as a long line of attendants and boot-lickers hoping to catch his attention. They never spoke of anything worthwhile during these contrived interactions, merely exchanging banal pleasantries about this or that, with praise and flattery a plenty, because they werent there for Situ Jia Zian. They were only there to forge a connection with the future Patriarch of the Situ Clan, something to be used when he came into power a decade or two down the line. This made these social niceties boring to the extreme, but Mother insisted he behave and play along, because he represented too many interests to step out of line. Vast fortunes had been made and lost on matters of face alone, and even an inkling of impropriety from the Young Patriarch could ruin current and future business deals as allies and partners steered away from the Situ Clan out of fear for the future. Thus, despite his pleasure-seeking ways, Zian always made sure to thank his hosts, refuse any overly lavish gifts, and refrain from falling into anyones debt. Itd all become routine to him, exchanging meaningless pleasantries and smiling along as some old fart or another waxed on about the good old days, and he thought this would be his life for many years to come.

Had he known what he knew now, he would have done everything he could to sabotage the Clans future, but then again, that might have given Rang Min everything he wanted, a valid excuse to replace Zian as Young Patriarch instead of bullying the Clan Elders into accepting mediocre Gulong as their future leader.

Regardless of the reasons, Zians star had fallen from on high, and he was Young Patriarch no longer. Nor was he the Number One Talent of the North either, both too old and too weak to reclaim the title. Now, with only his magisterial office and play-boy reputation left to him, the only time anyone of note might care to acknowledge his existence was to warn their daughters away from him. There were no more toadies looking to make connections or lesser peers inviting him out for a night on the town, no wiley old snakes acting overly familiar or pretty young maids sent to distract and beguile. Upon arriving at the Central Citadel, he spent the night resting in his private officers billet attached to Uncle Yangs suite, and this morning found no letters of challenge laid at his doorstep or invitations to events hosted by powerful factions, and not even a cursory spy wandering aimlessly about the hallways or lingering outside the building to keep track of his actions. For the first time in his life, Zians presence had been entirely ignored by the prominent powers that be, because hed become a person of no consequence whatsoever, and therefore unworthy of attention.

And he loved every aspect of it.

There was a certain freedom in anonymity that Zian never knew existed, for it did away with so much of the rote tedium in day to day life. Laurels came bundled with obligations and constraints, and were he still the Young Patriarch of the Situ Clan, he would have been obligated to spend most of last night visiting various households to offer gifts and give face to his Clans local allies. There was nothing more dreary and tiresome than showing up at a strangers home and pretending like they were the closest of friends, all the while keeping a close watch for possible traps, assassins, or social pitfalls laid out by his so-called allies.

Now he was free to do whatever his heart desired, which unsurprisingly was no different from his normal daily routine. Zian woke at dawn, ate breakfast with Jing Fei, and headed out to the training field to spar with his retinue.

Good! he called, as his curved sabre collided against his opponents active parry with a thunderous clash and the impact numbed his arm to the shoulder. Now capitalize!

Already in motion, the older warriors boot brushed across the front of Zians robes as he skirted aside, having long since anticipated the move, but what the wily veteran lacked in speed and imagination, he more than made up for in experience. A shoulder tackle thudded into Zians chest and drove the air out of his lungs, sending him staggering away for three and a half steps before he recovered. Too late, he realized he should have kept retreating as his opponents sword whistled through the air on an arc towards his neck, and he took the only route left to him. Darting forward inside the swords range, Zian danced around his opponent to narrowly avoid defeat, but only for a few heartbeats more.

It was a game of centimetres keeping ahead of his foe, and back and forth they went. Move too far away, and his foe was free to stop and use his sword. Move too close, and another tackle would leave Zian flat on his ass, which was no place for a commander to be. Zian had to throw off his opponent without giving him time to bring his sword about, while also leaving himself enough room to bring his sabres into play. Straight lines were too predictable, too easily followed and countered, so after circling about with his opponent for a handful of moves, Zian took a risk and thought in curves instead. Sensing his opening, he feinted left, leapt right, and spun through the air, his sabres whipping around and scoring two heavy marks across his opponents chest and shoulder-guard before sending him tumbling across the stage.

Zians heavy breathing cut through the silence, which only moments ago had been filled with cheers and hoots from the gathered crowd. Most were members of his retinue, and there were a few unfamiliar faces, but all wore the same look of wide-eyed disbelief. Why, he couldnt say, because all hed done was use a dance move commonly seen in acrobatic operas, a triple Lu Tse jump. It wasnt particularly difficult to pull off, just dangerous without the right timing, but highly effective when used correctly and thoroughly disorienting when done at high speeds to both performer and his foes alike.

Hey! one man cursed, smacking the soldier beside him on the arm. The young master won! Pay up!

And like that, the crowd came to life as they cheered, groaned, and settled their debts, while Zian moved both sabres to one hand and went to help his opponent up. Well fought, he said, unable to suppress his smile. Well fought.

Almost thought I had you there, young master. Beaming with pride despite his defeat, Junyi gratefully accepted Zians aid and pulled himself to his feet. But damn me if it didnt feel like I was facing Jukai himself, with you darting and whirling about.

The older warrior meant well, but the reminder still stung, so Zian simply smiled and held his tongue. Truth was, Jukai would have retreated while dodging the initial kick, denying Junyi the chance to seize the momentum with his follow through, but what was the point in arguing? Like Jukai and many others of the retinue, Junyi was here because hed served under Zians father, Lu An Jing, but alas, none of the older warriors were the match of the Twinned Dragons themselves. Still, these soldiers were good, loyal men who Zian trusted with his life, all qualities which were in short supply these days.

He was too reserved and distant to ever be the charismatic leader his father reportedly was, but he would do the best he could with what the Mother gave him. Calling over the next soldier in line, Zian took his position for another spar and lost himself in the match, pushing him and his soldiers to become the best they could be. This was who he was now, Lu Jia Zian, even if the world still knew him as Situ Jia Zian. He was a warrior, a Warrant Officer, a young magistrate, and nothing else, which suited him just fine. There was a simplicity in it all that he revelled in, a clarity found within these mindless spars which honed his mind and body to a razors edge. The Martial Path lay before him, and he moved ever forward each day thanks to these spars, and that was all he cared about. So engrossed in his progress, it felt like only a few minutes had passed before Zian ran out of opponents, having fought every single member of his hundred-man retinue without rest. He didnt win every match, but he won far more than he lost, and more importantly, was losing more than he was three months ago now that his retinues skills were steadily improving. This was all he could offer them, these heated sparring matches, for Zian had no ability to teach, and these loyal warriors deserved more than just coin as thanks.

Oddly enough, despite beating most of them bloody at least once a day, none of Zians soldiers seemed put off by these daily matches. In fact, like Junyi, they all took great pride in their defeats, even the few who never served with Zians father and were here for their own reasons. Some were undoubtedly Rang Mins spies, but despite working with this same retinue for months on end, Zian had no clue who those spies might be. It didnt matter though, so long as he did nothing worth reporting. Jing Fei handled the politics now, with help from Mothers guiding hand, leaving Zian to focus wholly on the Martial Path.

With the sparring matches over and done with, Zian dismissed his retinue and set to work on the Forms themselves, but as he threw himself into the first movement, he spotted Nian Zu watching from the crowd, with Han BoHai and Uncle Yang beside him. Colonel General, Zian said, saluting at each of them in turn. Lieutenant General. Major General. A good morning to you all.

At ease, young Zian, at ease. No need for formalities outside of battle. Smiling as if hed told some hilarious joke, Nian Zu winked and said, That is unless you care to follow in your uncles footsteps here and enlist in the Northern Army. Im still wading through bureaucratic nonsense to have him transferred from Central and restored to proper rank, but you I can make a Senior Captain today. How about it? The army is always in need of dedicated talents like yourself, and the Situ Clans loss can once again be the Imperial Armys gain.

This wasnt the first time Nian Zu had made this same offer, but it was the first time hed done so in public or mentioned their shared experiences as outcasts from Clan and Society. Were it anyone else, Zian would have suspected the other party of doing this to apply more pressure, but considering Nian Zus infamous lack of social graces, he figured the old general was just making sure he knew the offer was still valid. I am honoured by your consideration, Senior Zu, Zian said, picking a friendlier title to address the Colonel General, but not an overly familiar one. However, as I am in a transitory time in my personal life, I am not yet ready to commit to something of this magnitude.

Ah, to be young again. Clapping Zian on the shoulders, Nian Zu favoured him with an approving nod. So bold and independent, I see much of your father in you. I only hope you do not suffer the same fate. The Empire needs its new Heroes now more than ever. There was genuine sadness in the old generals eyes, and Zian almost demanded he share everything he knew, but then reason overcame anger and he saw that Nian Zus sadness was on a more professional level, rather than a personal one. The Colonel General was mourning a fallen Hero of the Empire, no more, no less. Lowering his voice to barely more than a whisper, yet still loud enough for Zians retinue to hear, Nian Zu said, If Rang Min takes issue with your continued existence, then you come to me. Understood? Do not let pride or anger cloud your judgment, for your foe is a wily beast lacking in morals and principles, and you are not yet ready to face him.

Patting Zian once more on the shoulder, Nian Zu marched away with Uncle Yang and Han BoHai in tow. I recommend you take his offer, Uncle Yang Sent, glancing back to make sure Zian saw how serious he was. Your mother will throw a fit and have my hide for it, but so long as you live, I will gladly accept her rage. You must know that you will always be a threat to Gulong, and Rang Min is not one to suffer threats lightly.

Whats wrong Uncle? Zian Sent, his stomach dropping out from beneath him. Somethings happened, hasnt it?

...I dont know. Uncle Yang looked so different these days, more tired and less confident than the Jia Yang of old who Zian had always looked up too, but he was still much improved from the jittery mess hed devolved into after the whole debacle at the Northern Wall. My contacts in Central were all Clan contacts, so theres little I can learn on my own, but matters are coming to a head here in the Citadel and Rang Min moves as if hes already won.

Is there anything I can do to help?

No. Just... tread carefully. Winking before he turned the corner, Uncle Yang Sent, Remember, there are two lives in your hands now, yours and mine, for your mother will not suffer my continued existence if I fail to keep you safe.

Despite the dire circumstances, Zian smiled at Uncle Yangs joke. Itd always been this way with them, and as a child, he took great delight in watching his great Peak Expert Uncle feign fear before his formidable, intelligent, but ultimately feeble-armed mother. She could Demonstrate the Forms and did so religiously each morning, but only as a means to retain her youth. Zian had only seen her pick up a sword once, and shed almost cut her leg bringing it over, so unless she had specific need to fool her son in the privacy of his own training room, then Mother was no skilled Martial Warrior.

Then again, knowing what he knew now, Zian wasnt entirely sure Uncle was joking. Mother might not be a warrior herself, but with her political connections and conniving ways, she could be every bit as dangerous as Uncle Yang, if not more...Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

Apparently the half-hare had taken grave offence at Zians comments, and after thinking things through, Zian vowed to never upset the sweet maiden ever again. This time, it was merely itching powder, but he shuddered to think what other foul concoctions the Medical Saints daughter might have, not to mention the implications. If the sweet half-hare could send someone to sneak past not only Zians guards, but Uncle Yangs as well, then itching powder was really the best he could hope for...

What a charming sight. Cutting through the noise of the crowd came a familiar, taunting voice, and Zian turned to see his Clan cousins Situ Chiang and Shirong marching towards them, only for them to visibly balk as the Death Corps readied their weapons. Stopping well short of those signature pole-arms, Chiang raised his voice for all to hear and said, The Imperial Consort out for a stroll with his pet, and the Guardian Turtle to boot. Spitting in the dirt, he sneered and added, To think, I once looked up to you, Zian. You were the best of us all, but one defeat and you betray Clan and Society to go crawling into your rivals camp. Disgusting.

A clever barb, but Chiang has always been the smart one. Smarter than Gulong at least, yet not half as smart as he believed himself to be. Still, hed been there when Gulong insulted Rain directly and temporarily lost his tongue in the process, so Chiang made this argument about Clan and Society instead. Now, Rain was merely a bystander to this discussion, but by painting Zian as a disloyal traitor, others would come to associate these traits with Rain as well, for if one often walks by the riverside, ones shoes will eventually get wet.

Or as Rain once put it, birds of a feather, flock together. Full of strange and sometimes clever sayings, he was...

Oddly enough, Rain understood the nuances of this exchange and held his tongue, which was good because if hed spoken up in Zians defence, it would be seen as taking responsibility for Zians actions. Not only would this lend validity to Chiangs claim, since it would be strange for Rain to speak up on a matter he wasnt involved in, but it would also make it seem like he was Zians superior, rather than friend.

How incredible. Rain was finally learning to navigate the rules of proper society. Zian was almost tempted to call it a miracle...

Run along now, little Chiang, Zian called, waving contemptuously for the benefit of the crowd. Truth be told, he didnt hate Chiang, Shirong, or even Gulong. Rang Min was his enemy, and the others were merely fruits from the poisonous tree. You know nothing of matters you speak of. Falling Rain is an Imperial Consort, a man raised to Imperial Peerage by the Legate himself. How can associating with such a fine warrior and esteemed individual be considered a betrayal? Narrowing his eyes to warn Chiang off, he added, Unless you see the Imperial Clan as enemies?

Little Chiang was a clever man, but hed never learned to consider the consequences of his actions. This whole argument was likely made at Gulongs behest, or perhaps even Rang Mins, but Chiangs hatred was too strong to see he was being used. He blamed Rain and the Bekhai for his fathers death, and in truth, he was probably right to, but the Society sent Guardian Chi Lok out to kill the Bekhai, so they could hardly claim the moral high ground when their assassins turned up dead.

The bigger question was: what did Rang Min hope to gain from this pointless altercation?

Seeing his cousin struggle for words, Shirong knew to beat a hasty retreat. Come cousin, he said, gently pulling Chiang away. Leave this beaten dog to his new master. It shames me to share a family name with a coward, but Zian is a defeated warrior of no consequence anymore.

Oh? Approaching unseen from behind Chiang and Shirong, Ryo Dain made her presence known to everyone watching this exchange. An alluring woman who radiated danger and menace, she strode through the Situ Family guards as if they didnt exist, and in truth, they didnt dare try and stop her. So are you saying, she began, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword while alternating her deadly gaze between Chiang and Shirong, That my beloved baby brother, Ryo Geom-Chi, lost to a defeated warrior of no consequence? Such a bold claim from... Who are you again?

I I am Si-Situ

Shirongs answer was cut short as Dains sword darted out of its sheath and stopped between his eyes, the tip resting ever so gently against his brow. Her second sword caressed Chiangs neck, and it took an effort of will on Zians part not to look awestruck. To move with such speed and precision without drawing a single drop of blood, she was truly worthy of her title as the Sword Princess of Central. You are no one, Dain hissed, her anger so palpable Zian feared she would slaughter both his cousins on the spot. Children who have accomplished nothing of note, so how dare you insult my brother with your wagging tongue?

So-Sorry, Lady Dain, I

Sorry? You think a single word of apology is enough to erase this mark upon Ryo Family honour? No child. Your elders failed to teach you proper manners, so I will do so in their place. Eyes burning with rage, Dain pressed on her sword and sent Shirong to his knees, her subtle movements guiding him into the position she so desired. This is how you apologize to your betters, child. On your knees to start. Do you know what comes next, or must I teach you how to kowtow?

Unable to keep quiet any longer, Zian stepped forward and ignored Mothers Sendings while clasping his hands in a salute. Warrant Officer Dain, he began, having noted how much angrier shed gotten when Shirong addressed her as Lady. Please accept my most humble apologies in my younger cousins stead. Bowing at the waist, he held the pose and continued to speak. As you said, I, as their elder, have failed to teach them proper manners, so the punishment should fall to me.

...Tch. How boring. Away with you, worms. Sheathing her swords, Dain dismissed Chiang and Shirong, and they left with unseemly haste, but Zian could hardly fault them. Studying him with obvious disappointment, she asked, Why stand up for them? Why remain loyal to a Clan which has all but cast you aside? You are no dragon among men like my little brother, but surely you can do better than Falling Rains lapdog.

More political maneuvering, saying all this out loud, but Zian refused to play along. Having seen how Rain treats his pets, Zian Sent, favouring Dain with his most charming smile while ignoring the question, Im not sure there is anything better. Who else would ship fresh shrimp a hundred kilometres to the battlefield?

Unaffected by his charms, Dain rolled her eyes and moved past him to go greet Rain instead, and while Zian would be lying if he claimed it didnt sting, he knew this was for the best. Let the world believe him a defeated dog, but Falling Rain was a freak of nature and statistical anomaly. There was no shame in being inferior to him, because there were none who could match him. Not even Ryo Dae Jung himself could have killed three Demons at the age of twenty, with a shattered Core no less, and while Zian hadnt seen it for himself and Rain wasnt sure how he accomplished the feat, it was only a matter of time before he figured it out.

The Martial Path was one of conflict, but there was no sense comparing oneself to others. Rain would never be Zians enemy, and he was a better friend than most, for in these troubled times, he was the only person to make Zian an offer of assistance without expecting anything else in return.

And for no reason besides because that's the sort of man he was.

Hey, Rain called, pulling Zian out of his thoughts. Were going to an opera show later, so you should join us. I already sent someone to tell Vichear, and Fung, BoShui, and Ji Yeon said theyd meet us there.

You hate the opera, Zian replied, smiling at Rains considerate nature. Not only did he not mention the incident with his cousins, but he remembered Zian had mentioned having difficulty getting tickets and went out of his way to secure extras for his friends.

Yea, so Id like some good company to help me get through it without falling asleep. Slipping away from his mother and concubine, Rain clapped Zian on the shoulder and muttered, Might be dangerous though, so keep on your toes.

Good. Seeing Rains confused amusement, Zian simply smiled and shook his head, refusing to clarify his statement. Lets go. Mother was none too pleased, but for once, he didnt care. Let her glare and glower all she liked, but Zian was proud to call Rain his friend.

And if Jukai had taught him anything, it was that a good man stood by his friends, no matter what.

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