"You have had far more training than I ever could," he said, his tone calm yet sharp. "I am curious as to how someone like you—would fight."
Then, with a steady gaze, he added, "We are equals. We see eye to eye. Now is the time for us to duel."
And with that, he pointed toward a blade resting against the wall.
A duel? Against a military agent? This was surely my end. My hands trembled, whether from fear or that strange surge soldiers must feel before stepping into battle, I did not know.
"I… I'm afraid I cannot do that, sir—"
"No. You will." His voice dropped, cold and unwavering. "That is an order. You looked at me as an equal. Now prove it. Accept the duel."
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to remain calm, though confusion lingered. Why was he so insistent on fighting me?
Slowly, I stepped toward the weapon. Unlike his, this blade had a dark sapphire embedded at the base of the hilt, shimmering like the indigo hydrangeas that decorated the tables of the Lanxuan Pavilion.
Its steel was spotless, polished to a mirror-like sheen. A weapon untouched by battle, yet capable of drawing blood.
"Come," Cao Renshu said coolly, his stance unshaken.
"If we are equals," I answered, tightening my grip on the hilt, "then perhaps you should tell me why you're so eager to duel with me."
He exhaled lightly. "I was trained from childhood. My father was a general, and he made sure I was forged the same way. I want to see if the sword carved to protect others," he raised his own blade, "is stronger than the sword carved to protect oneself."
The latter was surely about me, my past, something I never wished to tell.
His eyes glinted. "Do not fear—it is not a fight to the death. I wouldn't want someone like you gone."
I drew in a deep breath. To remain calm was the first rule of survival.
There was no escape. I had to fight.
We stepped closer, until only a breath separated us
His glare was sharp, my composure on the verge of breaking.
Maybe tonight, I would die.
He bowed, and I mirrored the motion.
"Let the duel begin."
He lunged instantly, his sword flashing to my throat.
I dodged, heart hammering, vision blurring at the edges. He swung again, and again, slashes that would have ended me if not for instinct dragging me aside each time.
He attacked relentlessly, like a beast. Yet he was slower than I expected. Brutal, but not invincible.
Still, no matter how many times he claimed we were equals, I knew the truth. If I so much as wounded him, I would be punished.
My temper simmered. How unfair was it, to be forced to fight, yet forbidden from fighting back?
Then, his blade had finally grazed my arm. A hot sting flared as blood ran freely down my sleeve.
Cao Renshu smiled. "Why don't you fight back, ha!"
That was the final straw. My grip tightened, rage surging through me. With a cry, I slashed toward him.
He dodged with a mocking smirk. "Looks like I am indeed the best swordsma—"
My temper rose fast. I aimed my sword straight at his neck, but before I could control it back—
SLASH.
The world stilled.
I stumbled back, dropping my weapon. The once-clear blade now dripped scarlet. My hands shook.
I had failed to control myself.
Cao Renshu's neck bore a deep, bleeding gash.
Now it was his blood that stained the ground between us. I had no idea how to react.
"You have won," he murmured, voice ragged. "Congratulations."
When I dared to meet his eyes, I no longer saw arrogance. No slyness. No coldness. Only something startlingly human.
I tore a strip from my gown and handed it to him. "Wrap this around your wound."
He pushed it back gently. "Use it for your arm. You're bleeding too."
I obeyed. He, after all, would receive care I could never dream of.
For a long while, silence filled the night air, broken only by the faint scent of water lilies drifting on the breeze.
Finally, he spoke again. "I was too arrogant. I thought I was the best swordsman alive. No one had trained longer. No one had worked harder. I wanted proof of it." His voice softened. "But perhaps… perhaps it is time to accept otherwise."
"I understand," I said quietly.
He gave me a weary glance. "I apologize for keeping you awake tonight, and for my behavior. You have much work ahead. Maybe I could tell them—"
"That is kind of you," I cut him off quickly. "But I would rather they not know of this encounter."
If the palace maids knew I had a relation with a man of such high rank. I was surely to be gossiped about day and night.
Another silence stretched, heavier this time.
"I fought a woman tonight," he muttered, almost to himself. "In a way no man ever should. What was I even thinking?" His jaw tightened. "Could you forgive me?"
Shock rippled through me. A man of his rank… apologizing?
"There is no need, sir," I replied carefully.
"No. I must. You possess greater skill than I. If only you were a man, I would have—" He stopped himself. His words dangled in the night, unfinished making me wonder what it would have been.
The hours slipped away until dawn approached.
"Sir Renshu, I must go now."
"Wait." His voice stopped me. "I have one more request."
He drew in a breath. "Come back here. On any night you can. Train me to fight better."
I froze. Dangerous. Impossible. If anyone discovered this, it would mean ruin.
He must have seen my hesitation, because his tone softened. "I know you won't agree. It isn't safe. But I promise, I would never harm you." His eyes, once sharp as blades, now looked at me like a pleading child's.
"I… I'll tell you my decision another night," I whispered.
And with that, I left.