Morning mist lingered over the Palace courtyard, curling around stone pillars and red-painted beams. The air carried the faint scent of incense and wet earth, and the world felt hushed—as though even the wind knew this was not an ordinary day.
Xin Ying stood at the center of the courtyard.
She wore newly issued robes, darker and finer than those of a common palace servant, the edges embroidered with restrained silver thread. A black cloth covered her right eye, tied neatly behind her head.
She stood straight.
Pain still pulsed faintly beneath the bandage, but she did not allow it to show.
Before her stood the four highest clans.
Wang Tianhua's expression was open and sincere, concern clear in his gaze. Li Yuetong stood calm and composed, arms folded within her sleeves, eyes sharp with appraisal. Zhang Shuqin knelt in proper formality, his loyalty written into every careful movement.
Ling Zhihao stood slightly apart from the others.
His posture was respectful, his expression mild—yet his eyes were unreadable, like still water hiding a deep current.
At the head of the gathering stood the Empress.
Li Hua descended the steps slowly, her robes whispering against the stone. With her presence alone, the courtyard fell into absolute silence.
"Xin Ying," Li Hua said, her voice steady and clear. "You acted without hesitation when danger threatened the throne. You protected the ruler of the Southern Lands, even when it meant grave injury to yourself."
Her gaze paused briefly on Xin Ying's covered eye.
"For such loyalty and courage," the Empress continued, "you will be rewarded."
A palace attendant stepped forward, carrying a lacquered wooden tray. Upon it lay a short ceremonial blade, its sheath dark and undecorated, dignified in its simplicity.
"From this day onward," Li Hua declared, "Xin Ying is appointed as my personal guard."
A low murmur rippled through the gathered officials.
Xin Ying dropped to one knee.
"This servant accepts the command."
Li Hua stepped forward herself and placed the blade into Xin Ying's hands.
Their fingers brushed.
"For your bravery," the Empress said softly, her voice lowered so only Xin Ying could hear, "and for your resolve."
Xin Ying bowed deeply, forehead touching stone.
Later that day, the training yard echoed with dull thuds and controlled breaths.
Xin Ying gripped a wooden practice sword.
The loss of her right eye distorted distance and depth, turning simple movements into careful calculations. She adjusted her stance, angling her body slightly to protect her blind side.
Swing.
She missed.
Her jaw tightened.
Again.
This time she slowed her movements, listening instead of watching—measuring footfalls, sensing shifts in air.
Sweat dampened her collar.
"Your right side is exposed," a voice said.
Xin Ying turned her head.
Li Yuetong stood at the edge of the yard, observing.
"I know," Xin Ying replied. "That's why I'm correcting it."
Li Yuetong gave a small nod. "Good. A guard who survives learns fast."
Xin Ying trained until her arms trembled, refusing to stop.
In a quiet corridor overlooking the courtyard, Ling Zhihao paused.
From behind a carved wooden railing, he watched Xin Ying practice—watched the way she adjusted, adapted, endured.
"So the Empress has chosen her shield," he murmured to himself.
His lips curved faintly.
"A damaged blade can still cut," he said softly. "But it breaks more easily."
He turned away, his steps unhurried.
That evening, Xin Ying was summoned to the Empress's private study.
Li Hua dismissed the attendants with a gesture and poured tea herself.
"You should not have trained so soon," the Empress said, handing Xin Ying a cup.
"I cannot be slow," Xin Ying replied. "Not here."
Li Hua studied her closely.
"You lost an eye for me."
"I made a choice," Xin Ying said quietly.
The Empress lowered her gaze to the tea, then spoke again. "Few would make such a choice without hesitation."
Xin Ying hesitated, then spoke the truth.
"The Palace is dangerous. But I would rather stand where I can see the blade coming."
Li Hua looked up.
"Then stand beside me," she said. "Not as a servant. As my guard."
Xin Ying met her gaze and bowed her head.
"I will protect you."
Outside, lanterns were lit one by one, casting warm light across the Palace grounds.
The servant had been given a blade.
The blade had chosen its master.
And fate, unseen, sharpened its edge.
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