"This Queen doesn't eat and poop in the same place."
Ling Fan sighed in relief.
Suddenly, Chief Li entered her courtyard with four guards. They carried spears and bows.
Frowning, Ling Fan asked, "Chief Li, what's this?"
"Young Miss, forgive our intrusion. An unknown flying beast has attacked the Zhao Clan next door. As a precaution, these guards will stand outside over night should that foul beast dare attack. Just call them, if you hear or see anything."
With a slight bow, Chief Li left with the men.
Ling Fan immediately turned to Shensheng. "What did you do?"
"Did you not want revenge?"
"What's this have to do with the wine theft?"
"This Queen is merely repaying a debt. As the Ling Clan cared for me these few years, I should repay kindness."
"Repay its kindness...What did you do!?"
Shensheng snorted. "That Zhao Clan Martial King who stole our Thousand Flower Wine. Humph! This Queen has chosen his courtyard as the place to relieve herself. It's quite practical, as its far from the Ling Clan grounds. Also, from the sky, it looks quite spacious."
Ling Fan's face blackened.
Mid-morning, the next day, Ling Fan stood with her father at the Ling Clan training grounds.
"Father, Ling Fan has arrived as requested," she said.
Patting her head, "It's good that you've come. With the peculiar events in the last few days, Father has decided to recruit more guards. I've asked you here to choose personal guards. As you are now our Ling Clan's greatest talent...we must ensure your protection.
Ling Fan's eyes lit up, "Guards? Father, if I am to receive personal guards, under whose command will they follow?"
"If you can gain the complete loyalty of your personal guards, then naturally they will be yours to command."
Ling Fan took another look at Ling Ming. Surprisingly her father had great vision.
"Daughter understands and hopes not to disappoint Father."
"Fan'er whether you are a talent or not, you are always this Ling Ming's daughter. Chief Li!!"
Hearing Ling Ming's call, Chief Li hurried over. Bowing, he said, "Chief Li greets Patriarch and the Young Miss!"
"Chief Li, help Young Miss to choose two personal guards."
Shensheng nudged Ling Fan with her nose. "There are two girls who appear a little special?"
"Are you saying I should choose them?"
"Take a look and decide yourself, this Queen is just pointing them out."
Ling Fan peered up at the head guard, "Chief Li, are there any females among the potential recruits? If so, call them out."
"Daughter, you shouldn't only rely on females...males will naturally be more powerful."
"In the future, when Ling Fan becomes marriageable age, will Father still want her personal guards to be male?" responded Ling Fan nonchalantly.
Ling Ming's face jolted in horror, "This!! Chief Li, do as she asks, call out only females."
Turning about, Chief Li yelled to the group of recruits. "Our Young Miss is recruiting two personal guards. Any females interested in being considered, step out!"
About a dozen females stood out.
Grunting, Shensheng said, "It's that young pair near the end. I smell they have similar auras. They are sisters."
Ling Fan gave the Divine Pig a look.
Only a divine almighty like you can smell auras.
Turning her attention to the sisters, Ling Fan said, "Humph! Some divine smell you have. Anyone who has eyes can tell the two are twins."
"My stomach feels queasy, this Queen may have to relieve some air."
"You think you can always threaten me this way. I've long ago made preparations." Ling Fan pulled out a thick cloth. "With this, I can simply cover my nose and mouth."
"Little girl, don't you know about pigs? We have good smell but poor eyesight. Although, even if I look at you from far or near...you're still ugly."
"Fan'er, how do you want to choose?" asked Ling Ming.
Ling Fan had already raised a small dainty fist and was about to rap the pig between her ears.
"Chief Li, you see that cute little fist? Ha! My adorable daughter wants to see them fight."
Taking a look at Ling Fan, Chief Li nodded. "Young Miss, you want a battle royale? This Chief will make it happen." With a large bellow, he said, "Our Young Miss wants to see you fight. The last two standing, will be rewarded the positions. There will be no killing nor crippling. Anyone who breaks the rules...Humph! Let's see if you can walk out without your legs."
Ling Fan looked about in surprise.
How did this suddenly become a battle royale?
Snorting, Shensheng said, "Look at what you started."
The dozen warriors immediately drew out weapons and started circling various opponents. The exception was the sister pair who stood back-to-back and analyzed the situation. Beside the pair, another female stood out. Dressed in flowing red robes and wearing a headband, she appeared noble and heroic with a saber.
In comparison, the twins were complete opposites. One was a big-boned large female in heavy armor that wielded a spear. The other, was thin as a willow that wielded twin cane swords. Together, they stalked the edge of the fray. As an attacker came, the thin one would meet the person first. With flowing footwork and fast flashing swords she often quickly suppressed her opponent. However, when she was over matched, the other would step in with unending piercing spear thrusts. Together, the pair quickly defeated their enemies.
Individuals who fought with the red-robed woman capitulated within 5 seconds. Finally the two sisters faced the red-robed woman. The large one waved her thin sister back. "Big Sister, You're not her match...let Chuntao be her opponent."
Grimly, the thin sister stepped back. "Little Sis, be wary."
The red-robed woman calmly nodded a greeting. "Tang Xifeng asks for guidance."
"Wang Chuntao seeks guidance as well." With that, she pulled out a shield from her back.
Tang Xifeng calmly smiled. "Interesting, you seem to have military experience."
In response, Wang Chuntao said, "And you appear to be a Duelist."
Ling Fan clasped Ling Ming's hand. "Father what's a Duelist?"
"It means this Tang Xifeng seeks only the saber dao. Look at her saber, it's a two-handed one, designed to fight all weapons types. If she has to, she could probably cut off a horses head with that. To further improve her dao, she continuously seeks pointers from other experts."
"And Wang Chuntao, with her shield and spear, does this mean she was in the army?"
"Mhm. What's peculiar is that her sister uses twin cane swords. Dual sword users are rare and even rarer are cane sword users. Usually these weapons are used by the dandies of the upper nobility. It's easy to surmise, these sisters don't have normal backgrounds."
"Oh Divine Queen of the Cosmos..."
Shensheng grunted, "Are you being sarcastic to this seat??"
"...these sisters background is that what you meant by special?"
"No, they practice wind element arts. You'll will find, they both are unusually fast."
Kabang! The duel had begun with Tang Xifeng sprinting forward and landing a precise chop. The strike screeched in sparks against the shield.
Wang Chuntao grunted with the impact. "Humph! You are as strong as I thought...Martial Master Tang."
Tang Xifeng's glided sideways, escaping two rapid fire spear thrusts.
"Peak Martial Adept with a grade 3 spear and shield. Your background isn't simple."
Suddenly, Ling Ming yelled, "Tang Xifeng Wins!"
Everyone looked up in surprise.
Ling Fan's dainty neck twisted upward. Bewildered, she asked, "Father? You're ending it already?"
"Mhm. Tang Xifeng is a martial master and has the highest cultivation between the two. She and Wang Chuntao shall be your guards. Chief Li, bring them forward."
Chief Li led the two forward. The thin Wang sister followed at a distance. Her face was solemn with disappointment.
"Tang Xifeng greets Patriarch Ling."
"Wang Chuntao sees Patriarch Ling."
"If you two are willing, our Ling Clan would like to recruit you two. As personal guards guaranteeing the safety of my Daughter, the Ling Clan will reward you 100 spirit stones a month. In addition, we will construct private cultivation chambers within our daughter's Cherry Blossom Pavilion. Should you perform great service, the Ling Clan will not hesitate with rewards."
With a gleam in her eyes, Tang Xifeng was visibly moved. Bowing, she said, "This one is willing and graciously accepts the honor to protect the Young Miss."
Wang Chuntao's face however, was rock solid. Cupping her hands, she said, "Forgive this one Patriarch Ling. Regrettably, this Wang Chuntao will decline as my Elder Sister and I are a pair."
Ling Ming's head jolted in surprise and he looked from one sister and the other.
It must be true that twins are inseparable from birth.
Ling Fan noticed a finer detail. Both sisters appeared slightly destitute. At the same time, she saw that Chief Li regarded Tang Xifeng with disappointing loss.
Pulling her father's robe, Ling Fan said, "Father, Daughter likes the Wang Sisters. How about, Captain Li accepts Tang Xifeng into our Li Clan guards. Daughter will take the sisters as her personal guards. This way Elder Sister Tang can lend her strength to the entire clan."
Everyone looked at Ling Fan in delighted surprise at her suggestion.
Was this really a 6 year old girl?
Ling Ming patted her head with a sigh. "Daughter, although your suggestion is quite good, I have already stated my offer. A Patriarch cannot go back on his word."
"Patriarch Ling, thank you for the opportunity. Us Wang sisters will take our leave," said Wang Chuntao.
"Adept Wang, please wait," said Tang Xifeng. Cupping her hands, she said, "Young Miss is brilliantly wise for her age. Patriarch Ling, both Wang Sisters are talents. If I'm not mistaken, both are wind attribute Martial Adepts. In our Third Chaos Heaven, such a find is rare. This one is willing to accept a guard position for the betterment of the clan."
Ling Ming's eyes brightened. "Adept Wang, seeing how Master Tang is willing to step back. Would you and your sister consider joining our Ling Clan."
The thin Wang sister hurriedly stepped forward. Bowing, she said, "Wang Chunhua greets Patriarch Ling, Young Miss, Captain Li and Master Xifeng." She looked up at her younger sister Chuntao. Both nodded in agreement. Wang Chunhua said, "Us Wang siblings will be honored to serve as Young Miss's guards."
"Good! Good! Good!" repeated Ling Ming in delight. "Fan'er, from now these two will be your guards. Master Tang, the Ling Clan welcomes you as well. Chief Li, after the recruitment is complete, please prepare a greeting banquet."
Ling Fan clapped her hands in glee.
Ah, just watch as I rebuild my gang. We'll rule this city with beauty and an iron fist.
Shensheng closely scrutinized Ling Fan, noticing a familiar greedy light in her eyes.
"Little girl, this Queen is watching you. Just what are you thinking?"
"Little ol me. Uh-nothing. Absolutely nothing."
Shensheng's eyes suspiciously constricted.
Quickly, changing the subject, Ling Fan said, "Sisters, please follow me. Wait!"
Ling Fan pulled on Ling Ming's arm. "Father-Father!"
"Mhm?"
"Elder Bing says Mother had a set of Butterfly Swords. Ling Fan wants to follow Mother and also practice the swords."
Ling Ming's eyes misted over.
This!
Turning his face away, with a cracked voice, Ling Ming said, "You honor your Mother. Father will send the swords to you later."
"Ling Fan loves father best."
"You two, follow this Young Miss to her Cherry Blossom Pavilion."
As Shensheng and three girls left, Ling Ming wet eyes followed his daughter.
Wife, our daughter is growing up so well.
Upon arriving at her residence, Ling Fan asked a servant to bring tea and snacks.
Shensheng grunted.
Ling Fan rolled her eyes. "Bring several plates of food."
Wang Chuntao's eyes brightened. Smiling, she said, "Young Miss is gracious to bring out so much food."
Ling Fan gave Chuntao a sorrowful look. "This? Ahem...those extra plates food were for Shensheng."
"Shensheng? " asked Wang Chuntao her face falling into disappointment.
"Sister...Young Miss, if you tell me where the kitchen is..." said Chunhua.
Without thinking, Ling Fan ordered, "Someone bring more plates."
"Young Miss, there's still the banquet later, there should be plenty of food there," stated a servant.
"So what if there is a banquet later. You...You all know how much my Shensheng eats. Now there's another mouth to feed. Quickly now, people are hungry!"
"Yes, Young Miss," said the servant who rapidly exited to fulfill Ling Fan's order. After chiding the servant, Ling Fan turned to the Wang sisters. Taking an even closer look, she realized they were really worse off than she thought. Pointing to the Divine Pig, she said, "You two, meet Zhu Shensheng."
Shensheng snorted out a greeting.
"She's more valuable to me second only to my father, earlier the food was for her." Chuntao's eyes became watery. Ling Fan sighed, realizing she was about to cry.
"Sister Chuntao relax, the second order for food was for you sisters. Are you sisters not my people now? In my house, my people never starve."
Wang Chunhua rubbed her sister's head. "See silly...us Sisters found a good place."
"Mhm," Nodded Chuntao, wiping her eyes.
"There are plenty of rooms here, so after eating you two can choose whatever one you like..."
Shensheng snorted out two short grunts.
Ling Fan glared down at the pig, her brow knitted in frustration. "...Ahem..except the one closest to the kitchen. Shensheng likes that as her personal room.
Later, I will ask Father for some money, and you two can buy new clothes.
Shensheng squealed.
Ling Fan's eyes popped opened. "What you want robes too??" Ling Fan dainty hands rubbed her temples. She was feeling a headache coming.
Suddenly, furious human roars erupted from next door in the Zhao Clan.
"Foul Beast!!!!!! This old man will kill youuuu!!!!"
Everyone looked towards the Zhao Clan.
"Young Miss, are the people next door normally this loud?" asked Wang Chunhua.
Ling Fan gave a look to Shensheng, "What's going on?"
"It's that Martial King. He's now just waking up."
"He-He sounds more than furious."
"Humph, wait until later tonight. This Queen will be sure to cool him down."
Ling Fan smacked her palm against her head.
"Young Miss, do you feel unwell? If so, we can leave you to rest," said Wang Chuntao.
Several servants entered carrying in several plates of food and tea.
"No need. I supposed you should know that several unusual events have occurred which is why our clan was recruiting. Firstly, a strange flying beast attacked the Zhao Clan last night. With my Cherry Blossom Pavilion closest to their wall, Father wanted me to have personal guards."
Wang Chuntao gulped, drool dripping from one side of her mouth.
With a frown Wang Chunhua said, "Tao'er wipe you're mouth. Don't embarrass our Wang Family...when you get your food, you eat how I taught you."
"Big Sis, I?..."
"Sister Chunhua, this Young Miss understands your view. Young noble ladies should eat and act according to their status. However, in my view...you obviously haven't eaten in days. Shouldn't you let her eat as she chooses...just this once?"
Wang Chuntao nodded fervently in agreement.
Young Miss is so wise and righteous.
Blankly, Wang Chunhua said, "Young Miss misunderstands. We in fact had a large meal two hours ago. My younger sister treats all meals as her last."
"Feeling proud of yourself, trying to defend a glutton?" said Shensheng to Ling Fan.
"Aren't you the original pig, the Queen of gluttons?"
"That's Divine Pig, Queen of the Cosmos to you."
Turning to Wang Chunhua, Ling Fan said "This one is still young and assumed too much."
"Young Miss, although there is some truth in your words...I am in fact grateful you show kindness towards my younger sister."
Wang Chuntao, chomped into a large bean bun. "This...This is so delicious."
"As I said, you Wang sisters are my people now. This Young Miss will protect all her peoples. Our Ling Clan is now your new home."
Both sisters eyes misted over. "Be assured, us Wang sisters will do our best to protect you from this strange, foul beast," said, Wang Chunhua.
"In fact, I should sharpen my spear. The meat of this foul beast might be tasty. Big Sis, we should hunt it. This way, we can protect Young Miss as well as eat good food."
Shensheng, snorted half choking on her food.
Suddenly, the three felt immense danger. The Wang sisters jumped up, drawing out their weapons. Ling Fan jumped away from Shensheng in horror.
"You! You!" exclaimed Ling Fan, taking out her cloth to wrap it around her nose and mouth. Pointing at Shensheng she said, "You dare want to fart in front of this Young Miss."
"They want to hunt and eat me?? Humph! This Queen should just kill them now."