The next morning, the cool breeze carried a sense of new beginnings as I made my way to the Pei family estate. The previous evening's conversation had given me hope, but today would reveal just how deeply the Pei family was willing to support me. My aunt and uncle were a powerful pair, but today, I would come face to face with their sons, my cousins, and see what they truly thought of me.
The estate was vast, nestled in the lush hills on the outskirts of the city. Pei Tian, my cousin who was a royal soldier, was said to be the most disciplined of the family. His reputation as a skilled fighter was well-known, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness as my carriage approached the gates. The grandeur of the estate, with its towering pavilions and ornate gardens, seemed to hum with quiet power.
Upon my arrival, I was greeted with the warm embrace of my aunt and cousins. As I stepped into the main hall, I was introduced to my uncle, the Prime Minister, who welcomed me with a measured yet kind demeanor. The conversation flowed easily, but I could sense that there was an undercurrent of expectation. My aunt's eyes gleamed with interest, and my uncle—as always—exuded an air of calm authority.
The dinner table was filled with talk of politics, family, and, of course, the looming crisis within the Lee family. But amidst all the conversation, I couldn't help but notice Pei Tian watching me closely. His gaze was sharp, his expression thoughtful as he weighed my every word. At one point, he leaned forward, his voice low but full of curiosity.
"Silla," he said, eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me, "I've heard much about your family's troubles. But I must ask—you come from a family of healers and soldiers. But what about yourself? What skills do you possess? Are you well-versed in martial arts, as many in our family are?"
I hesitated only for a moment before answering. I had trained in martial arts for years, but it was from a different era—a modern one. My past life had been very different, working for the government and training in various forms of combat. I had never revealed this part of myself to anyone here. Yet somehow, it felt like the right time to show them what I was capable of.
"I am," I said simply, meeting his gaze. "I've had some training. I can hold my own."
Pei Tian raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "We don't take such matters lightly," he said. "If you're willing, I'd like to test your abilities. It would give me a better understanding of your strength and character."
The offer was bold, but I sensed it wasn't just about skill. Pei Tian was sizing me up, trying to gauge how I would handle not just a duel, but the larger responsibility that might come with it. I wasn't just an outsider—he saw something in me that made him believe I had the potential to be more.
"I accept," I said, my voice steady, the weight of his challenge only spurring me to prove myself further. "But let's make it clear, this is a test of skill, not strength."
The atmosphere shifted as the family moved to the courtyard. The Pei family had long prided themselves on their martial traditions, and the courtyard reflected that—wide open spaces, stone pathways, and the perfect setting for a duel. The air was thick with anticipation, and my cousins gathered around to watch.
Pei Tian stood before me, sword in hand, his eyes flashing with the excitement of the challenge. I took my stance, choosing a simple wooden staff. It was versatile, adaptable—perfect for a fight where I needed to outthink rather than overpower my opponent.
The duel began swiftly. Pei Tian wasted no time, coming at me with a series of calculated slashes. He was fast—his movements precise—but I was faster. Every strike I blocked, every move I made, was deliberate, like a dance I had perfected in another life. My training wasn't from this era, but the body remembers. The lessons of years spent in combat, both with weapons and bare hands, flowed effortlessly.
He came at me again, this time with a more aggressive approach. But I had seen it coming. I sidestepped, using my staff to disarm him in a swift motion. For a brief moment, Pei Tian stumbled back, surprised at how easily I had countered him. The room fell silent, the family watching intently.
"Impressive," he murmured, his voice a mix of admiration and disbelief. "I didn't expect such skill."
I didn't respond, my focus still on the duel. With a quick, fluid movement, I closed the distance between us, my staff sweeping low. Pei Tian raised his sword to block, but I shifted my weight and sent him off balance, landing a strike to his side. The duel was over.
The crowd erupted into applause. My cousins, who had initially watched with mild curiosity, now looked at me with newfound respect. Even Pei Tian, who had undoubtedly thought he would be the victor, stood in awe of my abilities.
"You are a force to be reckoned with," he said, sheathing his sword. "I underestimated you. I can see now that you're not just the daughter of General Lee—you are someone who can stand on her own."
My heart swelled with pride, but there was something more in his words than just respect. He was a warrior at heart, and his acknowledgment of my skill felt like a silent invitation to something greater. Perhaps, in his eyes, I had proven my worth not only as a member of the Lee family, but as someone who could hold her own among the most powerful families in the empire.
As we returned to the main hall, Pei Tian spoke to my uncle about the possibility of further training. It was clear that he saw me as more than just a visitor—he now saw me as an asset to the family, someone capable of navigating the political landscape, and perhaps even more.
That evening, as the family gathered for another meal, my aunt spoke with me privately. "Silla," she said, her voice warm, "you've proven yourself today. And it's not just us who are watching. The Pei family—along with the support of the Shen family—are firmly behind you. My husband and I, as well as the Pei family, are here for you. We will do everything we can to ensure you have the strength and resources you need."
I nodded, feeling the weight of their support wash over me. The Pei family—with their military prowess and political influence—were now firmly behind me.
Before I could respond, my aunt lowered her voice, her expression thoughtful. "There is someone I believe you should meet, Silla," she said, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Someone who could be of great help to you—though I won't say who just yet. But trust me, this could be an opportunity you won't want to miss."
The way she spoke made me pause, the curiosity rising within me. Was she hinting at something more? Perhaps someone who could offer more than just support?
As we spoke, my aunt continued, her voice now warm with a quiet certainty. "Come to visit us often, Silla. You will see the strength of our sons, and perhaps, you will find alliances where you least expect them."
Her words left a trail of unspoken promises, and I couldn't help but wonder if Pei Tian's earlier respect for me wasn't just about the duel—but perhaps about something much larger.
With my family's support behind me, the road ahead suddenly felt a little clearer. And as I prepared to leave the Pei family estate, I couldn't shake the feeling that today had been a turning point.