Following their conversation with the emperor, Feng Li and General Yu made their way to the expansive practice grounds. The air was charged with anticipation as they stepped onto the training area, a place where skills were honed and potential was unlocked.
With an air of authority, General Yu took charge. His stance was commanding, his presence exuding the confidence of a seasoned warrior. "We begin with the basics," he declared, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "I want you to do 200 push-ups."
Feng Li's eyes widened slightly at the number. Two hundred push-ups sounded like a daunting task, especially for someone just starting their journey. Nonetheless, he nodded in acknowledgment, ready to embrace the challenge.
As he lowered himself into the first push-up, Feng Li could feel the strain in his muscles. The body he inhabited was young, lacking the strength and endurance of a seasoned warrior. Still, he persisted, his determination unyielding.
Counting each push-up, he reached fifty. His breath came in measured gasps, his muscles protesting against the exertion. General Yu observed closely, his gaze assessing the effort being put forth. He nodded approvingly, recognizing the potential beneath the struggle.
Fifty push-ups completed, Feng Li paused for a moment, his chest rising and falling with each labored breath. It wasn't the full quota, but it was a valiant effort for a beginner. The young body's limitations were evident, but the spirit was willing.
"Good," General Yu's voice cut through the air, carrying a note of satisfaction. "You're not as weak as I thought."
Emboldened by the praise, Feng Li pushed forward, resuming the push-ups with renewed vigor. The count climbed steadily, each push-up a testament to his determination to improve. Though his muscles quivered and his body protested, he soldiered on.
With each completed push-up, Feng Li could feel the transformation within him. The initial difficulty began to give way to a sense of accomplishment. The burn in his muscles became a reminder of his dedication, a fire that fueled his resolve.
Finally, as he reached the hundredth push-up, a sense of achievement welled within him. The journey was far from over, but he had surpassed his own expectations. General Yu's approving nod served as a validation of his efforts, a recognition that he was on the right path.
As the grueling session came to an end, Feng Li's body was both exhausted and invigorated. The practice grounds held a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. It was a place where warriors were molded, where potential was shaped through sweat and determination.
General Yu's next instruction took them to the archery range. The bow in Feng Li's hands felt familiar, a reminder of skills he had honed in his previous world. The memories of arrow flights and precise hits flooded his mind.
"Let's see what you're capable of," General Yu's challenge was both a test and an invitation. Feng Li's fingers settled onto the bowstring, his posture mirroring the discipline he had observed among skilled archers.
Drawing the bowstring back, he released the arrow with a practiced ease. It soared through the air, hitting the target with a satisfying thud. The motion was instinctive, muscle memory guiding his actions.
General Yu observed the shot, his eyes keen and perceptive. "Not bad for someone without practice," he remarked, his tone holding a note of acknowledgment.
Feng Li's lips curved into a faint smile.
Thus, Feng Li began his archery practice anew. With diligence, he honed his skills in archery, martial arts, and swordsmanship. Simultaneously, he attended classes on diplomacy, warfare, politics, and other essential subjects. His days grew consumed with learning and practice, leaving him little time to dwell on matters beyond his training.
Within the tranquil embrace of the royal palace, an air of happiness and tranquility wafted through the halls, enveloping its residents in a cocoon of contentment. Yet, amid the harmonious ambiance, one figure remained an exception – Feng Li. His days were a whirlwind of ceaseless activity, leaving him with little respite.
In contrast, within the opulent abode of the Right Prime Minister, emotions swirled in a complex dance. Happiness and sorrow mingled like colors on an artist's palette, creating a portrait that was both intricate and impossible to define.
Amid the interplay of emotions, a significant moment loomed on the horizon. The scene was set around fifteen minutes prior, in the courtyard of Qin Ling's residence.
In a swift and determined manner, a maid dashed through the tranquil courtyard, her breaths coming in rapid succession. Her mission was clear, and her announcement carried a sense of urgency as she hurriedly addressed Qin Ling, "Miss, a decree from the emperor has arrived for you."
Upon hearing the urgent words of her maid, Qin Ling's heart raced, and she swiftly moved toward the designated spot. There, amidst the backdrop of a captivating scene, her parents stood alongside a composed eunuch who held a decree of significant importance. Qin Ling approached them with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, her steps quickening as she neared the unfolding scene.
With reverence and humility, Qin Ling joined her parents in a collective gesture of respect, kneeling before the eunuch. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and all present hung on the eunuch's words, waiting to hear the contents of the decree.
The eunuch's voice resonated through the air, his words carrying the weight of destiny, "The emperor of this empire has chosen the Right Prime Minister's eldest daughter, Qin Ling, known for her kindness, gentleness, and remarkable beauty, to be the crown princess for the esteemed crown prince, Feng Li. The engagement ceremony shall take place within a month's time."
With each word, the decree's significance became clearer, a monumental shift in Qin Ling's life that was about to unfold. The eunuch continued, listing the gifts that would seal the betrothal – a cascade of precious items including a jade vase, glistening gold and platinum jewelry, and a delicate jade ring.
As the eunuch finished reading, Qin Ling's emotions were a whirlwind of surprise, excitement, and apprehension. She accepted the decree with the reverence it demanded, lowering her head to touch the ground with her forehead as a gesture of respect. With graceful poise, she rose to her feet, the decree cradled in her hands.
Expressing her gratitude, Qin Ling addressed the eunuch, her voice carrying sincerity, "I thank you for delivering this decree." Her words held a mixture of awe and respect, acknowledging the momentous news she had just received.
The Right Prime Minister, Qin Ling's father, extended his hospitality with warmth and generosity, "Please, have a seat and join us for tea."
The eunuch's courteous refusal carried a sense of duty and purpose, "I extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Qin for the invitation, but my responsibility lies in announcing the acceptance of the decree." With a polite bow, he prepared to depart, leaving the atmosphere tinged with a mix of anticipation and solemnity.
As the eunuch left, a heavy silence descended upon the scene, a weighty pause that enveloped everyone present. The news had left them all in a state of contemplation, processing the significance of the decree that had just been read.
Amidst the hushed air, Qin Ling's voice broke through the quietude, her concern evident as she directed her words toward her father, "Dad, are you alright?" Her genuine worry was a testament to the close bond they shared.
Her father's response was a gentle reassurance, "It's alright, Ling. You go and rest." The exchange was marked by an undercurrent of unspoken understanding, the connection between parent and child that required no elaboration.
Following her parents' departure to the study room, Qin Ling's curiosity piqued. A sense that there was something more, something concealed, prompted her to take a step she had never considered before. She decided to secretly follow them, her steps as silent as the questions swirling in her mind.
Hidden in the shadows, she eavesdropped on their conversation, the revelation she overheard causing her heart to skip a beat. Her father's voice held a note of confidentiality, "The Emperor has discussed this betrothal with me. He stated that while our daughter is chosen as Crown Princess, if she discovers her heart's desire elsewhere and wishes to marry another, the engagement can be annulled."
Amidst the grandeur of the prime minister's residence, a hushed conversation unfolded within the confines of a lavishly adorned room. The subtle flicker of candles illuminated the concern etched on Mrs. Qin's features as she addressed her husband, her voice a mixture of apprehension and doubt, "Husband, are you certain that the emperor's intentions are not to test our loyalty?"
Prime Minister Qin's response held a note of caution, his eyes darting around the room as if the very walls might possess ears, "Do not utter such words aloud, my dear. You are well aware of the consequences if such sentiments were to reach the wrong ears."
As the weight of their exchange hung in the air, the reality of their position in the empire's intricate web of politics was palpable. The layers of diplomacy and power play were as delicate as the silken threads that adorned the room, and any misstep could have dire consequences.
Breaking the momentary tension, Prime Minister Qin shifted the focus, "Furthermore, we must initiate preparations for the upcoming banquet. The engagement ceremony is only a month away." His words carried a sense of urgency, a reminder that amidst the backdrop of their private concerns, the world continued to turn.
Amidst these conversations of high stakes, a flurry of emotions stirred within the heart of Qin Ling. She had been privy to the exchange from a distance, and her curiosity had taken root, prompting her to seek solace in her private sanctuary.
However, her rush led her to an unexpected collision with one of the maids who frequented the residence's opulent corridors. As the other maids quickly came to her aid, concern etched across their features, the inevitable question emerged, "Miss, did something transpire?"
Flustered by her haste, Qin Ling attempted to conceal the tumult of thoughts that had been swirling within her, "N… No! It's nothing. I was simply lost in thought." Her words were a feeble attempt to brush off their inquiries, but the traces of uncertainty lingered in her eyes.
With an affectionate glint in their eyes, one of the maids playfully teased, "Oh, we know~ Miss is surely pondering the Crown Prince, isn't she?"
Within the walls of the magnificent residence, a sense of unease swirled amidst Qin Ling's thoughts. The playful banter of the maids had struck a chord, and though she denied their suspicions with a gentle shake of her head, the truth was far more complicated.
"I am not thinking about the crown prince," Qin Ling's words held a touch of defensiveness as if the mere mention of his name stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her. Her eyes, however, betrayed a different tale – a tale of curiosity, uncertainty, and the flutter of a heart that danced to its own rhythm.
The maids, sensing her reticence, nodded in understanding and quickly set off to fulfill her request. As the preparations for her bath commenced, Qin Ling retreated into the privacy of her chamber, the sanctuary where she could grapple with the cascade of thoughts and emotions that had been set into motion.
As the day of the engagement ceremony loomed on the horizon, the practice grounds buzzed with a fervent energy. The Crown Prince of the empire, Feng Li, engaged in a spirited duel with General Yu. Their swords clashed with a harmonious symphony of metal, each strike and parry a testament to their skill and dedication.
The match reached a climax, eventually culminating in a draw. General Yu's expression bore an air of contentment rather than surprise. He had witnessed Feng Li's progress since the inception of his training, and the young prince's dedication had left an indelible impression.
In the midst of their exchange, General Yu couldn't resist a teasing remark, his voice laced with amusement, "Yo! Boy, tomorrow marks your engagement ceremony. Are you eager to meet your fiancée?"
Feng Li's response was laced with indifference, a nonchalance that concealed a deeper truth, "I don't like her, and she also doesn't like me, so it doesn't matter." His fingers deftly cleaned his sword, the cloth a conduit for his contemplation.
General Yu's words hung in the air, their implications sinking deep into Feng Li's thoughts. "You are same as your dad and me, I know you'll only favor your sweetheart," General Yu's voice held a mixture of fondness and nostalgia. The air seemed to shift as his words settled, leaving a strange quietness in their wake.
Observing General Yu's contemplative demeanor, Feng Li recognized the telltale signs of a memory resurfacing. The general's eyes held a distant gaze, as if retracing the steps of the past. It was a known fact among the palace circles that General Yu's heart held a story of love and loss.
General Yu's marriage to a mysterious man had been an enigma that intrigued the courtiers and servants alike. Their affection had been evident to all, yet the man vanished under the weight of some misunderstood situation. The search for him continued, but time had yielded no answers.
Breaking the silence that hung in the air, Feng Li's calm voice carried a vow, "I will search for him."
General Yu's laughter danced through the air, a warm and bittersweet sound that held the essence of memories, "I can't find him. How will you do it?"
Feng Li's conviction was unwavering as he replied, his determination like a beacon in the dimming light, "I can find him."
With a swift motion, Feng Li mounted his horse, his movements sure and purposeful. His heart carried a resolve that matched the resolute lines etched on his face. He was prepared to embark on a journey that held both uncertainty and promise, a journey that might mend the fragmented threads of a love story that had been suspended in time.
"I am going home," Feng Li's voice was steady as he declared his departure.