Zhao Letian, blessed with an extraordinary memory, flawlessly memorized the sword techniques after watching them just once. When he practiced, though his movements were slow and clumsy, the precision of his forms amazed onlookers.
The elderly eunuch couldn't help but marvel. "Could this boy truly be a martial prodigy? A master of both sword and blade? Nonsense! Talent without perseverance is meaningless. Let's see if he sticks to it. It's late for him to start, but with the right opportunities and treasures, even he might become an expert."
After ensuring Zhao Letian had learned the moves, the eunuch dismissed him, handing over his badge of authority. He instructed him to report to Lou Tingyu, the official in charge of the Azure Robes Division at the Dali Court.
The Dali Court stood just east of the imperial palace, not far from the bustling Eastern Market.
When Zhao arrived, the gatekeeper, noticing the strikingly handsome young man carrying a eunuch's badge, couldn't help but let his thoughts wander. Could he be one of those favored by the eunuchs? Despite his musings, the gatekeeper wasted no time leading Zhao to the northern courtyard where Lou Tingyu held office.
The Dali Court consisted of two main divisions:
The Azure Robes Division, responsible for subduing monsters, resolving disputes in the martial world, and liaising with spiritual cultivators.The White Horse Division, tasked with major criminal trials, often overlapping with the Ministry of Justice. However, the White Horse Division had become largely ceremonial over time.
Both divisions were led by deputy ministers ranked as third-grade officials. While the Dali Court lacked political clout, it boasted an impressive array of martial experts. Even the gatekeeper was a second-tier martial artist, while Lou Tingyu, the division chief, was a seventh-tier grandmaster. Despite its limited influence in court politics, the Azure Robes Division played a crucial role in dealing with mystical threats and monitoring the martial world.
Lou Tingyu, upon reading Zhao Letian's dossier, furrowed his brow.
"The 19th Prince of Da Kang, Zhao Letian, age 16. Handsome, refined, intelligent, with potential in the literary arts. Marked as frail and unfit for martial training."
When Lou laid eyes on Zhao, his skepticism grew. He's too handsome for his own good. How does he look better than I did in my youth, despite my title as the 'Rain Listening Gentleman'?
Zhao's flawless complexion and rosy undertone weren't the marks of illness but rather the result of advanced body refinement techniques.
Frail? Unfit for martial arts? Lou's frustration mounted as he realized the intelligence was completely off the mark. Still, he greeted Zhao with a radiant smile.
"Your Highness, I am Lou Tingyu, at your service."
Zhao scrutinized the middle-aged official before him, noting the man's square face and sharp eyes. Though polite, the rehearsed smile on Lou's face was unsettling.
"Lou Tingyu? Such a poetic name," Zhao remarked abruptly. "Tell me, have you heard of a man named Lu You?"
Lou tilted his head, puzzled. "I'm afraid not. Is he a great scholar?"
Zhao grinned slyly. "How about this: 'A spring rain falls upon the small pavilion, and tomorrow, apricot blossoms line the alleyways.' Does that ring a bell?"
Lou froze. His eyes lit up as he laughed heartily. "Your Highness, your reputation for eloquence precedes you! What a beautiful verse. Might you gift it to me?"
Feigning modesty, Zhao replied, "It's not my work but that of a scholar named Lu You. Still, if you like it, it's yours."
Lou assumed Zhao was being humble, using a fictitious 'Lu You' to deflect credit. His impression of the prince improved.
"Your Highness, it so happens we have a vacant captain position in the Azure Robes Division. It's an excellent opportunity for someone of your talents to gain experience. Would you consider it?"
Zhao knew he had no choice but to accept. Smiling, he clasped his hands and said, "Zhao Letian reports for duty!"
Lou laughed. "You're too gracious, Your Highness. This is quite the demotion for royalty."
"Not at all, Sir. A ninth-grade captain's post feels more substantial than a titleless prince. And with your guidance, what's there to worry about?"
Lou chuckled, impressed by the prince's wit and charm. He's no naive youth—this one's sharp as a fox.
"Very well, Captain Zhao. Report tomorrow. Handle matters as you see fit, and if trouble arises, you can count on me. For anything major, the Grand Eunuch will step in."
Zhao smiled knowingly. "Understood. I avoid trouble but won't shy away from it when it finds me."
Lou nodded, amused. "I won't keep you any longer. Collect your uniform and badge, and prepare to assume your duties."
After leaving, Zhao decided against returning to the palace. Instead, he rented a small house near the Eastern Market. The quiet opulence of Xingqing Hall didn't suit him, and the commute was too long.
As he wandered the lively market streets, the aroma of lamb broth drew him to a modest stall, She's Lamb Soup. He sat at an outdoor table, savoring the bustling atmosphere.
"Sir, what'll it be? Lamb offal or sliced lamb?" the owner asked enthusiastically.
"One of each," Zhao replied, genuinely smiling for the first time since his arrival in this world.
Moments later, five men in azure uniforms entered. They exuded authority, their blades hanging at their sides. The crowd's reaction ranged from subtle nods to hushed whispers.
"Five lamb soups, five steamed buns, and two pounds of sliced lamb," barked the leader, a burly man with a scar across his face.
The vendor greeted him warmly. "Captain Zhang, only five today? Where's the sixth bowl?"
"Li was injured—badly," replied a younger officer grimly.
The vendor sighed. "Ah, Captain Li... Always helpful. He once drove away some troublemakers for me. I'll never forget his kindness."
As the officers talked, Zhao overheard fragments of their conversation, including the rumor of a "new captain."
"A pretty boy, they say," sneered the scar-faced officer. "Some eunuch's favorite, no doubt."
Zhao's expression darkened as he realized they were talking about him.
"Do you think he has any real skills?" one asked skeptically.
"Doesn't matter. If he's useless, I won't follow him," another grumbled.
Zhao quickly finished his meal and left, their voices trailing behind him.
"Did you see that guy? He's too pretty for his own good."
"Bet he'd outshine even the top courtesans at Drunken Immortal Pavilion!"