The most dangerous opponent is not the one who strikes with fury, but the one who waits with purpose. In the moment when your enemy believes they have won, they be most vulnerable to defeat.


    —Master Wu Zhi, Commander of Ten Thousand


    Xin practically bounced down the Treasure Pavilion steps, her sess fueling each step with renewed energy. Guard Han trudged behind, armsden with the stacked jewelry boxes.


    "Guard Han, you may return to the manor with these." Xin pointed at the boxes. "We’ll make our way back shortly."


    His jaw clenched. "Miss Lin, I must insist—"


    "That wasn’t a request." Xin maintained steady eye contact. "Return to the manor. Now."


    Guard Han’s knuckles whitened around the boxes. "As youmand, Miss Lin." He executed a stiff bow before stalking away.


    "Miss Xin..." Mei Chen tugged at her sleeve. "Should we antagonize Guard Han like that?"


    Xin squeezed Mei Chen’s shoulder. "I prefer keeping certain matters private, and I’m not convinced of his discretion."


    Though he has already seen a lot and probably will report everything to Madam Zhang by the time we are back.


    Well, there wasn’t much she could do about that. Independence wouldn’t be won in a single battle.


    The festival crowd surged through the streets like a living tide. Xin navigated through them, recalling the colorful banners and merchant stalls from their earlier journey. Mei Chen clung to her sleeve, pressing closer as the masses thickened around them.


    A savory aroma drew Xin to a nearby food stall. Steam billowed from bamboo baskets stacked three levels high.


    "Two ginger meat buns." Xin exchanged a tael for the piping hot treats.


    Mei Chen stared at the offered bun. "Miss Xin, I couldn’t possibly—"


    "Eat. We still have ground to cover."


    They wove through the crowd, savoring the spiced meat and soft dough. Mei Chen took tiny, proper bites while Xin devoured hers in four quick mouthfuls.


    The weapons shop appeared ahead—exactly where Xin remembered passing it on their way out. Its weathered wooden sign creaked in the breeze.


    "Miss Xin?" Mei Chen dabbed at her mouth with a handkerchief. "Why would we need to visit such a ce?"


    Xin gave her a serious look. "Because we can’t count on others to keep us safe anymore."


    The shop door groaned open. Heat and the sharp scent of coal rolled out from the back forge. Weapons lined the walls in neat rows—from ornate ceremonial des to practical fighting steel. The festival sounds faded to a distant murmur.


    A burly cksmith emerged from the forge. "Wee, nobledies. How may I assist you today?"


    Xin strode to the wall of daggers. "We both need a defensive weapon."


    "Me too?" Mei Chen squeaked.


    The cksmith stepped closer, gesturing to the disyed des. "Eachesplete with a proper sheath, of course."


    "Something easily concealed inside a robe." Xin ran her fingers along the disyed weapons.


    The cksmith nodded and ducked behind the counter. He returned with an assortment of leather sheathsid across a worn cloth. "Thesee with adjustable straps. Should work for what you want."


    Xin picked through the selection, focusing on the smaller des suited for Mei Chen. A slim dagger caught her eye—it’s handle barely longer than her palm.


    "Try this one." Xin held the sheathed de against Mei Chen’s thigh.


    "Miss Xin!" Mei Chen’s cheeks flushed crimson. "Here?"


    "Better to check the fit now than discover issuester." Xin adjusted the straps around Mei Chen’s leg, ignoring her squirming.


    For herself, Xin selected a longer dagger with an eight-inch de. She tested the weight and bnce. The metal felt right in her hand.


    "Seven taels for the small one, nine for the longer de." The cksmith scratched his beard. "I’ll make it fifteen total for the pair."


    Mei Chen counted out the coins from her purse with trembling fingers.


    "Put yours on now." Xin secured her own dagger beneath her sleeve.


    "But Miss Xin, we’re in public!" Mei Chen clutched the sheathed de to her chest.


    The cksmith turned toward his forge, giving them privacy. "I see nothing but two proper youngdies making sensible purchases. Everyone should carry protection these days."


    Xin tightened the strap around Mei Chen’s thigh, ensuring the small dagger sat snugly against her leg. "There, that should do it," she said, stepping back to inspect her work. Mei Chen’s cheeks remained flushed, but she nodded, her fingers brushing the hilt of the concealed de through her robe.


    Xin checked her own dagger onest time, feeling the reassuring weight beneath her sleeve. Satisfied, she turned to the cksmith. "Thank you for your assistance."


    The cksmith inclined his head. "Stay safe, nobledies."


    They stepped back into the bustling street, the festival crowd humming around them. Xin led the way, weaving through the throng. Mei Chen stayed close, her eyes darting nervously.


    The manor gates weed them back. As they entered, Xin felt the weight of the day settle on her shoulders. Productive, yes, but exhausting.


    "Mei Chen," Xin said as they walked through the courtyard, "I need to change into something lighter and get some rest."


    "Of course, Miss Xin." Mei Chen’s voice held a note of relief.


    Inside her temporary quarters, Xin paused to take in her surroundings. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished. Silk drapes framed the windows, and a plush rug covered the floor. A sense of unease flickered at the edges of her mind. The luxury felt alien. To both of us.


    "Miss Xin?" Mei Chen’s voice broke through her thoughts.


    Xin turned to her. "Keep your new de hidden and on you at all times."


    Mei Chen’s eyes widened, but she nodded. "Yes, Miss Xin."


    Xin moved to her bed, slipping her own dagger beneath the pillow. It wasn’t much—and neither of them had any proper training—but it was better than nothing. She changed into a light robe, savoring the feel of the soft fabric against her skin.


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    Climbing into bed, Xin let out a sigh. The mattress cradled her bodyfortably. She nced around the room onest time, taking in the opulence.


    "Goodnight, Mei Chen," she said, her voice already heavy with sleep.


    "Goodnight, Miss Xin." Mei Chen dimmed thenterns and quietly left the room.


    Xin closed her eyes, letting the day’s events fade into the background. The soft rustle of silk and distant festival sounds lulled her into a deep sleep.


    "Miss Xin! Miss Xin!"


    Xin jolted awake, her heart pounding. Mei Chen hovered over her, eyes wide with urgency. Sunlight filtered through the paper windows, casting soft patterns on the floor.


    "What’s going on?" Xin rubbed her eyes.


    "Your father sent for you," Mei Chen said, her voice trembling. "He’s angry!"


    Xin sat up, the weight of the statement sinking in. "Do you know why?"


    Another servant, standing near the door, hesitated before speaking. "I heard talk about Miss Xin selling her jewels."


    Xin sighed, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. The mattress’sfort felt like a distant memory now. "Help me get ready," she said, resigned.


    The servants moved quickly, their hands deft and practiced. They brushed her hair, tied it up, and presented her with several robes to choose from. Xin’s fingers lingered over a turquoise robe adorned with ck and gold fabric. It was more formal and ornate than her usual attire.


    "That one," she decided.


    As they dressed her, Xin’s mind wandered back to her previous life as Li Mei. She had always taken care of herself, never relying on anyone else. The attention felt strange, almost intrusive, except when it came from Mei Chen.


    Once the robe was secured, Xin retrieved her de from beneath the pillow and slipped it into her sleeve. She nced at Mei Chen, who nodded in understanding.


    "We better not dy," Xin said, standing tall despite the knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach.


    "Yes, Miss Xin," Mei Chen agreed. "It’s best not to make Lord Lin more angry."


    Xin stepped out of her quarters, Mei Chen trailing closely behind. The morning air felt crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming jasmine. They navigated through the winding corridors of the city manor, the intricate woodwork and ornate tapestries reflecting her family’s wealth and status.


    As they approached the main hall leading to Lord Lin’s quarters, two familiar figures moved to block their path. Lin Qian and Lin Fei red at her, exuding an air of smug superiority. Fei hid her face behind a delicate silk fan, likely concealing the bruises from theirst encounter. Qian’s sneer twisted her features into an ugly mask of disdain.


    "Well, well," Qian began, her voice dripping with mockery. "We knew you were a tramp, Xin, but even you should know better than to defile Father’s generosity."


    Xin’s jaw tightened, but she kept her gaze steady. She had no time for their petty provocations. Without a word, she moved to pass them, her steps deliberate and unyielding.


    Qian’s sneer faltered as Xin brushed past. "Don’t you dare ignore me!" Qian snapped, reaching out.


    Xin stopped and turned, her eyes locking onto Qian’s. "Are you looking for another beating?" she asked, her voice cold and unwavering.


    Qian froze, her hand hovering in mid-air. The memory of theirst confrontation hung between them like a specter. Fei grabbed Qian’s arm, pulling her back.


    "Come on, Sister," Fei muttered, her voice muffled by the fan. "Mother and Father will cut her down. She’s not worth looking at."


    Her half-sisters retreated, their presence lingering like a bad odor. Xin watched them go, then resumed her path toward Lord Lin’s quarters. Mei Chen followed, her steps quickening to keep pace.


    "Miss Xin," Mei Chen whispered once they were out of earshot. "I don’t know how you do it. They’ve always been terrifying."


    Xin nced at her maid, offering a reassuring smile. "Things will be alright." Hopefully that didn’t turn out to be a lie.


    They approached the grand hall, their footsteps echoing off the polished stone floor. The vast space, usually bustling with activity, now felt eerily silent. Only a few servants lingered at the edges, their eyes downcast. This wasn’t a public matter; it was personal.


    Lord Lin Tian and Madam Zhang sat at the magistrate dais, their expressions stark contrasts. Lord Tian’s face was stern, while Madam Zhang’s eyes gleamed with barely contained glee. Xin’s anxiety simmered beneath her calm exterior, but she felt confident in her understanding of the situation.


    She bowed deeply, her voice steady. "The Lin Family’s Second Daughter greets her honored Father and Mother."


    Madam Zhang’s smile twisted into something more sinister. "How dare you honor your father after what you have done?"


    Xin straightened, feigning confusion. "What have I done, Mother?"


    Lord Tian waved his hand, and Guard Luo Han entered, carrying her jewelry boxes from the day before. He set them down with a thud, opening each one to reveal their emptiness. Only a single silver ne and earring set remained.


    Xin’s thoughts sharpened. He’s definitely a spy for Zhang.


    Lord Tian’s voice cut through the silence like a de. "Exin this, Xin. Did you sell all your jewels?"


    Xin met her father’s gaze, her mind racing through possible responses. She had anticipated this confrontation, but hadn’t expected it so soon. The weight of the family’s scrutiny pressed down on her, but she stood firm.


    "Father," she began, choosing her words carefully. "I did sell some of my jewels."


    Madam Zhang’s eyes narrowed. "Some? It looks like you sold almost everything. Including the precious gifts your father presented you."


    Xin stood her ground, meeting her father’s stern gaze. "I had no choice."


    Lord Tian’s eyes narrowed. "Exin yourself."


    She took a deep breath. "I had no funds to take care of my purchases."


    Madam Zhang’s smile widened as she hid her face behind her ornate fan, eyes gleaming with satisfaction.


    Lord Tian’s voice grew colder. "Why are you so incapable of handling your own funds that you had to sell the birthday gifts I gave you?"


    Xin straightened, her resolve hardening. "Father, my allowance is only five taels per month."


    The hall had been quiet before, but now the silence was so profound that Xin could almost hear the collective intake of breath. Five taels a month was less than a destitute farmer’s earnings and a pittance for a noble family’s daughter. The disparity was ring.


    Lord Tian’s expression darkened. "Justst year, I approved an increase in your allowance to four hundred taels. What do you mean that you have only been receiving five?"


    Xin bowed deeply, her voice unwavering. "My own ledger can confirm it. I’ve only received five taels and never more, the amount being the same since I was a child and didn’t even manage my own funds."


    Her father turned his piercing gaze toward Madam Zhang. The smug smile vanished from her face as if wiped clean by an invisible hand.


    "Exin this immediately." Lord Tian’s words cut through the silence. "We discussed raising the allowance just recently as well."


    Xin watched Madam Zhang squirm under Lord Tian’s scrutiny. The usuallyposed woman opened and closed her mouth several times,pletely at a loss for words.


    "How dare you show such tant favoritism when managing our family’s finances falls under your duties?" Lord Tian’s hands clenched in anger.


    Perfect opening. Xin bowed deeply, keeping her eyes lowered. "Honored Father, please understand my reasoning for selling the jewels. Mother likely made an honest mistake in the ounting."


    Lord Tian studied her with calcting eyes, his stern features softening slightly.


    "Perhaps," Xin continued, maintaining her respectful pose, "Father could grant me the five thousand taels I would have received over the past year? It would allow me to replenish my jewels and manage my affairs properly."


    "Five thousand?" Lord Tian scoffed. "That’s nowhere near enough to make up for this." He fixed his steely gaze on Madam Zhang. "You willpensate her for all missed allowances since she turned ten."


    "Thirty-eight thousand taels?" Madam Zhang sputtered, face paling. "The family budget for the month would—"


    "Then spend less on yourself and your daughters!" Lord Tian mmed his hand against the armrest. "You’ve indulged for so long you’ve forgotten that your duty is to all members of this house!"


    He looked at Xin and waved her off. "Things will be taken care of. That is all I wished to discuss with you."


    Xin bowed once more. "Thank you for your forbearance and wisdom, Honored Father."


    As she retreated from the hall, Xin felt Madam Zhang’s hateful stare burning into her back.