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Xiulan followed her mother out of the pavilion, her steps light despite the lingering ache in her ankles. The familiar scent of jasmine drifted from Zhao Lian’s ceremonial robes as they walked toward their courtyards.

Zhao Lian stopped and turned. "Xiulan, go to the western sector. Greet Captain Bai Chen and request the guards your father promised."

Nervous energy bubbled through Xiulan’s chest. Zhao Lian stood serene as a mountain lake while her own hands trembled with leftover adrenaline. "I’d hug you, but it would get your dress—"

Zhao Lian stepped forward and wrapped Xiulan in her arms. The silk of her formal robes rustled as she stroked Xiulan’s back. "There, there. You did well. Everything will be alright."

Xiulan released a shaky breath and stepped back, managing a small smile. "Yes. I’ll return after speaking with the captain."

Zhao Lian nodded and glided away, her servants following in a practiced formation.

Mei Chen shifted beside Xiulan, fidgeting with her sleeve.

"Thank you." Xiulan touched her maid’s shoulder. "We wouldn’t have succeeded without your help today."

Mei Chen bit her lower lip. "I haven’t forgiven you for climbing that wall and scaring me half to death, miss."

Xiulan smiled and then nodded toward the western grounds where the manor barracks stood. "Let’s go find the captain."

The manor bustled with its usual activity despite the morning’s courtroom confrontation. Servants scurried about, carrying trays of food and baskets of laundry. The distant clang of metal echoed from the training grounds as Xiulan and Mei Chen made their way. The guard’s office stood near the barracks, a modest building with a sturdy wooden door.

Xiulan approached the door and knocked. A young guard opened it, his eyes widening at the sight of her. "Miss Lin," he stammered, bowing deeply.

"I need to speak with Captain Bai Chen," Xiulan said.

The guard nodded and hurried off to find the captain. Xiulan and Mei Chen stepped inside, the room filled with the scent of leather and oil. Maps and weapons adorned the walls, hinting at the military nature of the room.

Mei Chen glanced around, her discomfort evident. "They should offer tea to the miss at least," she mumbled.

Xiulan smiled. "It’s the military, Mei Chen. They’re not accustomed to entertaining guests and ceremony is saved for battle plans."

Before long, Captain Bai Chen entered. He bowed deeply. "Miss Lin, I wish you good health."

Xiulan returned the bow. "Thank you, Captain Bai. The Third Concubine and I require twenty guards each for a permanent assignment at our courtyards. Lord Lin has ordered it."

Surprise flickered across Bai Chen’s face. She guessed he probably hadn’t heard about the confrontation yet.

He finally nodded without pressing for more. "Of course, Miss Lin. I can see to it before the day is over."

Xiulan took a deep breath. "I hope you can pick some loyal men for us who will be safe—Lord Lin’s wish is that there be no more violence in his daughter’s and Third Concubine’s lives."

Bai Chen’s brow furrowed. "All the soldiers of the manor are loyal, Miss Lin, or they would be cast out."

Xiulan raised her chin, meeting his gaze directly. "I don’t doubt your men’s loyalty, Captain. But some might be more loyal than others. My mother and I need men who will not be easily turned or bribed by Madam Zhang’s coin or threats from my sisters and brother."

The captain paled, glancing around to ensure they weren’t overheard. "The Second Daughter of Lin Family shouldn’t talk so—"

"I’m sorry," Xiulan interrupted. "But I need to be direct. I was nearly murdered, and the confrontation in the court this morning was nearly cataclysmic."

Bai Chen’s face drained of color. "Cataclysmic?"

Xiulan recounted the morning’s events, describing how Madam Zhang’s witnesses had fabricated their testimony. "Dear brother Jin claimed I attacked him without cause, but Zhao Lian’s intervention changed everything. She threatened divorce if Father didn’t address the situation properly."

The remaining color drained from Captain Bai’s already pale face. His hands gripped the plates on his tassets.

"I’ll personally select the most trustworthy guards for you." Captain Bai straightened his shoulders. "Men who value the family’s honor as their own and hold it above all else."

She wasn’t sure where he would find forty men like that, but she would have to trust him with the matter. "Thank you."

Captain Bai pressed his fist to his chest in a formal salute. "My loyalty lies with the Lin Family, always."

Xiulan bowed slightly. "The Second Daughter of the Lin Family appreciates your dedication."

She turned to leave, but stopped at the doorway.

"Yes? Did the young miss forget something?" Captain Bai asked.

"One of my courtyard guards should excel at weapons training, particularly with daggers, if possible."

Captain Bai’s eyebrows drew together, but he nodded. "As you wish, Miss Lin."

Outside in the barracks, Mei Chen tugged at Xiulan’s sleeve. "Why do you need a weapons trainer?"

Stolen novel; please report.

"Because I have no idea how to properly use a weapon." Xiulan glanced at her maid. "And neither do you."

Mei Chen blinked rapidly.

"Next time, I shouldn’t miss the heart." Xiulan shrugged. "I’m shocked Lin Jin survived—it reflects poorly on my skills."

"Miss!" Mei Chen’s face turned ashen. "I haven’t forgiven you yet. Please don’t terrorize this poor servant."

Xiulan hummed and linked her arm through Mei Chen’s as they walked toward Zhao Lian’s courtyard.

Servants darted between buildings carrying fresh linens and lunchtime meals. The familiar scent of jasmine grew stronger as they approached her mother’s courtyard.

Xiulan stepped through the moon gate and froze. Doctor Jin Wei sat with Zhao Lian in the garden, both holding delicate teacups. Zhao Lian had changed into a simple blue silk robe adorned with silver thread.

Xiulan approached and bowed deeply. "Thank you for the medicine you provided earlier, Doctor Jin. It helped tremendously with my injuries."

"That’s precisely why I summoned him." Zhao Lian gestured to the empty seat beside her. "We need to ensure your face heals properly, without scarring."

Doctor Jin stood and nodded to Xiulan. "May I examine the wound?"

"Of course, that would be prudent." She took a seat and tilted her chin up. The doctor’s careful fingers probed the tender flesh.

"I’m surprised you didn’t take the medicine I prescribed initially." Doctor Jin stepped back with a frown. "It would have been more effective if prepared specifically for facial injuries."

A smile tugged at Xiulan’s lips. "I found alternative healing—Heaven Grass tea. I saved your pill for emergencies, which proved fortunate."

"Indeed." Doctor Jin crossed his arms. "Given the extent of bruising and that cut, without the pill, you’d be in much worse condition. I’ll prepare another specifically for your face."

"Thank you, Doctor Jin." Zhao Lian poured fresh tea into an empty cup.

Xiulan bowed her head. "Yes, thank you."

"This time, take it properly instead of hoarding it." Doctor Jin’s stern expression softened slightly.

Xiulan laughed. "If you don’t want me hoarding medicine, perhaps prepare an extra pill for emergencies?"

"Xiulan!" Zhao Lian set down her cup. "You shouldn’t plan on being injured again. What did Captain Bai Chen say about the guards?"

"He’ll personally select forty trusted men before nightfall." Xiulan accepted a cup of tea Zhao Lian offered.

Doctor Jin bowed and turned to leave.

"Wait!" Xiulan called after him. "Could you make the pills smaller? They’re rather difficult to swallow."

Jin Wei stopped and turned back, one eyebrow raised. "Does the young miss suddenly harbor an interest in medicine making?"

Xiulan set her teacup down. "I lack practical experience, but I understand the general principles. Couldn’t you make a ’half-pill’ version? I could double the dose when needed."

"And what recipe do you believe I used that can be divided in such a way?" Jin Wei crossed his arms.

The familiar terms from Phoenix Kingdom Chronicles flowed easily. "The previous one was likely a Mortal Blunt Restoration Pill. For my face, you’d use a Mortal Injury Pill, and perhaps a Mortal Blood Staunching Pill for emergencies?"

Jin Wei’s eyes widened. "Haaah... I’m shocked." He stepped closer to the table. "I had no idea Miss Lin possessed even basic knowledge of such medicine."

"The recipe could be halved to reduce size?" Xiulan prodded.

"Possible, yes, though it would require more ingredients overall." Jin Wei stroked his chin. "The processing would be more delicate."

Xiulan waved her hand. "I can manage the normal-sized pill for my face with tea. For the emergency ones, smaller would be ideal."

Jin Wei bowed deeply. "I’ll prepare both versions, with the emergency pills sized for easier consumption."

"Thank you, Doctor Jin." Xiulan inclined her head.

After he departed, Zhao Lian set down her cup with a soft clink. "Daughter, I didn’t know you studied medicine."

Xiulan smiled at her mother across the table. "I plan to study many things in the future."

The tea session went well, and she spent a few hours simply chatting with her mother. It was all very focused on basic household things, but she did get some good tips on purchasing a new wardrobe and jewels cheaply while maintaining the quality.

Later, the new guards arrived all together in a group. She ordered them to assemble.

Xiulan inspected the forty men in neat rows before sunset. Each wore the standard Lin family armor—leather reinforced with steel plates—and carried well-maintained weapons. Instructor Han stood at attention beside her, his weathered face betraying hints of warmth beneath his professional demeanor.

"Your new quarters will be in the guest houses of my courtyard." Xiulan pointed toward the buildings flanking the primary residence. "Instructor Han will serve as your commander and assign two deputies, one for each house. Half of you will patrol here and the other at my mother’s courtyard."

The guards exchanged quick glances. A few shifted their weight.

"House Lin employs many soldiers, but Zhao Lian and I have none. Until now." Xiulan squared her shoulders. "You are our people now. Protect us well, and we’ll ensure you’re cared for. Should emergencies arise, speak with your leaders or come to me directly."

Murmurs rippled through the ranks. Such arrangements defied normal protocol.

After dismissing the guards, Xiulan beckoned Instructor Han to follow. They found Mei Chen struggling with a heavy wooden chest in the main building.

"Here." Xiulan gripped one end of the chest. Instructor Han stepped forward and lifted it easily, positioning it against the bedroom wall. Together, they relocated the wardrobe beside the new bed.

"Thank you for your help." Xiulan turned to face them both. "Now, about combat training. Mei Chen and I need instruction with daggers. I’d also like to learn other weapons—I’m particularly interested in spear work."

From what she knew, spears were very effective and much easier to master than the blade. It would also help make up for her lack of reach and size due to her gender.

Mei Chen nodded without protest this time.

"Miss Lin." Instructor Han frowned. "While dagger training makes sense, why learn additional weapons?"

"Because I wish to learn." Xiulan met his gaze. "Can you help?"

Instructor Han bowed. "I can prepare suitable lessons. When would you like to begin?"

"Mei Chen, do you have your dagger?" Xiulan asked.

A blush colored Mei Chen’s cheeks as her hand went to her leg before she nodded.

Xiulan drew her own blade from its sleeve sheath and showed it to Instructor Han. "How about right now?"