Chapter 1: Blade

As the sun set, the martial arts training ground of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's North Government Division was shrouded in twilight. Two figures clad in Flying Fish Suits stood facing each other.

The one on the left was a man in his thirties, his facial features as sharp and defined as if carved by a knife and axe. The white strands at his temples, the crow's feet at the corners of his eyes, and the stubble on his chin that had just grown back after a recent shave gave him an air of world-weariness.

The person on the right was clearly a youth, looking at most fifteen or sixteen. Although he wore a Flying Fish Suit and gripped an Embroidered Spring Blade, his face lacked any aura of lethality; instead, he looked refined, like a scholar.

"Are you ready?"

"Saa." (Come on.)

Hearing the Japanese phrase from the youth's mouth, the man frowned slightly. The next moment, he unfurled his blade technique, his body shooting forward like an arrow released from a bowstring.

The youth did not show weakness, thrusting his blade to meet him. Their figures leaped and intertwined like monkeys, fluttering up and down like butterflies. The Embroidered Spring Blades in their hands clashed from time to time, emitting a rhythmic *ding-ding-dang-dang*.

Suddenly, the youth's body lunged forward violently, almost burying himself into the man's chest. A dazzling series of movements passed between them, followed by their shoulders colliding, and they abruptly separated.

The man on the left spun with his blade, holding the hilt outward across his chest in a defensive posture, while the youth on the right stumbled back several steps, covering his chest with one hand and coughing twice, a look of pain appearing on his face.

"Greedy for success and advancing blindly. If I had used the blade edge instead of the hilt just now, you would already be dead." The man slowly stood straight, his expression gradually relaxing.

"Sakihodo wa chiisana misu o shita dake desu, mou ichido kitara, watashi wa kitto katsu koto ga dekimasu." (That was just a small mistake; if we go again, I will surely win.)

"In a life-or-death struggle on the battlefield, life and death are decided in an instant." The man glanced at the youth. "Not everything gives you the chance to do it again."

"Anata ga sou iu to shitte imasu." (I knew you would say that.) The youth shrugged and sheathed his Embroidered Spring Blade.

"Can you speak properly?"

"Master, wasn't it you who told me to learn Japanese?" The youth spread his hands, the Japanese in his mouth turning into Chinese, his tone sounding very innocent. "You also said that to avoid blowing my cover while undercover, I must speak it constantly in daily life, until I can say it without thinking."

"You little brat, how do you always have your own logic?" The man scolded with a smile, but judging by his tone and expression, he was clearly quite fond of his disciple and wasn't truly blaming him.

"The Emperor's decree has come down. Our Zhuque Flag squad will depart for Zhenjiang Prefecture tomorrow. This mission is very dangerous, especially for you, so if there is anything unfinished or anyone you can't let go of, say your goodbyes early."

"Master, are you asking me to leave my last words in advance?" The youth stretched long and said with a smile, "I'd like to have some, but unfortunately, the rule of our Embroidered Uniform Guard is to have no parents, no spouse, and no children. Only then can we leave whenever we must, without any attachments."

"Fine. If there's nothing else to say, go back and rest." The man waved at the youth. "Assemble here at the hour of the Rabbit tomorrow. Don't be late."

"Got it, Master." The youth seemed to be in a good mood, appearing to have no burden at all. He gave the man a casual salute and turned to walk out of the office.

Watching the youth's departing back, Tang Xiao frowned and suddenly called out, "Lin Zuo!"

"Eh?" The youth turned. "Master, what is it?"

"I..." Tang Xiao hesitated, then finally sighed. "Forget it, it's nothing. Go get some rest."

"Yes, Master."

After seeing Lin Zuo off, Tang Xiao tidied up his things briefly and also left the North Suppressing Faction.

The sky had turned completely dark, and his figure moved like a civet cat in the darkness, weaving through the alleys with familiarity. A moment later, he stopped in front of an ordinary-looking residence.

After vigilantly scanning his surroundings to ensure no one was following, Tang Xiao pushed the door open and entered.

There was a dim oil lamp in the room, and a young woman with a sickly complexion was mending clothes under the light. Seeing Tang Xiao, a look of surprise appeared on her face, and she took the initiative to greet him.

"You're back."

"Mm."

"How do you have time to come over today?"

"Today..." Tang Xiao stopped mid-sentence.

"Dad!" A childish voice rang out. A six or seven-year-old boy ran out from the inner room barefoot, looking sleepy-eyed.

"Zheng'er!" A soft smile appeared on Tang Xiao's face. He scooped the boy into his arms and kissed his face. The stiff stubble made the boy dodge, and then he giggled.

The woman also smiled from the side, thoughtfully bringing over shoes for the child to put on. "Be careful not to catch a cold."

"Zheng'er, did you miss Dad?"

"Yes."

"Good son! Dad brought you a gift."

"What gift?"

"Look!" Tang Xiao put his hand behind his back, and when he reached out again, he was holding a wooden blade.

"Wow!" A light of surprise shone in the boy's eyes. He reached out to take the wooden blade and couldn't wait to draw it from the scabbard. The first thing he saw was the four eye-catching characters on the blade—*Guoshi Wushuang* (Peerless National Scholar).

"It's exactly the same as Dad's blade."

The boy happily took the blade and performed a few slashing motions, even putting on airs by twirling the blade, then looked at Tang Xiao and said, "When I grow up, I want to be an Embroidered Uniform Guard just like Dad."

Hearing this, Tang Xiao froze for a moment, then asked, "Why?"

"Because I want to be as majestic as Dad."

The boy waved the wooden blade in his hand, the candlelight dancing in his eyes, making them flicker.

Hearing his son's words, Tang Xiao suddenly fell silent, while the boy kept chattering away: "Dad, help me make a Flying Fish Suit next time, and your waist medallion, I want one too."

"That won't do. Forging an Embroidered Uniform Guard waist medallion is a capital offense."

"I'll just play with it secretly." The boy pouted, looking a bit aggrieved.

"Alright, Zheng'er, it's time for you to sleep." The woman walked over and said to the boy.

"But I still want to play with Dad."

"Be good, Zheng'er. Dad is tired and needs to rest."

"Oh." The boy nodded sensibly, put down the wooden blade, and looked up at Tang Xiao. "Dad, will you teach me blade techniques tomorrow?"

"Yes." Tang Xiao nodded with a smile, watching the boy hop back into the bedroom, and the young woman followed him in.

Only Tang Xiao was left in the hall. He sat in a chair, lost in thought, the scene from the day appearing in his mind.

"The Emperor has a decree for the Embroidered Uniform Guard to send someone to Zhenjiang Prefecture to investigate the corruption and collusion between canal officials and river bandits. Are you willing to go?"

"This subordinate is willing to go!"

"Those river bandits are all desperate criminals; this errand is very dangerous."

"If it weren't a dangerous errand, why would they need us, the Embroidered Uniform Guard? This subordinate will certainly do his utmost, even if it costs my life to repay..."

"Spare me the empty words. Do you know why I chose to send you?"

"This subordinate does not know."

"First, because you are capable, and I trust you. Second, because you are a smart man who understands the principle of seeing through things without speaking them aloud."

"My Lord... please enlighten me."

"There's nothing to enlighten. The errand must be done beautifully, catching them with the stolen goods. As for the people, I don't care if they live or die. As for the loot, bring it all to the office first, and after I count and register it, we will report it together. Do you understand what I mean?"

"This subordinate... understands."

"Good! If this errand is done well, I will request a promotion for you. If it's done poorly, bring your own head to see me."

"This subordinate obeys."

"Something on your mind?" The woman's voice suddenly came from his ear, interrupting Tang Xiao's thoughts.

"It's nothing." Tang Xiao shook his head and held the woman's hand. "Is Zheng'er asleep?"

"Yes."

"You've worked hard. Is your coughing any better?"

"After taking the medicine the doctor prescribed, it's been much better these past two days."

"That's good." Tang Xiao nodded. "I have to go to Zhenjiang Prefecture for a case in the next two days."

"Mm." The woman sat down beside Tang Xiao gently. "How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know."

"When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"Is it dangerous?"

"It's alright." Tang Xiao smiled helplessly. "I will be careful."

He paused and added, "The rule of the Embroidered Uniform Guard is to have no parents, no spouse, and no children. So if anything happens to me, you should..."

"I will take Zheng'er and leave the Capital, finding a village to live under an assumed name." The woman gave him a reproachful look and reached out to cover his mouth. "You've said this many times; I've almost memorized it. Saying these things before leaving is unlucky."

"I'm just worried." Tang Xiao gave a bitter smile, feeling moved in his heart, and gently pulled the woman into his arms... ===== CHAPTER 2 =====