Chapter 21: Staying Behind

Climbing up a somewhat steep slope, the small village gradually revealed itself before them. The settlement was indeed tiny—at a glance, no more than twenty earthen houses, scattered sparsely along the winding mountain path below.

In less time than it takes to finish a cup of tea, they reached the center of the village. Just as Cheng Yi had described, the place was desolate and dilapidated; a gust of wind swept through, sending a chill that made one's skin crawl.

"Jin Yi, take your team and check everything again thoroughly. Leave no stone unturned. Once you're done, have some people tidy up a few of the better houses. Tonight, we'll stay here," Wang Keyue instructed.

"Yes, Miss," Jin Yi replied, leading her team to inspect each house carefully.

As expected, nothing unusual was found. The villagers had moved out so thoroughly that apart from some large furniture such as wardrobes and beds, everything else was gone.

The rest of the maids and older women in the group busied themselves, picking out seven adjoining houses and cleaning them meticulously. The brightest and cleanest was set aside for the Old Madam Wang and Wang Keyue.

The old madam, already advanced in years, was utterly exhausted after a day’s journey through the mountains. Though there had been an ox cart, it was of little use on such rugged paths—the jolting made one nauseous, walking was easier by far. Thus, the old madam had made her way here mostly on foot.

Once the old madam had been settled with food and helped to bed, Wang Keyue finally stepped out of the house.

With the firelight from the outdoor stove, Wang Keyue ate her bowl of noodles. The warmth and tenderness of the food nearly moved her to tears; she could not recall how long it had been since she last tasted something so gentle, so soft. Life itself seemed to regain some flavor.

After dinner, while the others tidied up or gathered firewood, Wang Keyue led the guards to begin their training. First, they patrolled the village twice, then, following Wang Keyue’s instructions, practiced the most basic techniques of swordplay with their blades.

The beauty of these foundational techniques lay in their simplicity and ease of mastery. Each action was repeated a hundred times every night—three or four basic moves—until muscle memory and reflex were formed.

Of course, strength and speed training had to keep pace. Among the twenty members of the team, their average scores had already reached eight; with intensified training and improved rations, they could all meet the standard within a week.

Wang Keyue mapped out her plans silently. Time was short—she could not afford to waste a single moment! She wanted nothing more than to complete her task and return to Blue Star, the world that had given her life, to her own country, to her parents and friends.

That night, everyone slept in earthen houses that shielded them from wind and rain, lying on warm kang beds or soft straw mats—the most comfortable night’s rest since they had been exiled to the border.

But Wang Keyue lay awake, sleepless, her mind filled with plans for the days to come.

The next morning, after discussing matters with the old madam, Wang Keyue gathered everyone to announce a very important decision.

“Silence!” Zhang Mama called out.

“Members of the Wang family, the mistress has something important to announce today!” Zhang Mama now stood atop a raised platform, her voice resounding.

Once the crowd had quieted, Zhang Mama stepped aside and Wang Keyue advanced. Dressed in the garb of a young warrior, her sleeves tied tight, her still-childish figure made her gender indistinct—there was a proud, untamed spirit about her, neither wholly boy nor girl.

“This morning, the old madam and I discussed matters at length. Though this place is remote and the houses are in disrepair, the land is fertile and there is a clear spring nearby. In times such as these, such a place is rare indeed. Therefore, the old madam has decided we shall remain here for now…”

Before Wang Keyue could finish, some of the highborn but inept young women protested. “Grandmother, how can we stay here in such desolation?” “Grandmother, we know nothing of our two uncles’ situation—don’t you wish to see them as soon as possible?”