Chapter 22: The Barracks, Training

It was the heart of winter, with snow blanketing the earth. Apart from their daily training, the soldiers of the Chu family army often gathered around the fire to chat idly. Despite Tang Chen’s efforts to contain it, news spread like wildfire, and the entire camp was abuzz with rumors. Whenever the soldiers caught sight of Chu Junhan, their eyes lit up with fervor—not only because she was likable, but also because countless mysterious stories surrounded her.

Time slipped by quickly, and before long, the searing heat of July arrived. Chu Junhan, who at first only practiced simple stances, now added several new drills to her regimen. She had grown taller, still wore her hair in a high ponytail, and tied it with a white silk ribbon.

After eight months of relentless training, the young master of the Chu family walked with a fierce aura; her gaze was sharp and spirited, her sword-like brows and star-bright eyes exuding an air of grandeur—a young hero in the making!

“Excellent!” Cheers rang out from the archery range.

In the center of the riding grounds, a small figure sat astride a horse, drawing a full moon bow, her eyes locked unwaveringly on the target ahead.

With a crisp sound slicing through the air, another arrow shot straight into the center of the bullseye.

“Well done!” The crowd erupted again.

Each time Chu Junhan drew her bow, the surrounding soldiers held their breath; every arrow she released was met with applause.

On horseback, she sat tall and proud, gripping the reins with an innate sense of command, gazing down at the crowd with a natural, regal bearing.

Thus, another legend spread through the army: the young master of the Chu family was the child of destiny, able to shoot with unerring accuracy from a hundred paces.

Was Chu Junhan truly so formidable? Perhaps others did not know, but Tang Chen, watching from the sidelines, understood better than anyone just how hard she worked.

Tang Chen had lost count of the times Chu Junhan collapsed from exhaustion after holding her stance too long, or how often she trained late into the night just to fulfill the general’s demands.

After all, she was only a five-year-old child.

“Brother Ziyun!” Chu Junhan, full of spirit, waved from horseback at the absent-minded Tang Chen.

Tang Chen smiled kindly, thinking to himself, This child will be extraordinary one day.

“Junhan, you’re growing stronger every day,” Tang Chen said, taking hold of Chu Junhan’s horse and leading it toward the stables.

Chu Junhan scratched her head and dismounted, grinning sheepishly. “It’s all thanks to your guidance, Brother Ziyun!”

The more Tang Chen looked at the child before him, the more fond he became; he couldn’t resist patting her head. “Our Junhan is so clever—she understands everything instantly.”

Chu Junhan beamed, her white teeth gleaming; receiving Tang Chen’s praise was sweeter than honey.

“Young master, the general has sent me to fetch you. He has urgent business,” a soldier said respectfully, breaking the warm scene.

On a blazing July afternoon, Chu Junhan wiped sweat from her brow, her heart skipping a beat—so soon, was it really happening?

“Brother Ziyun is right. Since the general has sent for you, it must be important. You should hurry,” Tang Chen urged.

“You’re right. I’ll take my leave then,” Chu Junhan deliberately lowered her voice, making it sound rougher and more mature.

“Go on, and remember to come back later for the meat soup I made for you.”

Chu Junhan’s gaze darkened. She bit her lip, hesitated to speak, then finally turned and walked away.

Brother Ziyun, who knows when I’ll return from this journey—take care of yourself.

Unable to resist, Chu Junhan looked back one last time as she left the riding grounds. In her eyes, she saw a seventeen-year-old youth gently stroking his horse.

May all be well when I return.