Duke Disha took a drink of wine.
"I stabbed Master once. He could have dodged, but he didn't."
"With a move called Picking Flowers in the Leaves, he showed me how to counter the technique I'd just used."
"I was scared stupid. If he'd used that move just then, I'd already be dead. A master killing a traitorous disciple would have been perfectly justified."
"I asked him why he didn't kill me."
"He smiled and said, 'Silly boy, I know there's hatred in your heart. Your master...'"
Duke Disha choked up. "...has wronged you."
With difficulty, Duke Disha lifted a bowl of wine and drained it in one gulp.
"He said, 'You three are all different. The way I teach you, and what I expect of you, are different too. But one thing remains the same: you were all children raised by my side. As your master, I hoped to use my own abilities to plan your lives as best I could.'"
"Tiangang was upright and righteous, broad-minded and generous. Once he entered the martial world, he would surely find much help. He could uphold the path of righteousness and accomplish extraordinary things."
"And I was too clever. I had methods, but no principles, always thinking up unnecessary schemes. Someone like that entering the martial world would, first, easily stray down the wrong path and be unable to resist temptation; second, all those open attacks and hidden arrows would get me killed early."
Duke Disha gave a bitter smile.
"I didn't understand back then. I thought he was just fooling me, making excuses."
"He said, 'I know you hate me, and I have wronged you too. I hope this stab will ease your anger.' Then he told me to get out and sweep the grounds."
Ming Disha continued pouring himself