Family matters were not for the shadow guards to interfere with.
In the imperial court of Great Yan, that would have been a capital crime. Wei Yenwu was a broad-minded leader, but a leader's tolerance was only one aspect of it. The Internal Guard's actions themselves had to follow the proper rules. They could not overstep their bounds.
"My lord, you should handle this sort of family matter yourself."
The shadow guard left only those words behind. Ch'en's shout had been incredibly loud, so he did not need to explain much. Yet before leaving, he still wanted to offer one more warning. The lips beneath his conical hat moved slightly. "The young mistress's condition is somewhat abnormal. Please be careful."
"I know."
Wei Yenwu spoke calmly.
His mood was nowhere near as calm as his tone. The young dragon had finally found the courage to raise a rebellious blade against him. No matter what, that was a good sign.
He was delighted.
As it happened, Wei Yenwu was also skilled with a greatsword. In that regard, they could be said to share the same lineage.
He leaped out through the window.
Under the blood moon, he began stripping off his cumbersome robes. Wei Yenwu tossed away his crown as if it were trash. It traced a beautiful arc through the crimson moonlight, while its beaded curtain scattered into pearls large and small, drifting down like rain in a pitiful shower. Rather than draw his greatsword, he picked up the pipe that never left his hand, intending to teach the child a lesson.
Courage and ability had never been the same thing. If Ch'en wanted to go farther, she had to understand that.
If she did not understand, then he would beat the lesson into her.
That was how all young