The next day.
The sky was clear.
When Jiang Xiaobai walked out of his room, he could not help stretching.
It had been very late when he returned last night.
So Jiang Xiaobai had not disturbed his parents and had gone straight to his room to sleep.
He had fallen asleep the moment his head hit the pillow, without so much as a dream all night.
Now, after a good night's sleep, he felt much better.
Just as he entered the courtyard, Jiang Xiaobai heard the swish of a sword.
The sword cut lightly through the air, but its movements were clean and crisp.
Jiang Xiaobai looked up and saw Tang Ningshuang practicing her swordplay in the courtyard.
He stood watching for a moment, and the corners of his mouth lifted.
Honestly, this woman looked surprisingly good when she practiced.
So valiant and spirited, with a charm all her own.
And that figure...
While Jiang Xiaobai was admiring her, Tang Ningshuang seemed to notice his gaze. She swept her longsword around, a flourish blossoming before her.
The next instant, swish!
The longsword slid into its sheath in one fluid motion, making the sight even more pleasing.
"Bravo!"
Jiang Xiaobai could not help clapping softly. "Miss Tang, you truly are a heroine among women-a living Hua Mulan!"
Tang Ningshuang glanced at Jiang Xiaobai and pressed her red lips together, but said nothing.
"Come on, let's get breakfast!"
Smiling, Jiang Xiaobai stretched again, beckoned to Tang Ningshuang, and headed out.
But just as they left the courtyard, they heard hurried footsteps.
A moment later, Zhang Xinnian came into view.
"Heir Apparent! Heir Apparent!"
Zhang Xinnian reached Jiang Xiaobai and caught his breath. "Something huge has happened! Our Marquis's Residence is under siege!"
"Huh?"
Jiang Xiaobai froze.
"They're all scholars!"
Zhang Xinnian said,