As spring breezes began to stir on Dyeing Street, autumn had arrived early in the deep alleys of Skywater Bridge.
The lights in the sprawling residence had long since gone out. Only one lamp still burned in the rear quarters, and two women's voices drifted through the window:
"Honestly, you! I always thought you were quite capable, carrying yourself like a proper sect leader. Why were you so spineless today? She came right up to your doorstep, practically ready to take a blade to you, and you actually handed Jingtang over..."
"Jingtang was drugged..."
"So what if he was drugged? Wasn't that the perfect chance to cook the raw rice into a finished meal? Once he woke up tomorrow, wouldn't he be utterly devoted to you?"
"Alas, he's already gone..."
"That fiery girl is probably being all lovey-dovey with Jingtang right now. After a round of sweet talk, who knows how much he'll dote on her..."
"I know. I'm going back to my room..."
Creak-
The door opened, then closed again.
Pei Xiangjun rested both hands against the door and stood lost in thought for a long time before turning and stepping out from beneath the eaves. She looked up at the silver moon, veiled by wisps of cloud:
"Alas..."
She had lived in this residence for years. Ever since her eldest brother passed away, nothing had remained on her shoulders but crushing burdens that left her struggling for breath.
She had devoted herself to martial arts, hoping Heaven would open its eyes and grant her a chance to prop up the tottering Pei Family and Red Flower House again. But as a woman, how high could her martial skills reach, and how firm could her hand truly be? She had begun brimming with confidence, yet in the end,