Zing ah turned to me, interrupting my focus, as he asked, "Could you please accompany young master Cai Lung in the sitting room, young master En Lai?"

En Lai's face lit up with a smile as he replied, "Sure, I'd be happy to." I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. En Lai was clearly putting on a show, feigning interest in my company. Deep down, I didn't want to be near him either. We both knew that we didn't see eye to eye. Letting out a sigh, I lowered my head and silently followed them, waiting for them to lead the way. Passing through the grand jade doors, we stepped into a vast hallway adorned with exquisite floral arrangements that adorned the walls. The vibrant hues of red, pink, and green, combined with the elegant marble flooring, created an enchanting ambiance reminiscent of a serene garden. The sight was truly captivating, taking my breath away.

We strolled along the lengthy corridor, each step resonating with a sense of anticipation. Finally, our journey came to a halt as Zing Ah gracefully slid open the door, unveiling a room that could only be described as pristine white. Its simplicity and purity struck me, making me question the choice of its name, or rather lack thereof .As we entered the immaculate white room, it became apparent that this space was a reflection of a General's home. The walls, furniture, and even the marble flooring exuded an aura of pristine whiteness. Soft white rugs embraced our feet as we made our way further into the room, while expensive spears and swords adorned the walls, serving as a reminder of the occupant's military prowess.

Despite the initial confusion caused by the entrance, this room brought a sense of familiarity. It was undoubtedly the sitting room, where important discussions and decisions were likely made. Following Zing Ah's lead, we removed our shoes before stepping onto the immaculate white floor, a sign of respect and reverence for this esteemed space. Zing Ah turned towards me, gesturing for me to take a seat, and I obliged, settling down onto one of the white chairs, ready to engage in whatever awaited us in this remarkable room.

As Zing Ah departed to locate the General, leaving me in the company of Master En Lai, I maintained a small smile and nodded in acknowledgment of the situation. Zing Ah, preparing to leave, swiftly slipped his shoes back on before exiting the room, leaving me alone with my adversary.

Shortly after, the door slid open once again, revealing a maid carrying a tray of tea and sweets. With graceful movements, she delicately placed the refreshments on the small table in front of us. Bowing her head respectfully, she silently exited the room, leaving En Lai and me in an intense silence.

I shifted my focus towards En Lai, who was observing me intently. Determined not to falter in the face of this formidable opponent, I locked eyes with him, projecting an equal measure of confidence and strength. Our gaze became a silent exchange of wills, both of us aware of the power dynamics at play in this room.

"You're my aunt's illegitimate child," he sneered, catching me off guard and causing a cough to escape my lips. Surprised that he knew my identity, I couldn't hide the shock on my face. However, instead of faltering, I responded with a smug smirk.

"She was and still is married to my father when I came into this world. Unlike you, who grew up surrounded by privilege," I motioned to the opulence surrounding us, ensuring he understood my implication. "Endowed with all this knowledge, it baffles me why you, young master, remain so ignorant." Sarcasm dripped from my words, provoking a deep shade of crimson to flood his face, revealing the anger simmering within.

"You'll never find your place in this realm, rest assured. I shall ensure your existence becomes a living purgatory," his words resounded with an unwavering determination.

"Oh, and by the way, my dear father only brought you here because your pitiful excuse of a mother couldn't fulfill her responsibilities," he sneered with contempt.

"She has brought disgrace upon the esteemed lineage of the Zho family like no other. If my father had entrusted you to her care, goodness knows what further dishonor she would have brought upon us just to provide you with mere sustenance and clothing. Look at your pitiable attire," he gestured towards me, his smile brimming with malicious delight.

Enraged, I rose to my feet and mustered all my courage to shout back at him, "Recant your foul words!" I demanded.

"I dare, for I am no longer a peasant," I retorted, my voice laced with determination and defiance.

With each step I took towards him, his arrogant smile faded, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty in his narrowed eyes. My grip on the sword tightened, ready to teach him a lesson he would never forget.

"What do you think you're doing?" he stammered, his voice betraying a hint of fear, as I brandished the sword and pointed it directly at him.

"Make your choice," I declared firmly, my eyes burning with resolve.

His arrogance wavered as he hesitated, realizing that his privileged status meant nothing in the face of true determination. Yet, he couldn't resist attempting to salvage his wounded pride.

"Hah! You believe you can defeat me? I train with the imperial army every day," he boasted, reaching for a sword of his own.

"Your training means nothing if your character remains rotten," I fired back, refusing to be intimidated by his empty words. "Today, it is not a peasant challenging you, but a person of integrity standing against your cruelty."

"I couldn't care less about your training partners if you lack the intelligence to grasp any knowledge," I sneered, meeting his gaze defiantly. "I'll prove to you who the true master is," I added, assuming a firm stance. In an instant, his sword swung towards me, prompting me to swiftly position myself to fend off his attack. However, our clash was abruptly halted by another blade intercepting both of our strikes. Raising my eyes to identify the intruder, I was met with a remarkably resolute figure resembling my esteemed mother. Clad in his complete General's attire, his piercing gaze shifted sternly between En Lai and me.

"What is the meaning of this?" he questions with a composed demeanor, his voice carrying an icy chill that sent shivers down my spine.

"Nothing, Father," En Lai responds, lowering his head in a respectful bow. "We were simply acquainting ourselves. Isn't that right, ge?" he adds, directing a meaningful gaze towards me. At that moment, an unspoken understanding seemed to pass between us, urging me to comply with his request. As I glance at my uncle, an indescribable sensation lingers, making it clear that deviating from the expected response would not be wise. And so, I choose not to test the boundaries.

"I see," he responds with a nod, his sword finding its sheath as he places his hands beneath my chin, gently lifting my face to meet his piercing gaze. An unsettling nervousness washes over me as his eyes bore into mine.

"Ah, how strikingly beautiful and reminiscent of her you are," he whispers softly, his hand withdrawing from my face. He takes a seat, and I remain standing, unsure of what to do next. I feel as if I'm frozen in place, still affected by the lingering touch of his hand. Suddenly, he gestures for me to sit, breaking me out of my stupor.

My trembling hands are relieved of the sword as I turn to see Zing Ah, who takes it from me. I relinquish it willingly, then take a seat across from my uncle, my mind still reeling from the encounter. Uncle's gaze shifts from me to En Lai, his voice stern as he commands, "Leave us."

En Lai, seemingly hesitant, steps forward and stammers out, "Father, if I may..."

Uncle's attention turns to En Lai, his tone softened as he grants permission, "Speak, Lai Er."

Taking a deep breath, En Lai musters up the sweetest voice possible, "I would like to show Ge around the palace once you are finished with him."

My heart sinks at En Lai's request. I've always been wary of him, sensing that he has ulterior motives. I silently hope that Uncle will refuse, as I don't trust En Lai and fear what he may be plotting.

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