Chapter Five: All the Trouble Is of My Own Making
Early the next morning, Rong Jiu asked A Mu to prepare a basket of pastries for her, then cheerfully made her way to the Queen’s chambers.
“Mother, Jiu’er has come to see you!” As soon as she reached the door, Rong Jiu shouted at the top of her lungs, as though afraid no one would know it was her.
“Speak—are you here to ask me for something?” Inside, the Queen dismissed her attendants, tapped the lid of her teacup, and eyed Rong Jiu warily.
“Oh, Mother, this time I simply wanted to see you,” Rong Jiu protested.
“Oh? Is that so?”
“Yes, yes! It’s only been a day, but you look so much younger, Mother. Your skin is even smoother than mine,” Rong Jiu said, playing the sycophant.
“You! What have you smeared on your mouth today? You’re so sweet-tongued,” the Queen teased, poking Rong Jiu’s forehead, her smile growing wider.
Ha! I knew Mother liked hearing such things, Rong Jiu thought.
“I’m only speaking the truth, Mother. You’ve always been youthful and beautiful, and even I feel ashamed by comparison,” Rong Jiu seized the moment to continue flattering her.
“All right, all right—tell me, what do you want?”
“Heh, it’s just a small matter this time.”
The Queen rubbed her forehead. “When is it ever not?”
“This time it really is.”
“Is it about that General Mo?”
“Heh, Mother, you really know everything!” Rong Jiu moved in close to massage her shoulders.
You came out of my belly—how could I not know what you’re thinking? The Queen thought, exasperated.
“Don’t tell me you want him as your teacher.”
“Mother, you’re truly insightful.”
“No!” The Queen glared at her, disappointed.
“Why not?”
“You are the most distinguished princess of Xining. How could you apprentice yourself to a general from Youzhou? Imagine what people would say if word got out!”
“But—”
“I won’t listen!”
“Mother—”
“…”
“Then, I won’t formally take him as my master. Can’t he just teach me martial arts?”
“…”
“Oh, Mother! I’ve already compromised so much. If you don’t agree, I’ll never speak to you again!” she pouted, feigning anger.
“All right, all right, I’ll do as you wish,” the Queen finally conceded.
“And Father?”
“Leave him to me…” The Queen rubbed her forehead, unable to recall how many times she’d said this.
“Yay, Mother is the best!” Rong Jiu gleefully kissed the Queen on the cheek.
…
According to custom, the diplomatic envoy would rest in Xining for half a month before escorting the princess. With the King’s intervention, Rong Jiu could now, without hindrance, visit Mo Ningshu during this time.
“Good morning, General Mo!” As Mo Ningshu pushed open the door, he was startled by Rong Jiu’s oversized face looming before him, nearly slapping her out of reflex.
---
“What brings Your Highness here so early?”
“I came to learn martial arts from you,” Rong Jiu replied, blinking her large eyes.
Mo Ningshu was exasperated. Now he understood the meaning behind the Xining King’s “good luck” expression when he spoke to him yesterday.
“Well then, Princess, let me begin your lesson,” Mo Ningshu said, finally setting aside his military treatise as he gazed at the eager girl across from him.
“No hurry, it’s still too early,” she said.
“But it’s nearly noon,” Mo Ningshu rubbed his brow.
“Let’s wait until after lunch.”
After lunch…
“Now, can we begin?”
“It’s too hot now. How about tomorrow morning?”
Mo Ningshu: “…”
Rong Jiu lounged comfortably, legs crossed, munching seeds. She had no real intention to learn martial arts; it was merely an excuse to spend time with the handsome man.
Having traveled to ancient times, she ought to start a harem like the heroines in novels, gathering a host of beautiful men! No, no, she was getting carried away.
“If Your Highness is not earnest about learning, there’s no need to trouble me each day,” Mo Ningshu finally snapped after two days of pestering.
“I’ll learn, I’ll learn! Let’s start now!”
By the time Rong Jiu changed into more practical attire, Mo Ningshu was already waiting in the courtyard.
“I’ll teach you some basic sword forms first—once you memorize them, you’ll need to practice diligently. As for foundational skills, I’ll instruct you gradually,” Mo Ningshu said, handing her his sword.
“Alright, alright!”
Rong Jiu was thrilled at the thought of someday wielding extraordinary martial arts like the heroines in television dramas, and having a dashing master. Yet as she took the sword, she realized it was far heavier than it looked.
“Oh, it’s so heavy,” she complained.
“A sword is made of iron—it’s naturally heavy. Allow me to show you how to hold it,” Mo Ningshu said, drawing another sword to demonstrate, then correcting her grip until he was satisfied with her imitation.
“Your posture is correct. Now, pay close attention to what I teach next.”
“Got it.”
As soon as Rong Jiu finished speaking, Mo Ningshu drew his sword and walked to an open space, executing a fluid series of moves. His style, however, seemed suited for women, somewhat incongruous with his broad physique.
“The moves I just showed are commonly used by women. They strengthen the body and can be used for defense. Remember them well.”
“Uh… you moved too quickly just now, I couldn’t see clearly,” Rong Jiu said, turning away, unwilling to admit she’d been admiring him instead of watching his technique.
“No matter, I’ll teach you slowly.” Mo Ningshu, unconcerned, moved behind her and took her hand.
The sudden closeness made Rong Jiu’s heart race and her cheeks flush. She tensed with nervousness.
Yet Mo Ningshu seemed oblivious, showing no reaction, forcing Rong Jiu to feign calm and cooperate as he guided her grip.
“Step out with your left foot, toes turned outward. Keep your right leg straight. That’s it—maintain your support with your lower body. As for your hands…”
“What about my hands?” Rong Jiu tried to steady her frantic heart by speaking.
“Relax your hands a bit, Princess. You’re too tense.”
“You’re the one who’s tense! I’m totally relaxed. Look!” she said, trying to appear nonchalant as she swung the sword, only for her sweaty palm to slip and drop the blade.
---
The sword flashed, and Rong Jiu stumbled backward, tripping over something and falling.
“Careful!”
Mo Ningshu, alarmed, reached to catch her, but was pulled down by her weight, landing together on the ground.
“Oh heavens!” Rong Jiu exclaimed.
But the expected pain did not come. Opening her eyes, she found herself sprawled atop Mo Ningshu, her hand pressed firmly against his chest.
Years of training had given Mo Ningshu a muscular, resilient physique. Rong Jiu couldn’t help but rub his chest a few more times.
“Princess, would you mind getting up first?” Mo Ningshu, initially worried for her, turned to find her dazedly fondling his muscles. Having never been so close to a woman, his ears turned scarlet.
“Oh! Sorry, sorry!” Rong Jiu finally came to her senses, scrambling up and scratching her head in embarrassment.
“As long as you’re unharmed,” Mo Ningshu said, brushing dust from his sleeve and picking up the sword, trying to conceal his inner turmoil.
“Hey, your ears are red!” Rong Jiu’s sharp eyes spotted it and called out loudly. Mo Ningshu wished he could dig a hole to hide in.
“Hahaha, so you can be shy too!” Rong Jiu, delighted by her discovery, approached him mischievously, forcing Mo Ningshu to flee.
“That’s enough for today, Princess. You should head back early,” he called as he retreated.
Watching his embarrassed figure disappear, Rong Jiu’s mood soared—a feeling she couldn’t quite name was beginning to blossom.
In the days that followed, Mo Ningshu continued instructing her as usual, never mentioning the incident. Whenever Rong Jiu tried to tease him about it, he deftly changed the subject.
At last, under Mo Ningshu’s patient guidance, Rong Jiu managed to maintain the proper stance and swing the sword a few times.
“Good, keep practicing that posture,” Mo Ningshu said.
“Still more practice?” Rong Jiu groaned. After only a few repetitions, her arms felt dislocated.
“Perseverance is the essence of martial arts. One must practice the same movement thousands of times to truly master it.”
“Thousands… Can I not practice anymore?” Rong Jiu felt defeated.
“No, the King entrusted me with your training, and I must ensure you learn properly. Otherwise, I won’t be able to answer to him.”
Rong Jiu: “…”
“Your Highness has remarkable bone structure—you’ll surely master it. I have faith in you,” Mo Ningshu said earnestly.
Rong Jiu: Why do I feel like you’re making things difficult for me on purpose?
Thus, after over two weeks of grueling training, Rong Jiu finally looked the part. As a talented young engineer from the twenty-first century, she had a knack for learning new things.
She also demonstrated the truth of “no trouble, no pain”—her body was just as exhausted as her skills were perfected.
That night, Rong Jiu lay sprawled on her bed in agony, while A Mu carefully massaged her shoulders and thighs. The soreness made her groan endlessly.
“Ow, it hurts so much! If only I’d never tried learning martial arts.”
“It’s all my fault—I shouldn’t have suggested it,” A Mu said, distressed by Rong Jiu’s depleted state.
“Silly girl, how can I blame you? I brought this upon myself!”
Rong Jiu gave herself a slap, frustrated. That Mo Ningshu must still be holding a grudge over that embarrassing incident—who would have guessed the quiet ones could be so vindictive?