Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Pride of the Li Family

"Wow! How outstanding!"

"It's no wonder the Li family is so well known in the Jianghumartial arts world!"

"So young and already an elite of the Jianghu!"

After an intense duel, the outcome had been decided. One figure, graceful and tall at one hundred and eighty centimeters, with silky black hair tied up into a high braid and a fair complexion stood above the other who was strewn out on the muddy ground, humiliated. The one still standing held her back straight and there was a piercing gaze in her dark brown eyes. A gentle breeze blew at the hem of her sleeves on her emerald green and peony pink Liuxianquna famous Hanfu pattern from the Han dynasty; name meaning "dress of a fairy or goddess". The cold steel of her sword was pointed at the man on the ground.

"You've tormented young girls in Longxin龙心 lóngxīn - "Dragon Heart" City enough. Get out!"

The man crawled up out of the mud and scurried away. Spectators cheered and hollered praises.

"Third Young Lady Li is so strong!"

"Third Daughter Li is amazing!"

The young lady of sixteen years turned around. She sheathed her sword and nodded to everyone.

"Please, I'm just doing my duty as a martial artist. Longxin City doesn't need men like him."

A girl of similar age approached. She wore a simple daisy yellow maidservant uniform. Her black hair was tied up into two simple space buns. She beamed happily.

"My Lady is beloved by Longxin City. My Lady's martial arts are top-tier."

The young woman in green and pink chuckled, "Qiu Ling丘凌 qiū líng - given name meaning "To Rise High", nothing in this world comes easily. I have sweated and bled to get where I am. I can only thank Buddha for his mercy that my martial arts aren't bad."

"My Lady is humble. This maid is just saying what everyone else thinks."

Shaking her head, Third Young Lady Li sighed. "Come on, Qiu Ling. Let's go home first. Father will begin to worry where I am otherwise."

Her maid nodded and followed her away from the dispersing crowd. They wound their way through Longxin City and made it back to the northern sector. They approached the Li family manor and entered. Servants swarmed them immediately.

"Welcome home, My Lady," they all said as they bowed.

She waved it off. "Qiu Ling, come help me change out of these clothes. They're stained."

Traces of blood coated the sleeves and lower half of her Liuxianqun. Of course, with her martial arts being superb, the blood wasn't hers.

Her maid nodded and followed as she pushed through the servants, heading for her residence. As they made their way over to the private residences in the back of the manor, Qiu Ling walked at her Lady's side.

"My Lady, that man was nasty. It's a good thing you taught him a lesson."

Third Young Lady Li stopped walking and turned towards her. "Qiu Ling, no matter what, you're like a sister to me. We grew up together. How could I let anyone touch you?"

Though she may seem haughty and bold, there was a gentleness and kindness in her heart. She truly lived up to her name. Li Yingshan赢善 lǐ yíngshàn - given name meaning "Clever and Kind-Hearted" was the epitome of her generation in the Jianghu. Smart, beautiful, ladylike, and a powerful martial artist, how couldn't she be at the top?

Everyone knew she was the pride of the Li family. She was Old Li's favorite child and was doted on him a lot. Even her siblings were jealous of her. But she brought fame to the family, so they kept quiet and swallowed their pride.

Inside her Peace of Mind residence, Qiu Ling helped her change out of her Liuxianqun into a simpler magenta and gold Wei and Jin Ruqun. After placing a couple gold hairpins in her hair, Qiu Ling stepped back.

"All done, My Lady."

Looking at herself in the bronze mirror, Li Yingshan nodded. "Very good. Let's go, it's about time for supper."

They left her residence and parted ways. Qiu Ling went to go eat with the other maids and servants while Li Yingshan headed over to her family's private gathering room where they always ate together. When she entered, her father looked up.

"Shan'er, come here."

She smiled and walked to sit at her father's right side. Her eyes glanced over the array of foods on the table. There were steamed vegetables, noodles, braised pork, dumplings, and glutinous rice. Rice wine filled every cup.

"Shan'er, I heard what you did today. You've done Longxin City a favor," her mother praised.

Her brothers silently glowered but bit their tongues. Li Yingshan blushed and looked down.

"It's nothing. I'm just doing my duty as a martial artist."

"You've upheld the reputation of the Li family," Old Li said. "As such, you can make any request of me. As long as I can fulfill it, I will grant it."

She shook her head. "I don't need any reward. Knowing Longxin City is a better place now is all that matters."

Her parents nodded in satisfaction. They shared one thought: We've raised a good one. She's the future of the Li family.

∇

A few days later...

"Qiu Ling, it's almost Father's birthday. Come with me to find him a gift."

"Yes, My Lady."

The two young ladies left the Li family manor and wandered the marketplace streets in Longxin City. Li Yingshan drew the stares of many people, for everyone in the city knew her. Many nodded to her in greeting as they passed, and she returned the gesture.

"My Lady is so beloved."

"Qiu Ling, one must not be filled with pride nor arrogance. It'll only lead to disaster in the end."

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Her maid lowered her head. "Yes, My Lady."

Li Yingshan sighed. "Forget it. Let's keep looking for something."

She kept her eyes peeled for the perfect gift. When her gaze fell on an antique sword, she made a beeline over towards it.

Addressing the vendor, she asked, "Kind sir, how much for this sword?"

He smiled. "Third Young Lady Li has a good eye. This sword was wielded by a famous military general from the past dynasty. It's a well-made weapon of the finest materials. Normally, I'd sell this sword at five hundred gold taels, but for you I'll lower it to four hundred."

Not caring about the cost, Li Yingshan readily agreed. "Done. Qiu Ling."

Qiu Ling pulled out four banknotes worth a hundred taels each. She handed them over to the man.

The vendor chuckled. "Many thanks, Third Young Lady Li. The sword is all yours."

She reached out and grabbed the sword in her left hand. In her right was her own sword that she always carried around. Handing the gift out to her maid, she said, "Qiu Ling, take this home and have it wrapped."

Qiu Ling took the sword and asked, "My Lady, where are you going?"

Li Yingshan just shook her head. "I need to meet with someone. I won't be long. Just go back first, alright?"

Her maid could do nothing but agree. Once she had walked off, Li Yingshan ducked into a side alley and walked towards the edge of Longxin City. She leisurely made her way towards the city's outskirts and came upon a group of poorly set up tents. The inhabitants, upon seeing her approach, all leapt up to their feet.

"Miss Li!" they cried happily.

She smiled and continued to walk forward. Many small kids came running up to her. "Jie jie! Jie jie!姐姐jiějiě - translats to "Elder Sister""

"How is everyone?"

They nodded, indicating they were fine.

These refugees had been misplaced and no one cared much for them. They had set up their own little community at the edge of Longxin City, and Li Yingshan occasionally came by to spend time with them and play with the children. Normally, she taught them a few basic martial arts skills, but today, she had an even better present. Out of her sleeves, she drew some cakes and other desserts.  The children's faces lit up. She distributed the desserts to the kids and handed buns to the adults.

"Many thanks to Miss Li."

"Jie jie is the best!" the kids cried.

One of the adults approached her. "Miss Li, you've been so kind to us. We can never repay you for this deed."

She waved it off. "My heart goes out to all of you. You've been forced from your homes, and the Magistrate of Longxin City hasn't done anything. It's the duty of martial artists to look out for those who cannot defend or stand up for themselves."

Gratitude filled the eyes of the refugees. Li Yingshan reached into her bag and drew out some clothes.

"I'm afraid I don't have things for everyone, but those in most need and some kids can have some new clothes. Winter's approaching and the Buddhist monk is predicting that it'll be a chilly one."

"Miss Li is too kind, too kind. We cannot accept these."

"Please, I insist."

Her gentle eyes pleaded with them. Finally, they sighed and acquiesced.

"Miss Li is our benefactor. We will never forget your kindness to us."

After spending a bit more time with the children, Li Yingshan bid her goodbyes to the refugees and returned to the Li family manor. There, she met with Qiu Ling who had prepared the gift.

"My Lady, where did you go?"

Li Yingshan sat down at the four-sided table. Qiu Ling poured her a steaming hot cup of chrysanthemum tea.

"I just stopped in on some friends. Don't worry, Qiu Ling. I know my limitations."

"I just worry about you, My Lady."

She smiled softly as she raised the cup to her lips and blew on it gently. "I know. But I also won't put myself in unnecessary danger. Plus, I've lived in Longxin City my whole life. I know the city like the back of my hand. I know where to go and where not to go."

Qiu Ling bowed her head. "I understand."

After taking a sip of tea, she asked, "Do you think Father will like my gift?"

"Master Li loves martial arts. He loves swords also. I'm sure Master Li will like My Lady's gift."

"That's good. Then I won't have wasted so much money on it."

"My Lady, why did you spend so much on a sword?"

"The Li family is prominent in Longxin City. For word to spread, vendors who travel gossip. Let's let that vendor gossip about how the Li family can afford such a priceless antique sword."

"I thought My Lady said being arrogant was bad."

Li Yingshan laughed with sparkling eyes and set the tea cup down on the table. "Yes, I did. But sometimes, publicity can help in times of need. Everyone needs allies, Qiu Ling. Let's keep the merchants and vendors on our side, shall we?"

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