16 The Gamble

I came out of the tent with my hands clasped behind my back. Today was the last day of the ruse, and I was planning on milking it for effect.

The crowd went berserk when they saw me, but I was simply looking forward. I marched to my starting place and bowed to the emperor and the spectators.

“The last fight!” the announcer began, and the crowd went silent quickly. “Young Master Shen Mu showed us a spectacle that moved even the Emperor himself! His prowess in martial arts at the tender age of thirteen is second to none!” The crowd clapped and shouted a chorus of ‘Shen! Shen!’ that only stopped when the announcer held up his hands.

“Today is the final day of the martial arts competition, an event that has blown the minds and opened the eyes of many to the possibilities these arts bring those who dedicate their lives to the betterment of the empire!

“Now! Let us cheer for the other finalists! Come forward, Prince Heng Hui!”