Baptism by Blade

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a shimmering glow upon the palace training grounds as Zhang Wei squared off against General Li Feng. The anticipation in the air was palpable, for this was not just any sparring match—it was a mock battle, a test of Zhang Wei's mettle not just against a seasoned warrior, but one many people respect.

The training grounds seemed to shrink as General Li Feng and Zhang Wei locked eyes, their swords poised for combat. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as they began their duel, and the clang of steel on steel echoed through the space.

General Li Feng moved with a fluidity that belied his age and experience. Each of his movements was calculated, precise, and executed with deadly intent. His blade whirred through the air as he launched a lightning-fast strike at Zhang Wei's head, only to redirect it into a sweeping arc toward his opponent's torso.

Zhang Wei's determination burned like an inferno. He met General Li Feng's attack with a swift parry, the clash of their swords sending sparks flying. It was clear that he had trained diligently, and his raw talent was beginning to shine through. He countered with a series of rapid strikes, aiming for the general's defences.

Their blades danced in a furious exchange, an intricate choreography of offence and defence. General Li Feng's face remained a mask of unwavering focus, his eyes never leaving Zhang Wei's movements. He could sense the young soldier's potential, a spark of something extraordinary, but he also knew that potential alone was not enough to survive in the treacherous world of the palace.

The battle raged on, their footwork nimble and their strikes relentless. Zhang Wei's determination was his greatest asset, driving him to push his limits and seek an opening in the general's defences. He knew that this duel was not just about physical prowess; it was a test of his adaptability and wits.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, their shadows seemed to merge with the intensity of their clash. The clang of steel and the rhythmic percussion of their footwork created a symphony of combat that resonated throughout the training grounds. This was a battle of generations, a clash between the seasoned warrior and the young upstart.

With every strike, every parry, Zhang Wei felt himself growing, not just as a fighter but as a palace soldier. He was learning the art of combat, the dance of blades, and the importance of discipline. The battle was a crucible, forging him into a sharper, more resilient warrior.

But then, in a moment of reckless ambition, Zhang Wei attempted to change the tide of the battle with a daring manoeuvre, a move that General Li Feng had not anticipated. In response, the seasoned general's instincts took over, and he adjusted his stance with lightning speed.

The clash that followed was thunderous. General Li Feng's blade met Zhang Wei's with a force that sent shockwaves through his arms. Zhang Wei staggered backwards, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He had underestimated the general's skill and paid the price for his recklessness.

As the dust settled, General Li Feng lowered his sword and approached Zhang Wei, his expression a mix of sternness and concern.

"You have courage, Zhang Wei," he said, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "But courage alone will not make you a great warrior. You must learn to balance it with discipline and strategy."

Zhang Wei, still catching his breath, nodded in understanding. He had learned a valuable lesson on that training ground—a lesson that went beyond the art of combat. In the palace, where danger lurked around every corner, he needed more than just raw skill. He needed wisdom, restraint, and the ability to adapt.

Their mock battle had been an intense crucible, a test of Zhang Wei's mettle and his capacity to grow in the face of adversity. It was a pivotal moment in his journey within the palace, one that would shape him into a more formidable presence in the treacherous world of palace politics and intrigue.

As General Li Feng offered his hand to help Zhang Wei up, a sudden wave of fear washed over him. He reached out, but to his horror, he realized that he couldn't grasp General Li Feng's hand. Both of his hands had gone numb, and they felt strangely detached from his body. Panic welled up within him as he struggled to make his fingers respond.

The realization hit him like a sudden tempest, and Zhang Wei's mind raced to find an explanation. But when he tried to voice his concerns, his explanation came out as a jumbled mess of words.

"General, I can't…" Zhang Wei stammered, his voice trembling with frustration as he struggled to convey his predicament. His hands, once steady and strong, now felt like foreign entities, unresponsive to his desperate commands.

"Zhang Wei, what's happening? Are you injured?" General Li Feng's stern visage crumpled with worry as he knelt beside Zhang Wei, his eyes scanning the young soldier's face for signs of distress.

Zhang Wei tried to answer, to make sense of the confusion that swirled within him, but his words remained a tangled web of incoherence. His fear mounted, not only for his condition but also for the concern etched on his superior's face.

"Assist Zhang Wei. We need to get him to Imperial Doctor Hua Ying immediately," without hesitation, General Li Feng barked an order to Hong Yi, who had been a silent spectator to the mock battle.

Hong Yi rushed to Zhang Wei's side, his concern mirrored in his eyes. Together, they made their way to the infirmary, where Imperial Doctor Hua Ying held sway. His reputation as an expert healer within the palace was well-earned, and his arrival brought a semblance of relief to Zhang Wei's racing heart.

Imperial Doctor Hua Ying's presence was commanding, his every movement deliberate and sure. He assessed Zhang Wei's injury with a keen eye, his fingers dancing over the bruised area with practised precision.

"A minor injury, but one that serves as a reminder," he remarked, his voice carrying the calm authority of a man who had tended to countless injuries within the palace's walls.

Zhang Wei nodded in agreement, his appreciation for the doctor evident in his eyes. Theirs was a relationship built on mutual respect and the unspoken understanding that in the perilous world of the palace, one's physical well-being could never be taken for granted.

As Imperial Doctor Hua Ying carefully tended to Zhang Wei's injury, his silence spoke volumes. It was a shared acknowledgement that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges and adversaries, but with allies like the doctor by his side, Zhang Wei felt a newfound resolve to face whatever trials the palace had in store. The bond of trust between them had been reaffirmed in this unexpected moment of vulnerability, strengthening their alliance in the labyrinthine world of palace intrigue.

Imperial Doctor Hua Ying worked diligently, tending to Zhang Wei's injury with the precision and care that had earned him his esteemed position. As he worked, he began a heartfelt conversation, his words carrying a weight of sincerity.

"I've heard many tales, Zhang Wei," the doctor began, his voice gentle yet firm. "Of promising individuals who enter the palace, each with their dreams and ambitions. But your story, it's different. It's a story that travels through the wind, one that lingers in the ears of those who hear it."

"I've heard that said before, Doctor. Sometimes, I wonder if it's more of a burden than a blessing," Zhang Wei, who had grown weary of the constant praises and expectations placed upon him, looked at the doctor with a mix of curiosity and resignation.

"You must understand, Zhang Wei, that I am not just any doctor. I am the Imperial Doctor. My duties go beyond tending to the physical health of those within the palace. I observe, I listen, and I form my judgments," Imperial Doctor Hua Ying paused in his work, his eyes meeting Zhang Wei's.

"What are you trying to say, Doctor?" Zhang Wei's brow furrowed in thought.

"I've seen many soldiers and courtiers come and go, each with their potential and aspirations. But it's not often that I see someone like you, someone who inspires those around him, someone who draws the attention of people in high places," the doctor continued his work, his hands steady as he spoke.

Zhang Wei remained silent, absorbing the doctor's words.

"You see, General Li Feng didn't choose just any doctor to examine you. He chose me because he believes in your promise. He believes that you have the potential to make a significant impact within the palace. And from what I've heard and seen, I'm inclined to agree," Imperial Doctor Hua Ying smiled as he finished tending to Zhang Wei's injury.

Zhang Wei's heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude and determination. He had always been driven by a desire to prove himself, to make a difference, and to honour the memories of those he had lost. The doctor's words were a reminder that he was on a path that held great promise, but also great challenges.