The morning sun filtered gently through the latticed windows of Li Wei's residence, casting soft patterns on the polished wooden floor. The air was filled with a mixture of calm and quiet anticipation as the household stirred to life. In the servants' quarters, away from the prying eyes of the nobility, a different kind of energy simmered.
Several maids gathered in a hushed circle, their voices low but thick with envy and speculation. "Did you see how Mo Shan Shan was treated last night?" one whispered, glancing nervously around. "She was given special care, more than any of us receive."
Another nodded in agreement, a hint of bitterness in her tone. "It's clear she's not just a maid. "Why else would Prince Li Wei send for the physician himself and have Lu Bai personally involved?"
They exchanged wary looks, suspicion mingling with curiosity. "I heard she's even been named the prince's personal maid," a third maid added, her eyes wide. "That puts her above all of us."
As the murmurs continued, Mo Shan Shan herself moved quietly past them, her footsteps soft but purposeful. She paid little mind to their whispered judgments, her focus elsewhere as she made her way toward Li Wei's chamber.
Upon entering, Li Wei looked up from a set of scrolls, his gaze settling on her with a faint smile. "You do not mind being the subject of gossip among the maids?"
Mo Shan Shan shook her head calmly. "I do not care much about what others say."
A spark of curiosity lit in her eyes as she asked, "Tell me, how can a blind man like Lu Bai be so skilled in martial arts?"
Li Wei's expression grew thoughtful. "He has mastered the art of blind swordplay, a discipline few dare to attempt."
Mo Shan Shan's brow furrowed. "If the two of you were to fight, who do you think would win?"
Li Wei's eyes twinkled with a rare hint of amusement. "Before you ask—are you not more curious about how Lu Bai knows you are my maid?"
Mo Shan Shan paused, the question settling deep within her thoughts.
The room grew still, the moment hanging delicately in the air as the scene slowly faded out.
That night, as the palace settled into quiet darkness, Mo Shan Shan lay asleep in her modest chamber. The moonlight filtered softly through the window, casting gentle shadows on the walls. Yet, peace eluded her.
Suddenly, she began to toss and turn, her brow furrowing as she slipped into a vivid nightmare.
In her dream, a younger version of herself darted through a narrow, shadowy alley. The sounds of heavy footsteps echoed behind her—guards in pursuit. Panic surged as she stumbled and fell to the cold ground, but determination pushed her to her feet. She ran on, heart pounding fiercely in her chest.
Amid the darkness, a calm, commanding voice resonated in her mind: "Do not relent until you win."
The words fueled her spirit, urging her forward through the fear and uncertainty.
Then, with a sudden gasp, Mo Shan Shan awoke, her breath ragged and quick. The cold sweat on her skin reminded her that she was safe—only a dream. She glanced around her quiet room, trying to steady her trembling heart and shake the lingering dread from her mind.
Slowly, the night returned to calm.
Morning sunlight crept through the windows of Prince Li Wei's residence, filtering golden streaks across the wooden floors. A soft knock echoed on Mo Shan Shan's door before it opened gently. Li Wei stepped in, his robes crisp and hair bound in a simple but elegant knot, his expression calm but resolute.
Mo Shan Shan was already awake, her hands resting on her lap as she quietly admired the morning breeze wafting through the curtains. She turned toward the door, surprised to see him enter her room so early.
"Prepare your things," Li Wei said with measured authority. "You are moving to Prince Lu Bai's residence."
She blinked, startled. "am I?"
"You will learn from him," Li Wei continued. He has agreed to teach you. With time, you'll become stronger—more skilled in the way of the sword. It's the best path for you."
Mo Shan Shan wanted to speak—to protest, perhaps—but something in Li Wei's voice told her there was no room for argument. The order wasn't cruel; it came from concern. So, she simply nodded.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Within an hour, Mo Shan Shan had packed what little she owned. A few robes, the flute Lu Bai had once given her, and her sword. Li Wei personally escorted her to Prince Lu Bai's estate, nestled quietly on the outskirts of the capital.
The place was serene. Unlike the grand marble courtyards of the palace, Lu Bai's residence was wrapped in nature. Bamboo trees swayed with the wind. Birds sang high in the trees, and petals drifted through the air. At the heart of the backyard, a natural spring flowed with crystal-clear water. A small wooden chamber stood quietly beside the spring—humble, peaceful, sacred.
As they stepped into the courtyard, however, the calm was shattered.
The sound of swords clashing echoed through the air. Mo Shan Shan's eyes darted toward the spring. Two men stood upon the surface of the water—actually standing—using the surface tension and the strength of their inner force. It was like watching legends come to life.
One of the duelists was none other than Lu Bai himself, blindfolded as always, his expression unreadable. The other was Prince Zhou—known for his pride and competitiveness, especially towards Lu Bai. Zhou's movements were fierce and sharp, his style driven by power and precision.
Mo Shan Shan gasped. "He's… he's fighting on the water?"
Li Wei folded his arms calmly. "You asked once how a blind man could be so skilled." I believe this will answer your curiosity."
She blushed slightly, attempting to mask her interest. "I wasn't that curious…"
But her eyes were already fixed on the battle.
Lu Bai moved like flowing silk—his blade danced with quiet intensity, each motion deliberate and poetic. Despite his blindness, he anticipated every strike. Prince Zhou was no less impressive—his speed and strength made the water quake beneath him. They leapt into the air, clashing in mid-flight, before landing again in a ripple of energy.
Back and forth they fought, their blades singing in the air. Finally, with a soft twist of his wrist and an effortless pivot, Lu Bai disarmed Prince Zhou mid-spin and knocked him into the shallow edge of the spring. Zhou stumbled, his breath ragged, his pride bruised.
Lu Bai stepped forward, extending his hand.
"We are brothers. No need for this," he said softly.
But Prince Zhou slapped his hand away and stood with a scoff. "No need for sweet words. I'll return next time."
Without waiting for a reply, Zhou turned and stormed off, his boots splashing through the springwater.
Mo Shan Shan stood frozen, stunned by what she had witnessed.
Lu Bai, his posture now relaxed, turned toward them. "Li Wei," he greeted. "You bring unexpected guests."
Li Wei stepped forward, a half-smile playing at his lips. "I bring you a student."
Lu Bai tilted his head curiously.
Li Wei gestured toward Mo Shan Shan. "She's quick to learn and determined. She fought bravely during the recent attack, though recklessly. I believe she will benefit under your guidance."
Mo Shan Shan bowed quickly, still in awe. "I would be honored if you accepted me as your student."
Lu Bai's lips curled into a rare, gentle smile. "Then from this day forward, I shall teach you the Way of the Blind Swordplay."
The gentle sound of springwater whispered beneath their feet, but within it was a deeper current—of destiny quietly shifting, of bonds being forged not just by blood or rank, but by purpose and will.
The pat
h of Mo Shan Shan had just taken a powerful turn.