A loud thunderclap ripped through the afternoon sky. Ling Yue snapped her head toward the heavens and clenched her jaw; a low growl rumbled in her throat. The Crown Prince grabbed the spear from her and announced, "Soldiers, as you were." Then he turned back to those on the platform. "You three, follow me."
Dust still hung in the air from the training grounds as the clang of swords and soldiers' grunts faded. Ling Yue, Shui Yi, and Zhao Bai followed Long Fei toward his royal tent.
The duel replayed in Shui Yi's mind—the taunts, the clash, and the final moment when the former general crumpled beneath her. She hadn't held a blade since decapitating Long Yan. Her heart raced, but beneath the rush of adrenaline, unease crept in. Would she be of any use in war if she could no longer hold a weapon? The disguise still felt like borrowed skin. Her faux mustache and beard itched.
She felt the soldiers' gazes upon her as they passed, while Ling Yue grumbled beside her. It was unusual for her masked companion to be this unsettled over thunder.
Zhao Bai trailed behind, his once-proud stride now marked by a reluctant surrender. His arrogance had been tempered by defeat, the fire in him reduced to smoldering embers. His eyes were lowered, but she noticed the occasional flicker of pride still clinging to him like a shadow.
The tent was a stark contrast to the bustling camp. As they stepped inside, it was humid. Rich tapestries embroidered with golden dragons lined the walls, their colors muted by the low light of the lanterns hanging from the wooden rafters. The tent itself was rudimentary. A humble wooden desk stood at its center, its lacquered surface marred by scratches and burn marks from past battles, evidence of the prince's readiness for war.
Once everyone had settled inside, Long Fei turned to face them. His tall figure was imposing in the dim light.
"This is the new ranking," he began, his eyes locked onto each person.
He tapped Ling Yue's shoulder first. "General Ling." Her posture remained strong and tall, her expression stoic. The corners of her mouth twitched as she fought back her usual laughter.
Shui Yi held her breath as he turned to her. His hand briefly rested on her shoulder. "Lieutenant General Shui." Her heart pounded. This rank was more than just a title; it was a responsibility. She glanced at Ling Yue, searching for some sign of feeling, but the mask concealed all emotion. Her eyes faltered as she tried to meet the prince's gaze. The weight of her new rank settled on her chest like an anvil. She had to prove herself not only to her companions but to herself.
Lastly, Long Fei turned to Zhao Bai. The silence stretched as the defeated man stood, his posture sagging. "Former General Zhao. You've been demoted to Major General. You will now report to Lieutenant General Shui. As their subordinate, your task is to assist them, train the soldiers, and prove your worth once more."
Zhao Bai's eye twitched. His head lowered as the reality of his demotion crushed him. The arrogance that once flared from every word now seemed hollow, rendering him speechless. Shui Yi couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for him; she knew this moment would change him.
The Crown Prince continued, "Major General Zhao, you will vacate your tent. General Ling and Lieutenant General Shui will reside there from now on, while you will join the other soldiers. Now, you're all dismissed."
Zhao Bai paused, his pride still stinging, before nodding stiffly. As he made his way toward the exit, he glanced at Shui Yi. His eyes held a mixture of respect for her power, acknowledging the skill and strength she had displayed during their duel. But there was something personal too.
She was still processing the events, her mind clouded by the sudden shifts in power and responsibility. As the demoted soldier led the way out of the tent, her thoughts were scattered. The burden of the new title of Lieutenant General felt like a heavy mantle. She would need to rise to the occasion, especially if Long Fei believed in her as he did.
***
Long Fei's eyes narrowed as he observed the subtle glance Zhao Bai gave Shui Yi while exiting. There was something in that look that unsettled him, though he couldn't quite place why. The memory of her wrestling the former general was seared in his mind. His jaw tightened as an unfamiliar feeling stirred within him. Was it just concern for her? He quickly pushed the thought aside and focused on the present.
He placed a hand on the new general's shoulder as she walked past and murmured, his voice edged with tension he hadn't intended to show. "Keep a close eye on him. Especially around Shui Yi."
Ling Yue gave a sharp, disciplined salute. Amusement glimmered in her eyes, though she didn't comment. The subtle twitch of her lips betrayed her thoughts. She exited the tent, and he followed suit.
Outside the royal tent, Long Fei watched them head toward their assigned tents, his gaze lingering on Zhao Bai's retreating figure. His shoulders were still tensed. A thought flitted across his mind: should he wait and see what the former general would do, or should he find a way to deal with him before dissent could take root? The discomfort he felt deepened, but he couldn't pinpoint the cause.
Suddenly, thunder cracked through the clear, starry sky. No wind stirred the air, yet the hair on the back of his neck rose. Multiple thunderclaps lit the sky in rapid succession.
In front, Ling Yue shook her fist at the thunder, mumbling under her breath.
One by one, his soldiers emerged from their tents, drawn by the unnatural sound. They stared upward in silence, some exchanging puzzled glances, others scratching their heads, baffled by the rare display.