Inside the county government office.
Li Cheng sat on a low couch, slowly polishing the Hongjun Sword.
The soft silk cloth slid across the blade, making it gleam with a chilling, snow-like brightness.
Lin Qingzhi knelt opposite him, her movements skilled and elegant as she prepared tea.
Seeing how the Crown Prince couldn't bear to part with the Hongjun Sword, she spoke softly.
"Your Highness, the Hongjun Sword should have been yours all along. Now, it has finally returned to its rightful owner."
After Prince Zhao and his carriage plunged into the river that day, the Hongjun Sword had fallen into the Crown Prince's hands.
The Six Arts of the Gentleman included Riding, Shooting, and Swordsmanship. As the Crown Prince, Li Cheng had naturally studied swordsmanship, though not in great depth.
He had sparred with Prince Zhao once before. In just two moves, Prince Zhao had sent the sword flying from his grasp.
He had lost all interest in swordsmanship after that.
