These words were spoken with genuine concern. No matter how bold Han Yan was, she wouldn’t dare spend every day with a group of men. If word got out, not just her, but the entire Zhuang family would lose face.

Yang Qi hadn’t lied either. All the training disciples at Shunchang Martial Arts School were male. Even Princess Yun Ni only came occasionally to visit because of the Emperor’s relationship with Yang Qi, with the school’s masters teaching her the simplest moves as mere play. Han Yan was the first proper female to seek instruction.

“This commoner doesn’t wish to force anyone’s hand, so today is merely suggesting an idea. As everyone knows, rarity breeds value, and it’s best to seize opportunities early. Shunchang Martial Arts School is unique for its equal treatment. But what if another equally fair school appeared, and this school happened to accept only female disciples?” Han Yan reminded him: “Elder Master must also know that it’s not only men who come from humble backgrounds – some women do too.”

Yang Qi’s eyes flashed as he glared at Han Yan: “Are you threatening this old man?”

“This commoner wouldn’t dare.” Han Yan replied calmly. “It’s merely a hypothesis. Elder Master knows that women learn martial arts primarily for self-defense, so the school’s instructors needn’t be as skilled as a martial arts champion scholar like yourself – that would be overkill. Any capable martial arts master would suffice. Since there would be only one women’s martial arts school in the capital, it would surely be prosperous.”

Han Yan glanced at Yang Qi from the corner of her eye, adding the final straw: “Once a women’s martial arts school is established, the Elder Master’s uniqueness would be gone. And in the capital, there’s no shortage of wealthy families. Someone will eventually understand this commoner’s hypothesis.”

Yang Qi thundered: “What exactly are you trying to do?”

Shu Hong and Ji Lan, fearing the fierce old man might harm their young miss, quickly shifted to shield Han Yan behind them without being obvious.

Han Yan fixed her gaze on Yang Qi: “This commoner’s visit today – seeking a martial arts master isn’t urgent. It’s merely a suggestion to the Elder Master that establishing a dedicated women’s martial arts school would be ideal. Under the Elder Master’s name, the nobles and officials wouldn’t have any reservations.”

Yang Qi’s mind stirred. He’d had similar thoughts in his earlier years, though they’d only briefly crossed his mind. His pride made him prefer being unique; if someone else established a women’s martial arts school, losing that uniqueness would be regrettable. If he built one himself, though risky, successfully earning a good reputation would bring both fame and profit – not a bad prospect.

“Your suggestion is quite bold,” Yang Qi said, calming himself somewhat. “But it’s not a bad idea. What do you want in return?”

This young lady had come prepared. There’s no such thing as a free lunch – offering such advice surely came with demands.

Han Yan’s heart leaped with joy as she said softly: “Very simple. Once the women’s martial arts school is established, this humble one wishes to train there.”

Yang Qi found this strange: “That’s all?”

Han Yan shook her head: “There’s also my younger brother. After he joins the school, we hope Elder Master will personally instruct him.”

Yang Qi laughed rather than getting angry: “Absurd! This old man has only taken one disciple in his lifetime. What qualifications does your brother have to enter my tutelage?”

Han Yan knew she’d hoped for too much. Among all the nobles and officials in the capital, Yang Qi had never taught any of them. What special qualities did Young Master Ming possess to earn the martial arts champion’s regard?

She sighed: “This commoner doesn’t mean to force the issue, but circumstances leave no choice. My brother’s martial arts training cannot be known to outsiders. Your school requires disciples to train at the school, but my brother cannot attend. That’s why we hope for Elder Master’s private instruction.”

After saying this, Han Yan felt deeply troubled. Shunchang’s masters were the finest instructors, yet Young Master Ming could only train in private – truly vexing.

Unexpectedly, after a moment of silence, Han Yan heard Yang Qi’s calm voice: “Bring him here. I’ll see if he’s worthy of my instruction.”

Han Yan was stunned, then immediately overjoyed: “Elder Master agrees?”

“Not exactly. Even if he proves worthy, this old man won’t acknowledge him as a disciple. But I most dislike owing debts – this will be payment for your suggestion.” Yang Qi paused with his iron weight, not quite understanding why he’d suddenly changed his mind and agreed to the young lady’s request.

Han Yan was both grateful and excited, immediately performing a deep bow: “Many thanks, Elder Master Yang.”

After leaving Shunchang Martial Arts School, perhaps because things had gone more smoothly than expected, Han Yan’s mood became excellent, and she smiled.

Ji Lan couldn’t help asking: “Young Miss intends to train at the martial arts school?”

Han Yan touched her nose: “Learning martial arts for self-defense – gaining more skills is never wrong.” In her previous life, confined to the inner chambers, she’d only learned poetry and literature. People indeed believed a woman’s learning should be limited to composing poems and embroidering – excel at these, and you’re considered talented. Yet these were like embroidered pillows: pretty on the outside but stuffed with straw inside – utterly impractical. Martial arts for self-defense, and solid skills, were far more useful than the arts of zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

It was already late afternoon, approaching evening. Street vendors were packing up to go home, and soon the night market would begin.

The brilliant night market – she’d only seen its beauty when her mother was alive, during festivals when she could join the ladies’ outings. The gorgeous lantern displays had captivated her. Someday, she too would leave that four-cornered marquis mansion that imprisoned her youth and walk in this vast world, enjoying all its splendid sights.

Shu Hong bought some exquisite pastries. Earlier at Shunchang, Han Yan had instructed Ji Lan to secretly give money to the young servant to pass to Yang Qi. Though she’d offered him advice, Yang Qi had also agreed to teach Young Master Ming. Her own martial arts training would be calculated separately. One matter at a time – Han Yan kept things very clear. With the remaining silver, Shu Hong bought some pastries, planning to save them for the young miss’s evening snack.

Just as she’d wrapped the pastries in a handkerchief and before Ji Lan could put them away, they heard a horse’s neigh, followed by a harsh voice: “Get out of the way! Can’t you see the carriage?!”

Han Yan yanked Ji Lan aside, barely steadying herself as a yellow wooden carriage brushed past them, stopping several paces ahead. Ji Lan, pulled by Han Yan, twisted her body, scattering the pastries on the ground. Being naturally quick-tempered, she immediately stepped forward and angrily said: “How dare you charge through the streets like this? What if you’d hit someone?”

The coachman, a fierce fellow wearing fine silk, heard Ji Lan’s challenge and sneered: “Charge through? Where did this ill-mannered wild girl come from, making such a racket after offending the Young Prince!”

Young Prince? Han Yan froze, then heard a familiar voice: “What’s going on?”

A crowd of onlookers had already gathered. Han Yan felt her blood freeze as memories from her previous life came flooding back, leaving her rooted to the spot, unable to move.