Chapter 123: The Martial Exhibition

The two girls leapt into the center of the floral hall, waist supple and arms outstretched as they struck their starting poses. In an instant, the gleam of blades flashed. During their training on Emerald Bamboo Island, Huang Shan had taught them the Falling Snow Sword Technique. Regrettably, restricted by the sect's rules, she dared not impart the Primordial Origin Skill to them in private, so she could only teach them the swordplay. Consequently, the sisters' Falling Snow Sword Technique was all form without true power. However, the two were stunningly beautiful, their bodies soft and graceful; as they danced with their swords, their robes fluttered like willow branches in the wind. At the height of their performance, they seemed almost capable of riding the wind away, prompting Taiping to cheer aloud.

When the dance concluded, the two girls were not even winded. They gently returned their swords to their places and resumed their positions standing behind Huang Shan. Taiping ordered a generous reward for them, and Wu Xin presented four gold bracelets on a tray. The sisters looked toward Huang Shan, who smiled and said, "These are rewards from Her Highness the Princess; you may accept them." Only then did they offer their thanks and take the gifts.

Taiping sighed, "It is rare to see two girls as beautiful as celestials, and it is even more impressive that they dance so well and remain so well-mannered. It is clear that Sister Huang Shan manages her subordinates with great skill." Huang Shan modestly replied, "Your Highness is too kind. How could I claim such skill? I have simply always treated them like my own sisters, and they view me as a sister in return, which is why they are so diligent."

Taiping smiled, "The way of managing people in this world is nothing more than 'appealing to their emotions and moving them with benefits.' You have mastered the former, sister, but have you considered what the future holds for these people? These two girls are of peerless beauty; do you truly have the heart to let their youth fade away on that desolate island? They have no one to rely on in the Tang Dynasty, and you are the only one they trust. You must not let them drift into the life of wandering outcasts. They are not like the people of the Central Plains; they belong to no sect or faction. Once they fall into the world of the martial arts, they will be left in a desperate plight. You must consider this."

Huang Shan, still young, had never pondered such matters. She had only thought they were young and had plenty of time, and she was content simply living freely and happily with them, never considering their eventual fate. Hearing Taiping’s words, she fell silent. Seeing their wine cups empty, Wu Xin hurried over to refill them, laughing as he said, "Even the wisest can have an oversight, and given Lady Huang's youth, it is only natural she hasn't considered these things yet. However, there is an opportunity right before us—an opportunity not everyone encounters—and Lady Huang should seize it."

Huang Shan looked at Wu Xin, puzzled, and said, "I seek your guidance, Eunuch Wu." Wu Xin stomped his foot and whispered, "Lady Huang, you are so confused! A true deity stands before you, and you do not ask her, but seek counsel from me!" Huang Shan realized the truth, hurriedly left her seat, and curtsied deeply to Taiping. "Your Highness, the three hundred Japanese youths under my command, though young, possess immense determination. They have studied for three years on Emerald Bamboo Island and are all highly skilled. If we could receive Your Highness’s favor, we would surely repay it with our lives."

Taiping smiled, "Sister, there is no need for such formality. Since you treat them as your own kin, how could I ignore them? Wu Xin, take a notice to the Ministry of Rites tomorrow. Tell Vice Minister Zhang to add these three hundred people to this year's roster for the Japanese Envoys to the Tang. Sister, you only need to draft the list and hand it to Eunuch Wu when you have time."

Wu Xin bowed, "This servant will go to the Ministry of Rites first thing tomorrow." In the Tang Dynasty, once the status of a Japanese Envoy to the Tang was confirmed by the Ministry of Rites, they not only gained a legal identity but also received stipends from the Ministry of Revenue. Those with talent could even be appointed as officials by the Ministry of Personnel. In effect, these youths would no longer be undocumented drifters in the Tang, but official envoys with diplomatic status, with the potential to become Tang officials. Generally, only those with formal credentials from the Japanese state could be confirmed by the Ministry of Rites; ordinary ronin could never dream of such a thing, yet Taiping had resolved it all with a single word.

Huang Shan was both shocked and overjoyed. She was happy because, although they currently resided on Emerald Bamboo Island, the island had been officially designated for Sha Tonghai's use by the Prefect of Laizhou. They were merely guests, and if Sha Tonghai found another use for the island, they would have to find somewhere else to live. Given the vastness of the world, finding a place with water and land where they would not be disturbed was incredibly difficult. She had often lost her appetite worrying about this, yet Taiping had solved it instantly. She was shocked because she had never realized that Princess Taiping held such immense power, able to make such decisions without even needing to report to the Emperor. A faint, inexplicable unease stirred in her heart.

Midako and Mizuko held hands, eyes brimming with tears. They were originally from the Oda clan of Japan. Their father had been the designated successor to the clan leadership, but out of jealousy, their kinsmen had ambushed and killed both father and son. Their uncles, coveting their lands and assets, had forced them and their mother to commit ritual suicide. Their mother had died to protect them, and only through the desperate efforts of loyal retainers had they managed to board a ship to the Tang and escape. After months of hardship at sea, they had arrived in the Tang with no one to turn to, forced to live in the Japanese quarter, suffering endless bullying where even a full meal was a luxury. Their solemn vow, made before their parents' graves, to return to the Oda clan and reclaim their honor had become a pipe dream.

Just as they were on the verge of freezing and starving to death, Zhong Xian had come to the Japanese quarter to recruit people. The sisters had boarded a ship with other Japanese and were sent to the martial training camp. Their lives there had been miserable, as they were too frail for heavy labor, frequently suffering beatings from the camp overseers. It was only after Huang Shan found them that they finally knew the comfort of food and clothing. Daily training in the bamboo grove had strengthened them, and as their martial arts improved, their long-shattered confidence had slowly returned. They had dreamed of returning to Japan to avenge their family, but after all these years, their uncles had consolidated their power, making retribution seem impossible.

However, becoming Envoys to the Tang changed everything. In Japan, the status of an Envoy to the Tang was highly prestigious. If they returned with that status, even the sovereign would have to greet them personally, and local lords would have to kneel before them. Restoring the glory of the Oda clan would be effortless. Hearing Princess Taiping personally place them on the list, they were overwhelmed with joy. Even the cold and indifferent Jiro and the others could not help but turn back, casting looks of profound gratitude toward Huang Shan.