TRAINING GROUNDS

By the time I got to the training grounds, I was scared out of my wits. General Wu was already there, practicing with the spear.

From what I heard from Suyin, General Wu's weapon was a two edged spear. The sharp side of the spear was so shiny and sharpened. But there was a jade board hanging from it. Ruomei said it was a gift from Lijuan's mother who passed away several years ago.

Story had it that Lijuan's mother, Lihua was as beautiful as a goddess. She was admired by kings from around the world and her eyes were the type that came once in a lifetime.

The former king, Han Shi Huang and General Wu both fought for Lihua's love and attention. They had even had a duel at the Empress Dowager's banquet. The Empress Dowager wanted to put a stop to both their madness and issued a decree for Lihua to marry General Wu.

Who knew she would die at such a young age? Leaving General Wu to morn the death of his beloved wife even 18 years after. Although the former king issued another decree for General Wu to remarry, he never forgot Lihua and their precious daughter, Lijuan.

Everyone spoke of his love for his daughter but I found it hard to believe because he looked so strict.

"Juan'er! What are you doing there? I have been waiting for you for an hour" he said calling me of my thoughts once more.

"Greetings to you father. I was watching you yield the spear." I said.

"This is not the first time you have seen me practice. It is called THE FAST HAND. A technique to help you improve your speed and stance. Watch me" he said moving.

Watching him was truly amazing. I always thought the moves in Chinese movies were amazing but watching him practice was even more amazing.

"Now, show me" he said. I did exactly as I saw him do before.

"Good. Let's test your martial arts" he said pointing his spear at me. Luckily, when I was growing up, my brothers always tried to pin me down so I learnt the art of running.

"Juan'er, what's wrong with you?" he asks obviously noticing my lack of kungfu.

"Nothing father. I am just tired from the preparations."

"That's enough for today. Go and rest." he said. Just as I was about to go, I hear another voice.

"Greetings to you father. Greetings to you sister." a small boy says. Suyin comes to my side immediately.

" That is Madam's son, Liwei." Suyin said.

"Wei'er, get up. I was just training with your sister." General Wu said.

"I came to greet father and to report that I have been doing well. I won't disappoint father's expectation." Liwei said.

"Good!! Good boy!!" General Wu said.

"I need to take my leave father. Respectfully departing from father" I say realizing I have to do my homework and I need to find that physician. He is now the only hope I have in leaving this place.