The Living Strategy
Huan'er, I'm heading back to the Training Camp to lead the Dragon Stallion Army. The Northern Kingdoms could attack at any time. I'll assign thirty guards to protect you, and I'll also ask Master Xuan Kai to train you in martial arts," the Duke of Huguo said in a serious tone.
"I see, Father… such a heavy responsibility…" Lang Huan's voice soft with concern. She looked at the Duke of Huguo, worry clear in her eyes.
"You must be careful out there," she added sincerely.
In this unfamiliar world, she had no other relatives. This old man and his young wife had become the new family in this life.
"Su Qing, I entrust Huan'er to you. Don't forget to write me letters," Duke of Huguo added, his gaze softening as he looked at his young wife.
"Husband, don't worry. Huan'er is already accustomed to being with me. She is very smart and quick to learn. After you return, I'm sure she will have made great progress." Su Qing embraced Lang Huan gently while speaking to Duke of Huguo.
Duke of Huguo was confident that his child would surpass him one day. In that moment, he saw not just his son but a future leader, one who could carry on the legacy of the Dragon Stallion Army with skill and wisdom.
Every day Lang Huan practiced martial art. She carried her healthy habits, such as eating healthy food and getting enough rest. There was no internet or social media like in the modern era, but that was no excuse for not being productive.
"Not bad, child. Did you learn martial arts before?" Master Xuan Kai asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Ah, nope. Just picked up a few moves watching others," Lang Huan replied with a cheeky grin. In reality, she had just mashed together some random stuff—taekwondo, kickboxing, and whatever flashy moves she remembered from action movies. Honestly, she wasn't even sure if they were effective or just looked cool.
Master Xuan Kai chuckled. "Really? That's impressive for someone with no proper training."
Lang Huan's eyes lit up. "By the way, how about we spar a little?" She wasn't entirely confident in her skills—not because she hadn't learned martial arts before, but because she'd heard ancient people had things like internal force and
Master Xuan Kai blinked, momentarily stunned. This child had only been training for a few months, and now she wanted to spar? Most of his disciples would avoid sparring with him at all costs, but here was Lang Huan, boldly throwing out a challenge.
Having a disciple with such eagerness to learn was a rare delight, and Master Xuan Kai couldn't help but feel happy. With a small smile, he nodded. "Alright, let's see what you've got."
Lang Huan quickly shifted into her kickboxing stance, her fists raised, eyes focused. She launched a swift jab, followed by a powerful roundhouse kick aimed at Master Xuan Kai's midsection. Master Xuan Kai effortlessly blocked the strike with one arm, his movements fluid and controlled, as he swiftly countered with a low sweep kick, attempting to knock her off balance.
Ten moves later, Lang Huan was flat on her back, gasping for air, while Xuan Kai stood over her, completely composed. "Good effort," he said, finally taking his hands out from behind his back to offer her a hand up. "Next time, try aiming for something other than air."
Lang Huan wiped the sweat off her forehead, looking up at Master Xuan Kai with serious eyes. "Honestly speaking, Master, do you think my skills are enough to survive if I run into… assassins?"
Master Xuan Kai paused, his sharp gaze softening as he sighed quietly. So that's why this child trains so hard, he thought. The memory of her mother's death must still haunt her. He couldn't help but feel sympathy.
"You're doing great," he said kindly, his voice calming. "But martial arts isn't just about the moves. If you really want to protect yourself, you need to focus on building your internal force. That's what makes your strikes stronger and your body tougher. Without it, even the best technique won't be enough."
Master Xuan Kai's strike was easy for him, but way too much for a child like Lang Huan to handle. She groaned in pain as she tried to move. Xuan Kai's face softened with concern. "You okay?" he asked, stepping forward to check her pulse. He placed his fingers gently on her wrist for a second, but then his brow furrowed.
Master Xuan Kai was shocked. Young Master Ye is… a girl? What was Duke of Huguo's plan in having his daughter dressed as a man?
Lang Huan noticed the sudden change in his expression. Her heart skipped a beat. Did he figure it out something? Was it when he checked my pulse?
She quickly pulled her arm back and remembered A Cai mentioning just yesterday how a skilled physician could tell someone's gender by checking their pulse. Oh no, what if he knows?
"Don't worry, Master. I can handle a little pain."
Lang Huan's face remained calm, but her eyes were sharp as she stared at Master Xuan Kai. In the future, she had to tread carefully. If her true identity were exposed, it would bring danger to this family. But after months of training with Master Xuan Kai, she was sure, this Taoist priest wasn't someone who would stir the pot or act recklessly. So for now, my identity should be safe, though unease still lingered in her heart.
---
During her free time, Lang Huan often let her mind wander to the memories of her past life. With a quill in hand and a blank sheet of paper, she sketched a few tools she wanted to create in this world. Among them was a guitar. She missed the sound of music, something to soothe her thoughts and ease her boredom.
She also planned out simple training equipment. Drawing from her memories of modern workout tools, she outlined designs for pull-up bars and sandbag adapted to the materials available in this era.
"These might take some time to make," Lang Huan mused, tapping her chin with the quill. "But at least it's something to work on. Better than sitting around all day."
"Lang Huan, what are you drawing?" Su Qing asked curiously, leaning closer to get a better look at the papers spread out on the desk. Her gentle voice broke through Lang Huan's focused thoughts.
For a moment, Lang Huan froze, quickly covering the sketch of the guitar with her hand. She wasn't sure how to explain something so strange from her world. "Oh… it's nothing, Mother," she said with a small smile. "Just some ideas for... tools."
Su Qing raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Tools? You seem very focused. They must be important." Her eyes shifted to the corner of the sketch, where a curved shape with strings was drawn.
Lang Huan hesitated, then sighed, realizing there was no point in hiding it, she said lightly. "A... musical instrument. You pluck the strings, and it creates sound."
Su Qing watched Lang Huan with curiosity. She knew this child was smart, but the designs Lang Huan had drawn were unlike anything she had ever seen. The details and creativity—it was more than Su Qing expected from someone her age. Could she truly be a prodigy child?
Where could she have learned something like this? Su Qing wondered. She had amnesia and couldn't even read or write. Yet, here she was, displaying the skills of a genius, as if she had studied for years. It was all so confusing for Su Qing.
Despite her questions, Su Qing couldn't help but feel empathy for this child who had lost her mother. She decided to support Lang Huan's wishes. Calling for A Cai, who appeared at her side almost immediately, Su Qing instructed, " Find a skilled craftsman."
As A Cai bowed and left to fulfil the order, Su Qing turned back to Lang Huan, her expression softening. "How do you know about these things?" she asked gently, leaning closer.
Lang Huan paused for a moment, then smiled innocently. "Oh, I've seen it in… my dream," she replied, keeping her tone light and casual. She knew Su Qing was smart, and the more she said, the more likely she was to expose herself.
"A dream?" Su Qing knew it was a big lie. However, since the child didn't want to tell the truth, she refrained from asking more questions. Seemingly uninterested in continuing the conversation, she simply returned to her room.
"Huff." Lang Huan knew she had made a poor excuse.
Su Qing spent most of her time locked away in her room or the study, buried in books or embroidery. The Duke of Huguo, a man devoted to his country, was rarely home, always occupied with matters of state or military affairs. His absence at home was constant, and when he did return, his attention seemed consumed by matters of state or military affairs. Though, Su Qing herself didn't seem to dwell on it—or perhaps she had simply grown used to it.
When the items she had designed were finally completed, Lang Huan examined them with a sense of satisfaction. The craftsmen had done an excellent job, faithfully bringing her sketches to life. The wooden frame of the training equipment was sturdy, and the weights were well-balanced, while the guitar—though a little rough compared to what she remembered—looked functional enough to produce music.
She gave a nod of approval to A Cai, who stood nearby, watching her with a mix of curiosity. "Good work," she said. "Now, let's put these to the test."
When Lang Huan brought out some modern-looking training equipment, her personal guards couldn't hide their curiosity. They had never seen such strange tools before.
"What's that for, Young Master?" one of them asked, tilting his head.
Lang Huan smirked. "Let me show you." She started demonstrating how to use the equipment, explaining as she went. The guards watched with wide-eyed amazement, and soon enough, they were itching to try it themselves.
"Want to give it a go?" Lang Huan offered with a grin.
Without hesitation, the guards jumped in, and the courtyard quickly turned into a lively training session. Lang Huan even introduced them to some simple training tools she had improvised from materials available in this world. Every day, they practiced together, bonding over the shared activity.
"Who would've thought the little young master could be so creative?" one of them whispered.
"Not to mention, she treats us like brothers," another said, smiling as they all worked up a sweat.
One day, while stretching, Lang Huan turned to Zhou Ming, one of the senior guards. "Zhou Ming, do you know qinggong?"
Zhou Ming straightened up and chuckled. "Of course, Young Master. I've been practicing it for years."
Lang Huan's eyes sparkled with interest. "How long did it take you to learn?"
"Hmm... maybe over twenty years," Zhou Ming replied thoughtfully.
"What? No way!" Lang Huan blurted, narrowing her eyes. "How old are you, then?"
"Twenty-five," Zhou Ming said with a completely straight face.
Lang Huan stared at him, dumbfounded. "You're lying!"
The other guards burst out laughing, while Zhou Ming just grinned "It's true," Zhou Ming said earnestly. I've been practicing martial arts since I was five. If you want to learn, you'll need discipline. And besides qinggong, you'll also have to cultivate your internal force."
Lang Huan blinked, imagining herself sitting cross-legged in endless meditation, like a solemn monk. She groaned inwardly. "Ah, forget it. That sounds way too hard," she muttered, shaking her head.
Instead, an idea struck her. It's better for me to train this team to guard me properly, she thought.
"Hey! All of you, gather around!" Lang Huan called out, waving the guards over.
The group quickly assembled. "From now on," Lang Huan announced, tying a band around her forehead and adjusting her training outfit, "You guys will practice martial arts daily. We need to ready for anything!"
"Yes, Young Master!" they replied in unison, their voices full of enthusiasm.
"Good!" Lang Huan grinned, thoroughly enjoying her leadership role. "But wait... we need a proper name for our team."
She cleared her throat dramatically. "From now on, we'll be known as the Elite Forces!"
"What is... Elite Forces?" one of the younger guards whispered to his friend.
"Shh, don't ask. It's probably some foreign strategy," the other replied, pretending to understand.
Lang Huan noticed their confusion and sighed inwardly. She raised a hand dramatically, as if painting an invisible picture in the air. "Elite Forces... means a team of highly skilled, utterly loyal warriors."
The guards murmured among themselves, pretending to be impressed, though most were still bewildered.
She focused on building her speed and endurance. If danger comes, or assassins show up, she thought, the best trick is to run away as fast as possible. Even though she didn't know qinggong, she was determined to at least master the art of sprinting. She also started working on toning her muscles and improving her strength. If I look too delicate, people might think I'm easy to bully. Her eyes sparkled with pride at her brilliant idea.
Young Master, Madam is looking for you to study. Why are you hiding in the kitchen again?" Zhou Ming whispered, peeking into the pantry.
Lang Huan huffed, crouching between sacks of rice. Oh my god, Su Qing is way too passionate as a teacher. Every time she starts lecturing, my eyelids just droop. Those ancient books are torture!
Zhou Ming snickered and signaled Zhou An to block the doorway. "Don't worry, we've got you covered."
Not long after, A Cai barged in with a triumphant look. "Young Master! Found you again! Why don't you just listen and go study?"
Lang Huan groaned. Every day was a repeat of this ridiculous hide-and-seek game.
A Cai crossed her arms and leaned in conspiratorially. "Young Master, don't you know the Great Qi's Eldest Princess is an old witch? She kidnaps lazy kids who refuse to study!"
Lang Huan burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. "Are you serious?"
A Cai narrowed her eyes, determined to scare some sense into Lang Huan. "You think I'm joking? She sucks their blood to make herself the most beautiful and immortal woman in the world!"
The mention of beauty made Lang Huan pause, "Wait… is she beautiful? Or, like… old and wrinkly?"
A Cai tilted her head. "Who?"
"The Eldest Princess, obviously! Didn't you just call her an old witch?" Lang Huan asked, eyes gleaming with amusement.
A Cai shrugged. "They say she's the most beautiful woman in the Great Qi… but I've never seen her."
Lang Huan chuckled. "I don't want to study. Go tell her to kidnap me, then I'll see for myself how beautiful she is!" She laughed even harder at her own ridiculousness.
"A Cai, you're scaring the Young Master again," Su Qing said as she entered the kitchen, her voice gentle but firm.
Lang Huan immediately put on a pitiful expression and burst into fake tears. "Mother, I'm scared and have no mood to study. Can I take a nap instead? Maybe… you could tell me a story from a storybook before I sleep?"
A Cai stood there, utterly amazed. Young Master has truly mastered the art of switching expressions in the blink of an eye!
Su Qing sighed and pulled out a handkerchief from her bosom, gently wiping Lang Huan's forehead. "Hmm, every time the word 'study' comes up, your energy seems to vanish completely. But when it comes to running and playing, you're always so full of life."
Lang Huan's eye twitched. "Playing?" she muttered under her breath. "I'm not playing—I'm training."
"How about we study after I take a nap?" she asked Su Qing sweetly, tilting her head with just the right amount of innocence.
Su Qing looked at Lang Huan, amused but resigned. "Fine, but no more hiding after your nap. Deal?"
"Deal!" Lang Huan grinned.
"Mother, do you know when father will return? Did he mention it in his letter?" Lang Huan asked, her brows furrowed in curiosity.
"Mother, I heard that father just defeated the enemy kingdom. Is that true?"
Su Qing couldn't help but smile as she listened to Lang Huan's endless stream of questions. Ever since the tragic loss of her mother, the bond between them had grown closer. Su Qing, who had always been quiet and reserved, found herself softened by Lang Huan's playful behavior. It was hard not to find her cute, and Su Qing realized how much brighter the place felt with the young master around.
"Yes, the news arrived yesterday. Your father led the final charge himself. The enemy retreated beyond the northern pass."
Lang Huan bit her lip, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach. If anything happened to Duke of Huguo, the responsibility to lead the army would fall onto her shoulders. This could be a big problem.
Lang Huan's gaze wandered to Su Qing. For a moment, the weight of her worries seemed to fade as she became mesmerized by her graceful presence.
"Mother, they say you are a talented woman in the Great Qi. Is it true?"
"Talented?" Su Qing repeated, her tone gentle but thoughtful.
"The most talented and extraordinary woman in the Great Qi is not me. It is the Eldest Princess Zhao Yi."
"The Eldest Princess Zhao Yi?" Lang Huan blinked in surprise.
"She is a rare blend of beauty, intellect, and power."
"Is she that strong? A Cai said she sucks kids' blood,"
Su Qing couldn't hold back her laughter, her elegant demeanor momentarily cracking. "If you keep hiding and being lazy, maybe I'll send you to her mansion!"
"Mother, you're beautiful too," her words coming straight from the heart.
Su Qing arched a brow, clearly amused. "Where did you learn to flatter like this? Don't learn bad things from A Cai and Zhou Ming."
Not wanting to disappoint Su Qing, Lang Huan finally settled down and studied with her. She was never the type to enjoy learning; even in her previous life, she avoided studying whenever possible. But weird, she was a top student in her school. Maybe her sharp mind naturally absorbed information quickly, even without much effort.
Su Qing was indeed a kind and attentive mother. She gave Lang Huan all her care and affection, creating a calm and nurturing environment whenever they spent time together. Lang Huan found herself at ease around her, though she couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for the woman. A beautiful and capable lady like Su Qing had spent years managing an empty mansion.
As for the Duke of Huguo, he was a heroic man, always stationed at the northern border, dedicating himself to his duties far away from his family. Lang Huan couldn't help but wonder if Su Qing ever felt lonely.
Su Qing possessed a deep knowledge of literature, art, and strategy, which make Lang Huan in awe. She was undoubtedly one of the rare, talented women of the Great Qi Dynasty—a title that suited her perfectly.
It was unfortunate, Lang Huan thought, that such an extraordinary woman had to live in a feudal era. If Su Qing were born in the modern world, she would undoubtedly become a career woman with unparalleled achievements.