Chapter 263.1: Hello Chang'an
Chapter 263.1: The Three Matches
News that Chang Suining was to spar with Instructor Fang quickly spread, causing a stir throughout the camp.
“Already reported to General Chang, and he actually approved it!”
“I heard Lady Chang spoke arrogantly and angered Instructor Fang…”
“What exactly did she say?”
“She said the soldiers trained by the instructors were all like… what’s the phrase… rotting wood?”
“?” Those who heard this looked confused. That didn’t sound like an insult at all.
Another soldier corrected him: “…It’s withered and useless wood! Unfit for real service!”
“Ah, yes, yes, that’s it!”
The soldiers exchanged glances. Somehow, it didn’t seem like she was insulting Instructor Fang alone. Who was the rotting wood? Who was deemed unfit for service?
“…” On New Year’s Day, the soldiers suddenly found their dumplings much less appetizing.
“…I want to see for myself what sort of divine skill this Lady Chang claims to have to look down on us so!”
“Let’s go—forget the dumplings, head to the training ground!”
Some angrily set down their bowls and left, some brought their bowls along while following. On the way, some cursed, some ate while walking… after all, the celery-pork dumplings were indeed delicious!
More and more soldiers crowded toward the training ground, the air alive with chatter.
“I heard it’s because the Commander and Deputy Commander want Lady Chang to be General Instructor… the subordinates are not willing to submit.”
“Lady Chang said that if she loses to Instructor Fang today, she will no longer pursue the post of General Instructor!”
“…Setting aside whether she’s a girl, this Lady Chang is truly fearless for a beginner! She dares challenge Instructor Fang!”
Seeking the spotlight is one thing, but this is hardly the proper way.
Some whispered guesses circulated: “Could it be that Instructor Fang was secretly bribed or threatened… deliberately letting Lady Chang win, so she can gain prestige?”
“That’s Instructor Fang!”
Stubborn as a mule!
“Falsehoods cannot stand; truths cannot hide… go see for yourself!”
They were not amateurs and could tell fact from fiction.
For a while, all kinds of speculation arose, but nearly everyone assumed that the freshly seventeen-year-old girl could not possibly defeat Instructor Fang through legitimate means.
This notion only solidified when they arrived at the training ground and saw the two standing at its center.
Visually, the disparity between them could only be described as staggering.
In terms of size and physical presence, Instructor Fang alone outweighed the small girl by at least twofold. Not to mention that he was the most senior and respected of the seven top instructors.
By contrast, the girl stood confidently, allowing people to scrutinize her, radiating the energy of youth and audacity.
Such youthful arrogance is rare in a girl.
This public sparring, performed openly and before an audience, was entirely different from combat on the battlefield. In battle, situations are chaotic, ambushes are possible, and the enemy may underestimate a slender youth. Here, there was no such advantage.
She faced Instructor Fang directly. He was cautious and composed; under these circumstances, he could not be tricked or taken lightly.
In short, having killed Ge Zong and Li Yi did not guarantee she could defeat Instructor Fang. Youthful bravado was likely to result in a fall.
The training ground was packed.
Faced with soldiers watching for amusement, curiosity, ridicule, or concern, Chang Suining removed her cloak and secured her ponytail, her expression unwavering.
She had two reasons for challenging Instructor Fang.
First, with his status and prestige, if she aimed to become General Instructor, she had to prove she could command even the most senior instructor to genuinely gain respect.
Second, during her training sessions, she had sensed Fang’s silent disdain and bias. He had never spoken directly, nor shown overt dissatisfaction or doubt—but such unspoken prejudice is harder to overcome and more dangerous than open criticism.
Thus, she deliberately provoked him, creating an opportunity to confront and break this bias directly.
With Chang Kuo’s approval, soldiers quickly prepared the necessary equipment for the sparring.
As the crowd made way for a path, both Chang Kuo and Xiao Min arrived to observe.
“Greetings, Commander, Deputy Commander!”
Countless salutes rang out. Chang Kuo raised his hand to stop them, focusing instead on Chang Suining.
Xiao Min appeared composed, but inside his emotions fluctuated. He whispered to Chang Kuo, “General Chang, perhaps I should step in to smooth things over and bring Lady Chang back…”
“No,” Chang Kuo shook his head. “Leaving now, for any reason, would be tantamount to conceding. It would only make things harder for Suining later.”
Moreover, could he, her father and superior, even manage to remove her from the scene?
Seeing both father and daughter so strong-willed, Xiao Min could only sigh silently, watching the two in the arena and muttering: “Why did it have to be Instructor Fang?”
Chang Kuo exhaled openly: “Indeed…”
This person had a bit of bad luck.
Hearing this genuine sigh, Yuan Xiang’s heart leapt. Even the General doubted Lady Chang could win?
Yet Yuan Xiang trusted that someone so clever would not blindly challenge such a superior. She must have some plan to triumph.
He tried to glance around and immediately noticed something was wrong.
Xi’er was missing!
Yuan Xiang’s heart lifted. He whispered to Ah Che: “Where is Xi’er? Was she secretly sent somewhere? I can help!”
Ah Che glanced around and replied softly, “…Xi’er went back to offer incense.”
“….”
Such a method, relying on superstition, left Yuan Xiang momentarily despairing.
Then, he quietly pulled Ah Dian aside and whispered a plan: “…General Ah Dian, if Lady Chang struggles in the arena, when you see my signal, rush in and cause a scene to interrupt the sparring!”
Though unorthodox, it was the only way to safeguard Lady Chang’s safety and reputation. Ah Dian, seemingly irrational to outsiders, was the only one suitable to act.
Ah Dian widened his eyes: “Why?”
“This is to prevent Lady Chang from being bullied…”
“Impossible, you don’t believe Xiao Ah Li can win?”
