Night settled quietly over the small courtyard.
Lu Haotian unpacked the bundle from the market, sorting herbs and supplies as he always did. His movements were steady, unhurried. Everything was placed with purpose.
Mei Nan stood a few steps away, hands folded tightly in front of her.
She watched him for a long time before finally speaking.
"Young master," she said carefully.
"Yes?"
He glanced at her. "Speak."
She lowered her head. "Young Master can you teach me those sword moves you practice."
The words came out quickly, as if she had been afraid they would be rejected.
"If this servant is stronger," Mei Nan continued, voice steady but earnest, "then I can serve Young Master better. And I… I will not be a burden."
Lu Haotian was silent for a moment.
Then he said, "Stand up."
She did so at once, heart pounding.
"Ok," he said calmly.
Her eyes widened. "You promise?"
"Yes."
Mei Nan bowed deeply. "Thank you, Young Master."
"Sit," he said.
She sat straight-backed, eyes lowered, hands on her knees.
They practiced quietly.
Mei Nan's breathing gradually steadied. The tension in her shoulders eased. She didn't notice the change, but Lu Haotian did.
When they finished, she bowed again.
"This servant thanks Young Master for his guidance."
"That's enough for tonight," he said. "Go rest."
She obeyed without question.
Before dawn, Lu Haotian was already awake.
When Mei Nan stepped into the courtyard, she froze.
A wooden tub sat in the center. Steam curled gently upward. The faint scent of herbs filled the air.
"Young master…?" she asked hesitantly.
"The medicinal bath mentioned," he said. "It was prepared for you."
"For this servant?" she whispered.
"Yes, you." .
He had left the courtyard very early in the morning to purchase
Her eyes reddened slightly.
She quickly bowed. "This servant will not waste Young Master's effort."
"Get in before it cools."
She obeyed, entering the tub carefully.
"It's warm," she said softly. "Not painful."
"It isn't meant to be."
She closed her eyes and began breathing the way he taught her.
The herbs dissolved slowly into the water.
Lu Haotian observed from the side.
Her absorption rate was clean. Smooth. Faster than most at her age.
He said nothing.
Mei Nan opened her eyes briefly. "Young master… this servant feels warm inside."
"That's normal."
She nodded and focused again.
If she could grow stronger—
Then one day, even if only a little, she could stand behind him without fear.
A month had passed since Lu Haotian had started teaching Mei Nan the basic breathing technique.
The courtyard was quiet that morning. Sunlight spilled across the uneven stone, glinting on the bundle of herbs drying on the rack. Mei Nan stood awkwardly in the center, trying to copy the rhythm of her breathing.
"Faster, slower… nope, too fast!" she muttered to herself, wobbling on her feet.
Lu Haotian crouched on the steps, watching her carefully. He hadn't meant to stare, but it was… interesting.
"Hey, Mei Nan," he said, "don't just copy my breathing. Feel it, like you're filling your belly with air, not your chest."
Mei Nan huffed. "I am filling my belly!"
"Nope," Lu Haotian said with a grin. "Your belly's hiding. Try again."
She rolled her eyes but obeyed, breathing in, then out slowly, following the rhythm he had shown her.
After a few minutes, she stopped, panting slightly. "I think… I'm getting it!"
"You are," he said, trying not to look too pleased. Better than last week.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her hair stuck to her forehead. The herbs he had given her over the past month had done their work. Her body felt firmer, more awake, less prone to fatigue. Not enough to enter Body Tempering—but strong enough that she wouldn't collapse if she ran or climbed stairs.
Lu Haotian thought to himself, I can't give her the same resources as the clan kids. She won't be the strongest… but she can be quick, tough, and smart. That's enough for now.
"Okay, that's enough for today," he said. "Come with me. We're going to eat!"
"Eat?!" Mei Nan squealed, her eyes sparkling. "Your promised the restaurant!"
Lu Haotian rolled his eyes but smiled a little. "Yes, So don't run off before I leave."
She dashed to put on her shoes, nearly tripping in excitement. "I won't! I won't!"
Lu Haotian followed, carrying the bundle of herbs and a small cloth pouch with her prepared medicinal bath. He reminded himself quietly: Everything I do is to help her get ready for what's coming. Today it's food and fun. Tomorrow… maybe a little more training.
By the time they arrived at the small restaurant near the city wall, Mei Nan was practically bouncing in place. She didn't notice the stares from other kids—they were too busy staring at the two children walking in together.
"This is amazing!" she whispered when they sat down.
"Don't talk with your mouth full," Lu Haotian said, snatching a piece of bread before she could take it all.
"Hey! That's mine!"
He grinned and took a bite anyway. "Mine too, then."
She glared at him, but it was playful, not angry.
Just like this… Lu Haotian thought. If she can fight to protect herself, she can fight to protect me one day. And that's enough for now.