The rebellion returned like a vengeful wind.
At dusk, the valley rumbled with the sound of hooves. Rebel banners
emerged from the trees — black silk, red ink shaped like fangs. The army
had grown, and they were better armed.
General Yuwen rode out to confront them, leading the front line. Li Xian
remained in the second wave, Sky perched on her shoulder, squawking
directions as if sensing the flow of the enemy.
The battle was chaos — fire, steel, screaming horses. A rebel arrow struck
Yuwen's shoulder, toppling him from his horse. Blood spattered the ground.
Li Xian rushed forward.
> "Fall back! Regroup near the southern ridge!" she shouted, her voice
rising above the din.
Soldiers listened. They obeyed not because of rank, but because of her —
the girl with the bird who did not flinch.
With Sky circling above her, she commanded like she had done it in a
hundred lives.
By nightfall, the rebels were pushed back. But the cost was heavy.
That same night, a new visitor arrived under heavy guard — a young noble
in robes of indigo silk, with jade clasps and a sword that had never seen
blood.
His name was Prince Zhao Wen, the legitimate son of the Emperor, and a
known figure at the capital's royal court.
Li Xian stiffened the moment she saw him.
Ren Xu whispered at her side, "That's the one your uncle wants to chain you
to."
Zhao Wen offered a courteous bow. "Lady Li Xian. It's a pleasure. Your
reputation has reached the palace."
She did not return the gesture.
> "You came to offer help? Or to bind me with silken rope?"
The prince laughed softly. "Both, perhaps. Politics is a dance of necessity.
Our families—"
> "My family is ash under the plum tree. I owe nothing to the ones who wish
to polish me into a jewel and sell me to the throne."
Zhao Wen's smile faded. "You have spirit. The Emperor favors strong women."
Sky let out a loud squawk: "Silk boy! Silk boy!"
Laughter erupted from the campfire nearby. Li Xian's expression didn't
change.
> "Tell the Emperor I serve no throne. Only my people."
She turned away, leaving the prince alone in the torchlight.
Ren Xu stood beside her as she stared into the night.
> "You've made a powerful enemy," he said.
> "He was never a friend to begin with," she replied.
Above them, Sky flew in slow circles, repeating softly: "Free. Brave. Li
Xian."