Chapter One: The Martial Arena

Imperial Palace of the Night Kingdom, Imperial Garden

“Hao’er, wait for your sister! Otherwise, your sister will get angry.” The Fifth Princess, Ye Qianling, only fifteen years old, had just returned from the battlefield in triumph. The defeated Chen Kingdom had sent emissaries to cede their lands to the mighty Night Dynasty.

It should have been a grand occasion for praise and reward, but without a second thought, Ye Qianling, upon entering the palace and spotting her little brother, chose not to visit Emperor Guangde immediately. Instead, she decided to spend some time playing with her two-year-old half-brother.

After all, she had spent years waging war since the age of thirteen, and her time in the palace had grown scarce. Wearied by the endless slaughter of battle, the seasoned warrior princess longed for the sight of new life—especially that of her newly born brother.

It was much like how many elder siblings yearn for their parents to have another child, just to indulge in the joys of being a big sister.

Meanwhile, Ye Qianhao ran ahead, leaving Ye Qianling several meters behind. The mischievous princess huffed, then hid behind an artificial rock over a meter tall, feigning anger with a pout, showing no trace of the war goddess she was on the battlefield. The little boy, realizing his sister was no longer in sight, halted and scampered back to her side. His chubby little hands reached for her oval face, and in a babble, he pleaded, “Play with me, play with me.”

Seeing this adorable, slightly ingratiating look from her brother, Ye Qianling’s heart melted. She scooped Ye Qianhao up with a laugh. “Hao’er, your fifth sister brought you lots of fun toys from the border. Tonight, I’ll give them all to you—enough to keep you entertained for years!” She ruffled his long eyelashes, excitement in her voice.

She reminisced about the colorful kites and rattles she’d collected at the Chen Kingdom’s border—trinkets she’d bought during rare moments of leisure, spending her entire monthly pay without a second thought. It was all for the joy of being a doting sister, spoiling her little brother.

“Your Highness, we’ve finally found you. His Majesty requests your immediate presence at the martial training grounds. Everyone is waiting.” Chu Ming, the third-ranking member among the imperial guards, landed gracefully before her, urgency in his voice.

“What’s all the fuss about?” Ye Qianling replied with little concern, her lips curving in a playful pout. She patted Chu Ming’s shoulder with a smile. “Ming, I rarely get to play with my brother, and now Father is calling me away again. Truly, my heart aches.”

With a sigh, she bent down and gently placed Ye Qianhao on the ground. Squatting to his level, she pinched his cheeks with a touch of regret. “Father needs your sister, so I can’t play with you right now. Once I’m done, I’ll bring you more fun things.” Ye Qianhao gazed at her, reluctant yet obedient, making no complaint.

After comforting her little brother, Ye Qianling smiled at him, then turned to instruct the attendant behind her. “Take good care of the sixth prince. Let him play a while, then bring him back.”

A few steps later, she stopped as another thought occurred. “Give my regards to Consort Lu. Tell her Linger will pay her respects soon.”

With a light leap, she vaulted over the palace roofs and landed at the martial training grounds in an instant.

The royal training field was reserved for only the most elite of soldiers—only those who could truly be called the empire’s best warriors ever set foot there.

Even before she arrived, the thunderous sounds of fists and feet colliding echoed through the air, the shouts of the crowd so loud they seemed to rattle one’s bones.

It was her eldest brother—truly, her eldest brother.

Ye Qianling paused, a spark lighting her eyes. Glancing at Chu Ming, who had just caught up, she chided, “Ming, you didn’t even tell me my brother was back.”

Chu Ming, helpless before her, merely shook his head. Before he could reply, Ye Qianling vanished.

Upon her arrival, she saw Crown Prince Ye Qianchen dispatch his opponent with ease. The challenger didn’t even qualify as an adversary, collapsing to the ground with a thud. After a moment’s silence, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers.

The emperor, sitting nearby, observed the match with the same stoic composure as always. He merely remarked “Not bad,” but the pride and satisfaction in his eyes were unmistakable. Nothing was more gratifying than seeing one’s children excel.

Ye Qianling cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, “Big brother, you’re amazing! You’re the best!” She nearly jumped with excitement, waving wildly when her brother looked her way.

Although Crown Prince Ye Qianchen held the highest title, the Night Kingdom was famed for its martial prowess. Even the crown prince was expected to fight battles. Both siblings held military ranks, and their campaigns kept them apart—by her count, it had been half a year since they’d last seen each other.

Her spirited cheering drew all eyes toward her. Ye Qianling had just shed her armor, wearing only a simple white riding tunic. Her hair was tied high, her wide, bright eyes sparkled, and her tall, graceful figure was accentuated by her mother’s full lips—strikingly sensual. That blend of innocence and allure was unique, and at fifteen, she was already listed among the kingdom’s most beautiful young women.

Emperor Guangde, catching sight of Ye Qianling’s casual yet radiant appearance, was unable to hide his pride. Their eyes met, and Ye Qianling immediately performed a playful yet proper curtsy. “Daughter pays respects to Father. May Your Majesty live forever.” The emperor, recognizing her decorum in the presence of foreign envoys, felt his heart soften all the more. He quickly bade her rise.

“Linger, you did well. Where did you wander off to, instead of coming first to see your father and mother?” he asked casually.

The fifth princess had always been willful, indulged endlessly in the palace, yet never overstepped her bounds. Emperor Guangde had long allowed her free rein, setting her few rules, lest he stifle her.

“Father, I went to play with my little brother—wanted to savor the joy of being a big sister. Then I was summoned here.” As she spoke, Ye Qianling’s tone turned slightly aggrieved, as if to protest her being called away.

The emperor could not help but smile at her antics—mischievous yet sensible. Truly, no amount of affection was too much for such a child. He turned to the crown prince. “After this, come to the imperial study. I have matters to discuss with you.”

Hearing this, Ye Qianling cast her brother a look of sympathy. Poor big brother—being the crown prince was exhausting. Not only did he command the military, but he also studied statecraft. He was by far the busiest among the siblings, always occupied. Truly pitiable.

With Ye Qianchen’s return, Ye Qianling’s role in the tournament was simply to cheer from the sidelines. Her voice was the loudest in the arena, prompting some to wonder if her throat might give out. Yet, her exuberance was never off-putting; her lively presence was like sunshine, bringing cheer and harmony wherever she went.

The entire gathering was stunned by this unconventional Fifth Princess. In their eyes, princesses were supposed to be demure and reserved, silent ornaments sitting at the periphery. But Ye Qianling defied all expectations—mingling with soldiers, cheering them on, her very presence a source of delight.

Throughout the tournament, the Fifth Princess became the center of attention, her unorthodox charm eclipsing the others. By the end, her voice was hoarse from shouting. She glanced toward Emperor Guangde, bid farewell to the soldiers beside her, and quietly made her way toward him, hugging the wall as if to avoid being noticed.

The emperor, amused by her sneaky approach, beckoned her over. “What are you up to, lurking about? Lost your voice from all that shouting?”

Ye Qianling grinned, jogging over and sitting on the step below him. She scratched her head, slightly embarrassed. “Father, I’m so thirsty from all that yelling—my throat’s on fire. May I have some water?”

She eyed the wine on his table, blinking up at him with a hopeful smile.

“That’s wine,” Emperor Guangde replied indulgently. “I’ve told you before, young ladies mustn’t drink. Don’t stare at it.” He turned to a maid. “Bring a pot of warm water.”

As the maid went to fetch it, Ye Qianling rested her head on the table, grinning silently at her father. The emperor, unable to resist her adorable antics, chuckled. “What are you giggling about? What’s made you so happy?”

Ye Qianling’s eyes sparkled. Her voice turned soft and teasing. “Father, I’ve been away so long—did you miss your daughter?”

“You always know how to please me. If you stayed in the palace all day, you’d turn it upside down. Sometimes it’s better for you to be away.” He ruffled her hair, his handsome face filled with affection.

“Your Majesty, the warm water is here,” announced the maid. Ye Qianling immediately accepted it, gulping down every drop.

Revived, she sprang to her feet. “Father, now that I’ve had water, I’m back to full strength—time to cheer some more!”

With that, she flashed him a smile and dashed back to the front of the training grounds, joining the soldiers in rooting for her brother. The atmosphere was warm and joyful.

Outside the training ground, Consort Lu and her maid, not being part of the military, were forbidden entry. Witnessing the closeness between the siblings from afar, their faces darkened with displeasure.