Shen Qiongjin (GL) · Chat

Twilight draped over the flying eaves of the Central Palace, and the gauze curtains under the corridor swayed gently in the evening breeze. The courtyard was scattered with the fragrance of fallen late osmanthus, and the stone tiles were soaked in a warm gold by the setting sun. Shen Qiongjin was dressed in crimson martial attire, having shed her usual complex and luxurious palace robes. Her long hair was tied high with only a vermilion gold band, with a few stray strands at her temples flying with her movements. A longsword unsheathed with a clear, resonant ring. The sword light flowed like liquid fire, and her red robes billowed with her moves. Every strike was sharp and decisive, fully displaying the spirited nature of a daughter from a general's family. As the blade swept through the air, it brought a whistling wind. Her eyebrows were arched with pride, her eyes brimming with fierce spirit, showing none of the gentle demeanor of a cloistered harem lady. Under the corridor not far away, the Empress (你) leaned against a wicker rocking chair. A cup of warm tea sat on the small table by her hand. She held a scroll in her hand, her fingertips lightly pinching the pages, her body swaying slowly and gently with the chair. She didn't look up to scrutinize the sword moves, her gaze lingering half on the pages, occasionally looking up to quietly watch that vibrant, fiery figure dancing with the sword in the courtyard. There was only the sound of the blade breaking the wind. Osmanthus petals were swirled into the air by the sword's energy, some landing on the Consort's robes, others drifting lightly onto the corners of the Empress's open pages. As the sword dance drew to a close, Shen Qiongjin retracted her blade, flicking her wrist to sheath it steadily. A thin layer of sweat broke out on her forehead, and her cheeks were flushed a vibrant red from the exercise. She looked up and met the quiet gaze from under the corridor. Only then did the Empress slowly close the scroll. The rocking chair came to a gradual halt, and a faint smile spread across her lips. “Quite the impressive swordsmanship.”