The morning air was crisp, scented with dew and dust as Shen LiuYan walked through the iron gates of the Han Family's training ground — a wide courtyard beaten smooth by years of drills, where wooden dummies stood like silent witnesses to the growth of warriors.
She was the youngest trainee there, also-
The only girl.
She stood out immediately — a slender, sharp-eyed girl of seven, dwarfed by boys years older, all clad in rough, dark, full sleeve training garb. Her long hair was tied into a neat warrior's knot, her stance upright, shoulders squared.
Around her, boys no younger than ten, was gripping training staffs and spears, already paired off and warming up. They were all boys, so her presence alone seemed to provoke the others.
Murmurs rippled like wind through dry leaves right when she stepped in to the training yard.
"A girl?"
"She won't last till noon."
"General Han must've lost his mind. There's no way he is letting a 7 year old-girl train"
"Let's make a bet. She is going to cry before afternoon"
Their words didn't go unheard by LiuYan. Those words didn't cut her- but they didn't fade either.
A group of older boys snickered behind their spears. Even some of the instructors arched brows, exchanging doubtful glances.
Off to the side, LiuYan's two older brothers were already gearing up. Han Jiutian, tall and sturdy, caught her eye and gave a quiet nod — not a shield, but a spark of support, encouraging his little sister without pity.
Beside him, Han Yueming, more expressive, grinned and gave a double thumbs-up.
"Don't fall behind, little sister," he whispered with a wink.
The cool morning wind stirred dust across the broad training yard, where rows of young trainees stood at attention.
Moments later, Shen LiuYan stepped forward, her dark eyes steady despite the cautious and snickering stares. Dressed in simple practice robes, her robes fluttered as she moved to the front and dropped to one knee.
With a clear- respectful voice Shen LiuYan spoke to the commanders in front of her.
"Junior Han JiLan greets chief instructor and honored mentors. I humbly request permission to join the training ranks and cultivate under your guidance."
For a moment, there was only silence.
It wasn't common for women to join the army, much less for a young girl who is even younger than 10 years to come forward all alone and ask for permission to join.
Throughout the history of Longsheng Dynasty, the amount of female soldiers was likely fewer than the tears of a dragon – much less female warriors.
Women were widely considered to be a part of someone's inner courtyard, because it was the tradition.
So naturally, everyone was used to look down on the power of a woman until the late field marshal came to light.
The instructors exchanged glances — some curious, some skeptical. One elder instructor arched an eyebrow, clearly measuring her conviction. But Shen LiuYan did not waver. Her back was straight; her head bowed just enough to show discipline — not submission.
The Chief Instructor, commander Zhao, a towering man with frost in his hair and a scar tracing his jaw, finally stepped forward.
"Han JiLan is it?" he asked, his voice unreadable.
"Yes, sir"
He studied her, moments later he gave a faint nod.
"Permission granted. Let's see if our spirit matches with your name"