"Big sis, you're amazing!" Dou Zhao clapped her hands with excitement as she watched Zhao Zhangru swing her dual sabers with fierce, gusty power in the open courtyard.
"So valiant and graceful!" Miao Ansu, standing beside her, also exclaimed with sparkling eyes, "Other than the Marquis, you're the person I admire the most!"
In the center of the yard, Zhao Zhangru, who had been practicing the Gale Blade Technique, was instantly energized by their cheers. Her moves became even faster, and the blade winds howled, stirring up a storm of fallen leaves around the courtyard!
Dou Zhao and Miao Ansu exchanged a knowing smile — indeed, sisters were meant to encourage each other. Look at Zhao Zhangru just moments ago, weary and tired — now, with just a few cheers, she was full of vitality again!
Of course, while cheering her on, they didn't forget to peel grapes and pour fine wine for Wei Tingyu, who was seated at the side table.
The Marquis really was generous to their sister, even teaching her such powerful martial arts! If Dou Zhao and Miao Ansu weren't completely uninterested in martial arts, they would've joined the training as well.
Wei Tingyu opened his mouth to let Miao Ansu place a peeled grape in it. As he slowly chewed the sweetness, he nodded in satisfaction.
Zhao Zhangru truly was a martial arts prodigy!
He had given her an entry-level internal technique, which she accepted without hesitation. That opened the door to a whole new martial world for her!
Under his guidance, she quickly mastered how to use internal force and learned the first few moves of the Gale Blade Technique with surprising finesse.
At this moment, even if she were to face Song Mo — the original peak martial force of the story — she could absolutely hold her ground!
But for Wei Tingyu, this was just the first step in nurturing a concubine into a female general who would one day fight by his side and conquer the world.
After all, the general of a unit under his command had to be someone he could fully trust — and who better than a concubine from his own household?
"What is it? You two interested as well?" Dou Zhao suddenly noticed the two maidservants, Suxin and Sulan, standing behind them. They were staring intently at Zhao Zhangru, eyes filled with admiration.
They both practiced martial arts too, and seeing Zhao Zhangru's rapid improvement — especially with the Marquis's personally taught Gale Blade Technique — made their hearts itch with longing. But as Dou Zhao's maids, they dared not voice their desires openly.
Kind-hearted as always, Dou Zhao noticed the yearning in their eyes and took the initiative to ask.
"Replying to Madam!" Suxin and Sulan bowed and said, "As martial artists, we naturally feel drawn to such a profound technique... Of course we wish to learn it..."
"I could tell!" Dou Zhao nodded with a smile, but then looked at Wei Tingyu with a slight frown. "But since it's the Marquis's technique, I'm afraid we can't easily pass it on without permission..."
"No problem." Wei Tingyu, with his sharp senses, had naturally heard their conversation. Without even turning his head, he spoke calmly, "As long as Ru'er is willing to teach, I don't mind."
"Sure! No problem!" Zhao Zhangru had just taken a break and came over for a drink. Hearing this, she nodded immediately.
"But you two must show proper respect — serve tea and formally acknowledge me as your master!" she added with a smirk.
Of course, she wasn't going to give away such a powerful technique for free. It was only right that they show some sincerity.
Also, deep down, Zhao Zhangru had always dreamed of being a master — how cool would that be?
"Thank you, Marquis! Thank you, Concubine Zhao!" Suxin and Sulan were overjoyed. With no more obstacles in their way, they immediately knelt down and performed the formal disciple greeting to Zhao Zhangru.
"Good! Good! Promising students!" Zhao Zhangru beamed with delight. She hadn't expected to gain disciples after becoming a concubine — it was beyond her wildest dreams! She laughed heartily.
She had only recently started learning the Gale Blade Technique herself — Wei Tingyu had taught her just the first three moves. Now, teaching Suxin and Sulan the first move was the perfect opportunity to live out her fantasy of being a master.
"Thank you for your generosity, Marquis!" Dou Zhao bowed respectfully to Wei Tingyu after watching her maids happily go train with Zhao Zhangru.
These two had served her for years and had risked their lives to protect her — they were more like sisters than servants in her heart.
"They're your people," Wei Tingyu replied, waving it off. "And now they belong to the Marquis's household. The stronger their martial skills, the safer you and the estate will be. Why wouldn't I allow it?"
Hearing this, both Dou Zhao and Miao Ansu exchanged a glance and saw joy and gratitude in each other's eyes.
Indeed! A man with such a broad heart, long-term vision, and grand ambitions — they had truly married the right person!
"Marquis!" Miao Ansu, ever the sentimental one, leaned her head on Wei Tingyu's shoulder and softly said, "I wish this moment could last forever. If every day could be spent like this, at ease and by your side, it would be the greatest happiness of my life..."
"Susu is right." Dou Zhao also gently sat down on Wei Tingyu's other side, leaning her head on his shoulder as well.
Truly a blessing to enjoy the affection of two beautiful women at once — a man like Wei Tingyu should be basking in this.
Yet as he gently placed his arms around their slender waists, he lifted his head and gazed into the distance.
Sensing a change in his mood, Dou Zhao and Miao Ansu also looked up — and immediately froze in place.
A massive dark cloud was sweeping across the sky like a wall pressing down upon the city! Thunder rolled from within, and the rumbling reached their ears from afar.
"A storm is coming!" Dou Zhao frowned, and a wave of unease rose in her heart.
With clouds like that, there was no telling how long the rain would last.
Grandmother…
"Prepare the carriage!" Wei Tingyu suddenly ordered as if already anticipating this. "We're going to the countryside estate to visit your grandmother!"