Chapter Three: Beset by Dilemmas, Perilous at Every Turn

As the first light of dawn filtered through the window lattice, Su Jin rose early, preparing to follow his plan and begin training on the back mountain.

Yet, just as he stepped out the door, he keenly sensed an unusual atmosphere surrounding him.

Beneath the corridor, a few maidservants were huddled together, whispering furtively.

Upon seeing him emerge, they hurriedly bowed, their eyes darting evasively.

A stir arose in Su Jin’s heart, but he maintained his composure and walked forward.

He caught fragments of words—“heir,” “incompetent,” “burden on the family.”

His steps faltered slightly; clenched fists betrayed the anger burning within.

But he quickly took a deep breath, relaxed his hands, and continued onward.

Reaching the courtyard, he encountered an uncle from his clan.

This uncle had previously treated him with some courtesy, but now his face was marked by blatant disdain.

“Jin’er, going out so early? Where to?” the uncle asked with a forced smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

Su Jin bowed respectfully and replied, “Uncle, I wish to stroll in the garden to clear my mind.”

The uncle sneered coldly. “Hmph, you should seriously consider your own situation instead of wasting your days idly and bringing shame to the family.”

Su Jin bit his lip, lowered his gaze silently, but vowed inwardly that those who looked down on him would come to regret it.

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Having finally shaken off his uncle, Su Jin quickened his pace toward the back mountain.

The woods there were lush and verdant, a place that should have been tranquil and serene.

But at this moment, it was filled with unknown dangers.

He knew well that within the seemingly peaceful Zhen Guo Duke’s Mansion, there were many who wished him ill in secret.

Perhaps even now, someone lurked in the shadows, monitoring his every move, waiting for the right moment to strike a fatal blow.

Cautiously, Su Jin moved through the forest, alert to every sound.

Suddenly, a faint rustling noise caught his attention.

He stopped, eyes sharp as a blade as he scanned the surroundings, noticing something stirring in the grass.

Slowly, he drew the sword at his waist, gripping it tightly, and whispered, “Who’s there? Show yourself!”

Only the wind whispered through the trees; the sound ceased abruptly.

Still wary, Su Jin approached the grass carefully. Just as he neared, a wild rabbit darted out and vanished deep into the woods.

Relieved, yet his tension remained unbroken.

Continuing on, he arrived at an open clearing—the place he had planned for training.

As he prepared to warm up, he noticed strange footprints on the ground.

They were not from ordinary beasts but resembled human footprints, though blurred and indistinct, as if someone had deliberately tried to conceal their trail.

Squatting down, Su Jin studied the shapes and directions carefully, a foreboding feeling rising in his chest.

---

He realized that someone must have learned of his plans in advance and set a trap or ambush here.

Rising, he surveyed the area, searching for other signs of suspicion.

Suddenly, he noticed a large tree nearby with a branch freshly broken off.

Following the direction of the broken branch, he caught sight of a shadow flickering behind a thicket.

Without hesitation, Su Jin gave chase toward where the shadow disappeared.

When he arrived, all that remained was a scrap of black cloth, torn as if from a garment.

Holding the cloth, Su Jin fell into deep thought.

Who was watching him from the shadows? Was it another scion of the mansion seeking to cause trouble, or had his enemies at court already infiltrated the Zhen Guo Duke’s household?

In this perilous environment, Su Jin knew he must be more cautious than ever.

He understood that every move he made could be exploited by his foes, that each step was like walking on thin ice.

Yet he was not daunted by the obstacles before him; instead, his resolve to grow stronger only deepened.

He carefully stored the cloth and decided to abandon his training here for the time being, seeking a more concealed and secure place.

Quietly, he left the back mountain.

On the way back, he continuously pondered strategies.

He knew that from this moment on, he had to not only strive openly to improve himself but also remain vigilant against enemies lurking in the shadows.

This battle against fate was only just beginning.