You manage to stay composed

Despite the painful compression of your ribs, you manage to keep your composure, gritting your teeth as you try to endure her deceivingly powerful squeeze. Xiang's eyes remain fixated on you, judging your reaction to the pain.

This brutal torture continues for several minutes until, suddenly, she starts gradually loosening her hold on you before finally releasing you. You double over, clutching your sides.

"Not bad, you endured it all the way." She says, her voice still firm but sounding slightly less harsh than earlier. "This means you have passed the test, you start on Monday."

You stand up, your hands still gently rubbing your sides. "Thank you empress Xiang." You say with a bow.

"Alright, now go rest, you can't be having a sore trunk on Monday." She commands.

"Yes empress Xiang." You oblige and head towards the door to return home.