The Emperor Consort

Shanghai: 

It was nearly dark when Shi Yen opened her closet with Yuan Shun trailing behind her. He had been in her secret room before, but he never had time to register a good look. Inside, he stared in awe and amazement as he gazed at the tidied and polished weapons, the opera masks, and the fighting fear that hung in an organized fashion. 

Everything about the room told him what Shi Yen had been up to before they got together, and it made him feel more connected to her than ever before. He was glimpsing at something she never showed anyone before. 

"The only people that know my identity are six of the seven organizations, and they understand the consequences for betraying me," she said coolly. "As for the others that had found out, most of them are dead." 

Yuan Shun shivered when she reminded him.