Entering the Lion’s Den
The capital city, Tianjing, was larger than Li Xueyan had imagined. The towering stone walls stretched high into the sky, decorated with golden dragon carvings that glowed in the morning sun. The city gates were massive, guarded by heavily armored soldiers carrying long spears.
The road leading to the entrance was crowded with merchants, travelers, and noble families riding in carriages with embroidered banners. The air was thick with the scent of spices, roasted meat, and fresh bread from nearby stalls.
Xueyan pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders. "We need to get inside without drawing attention."
Feng Zhiwei stood beside her, his expression calm as he observed the bustling crowd. "That won't be easy. The guards are checking everyone who enters."
Hei Yue, who had been walking beside them, flicked his tail. "They're looking for criminals and spies. You are both."
Xueyan sighed. "Not helping."
They had traveled for days to reach the capital. Now, standing at the gates, she felt the weight of her mission pressing down on her. If the guards recognized her, it would all be over before it even began.
Zhiwei smirked. "Luckily, I have a plan."
Xueyan raised an eyebrow. "I hope it's not just 'fight our way through.'"
He chuckled. "No, but that would be fun."
---
A Clever Disguise
Zhiwei led them toward a group of traveling merchants. They were unloading crates of silk, spices, and rare herbs, all valuable goods for the noble families inside the city.
He approached an old man with a long beard, who seemed to be the leader of the caravan. "Excuse me, elder. My sister and I have been traveling for weeks, hoping to sell our goods in Tianjing. Would you be kind enough to let us enter with your group?"
The old man squinted at him. "And what goods do you sell, young man?"
Zhiwei smiled. "Rare medicines from the mountains. We would be honored to share a portion of our stock with you in exchange for safe passage."
The merchant's eyes gleamed with interest. "Medicine, you say?" He stroked his beard, considering the offer.
Xueyan watched, amazed. He's lying so naturally.
The old man nodded. "Fine. But if the guards ask, you work for me."
Zhiwei bowed slightly. "Of course."
And just like that, they had a way inside.
---
Through the Gates
As the caravan moved forward, Xueyan kept her head down. The guards were strict, inspecting each traveler carefully. She could hear them questioning people, demanding travel permits and checking carts.
Her heart pounded as their turn came.
A soldier looked directly at her. "What's under the cloak?"
Xueyan forced herself to stay calm. "Just medicine, sir."
The soldier grunted and turned to the merchant. "They're with you?"
The old man nodded. "Yes. My new workers. Good, hardworking people."
The guard hesitated, then waved them through. "Go."
Xueyan released the breath she had been holding. We made it.
As they stepped into the city, the noise and energy surrounded them instantly. Crowds filled the streets, shouting, laughing, bargaining. The buildings were grand, with curved rooftops and golden lanterns hanging from the eaves.
Zhiwei glanced at her. "See? Easy."
Xueyan rolled her eyes. "We were one question away from getting caught."
He grinned. "But we didn't."
Hei Yue snorted. "You enjoy taking risks too much."
Zhiwei shrugged. "Life would be boring otherwise."
---
Hidden Dangers
Now that they were inside, Xueyan felt a strange unease. The city was beautiful, but danger lurked beneath its surface.
She knew the Li family was here. Somewhere in this city, her uncle sat in his stolen position, controlling the clan with an iron grip.
She clenched her fists. Soon, he will pay.
But first, they needed a safe place to stay.
Zhiwei led them through the winding streets, avoiding main roads and large crowds. After several turns, they arrived at a quiet tea house near the eastern district.
Inside, the scent of jasmine tea filled the air. The owner, an elderly woman with kind eyes, greeted Zhiwei warmly. "Back so soon, young master?"
Xueyan frowned. "You know her?"
Zhiwei smiled. "I have my connections."
The woman looked at Xueyan, then at Hei Yue. "And your new friends?"
"They need a place to stay," Zhiwei said. "Somewhere quiet."
The woman nodded. "I understand. Follow me."
She led them to a small, private room upstairs. It had simple wooden furniture, a round table, and a soft mat for resting. It wasn't much, but it was safe.
As the door closed behind them, Xueyan sighed in relief. "Finally, we can rest."
But Zhiwei shook his head. "Not yet. Now, we plan our next move."
---
A Dangerous Mission
Zhiwei spread out a rough map of the city on the table. He pointed to a grand estate near the palace.
"The Li family lives here. Guarded day and night, protected by elite warriors."
Xueyan studied the map carefully. "I need to find out what's happening inside."
Zhiwei nodded. "That means we need someone on the inside. Someone who can move freely without suspicion."
Hei Yue's ears twitched. "And do you have someone in mind?"
Zhiwei smirked. "I might."
Xueyan crossed her arms. "Who?"
He tapped a spot on the map—a famous brothel in the noble district.
Xueyan's face darkened. "You're joking."
Zhiwei chuckled. "Not at all. The brothel is a place where high-ranking officials go to drink and talk. If we want information, that's where we'll find it."
Xueyan groaned. "I was hoping for a better plan."
Zhiwei grinned. "Where's the fun in that?"
---
The Road to Revenge Begins
The night was falling over Tianjing, the lanterns lighting up the streets with a warm glow. Outside, the city was alive with laughter, music, and whispers of secrets hidden in the dark.
Xueyan sat by the window, staring at the lights below.
She had made it to the capital.
Now, the real battle would begin.
She would destroy the Li family.
She would uncover the secrets of the empire.
And with Zhiwei by her side…
She would make them fear the name Li Xueyan again.