The Gathering StormA Dangerous Proposition

Yue Rin stood at the head of the dimly lit chamber, her fingers tracing the edges of the ledger that could decide the fate of the empire. The weight of its contents bore down on her like a mountain. Minister Zhao's corruption was undeniable, but exposing it would take more than just a few rebels in hiding.

She turned to Zhen Xiu and Liang Wei. "General Han is our best chance. If we can get him on our side, we'll have the military strength to counter Zhao's forces. But it won't be easy. He's loyal to the Emperor, and if we make one wrong move, he could turn us in."

Zhen Xiu leaned against the stone wall, arms crossed. "And if we don't approach him, Zhao will continue to gain power. We can't afford hesitation."

Liang Wei nodded. "I know where General Han will be in two nights—a private banquet hosted by Duke Weng. It's an exclusive gathering, but I can get us in."

Yue Rin's gaze sharpened. "Then we make our move there."

The Banquet of Shadows

The grand halls of Duke Weng's estate gleamed under the glow of silk lanterns. Lords and high-ranking officials laughed and feasted, their robes embroidered with gold and jade. The scent of roasted duck and spiced wine filled the air, masking the underlying tension that simmered beneath the surface.

Dressed in elegant but unassuming attire, Yue Rin, Zhen Xiu, and Liang Wei slipped into the gathering unnoticed. They had forged invitations through Liang Wei's contacts, but they couldn't afford to let their guard down. Minister Zhao's spies could be anywhere.

From across the hall, Yue Rin spotted General Han—an imposing man with silver-streaked hair, seated near the Duke. His armor was absent, replaced by ceremonial robes, but his aura of command remained unshaken.

As they approached, a familiar voice cut through the air like a blade.

"Well, well… I didn't expect to see you here."

Yue Rin's blood ran cold. She turned to see a smirking figure approaching—Shen Tao, one of Minister Zhao's most ruthless enforcers. His presence meant only one thing.

Zhao knew they were here.

Blades UnveiledShen Tao raised his goblet, his grin predatory. "Strange to see a wandering scholar like you at a noble banquet, Lady Yue. Have you found new patrons?" His eyes flicked to Zhen Xiu and Liang Wei, scrutinizing them.

Yue Rin met his gaze without flinching. "A scholar must seek knowledge wherever it leads."

Shen Tao chuckled, swirling his wine. "Indeed. And knowledge can be a dangerous thing in the wrong hands."

Behind the pleasantries, Yue Rin knew the truth—he was testing them, waiting for any sign of weakness. If he sensed their purpose, they wouldn't leave the estate alive.

But before Shen Tao could press further, a sharp cry rang through the hall.

"The estate is under attack!"

The sound of shattering glass erupted as masked figures burst through the windows, swords flashing. The banquet descended into chaos. Nobles screamed, scrambling to flee, while guards rushed to meet the attackers.

Yue Rin barely had time to react before a blade came swinging toward her. She ducked, rolling backward as Zhen Xiu intercepted the strike, his sword clashing against the enemy's weapon.

Liang Wei pulled a dagger from his sleeve, slicing through an attacker's throat in one fluid motion. Blood sprayed across the marble floor as bodies began to fall.

Amidst the chaos, Yue Rin's eyes locked onto General Han. He was fighting off two assassins with nothing but a ceremonial dagger, his movements precise but strained.

If they wanted his support, this was their chance.

She surged forward, cutting down an enemy with a swift strike to the ribs before reaching the General's side. "General Han, we need to get you out of here!"

He spared her a brief glance, his expression unreadable. "Who are you?"

"No time for questions—fight now, talk later."

With a nod, General Han fell into formation beside her, their blades moving in tandem.

Across the room, Shen Tao watched the battle unfold with a knowing smirk. Then, without a word, he disappeared into the shadows.

Yue Rin knew this fight was only the beginning.