The Aftermath of Battle

The grand hall of Duke Weng's estate was littered with bodies, the marble floor now streaked with blood. The air was thick with the scent of iron and smoke from overturned braziers. The cries of the wounded echoed through the once-lively banquet hall.

Yue Rin stood amidst the wreckage, her chest rising and falling with each breath. The battle had been swift, but brutal. Shen Tao had vanished into the shadows, but his presence still lingered in her mind like a venomous whisper.

Across the room, General Han wiped his bloodied blade against his sleeve, turning to her with a calculating gaze. "You fight well," he said. "But I still don't know who you are or why you risked your life for me."

Yue Rin exchanged a glance with Zhen Xiu and Liang Wei before stepping forward. "Minister Zhao is growing too powerful. His corruption threatens the empire itself. We came here tonight to seek your help."

Han studied her, his sharp eyes searching for deception. "You expect me to betray the Emperor?"

"No," Yue Rin said firmly. "We expect you to protect him—from the man who seeks to control him."

A Dangerous Alliance

General Han led them to a private chamber, away from prying eyes. The doors were sealed, the dim candlelight casting long shadows across the walls.

"You have my attention," Han said, crossing his arms. "Speak."

Zhen Xiu stepped forward. "Minister Zhao is not just manipulating the court—he's building a private army. He's eliminating anyone who opposes him. If he gains enough influence, he won't need the Emperor's favor anymore. He'll take power for himself."

Han's brow furrowed. "And you have proof of this?"

Liang Wei placed a scroll on the table. "These are intercepted reports from Zhao's men—shipments of weapons, hidden training camps outside the capital. He's preparing for something."

Han unrolled the scroll, his expression darkening as he scanned the contents.

Yue Rin watched him closely. If Han refused to join them, they would have no choice but to move forward without him. But if he agreed…

Finally, Han exhaled sharply. "You're right. If these reports are true, Zhao is no longer a minister—he's a warlord in disguise."

He looked up, meeting Yue Rin's gaze. "What do you propose?"

Yue Rin leaned forward. "We strike first."

The Night Raid

Two nights later, Yue Rin and her allies stood outside an isolated manor on the outskirts of the capital. It was one of Zhao's secret armories, heavily guarded. Inside, a cache of weapons and supplies awaited destruction.

Han had sent a small force of trusted soldiers to aid them, but they were outnumbered. A direct assault would be suicide.

Zhen Xiu knelt beside Yue Rin, whispering, "The guards rotate every fifteen minutes. If we take out the sentries quietly, we can slip inside before they notice."

Yue Rin nodded. "Then let's move."

Under the cover of darkness, they struck. Liang Wei took out the first sentry with a swift slash to the throat, catching the body before it could fall. Yue Rin slipped behind another guard, pressing a dagger against his windpipe before he could cry out.

One by one, they cleared the perimeter.

Once inside, the air smelled of oil and metal. Rows of weapons lined the walls, crates stacked high with swords, spears, and crossbows.

"This is more than just an armory," Han muttered. "This is preparation for war."

Before they could destroy the stockpile, an alarm rang through the compound.

"We've been discovered!" Liang Wei shouted.

The doors burst open as Zhao's men stormed in, blades flashing in the moonlight.

Yue Rin raised her sword. "Hold the line!"

Steel clashed against steel. Yue Rin ducked under an attacker's swing, driving her blade into his ribs. Zhen Xiu fought beside her, his movements precise and deadly. Liang Wei darted between foes, cutting down enemies with swift efficiency.

Han's soldiers fought fiercely, but Zhao's forces kept coming.

Yue Rin gritted her teeth. If they didn't end this quickly, they would be overwhelmed.

Spotting a cluster of oil barrels near the back of the room, she shouted, "Set the armory on fire! We can't let Zhao keep these weapons!"

Liang Wei grabbed a torch, hurling it into the barrels. Flames erupted, consuming the stockpile.

"Fall back!" Han ordered.

As fire and chaos engulfed the compound, Yue Rin and her allies fought their way to the exit. Zhao's men tried to pursue, but the inferno forced them to retreat.

They had won this battle. But the war was far from over.