"Master!" a call woke Xiu Ying up. It was Jin Hai's voice.
"What is it?"
"Master, it's almost time."
Xiu Ying gave a quiet sigh, "You can be dismissed now. I will come in a bit."
"Yes, master," answered Jin Hai and left.
It became quiet again with only the chirping sounds of the crickets. Xiu Ying opens her eyes and jumped down from the tree branch. She then gazed at the stars and thought. 'It had been five years now.... I still can't forget."
She then heads to an abandoned inn by the pond. By the entrance of the abandoned inn, Luo Li, her trusted palace maid, was waiting for her. "Master, your new set of clothes is in your room on the table."
Xiu Ying walked in the inn and head to her room while Luo Li followed from behind. "Master, do you need this servant to help you change your clothes?"
"There's no need. You are dismissed," declined Xiu Ying.
"Yes, master," said Luo Li before she walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Xiu Ying stares at the set of clothing for a while before changing into it. It was a set of men's clothing. After a while, Xiu Ying finished changing, and she walked out of the abandoned inn. Luo Li and Jin Hai were waiting for her outside.
"Jin Hai, call everyone out."
"Yes, master."
Jin Hai whistled, calling in the Shadow Guards. The Shadow Guards consist of people that Xiu Ying had helped and trained to serve under her. In a flash, ten people dressed in black with masks appear from the surroundings.
"Master!" The Shadow Guards bow in sync showing Xiu Ying their respect.
Xiu Ying gave no reaction to them. She just started walking towards the woods with Jin Hai leading the way, while Luo Li and the Shadow Guards followed from behind.
Throughout the journey, everyone, especially Xiu Ying, was hushed that Jin Hai can hear his heartbeat. 'From a young age, without a mother, Miss was very lonely. After she met the second prince, she became livelier. She smiles and laughs every time she is with him. Ever since the incident five years ago, Miss had become a cold person.' Jin Hai thought.
After walking for an hour, they arrived at an abandoned cabin. Xiu Ying then signals with her hand for five Shadow Guards to head in with Jin Hai while the rest surrounds the building. "Capture them alive."
Xiu Ying and Luo Li waited outside. The Shadow Guard name Bai Yi came out to let her know that everything is clear. Luo Li handed a black mask to Xiu Ying so she can cover her face with the mask.
In the building, there were two chests of swords and armors. Xiu Ying took a glance at the three-man tied to chairs with cloth stuffed in their mouths. 'Why are there few people guarding here? There is dust every-where but the top of the chest. There must be another batch.'
Jin Hai walked up to Xiu Ying, signaling that the man in front was in charge. She then went to stand in front of the man lifting his head. The man gave Xiu Ying a death glare before moving his head out of her hand. Xiu Ying bent down and removed the cloth from his mouth.
"It seems like your leader had been preparing for an attack for some time."
"..."
"Guo Wei? That's your name, isn't it?"
"How? How did you know?"
"I have my abilities. Why don't you tell me where the other batch is. I will let you free if you tell me."
"Why would I tell a scum who works for a bastard like Song Yi Jun."
"How dare you!" Jin Hai put a knife to his neck.
Xiu Ying waves her hand, signaling Jin Hai to put the knife back.
"Why? Let me guess..... shouldn't you be heading home to see your wife and newborn child? They must be missing you very much."
"You! How did you..."
"Don't ask how I know. Now, obediently tell me who your leader is and the location of the other batch. If not, I can't guarantee you their safety."
"I don't know. I have never met the leader. I did as I was told, which was to guard this place. Please don't hurt my family."
Xiu Yang heard what she wanted to hear. She got up and walked out of the cabin. Jin Hai and Luo Li followed her out of the cabin while five of the Shadow Guards guard the rebels inside. Outside, Xiu Ying can still hear Guo Wei's voice pleading to spare his family. She pulled her mask off and took in a breath of fresh air.
Jin Hai and Luo Li were utterly baffled. They wonder how Xiu Ying was able to know so much information about that man. Xiu Ying then threw a jade bracelet that she picked up from next to the leader at Jin Hai.
Jin Hai and Luo Li saw that the bracelet had a silk pouch hanging from it. The silk pouch had the words "Guo Wei" embroidered on it. Inside, there was a note and some strands of hair. Luo Li then notices that the silk pouch had a sweet smell to it, similar to a newborn baby. Jin Hai and Luo Li read the note then realize that the bracelet must have belonged to that man, and he must have dropped it while fighting. Their eyes glowed with admiration for Xiu Ying, who stood quietly on the side.
"I will be heading back to the capital. Jin Hai, you will be staying here with the Shadow Guards. Commander Lu's guards will be here at dawn to take them to prison. Luo Li, you will be leaving with me," Xiu Ying ordered.
"Yes, master!" Jin Hai and Luo Li reply at the same time.
Xiu Ying and Luo Li got on their horses and rode off into the darkness.