"Status? You're just a mere cousin of the Empress," General Hong sneered. "Do you think anyone will care about what happens here tonight?"
"You..." Gu Chengsi sputtered, outraged.
"Make your choice," General Hong pressed. "The account book or your son's life."
"Husband," Mrs. Bai pleaded, "just give it to him! The child is more important!"
Gu Chengsi clenched his fists, torn between his family's safety and duty. "I told you, the account book isn't with me!"
Despite his defiance, a flicker of doubt betrayed his words. He knew that handing over the evidence would doom them all.
"Stubborn old fool," General Hong snarled. "Don't say I didn't warn you." He drew his saber, aiming for Gu Jiehui.
The young boy shrieked, tears streaming down his face.
Mrs. Bai's scream of "No!" echoed through the night.
General Hong relished their terror. "Change your mind yet? Account book for your son's life."
