When the morning mist cleared two figures in black cloaks stepped up to the entrance to a shop in a busy street. One read the sign "Xi-Quan-Zhai" and then opened the door.
The door bell tingled, and two hooded figures stepped into the store.
"The store isn't open yet, come back next week." The shopkeeper said as she bending over to pick up a wooden box.
One of the hooded figures unveiled his hood revealing himself to be Wang-Yi.
"Xi-Quan-Zhai, what does it mean?" Wang-Yi stepped forward.
"Ancient weapons hidden in the riverbed, only to be found one day, and through them you see the memories of the past." The shopkeeper said.
"Interesting name for a shop. It seems that you have a lot of things to move Han-Yan. Lin-Lin, do you mind lending her a hand?" Wang-Yi tuned to the other hooded figure.
Han-Yan appeared to be a her early twenties, she had a short petit build, black silky hair tied up in a bun with golden ribbons, soft caramel eyes, and she wore a green silk robe with a blue dress underneath.
"No need my prince; I need to organize these things myself." She said with a casual voice, as she carried the box around.
"I am grateful that you relocated all the out way here to assist me." The prince said genuinely.
"It's fine. Just remember the payment you promised me, my prince." Han-Yan said, as she set down her box.
"Very well." The prince walked up to the counter and placed a scroll on top of it. "I need you to gather intelligence on every name here."
"The fastest I can do is next month. It will still take me another week to organize the entire luggage." Han-Yan said, as she continued to move boxes around.
"Make that next week. I will double the pay."
"As you wish my prince." Han-Yan set down her box, then moved towards the counter and unfolded the scroll.
"I only know one of them." Han-Yan said, studing the scroll.
"Oh?" The prince raised an eyebrow.
"Jin-Fu-Gui is one of the largest antique collectors out there. He will often buy full cartloads of antiques every time he visits the underground auction in the capital."
"I see…" The prince stroked his chin. "Is it possible to trace his money?"
"Expensive, but possible."
"Leave that concern to me."
"My prince is generous." She said, barely able to hide her smile. "I will start gathering new sparrows at once."
"Good. I will await your good news." The prince's lips slowly formed into a smile.
***
The moon looked down on the pair with a scythe like smile. The night air was cold, but the Hu-Shang night life was lively.
Red lanterns shone like giant glowing tomatoes, carts and people streamed through the street, hot steamy pork buns carrying a powerful aroma, with chatter and bargaining forming the background hymn of the scene.
"Look at that sugar painting there! So pretty!" Lin-Lin pointed in one direction.
"Quite the work indeed." The prince said genuinely.
"Too bad we can't buy it right now…" Lin-Lin said with a hint of disappointment.
Then without warning the prince grabbed her wrist, and began to pull her through the crowd.
"Wa-Wait!" Lin-Lin complained, as the prince pulled her into a dark alley.
Once deep enough into the alley, the background hymns of chatter and bargaining faded, and the red lantern lights became a distant façade. The prince then took a sharp detour around a corner and pulled her behind a crate.
"Wh-What are you doing!?" Lin-Lin blushed so hard, one could even hear it.
"Shhh…" The prince pressed one finger against her lips, signaling for her to stay quiet.
Confused, Lin-Lin still did as told. They were so quiet, they could hear each other's heartbeats.
A brief moment later, hurried footsteps broke the silence, one masculine voice called out:
"Fk! We lost the prince!"
"I told you Zhang-Yan to keep fking sight on him, but you just had to ogle at girls!" Said another masculine voice.
"Why tf you blaming me? Why can't you fking keep your eyes on him Li-Er!"
"I told you, I got fking blocked for a moment!"
The pair walked past the prince and Lin-Lin. Once they were several meters past, the prince stood up.
"No need to argue. I am right here."
The two snapped around, startled.
"M-My prince!" The two exclaimed.
"Tell me you two, who do you work for?"
The two paused for a brief moment and looked at each other, and then Zhang-Yan answered:
"The two of us are given the order by governor Jin, to keep you safe my prince."
"I did not ask him to spy on me now."
"We are not spying on you my prince! Your servants are truly here to serve and protect you!" Li-Er said.
"I appreciate your protection, but I do not appreciate your spying. Seize them."
As soon as the prince dropped his word, several people dressed in completely black cloaks descended upon the two, pressing them to the ground with silver daggers held right under their throats.
"Have mercy on us prince!" Zhang-Yan cried.
"We won't dare to do it again!" Li-Er voice quaked.
"The shadow guards protect the royal family, and can kill as well. They can be anywhere I command." The prince walked forward.
"This is what you are going to tell governor Jin; the prince went and drank tea at Cha-Lou. And I want you two to continue to spy on me. And if I find out, you two reporting anything else to Governor Jin, let's just say you two won't get to wake up the next day. The choice is yours."