The sun had risen, casting a radiant glow upon the city of Ten Thousand Treasures, where Prince Lin Vin and his subordinates were deep in a feast of merriment. The banquet hall was filled with laughter and clinking glasses as everyone celebrated.
In the midst of the revelry, Su Bei, the personal assistant to Prince Lin Vin, made a hurried entrance. Her entrance disrupted the festivities, and despite her usual composure, today was different. She appeared visibly less composed.
With a quick nod to the gathering, Su Bei bowed respectfully to Prince Lin Vin. "Your Highness," she began, "there's a matter of great urgency. I request a private audience."
Ren Po, a close friend of Prince Lin Vin, seized the opportunity to interject. "What issue is so pressing that you can't speak before the Prince? Or do you have ulterior motives?"
A slight frown creased Prince Lin Vin's brow. He was well aware of Ren Po's jealousy and personal aspirations to win Su Bei's favor. Frustration clouded his eyes. "Su Bei, why don't you just share your concern here? You're not above anyone in this hall."
Laughter filled the room as the tension diffused. Su Bei's sudden entrance had set off the usual camaraderie.
Su Bei, however, showed a brief moment of hurt, swiftly covered by a courteous bow. "I apologize, Your Highness."
Ren Po, still sneering, continued his tirade. "See, Your Highness? She doesn't belong here. Why do you trust her so much?"
The crowd settled back into their mirth, dismissing Su Bei's announcement.
Xuan Ning, the daughter of Lord Xuan and known for her reliability and charm, turned the conversation in a more productive direction. "Let's hear the problem, Su Bei."
Su Bei, no longer flustered, took a breath. "The army of the Blood Conquering Empire is approaching our city."
Ren Po interrupted again. "How is that a problem when we're supposed to ally with them in Ten Thousand Treasures City?"
The room nodded in agreement, assuming the situation was as Ren Po suggested.
Xuan Ning posed the real question. "If that's true, Su Bei, what's the cause for concern?"
The crowd fell silent, considering the matter. It was clear that something significant had changed.
Su Bei finally clarified the situation. "They're not approaching Ten Thousand Treasures City with an alliance in mind. They're marching towards us, as if ready for war."
Prince Lin Vin's countenance shifted, his irritation replaced by a weighty realization. "What do you mean, Su Bei?"
"The Blood Conquering Empire is now only eight kilometers away from our city," Su Bei explained.
Xuan Ning examined the situation. "If that's true, we have a problem."
Ren Po offered his perspective. "Before we jump to conclusions, we should find out their intentions."
Xuan Ning, however, raised the important question. "But how can we ascertain their intent?"
A somber silence enveloped the room as they grappled with the dilemma.
After several minutes, Su Bei stepped forward. "I have an idea."
The room turned its collective attention to her.