I wait impatiently outside the tent, crossed arms and closed eyes. I connect with the minds inside as best as possible.
-We need to take action- says General Wu -And what do you want us to do? Haven't you already wrote a report all on your own? We just need to wait for a response from the Palace- Replies another of the Generals.
-How come none of you seems to be upset by such obvious disobedience? If not betrayal- he provoke them -I understand that you trust the girl due to her past actions, but don't let your emotions to cloud your judgement. A criminal must be punished as such... This is not a simple matter that can me resolved by a scolding. We're talking about crimes against the Empire, neglecting one's job and maybe even plotting behind your Nation. When it was the Crown Prince to be guilty of such, nobody objected. Are you perhaps in this with her?-
Silence falls between the men after such open accusations so General Wu continues talking on his own -Untill we receive a response, we need to restrict her to avoid more damage to be done. First of all, her rank should be removed and she needs to be locked up for the time bein-
-Do you seriously think that locks and ropes are gonna do anything against her?- almost spits Qin Luo when talking -Normally they wouldn't, but we can work around that- -How?- his voice is dry and on the verge of anger -You don't need to know for now, trust me, she won't be hurt. We also need to hold a preliminary trial so we can send enough informations back to the capital, they surely need more to take a fair and unbiased decision-
-Unbiased... Yeah...- he scoffs, now openly mocking the other man -You're in no position to talk about this, General Luo- I would like to stay and listen more on whatever they are deciding about me, but some movements nearby catch my attention. A figure moves between the tends, wearing a cloak I seem to recognize, a high ponytail and crossed sabres on the back. She walks "furtively", enough for the soldiers to not notice her but not enough for me to spot her... Most probably it is intentional.
With a sigh I leave the tend, Zhou who was staying with me looks at me with wide eyes -What's the matter?- -Something is going on, I have to go- I reply looking straight ahead, tracking down that assassin -Mhnn...- he obviously looks like he want to say something but stops midway -Just say whatever you're thinking- he twists his thumbs before opening his mouth -It's just that... You buried your Uncle and Nan just recently, now they want to frame you and yet something weird will eventually happen again now. Can't you even grieve a couple of days?- I ruffle his hairs -I cannot afford such luxury, there's no time to lose Zhou'Ge- I half smile at his cute expression and leave.
...
-Drop the act, just tell me what you want- I say coming from behind the woman -Not here, let's go- -Fine, don't pull any dirty trick on me or you'll die- I warn her before following her outside the camp- .
...
We come to a stop and she finally removes her hood -I'm Guan Gui- her face remains completely straight the whole time -I don't care- -Neither, but my Master believes that it is appropriate to introduce one selves before making a proposal. You should know who I am before joining hands- I cross my arms with a smirk -Bold of you to assume I will be listening to a single world coming from a wicked assassin-
-We need eachother's help- she ignores my words and keeps talking about whatever her Master instructed her to -Me? Needing your help...? How?!- -My Master knows how unstable your current situation is and he promises to lend an hand, if you help him first. Of course- her words finally pique my interest, not much but still enough to make me listen -And what assures me that your Master can help with my situation?-
-He's The Emperor's counselor. Since the Emperor is going mad as of recently, My Master is the one in charge of most of the Palace's affairs now- -And such a rilevant person can openly be kidnapping freed hostages?- -That is a different topic- She avoids my gaze, I probably discovered a topic that should reminds concealed -Haven't you said that we should be transparent before making a deal? You either tell me everything or I will go back right this moment, I'm not willing to work with a deceiver. You might stab me in the back later-
She looks me in the eyes with hate -I... Will have you talk with Master- -Finally- I roll my eyes as she comes closer and places one hand on her forehead while the other comes over mine -Master, I apologize for disturbing you- -What is it? I feel another person- she nods and proceed to explain the situation to him.
-Miss Ying, I will only tell you what could potentially compromise our agreement and not a word more. I'm Ying SheGu, currently working as a Royal counselor... I said many times that I wouldn't touch you or be a hindrance to you if you did the same for me, but now came the day were such promise have been broken-
I listen at his words with knitted eyebrows -You're trying to make it sounds as if I was the one who broke it, trying to save face even when you're asking your enemy's help? I already have a lot on my plat rover here so your payment to this ridiculous request better me worth it- I smirk, I'm not going to let this crazy man think he has the upper hand even if his offers might end up sounding interesting at the end.
-We're not enemies, Miss Ying. The thing now is... I've been laying low at the Palace even if I knew facts potentially revolutionary. Such as the fact that the current Heir is still alive and that your brother have been helping him to hide- Ah! He really had to bring my family into this... Tz! Of course, it would be weird if he wasn't playing the game the same as I was. Seeking the help of the other, but wanting them to ask for it first with the use of threats... Afterall, why should we trust one another?
-Yet someone had to reappear and threaten my position and it is someone you should keep in check- he adds, finishing his speech -Simply put, you're playing behind the Emperor's back and using him for your purpose but someone found that out. You know well that it's better for me to not longer around the Capital or your little game of pawns will come crushing down. Am I wrong?- the silence that I receive pleases me immensely -So, who is it for you to come and ask me even if I'm currently over 6000 Lì away?-
-His Royal Highness the 4th Prince XianLen-
Those weren't word I was expecting to hear.