The morning light filtered through the small inn's windows, casting long shadows across the room where Li Yuhua sat, deep in thought. Her eyes remained fixed on the pale glow of dawn, yet her mind was far from the peaceful scene before her. The night's revelation still weighed heavily on her—a traitor in their midst. Chao's betrayal could unravel everything if she didn't act swiftly and precisely.
Lady Zhen entered quietly, her expression tired but alert. "Did you sleep at all?" she asked, her voice gentle yet concerned.
Li Yuhua shook her head, motioning for Lady Zhen to join her. "There's something we need to discuss, but we must keep it between us."
Lady Zhen sat down, her brow furrowing. "What is it?"
"Chao is a spy," Li Yuhua said, her voice calm but tinged with urgency. "I overheard him last night, speaking with one of Fang Wei's agents. He's been feeding them information."
Lady Zhen's eyes widened in shock, but she quickly composed herself. "How can you be sure?"
"I heard him confess it with my own ears. He's been leaking our plans since we left the capital."
Lady Zhen clenched her fists, anger flashing in her eyes. "The ambush... it all makes sense now. That snake!"
Li Yuhua nodded. "We must tread carefully. If we act too soon, Chao will realize we're onto him, and Fang Wei's network will close in even faster. But if we wait too long, we risk losing everything."
Lady Zhen's face tightened with determination. "What's our next move?"
Li Yuhua's gaze sharpened. "We need to feed him false information. Let him believe that we're still unaware of his betrayal while we carefully alter our route and plans. That way, we can mislead Fang Wei and strike where he least expects."
Lady Zhen smiled, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "A masterful strategy. We turn Chao's betrayal into our advantage."
---
As the morning stretched into day, Li Yuhua and Lady Zhen executed their plan with precision. Li Yuhua casually approached Chao, her demeanor calm and composed.
"We'll be changing our route," she said, her voice even. "The attacks in the pass have made it too dangerous to continue as planned. We'll be diverting to the eastern route, through Baiyuan."
Chao's eyes flickered for a brief moment—just enough for Li Yuhua to catch. He bowed his head in feigned obedience. "Of course, my lady. I'll inform the others."
Li Yuhua nodded, watching him closely as he walked away. Inside, she knew that Chao would report this to Fang Wei's network before the day was done. It was exactly what she wanted.
---
As the group prepared to leave the village, the atmosphere was noticeably tense. The guards were on high alert, their eyes constantly scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. Li Yuhua felt the weight of each step, the knowledge of Chao's betrayal gnawing at her, but she kept her expression neutral.
They began their journey toward Baiyuan, the landscape shifting from open plains to more rugged terrain. The road was rougher here, and fewer travelers passed through. It was the perfect setting for a trap—both for them and for Fang Wei.
By evening, they reached a small clearing just outside a dense forest, where they made camp. The sun was setting, casting a deep orange glow across the sky. Li Yuhua watched as Chao slipped away, his silhouette fading into the shadows. She exchanged a glance with Lady Zhen, who gave a slight nod.
The time had come.
---
Under the cover of night, Chao made his way through the forest to a secluded spot where a figure waited. It was the same man Li Yuhua had overheard the night before, his face obscured by the shadows of the trees.
"They're heading east, through Baiyuan," Chao whispered. "Lady Li thinks it's safer, but she's wrong. We can set up an ambush before they reach the city."
The man nodded, his voice low and sinister. "Good. Fang Wei will be pleased. He's already preparing his forces to intercept them."
Chao smirked. "I've done my part. Once this is over, I expect to be rewarded."
The man gave a curt nod. "You'll get what you deserve."
Unbeknownst to Chao, Li Yuhua and Lady Zhen had been following him since he left the camp. Hidden behind the thick trees, they listened to every word exchanged between the traitor and his contact. The trap had been set, and now they had the evidence they needed to confront Chao without raising suspicion from Fang Wei's forces.
---
Back at the camp, Li Yuhua waited for Chao's return. Her mind was focused, her heart steady. She had always known this journey would test her in ways beyond the physical dangers of war. Deception, betrayal—these were the true weapons in the political game she was playing. And now, she was ready to make her next move.
As Chao re-entered the camp, Li Yuhua met him with a calm smile. "We've changed our plans again," she said lightly, as if it were a minor detail. "We'll be leaving before dawn to take a different route. I've decided it's too risky to go through Baiyuan after all."
Chao stiffened, his eyes betraying a flicker of alarm. He quickly masked it with a practiced indifference. "As you wish, my lady. What route shall we take instead?"
Li Yuhua could sense his anxiety bubbling beneath the surface, but she maintained her composure. "We'll head toward the mountains, through the northern pass. I've heard the views are breathtaking, and it should keep us away from any prying eyes."
Chao nodded slowly, his mind clearly racing as he processed this unexpected turn of events. "I'll inform the guards," he said, his voice steady despite the tension in his posture.
As he walked away, Lady Zhen stepped closer to Li Yuhua. "Do you think he suspects anything?"
"I don't know, but we have to act fast. We need to prepare our guards and adjust our supplies for the new route. If Chao is indeed relaying our false information, we need to ensure we are ready for whatever Fang Wei has planned."
Lady Zhen's brow furrowed in thought. "What if he decides to betray us sooner rather than later? We can't let our guard down."
Li Yuhua nodded. "You're right. We need to devise a way to protect ourselves. Let's keep a close watch on Chao and set up extra sentries. We can't afford any surprises."
---
As the night wore on, Li Yuhua gathered her trusted guards and quickly briefed them on the new plan. They worked in hushed tones, their breath visible in the cool night air. Every detail mattered, and she was determined to ensure their safety.
Just before dawn, the group packed their belongings and prepared to leave. The air was thick with anticipation, and every rustle of leaves seemed amplified in the stillness. As they mounted their horses, Li Yuhua took one last look at the quiet village, now just a shadow in the early light.
---
The journey through the northern pass proved to be treacherous, with steep inclines and narrow paths carved into the mountainside. Despite the risk, Li Yuhua felt a surge of confidence. The shifting scenery mirrored her resolve; she would not be intimidated by the dangers around her or the betrayal within her ranks.
As they rode, Chao fell into step behind her. His eyes darted around, a mix of anxiety and confusion evident in his demeanor. Li Yuhua could sense he was on edge, and she relished the thought. The more unsure he became, the better her chances of outmaneuvering him.
"What are your thoughts on the new route?" she asked casually, glancing back at him.
Chao hesitated, then forced a smile. "It's… different, but safer, I suppose. The mountains can be unpredictable."
"Indeed," she replied, keeping her voice light. "But we must remain vigilant. Fang Wei has his eyes everywhere, and we cannot let our guard down."
Chao nodded, but his brow creased with worry. As they pressed on, the terrain became even rougher. Rocks crumbled beneath their horses' hooves, and the group moved with caution.
---
Around midday, they reached a more secluded part of the pass, surrounded by towering trees and steep cliffs. It was the perfect place for an ambush, but Li Yuhua hoped they were far enough ahead to avoid any trouble. She signaled to her guards to slow their pace.
"Let's take a short break," she called, reining in her horse. "We can't afford to tire ourselves before the next stretch."
As they dismounted and tended to their horses, Li Yuhua felt a prickling sensation at the back of her neck. She scanned the area, her instincts screaming that they were being watched.
"Stay alert," she whispered to Lady Zhen, who was checking her supplies. "I have a bad feeling about this."
Lady Zhen glanced around, her eyes narrowing. "I feel it too. Something isn't right."
Just then, a loud crack echoed through the trees, followed by a rustling sound. Li Yuhua's heart raced as she instinctively reached for her dagger. The guards quickly positioned themselves around the group, weapons drawn.
From the shadows emerged a figure, cloaked and hooded, stepping forward with a deliberate grace. "You're quite the clever one, Lady Li," the figure said, voice smooth but edged with menace.
Li Yuhua's breath caught in her throat. "Who are you?"
The figure laughed softly, the sound almost musical yet laced with danger. "Just a friend of Fang Wei. I believe you have something that belongs to him."
Li Yuhua's mind raced. Had Chao betrayed them already? She glanced back at him, but he remained still, eyes wide with fear as he realized the trap had been set.
"What do you want?" Li Yuhua demanded, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.
The figure stepped closer, and the hood fell back, revealing the sharp features of a woman—delicate yet commanding. "Your life, Lady Li. Or perhaps, the secrets you carry about the emperor's plans. You see, Fang Wei has grown tired of your little games."
Lady Zhen moved beside Li Yuhua, her eyes blazing with defiance. "You'll never get away with this."
"Oh, but I already have," the woman replied, a sinister smile curving her lips. "Chao here has given us everything we need to put an end to your little rebellion."
Li Yuhua's heart sank as she took a step forward, determination igniting her spirit. "You think you can intimidate me? I have faced worse than you and your master."
"Ah, but we're not here to intimidate," the woman replied, drawing a dagger from her belt. "We're here to end this farce."
---
The tension in the air thickened, the forest around them seeming to hold its breath. Li Yuhua's mind raced, weighing her options. The guards were outnumbered, but they wouldn't back down without a fight.
"Form a defensive line!" Li Yuhua shouted, her voice cutting through the tension. The guards obeyed, moving in close formation around her and Lady Zhen.
As the intruders advanced, Li Yuhua could see the glint of steel in their hands. They had come prepared, and she knew they were outmatched in sheer numbers. But she also felt the fire of her own resolve, burning brighter than any dagger.
"Do not underestimate us!" she warned, gripping her dagger tightly. "We may be few, but we will not yield easily."
---
The woman laughed, a harsh sound in the stillness. "You think your bravery will save you? We're here to collect, and you're nothing more than a pawn in a game far greater than you can comprehend."
With a sudden rush, the intruders lunged forward, the air thick with the clash of metal and the shouts of men. Li Yuhua fought with all her might, parrying blows, directing her guards with swift commands. Each moment stretched, a dance of life and death played out among the trees.
She caught sight of Chao, frozen in fear, torn between fleeing and attacking. In that instant, her heart hardened. He had betrayed her trust, and she wouldn't let him put them all in danger any longer.
"Chao!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "You can run, but know that you'll never escape the consequences of your actions!"
The man hesitated, glancing at her as if weighing his options. But before he could decide, one of the attackers lunged toward him, and he stumbled back, his facade of bravery crumbling.
Li Yuhua pressed on, focusing on the enemies in front of her. With each swing of her dagger, she felt the energy coursing through her veins. The fight was chaotic, but she held her ground, her guards rallying around her, fueled by her determination.
---
In the heart of the battle, the woman in the cloak fought with relentless precision, her every move calculated and deadly. Li Yuhua found herself face to face with her, the two women locked in a fierce dance of combat. The woman's eyes were cold, filled with malice.
"Fang Wei will have your head for this!" she spat, her blade striking fiercely.
Li Yuhua countered, her movements fluid. "I will not let him take my life so easily!"
The two women clashed again, the sound of metal ringing through the clearing. With a deft twist, Li Yuhua disarmed her opponent, sending the woman's dagger skittering across the ground. The woman stumbled, momentarily caught off guard.
"Finish this!" she hissed, her voice low as she scrambled to regain her footing.
But Li Yuhua wasn't done. "You will never intimidate me. I will fight for my people and my future!" She lunged forward, ready to deliver the final blow when a sharp cry interrupted her.
---
Chao had finally made a choice. In a moment of desperation, he charged at the nearest attacker, surprising everyone. But his attack was clumsy, and he was quickly overpowered, a sharp blade slicing through the air.
"Fool!" the woman shouted, anger and frustration boiling over as she turned her attention back to Li Yuhua.
Seizing the moment, Li Yuhua redirected her focus. "Protect Chao!" she yelled to her guards, who quickly moved to shield him from further harm.
As chaos erupted around them, Li Yuhua's heart raced. She had to end this now. Gathering her strength, she aimed for the cloaked woman, her movements precise and fierce. With one swift motion, she lunged forward, catching the woman off guard.
End of Chapter 14