Councilor Hui's gaze lingered on the artifact's archaic markings, veins of etched symbols glimmering faintly under the chamber's lamplight. He set aside a scroll, then carefully circled the relic, each footstep betraying a mix of fascination and dread. Lan Zhuoran, Yin Feiyan, and Gao Tianrong stood close, each painfully aware that any second might invite eavesdroppers or suspicious guards.
Feiyan felt the weight of her splint more than ever—an outward reminder of the dangers they had braved to reach this hall. She inhaled slowly, voice hushed. "Councilor, can you truly help us? If word spreads, warlords or mercenaries will tear this city apart to claim it."
Hui's expression darkened. "I understand the stakes. The Jade Hall is meant to guide the Emperor's rule, but we're fractured—some ministers eager to harness any power for the war, others paralyzed by indecision. If unscrupulous factions learn of this relic, they'll do anything to seize it." His eyes flicked to Gao Tianrong's bow and Lan Zhuoran's staff. "Your arms suggest you've fought hard already."
Lan Zhuoran nodded, recalling the ravine battles and ambushes they'd narrowly survived. "We've seen entire villages razed by desperate raiders. Rumor has it warlords rally outside the city gates. If they unite or if the Syndicate intervenes, the empire could crumble."
Hui paced near the chamber's tall window, where distant horns or drums occasionally reverberated. "It's true—troops mass near the walls, and conscription is tearing the city's districts apart. Soldiers roam the streets, forcing anyone capable to enlist. Meanwhile, the Emperor remains cloistered and ill. Ministers… squabble."
Gao Tianrong's voice was low. "Then we need to keep the relic hidden until you gather those loyal to preserving the empire. But how?"
A flicker of resolve crossed Hui's features. "There are still a few ministers—careful souls—who despise using ancient artifacts for warfare. I believe they'll aid me in securing this relic in a safe location, perhaps sealed under official decree. But we must move quietly. Even within the Jade Hall, spies abound."
Feiyan mustered a hopeful nod. "Whatever it takes. We trust you, Councilor."
Hui grimaced, stepping nearer. "In that case, remain here a moment. I'll lock the door from inside—I must confirm my assumptions about certain colleagues. If my allies agree to help, we can act quickly. If they don't…" He trailed off, dread in his eyes.
Lan Zhuoran's stomach knotted. "Understood. We'll await your return."
Securing the relic beneath Feiyan's cloak, they watched as Hui moved to the chamber's side door. With a curt wave, he slipped out, leaving them alone in the hush. Gao Tianrong exhaled slowly, tension coiling in each breath. A single misstep might brand them traitors. Feiyan gingerly tested her splint, wincing at each throb. Lan Zhuoran scanned the room: tall shelves lined with scrolls, lacquered cabinets, all overshadowed by the empire's strife.
Minutes stretched in oppressive silence. Feiyan recalled their infiltration through the hidden corridors, the scribe's nervous directions, the old aqueduct route. We made it so far, she told herself. Don't falter now.
At last, Hui returned, shutting the door behind him with a sharp click. The worry etched in his face deepened. "I've spoken with two confidants—Councilors Ren and Sima are busy with the main assembly, but they're known for staunch militarism, so not them. Instead, my allies are Councilor Jin and Minister Yao. Both oppose relic weaponization."
Lan Zhuoran's brow furrowed. "And they'll help us?"
Hui nodded. "Yes, if I arrange a discreet meeting soon. But we must ensure we're not overheard by hawkish ministers who favor harnessing any power to crush the warlords. Give me a day—two at most—to set this up."
Feiyan's relief mingled with anxiety. "We can't linger in these halls, or someone might spot us. Where do we go?"
Hui's gaze flicked to the corridor. "There's a small side chamber near the southern wing. Council staff rarely pass there. You can hide for now, or slip back into the city if you'd rather avoid suspicion. But it's perilous outside too—conscription patrols intensify daily."
A soft rap on the door startled them. Hui stiffened. "Someone's coming." He turned, eyes flickering. "Quick, hide behind that folding screen. I'll handle this."
The trio obeyed, hearts pounding. Footsteps approached. Were these friendly footsteps… or the seeds of betrayal? Feiyan tucked the relic under her cloak, mind racing. We must trust Hui, she reminded herself. But how long can we remain secret in a hall full of watchers?