Lan Zhuoran, Yin Feiyan, and Gao Tianrong stood in tense silence as footsteps approached from the corridor beyond Councilor Hui's private chamber. Councilor Hui pressed a finger to his lips, gesturing for them to stay calm. Feiyan quickly tucked the relic back under her cloak, her pulse racing at the slightest hint of danger.
A pair of robed figures swept into the room, conversation halting abruptly when they noticed Hui wasn't alone. Their gazes flicked over the trio—Lan Zhuoran's staff, Gao Tianrong's bow, Feiyan's bandaged arm. One of the new arrivals narrowed his eyes. "Councilor Hui, who are these… guests?"
Hui's features remained composed, though a flicker of tension betrayed his nerves. "Ah, Councilors Ren and Sima. These are… my aides from the countryside, bearing urgent tidings about the border's instability."
Ren, a portly man with a carefully groomed beard, hummed disapprovingly. Sima, tall and stern-faced, eyed the bandages and weapons suspiciously. "Aides? Armed like that?" he asked, voice dripping with doubt.
Lan Zhuoran dipped his head in a polite bow, staff lowered. "We traveled through troubled lands, Councilor. The roads aren't safe. We brought news for Hui alone."
Feiyan, clutching her cloak, managed to keep her voice steady. "Please forgive our intrusion. We'll depart once we've concluded our report."
Sima exhaled, exchanging a glance with Ren. "Very well. But the main council convenes soon. Hui, don't forget your place. We need every vote in this crisis."
With that, the two councilors retreated, though Sima's gaze lingered on the trio for a moment longer before the door shut behind them. Councilor Hui sighed, relief mingling with lingering caution. "They suspect nothing for now. But we must act quickly before others pry."
Gao Tianrong's eyes darted to the closed door. "If more come, we risk exposure. Where can we secure the relic? Who among your colleagues can we trust?"
Hui stepped toward a lacquered cabinet, rummaging through scrolls and ledgers. "A few ministers remain loyal to the Emperor's vision—unwilling to see relics weaponized by warlords. But they're scattered, fearful, or locked in pointless debates." He glanced at Lan Zhuoran. "Give me until tonight. I'll reach out to two allies who might help protect the artifact."
Feiyan's heart fluttered with hope. "We'll wait here?"
"No," Hui responded firmly. "Too many pass through this corridor. You'll raise questions. Return at midnight, when the Hall is mostly empty. Meanwhile, stay out of sight—these walls have ears."
Lan Zhuoran nodded. "We can hide in the aqueduct tunnels again or find a corner of the city to lay low. But if we wander too far, we risk getting swept into the war or conscription patrols."
Hui's jaw tightened. "It's dangerous out there, too. But lingering here is worse. I can arrange for a discreet guard to let you back in tonight. We'll finalize plans to safeguard your relic then."
Feiyan exhaled shakily. "Thank you. Truly."
With a final caution to avoid the main halls, Hui guided them through a narrow side passage, leading to an exit down a rarely used stairwell. At the threshold, the councilor pressed a small token into Lan Zhuoran's hand—a carved jade insignia. "Show this to my contact at the gate after midnight. She'll know you come under my authority."
A swirl of gratitude and apprehension bound them. Then Hui vanished back into the corridors, robes swishing. The trio descended, hearts pounding at the thought that their mission might finally succeed—if luck and secrecy held.
Soon they emerged into a dimly lit courtyard behind the Jade Hall, overshadowed by tall columns. Hiding behind pillars, they slipped into an alley that reconnected to the city streets, each step bracing for patrols or prying eyes. Gao Tianrong gripped his bow, scanning rooftops. Lan Zhuoran stuck close to Feiyan, mindful of her arm. The relic pressed warmth against her chest, an ever-present reminder of the empire's fragile fate.