Prince Yan flashed a wide grin, his confidence radiating as he urged his horse further up the mountain trail. The group trailed behind, their thoughts as turbulent as the crisp wind sweeping through the flora.

He wants to know the truth. I see, but I won't let you, I can't. Lianfeng tightened her grip on the reins, giving her horse a subtle nudge. The animal responded, galloping swiftly ahead.

He’s suspicious. He suspects us. What should I do? Wu Hi felt her chest tighten, her heartbeat quickening as unease settled over her. No... I must stay calm. I can't falter now.

He is at it again. Shi Meng urged his horse forward, the strain evident in his taut jaw as he caught up to the others.

When they reached the mountaintop, Prince Yan dismounted, his grin unwavering. “Here we are,” he announced, his tone as light as the breeze.

The others halted their horses and gazed at the breathtaking view before them. The sprawling capital stretched out beneath the clear sky, its labyrinth of streets converging at the imposing imperial palace in the center. From this vantage, every corner of the city seemed to pulse with life—the busiest of all being the east gate, where merchants and travelers bustled like ants in a hive.

“It’s funny how people can climb so high, yet still remain in the shadows. Don’t you think?” Prince Yan asked smiling at the group.

"It is, I suppose." Lianfeng replied back, keeping her tone neutral.

Before the air could grow heavier, Shi Meng stepped in, his voice steady but light. “Let’s go back.”

"What's the hurry? We've just reached here." Prince Yan replied.

"If I don't go now, I would be late for work." Shi Meng answered, his tone light.

Wu Hi seized the opportunity to end the conversation. “Let’s go, then,” she said, her tone clipped, betraying her urgency. It's best that way.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Everyone mounted their horses and rushed back to the capital. The curious eyes of spectators followed them as they sped towards the palace. Shi Meng bid goodbye to the three on the peony street and went on his way.

Back at the palace gates, the grou dismounted. Wu Hi and Lianfeng bid farewell to Prince Yan as they parted their ways. The silence stretching as servants led the horses away. Only when they were out of earshot did Wu Hi break the stillness, her voice hesitant yet firm.

“Who is he?”

Lianfeng replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “He is my cousin.”

“Why did you run when you saw me?”

“I—I didn’t know how to react.”

“So, you ran as if I was a monster? Tell me, why did you have to hide it?” Wu Hi’s voice grew sharper, cutting through the delicate air of the palace gardens.

Lianfeng sighed, her words heavy. “I didn’t want you to get further enveloped in my plan.”

Wu Hi’s eyes flared with frustration as she stopped in her track, gripping Lianfeng by the shoulders. “Do you think any of us can be saved if you are exposed? Lianfeng, it’s too late for us to back out now. We’re already in too deep. The best thing you can do now is to be honest with us—and let us help you.”

Lianfeng stared at her, words caught in her throat. She didn’t have a response, and the weight of Wu Hi’s gaze pressed harder than any physical force.

Finally, Wu Hi released her, her voice softer but no less resolute. “Go now. And change into a fresh pair of clothes.”

Wu Hi strided forward, while Lianfeng took small steps. She is right. It's too late for them to back out. And it isn't like they would do nothing if I get exposed.

Lianfeng halted, letting the realization sink in. After a moment, she strided forward. If I can't keep them safe by keeing them out, then it's better to let them in.

Lianfeng creaked open her room. Ren was sipping tea, sitting on the table. At the sight of Lianfeng, she kept her cup down and lunged forward. She revolved around Lianfeng, checking for injuries. She breathed a sigh of relief when she was sure Lianfeng wasn't injured.

"How are you? Are you fine? Did anything happen?" Ren asked, her eyes wide and face tense.

"Calm down and sit." Lianfeng held Ren's shoulders and made her sit on the bed.

She sat next to her and recounted everything that had haened.

"What do you think? Should I include them?"

"See, they are excellent. But it depends on you, whether you will be alright with them."

"I will be alright. I trust them."

"Then, it's decided. But the act of strangers must go on. We would pass message through our network. They know all about it, so there will be no complications."

Lianfeng nodded, the weight on her shoulders easing ever so slightly. Yet, as she met Ren’s gaze, a thought flickered in her mind. Trust isn’t the issue. It’s whether we can navigate the storm without sinking.