Instant Kill

The gates of the city lord's manor slowly swung open to welcome the most honored of guests, the great general.

The city lord descended from the towering pavilion to greet him in person.

After exchanging pleasantries, the great general brought his deputy, Liu Chunyun, while the city lord brought his general, Chen Wuwei. The four crossed the square and headed for the inner courtyard.

Nangong Long clasped his hands in greeting to Tantai Changfeng, one of the great general's subordinates.

He smiled faintly. "Long time no see, General Tantai. How have you been?"

Tantai Changfeng handed his reins to the deputy behind him and told him to have the soldiers wait here quietly.

He laughed with Nangong Long. "Not bad, though not as carefree as you, General Nangong!"

Each man had his own thoughts. To Tantai Changfeng, the fellow before him was plainly trying to curry favor, unaware that a fierce battle was about to break out in the manor's inner courtyard.

Nangong Long had tables and chairs set up in the square, then served tea and pastries as refreshments for the great general's men.

Tantai Changfeng was quite pleased. Raising a cup of hot tea with a smile, he said, "The day after tomorrow is Qingming. The city lord has only now remembered the heavenly sacrifice. Isn't that a bit rushed?"

Nangong Long shook his head. "The lord has been troubled by the matter of the little princess. He hasn't had the heart to do anything."

At that, Tantai Changfeng found himself unable to continue the conversation.

This matter was taboo, whether in the city lord's manor or the great general's residence.

No one dared discuss it. Even in private, the two of them couldn't speak of it.

For now, all he could do was hope the great general