The Gathering Storm

Once he was sure the man was dead, A-Chuan crouched down and searched him.

As expected, he found the list. A-Chuan quickly disposed of the body, then left the palace and headed straight for the Princely Residence.

The Princely Residence.

Xue Xing smiled as he looked over the list. "You haven't disappointed me."

"It's my honor to serve you, Your Highness." A-Chuan knelt on one knee and bowed respectfully.

Xue Xing tossed him a token. "Take my secret order and have Mi Hua quietly bring troops to Heaven Dou City. In two days, I want to see his army outside the city walls."

A-Chuan put away the token, rose, and bowed. "Thank you for your trust, Your Highness. I'll set out tonight."

"Good. Go, and be quick."

"Yes!"

After A-Chuan left, a guard beside Xue Xing said, "Your Highness, he betrayed his own brothers. He can't be trusted."

"Heh. That's what you don't understand. A man who'll sell anything for a reward is the easiest to control. Whatever he wants, I give him. Besides, I don't need his loyalty. His greed will do for now. Do you think I'll keep him around once we've succeeded?" Xue Xing sneered.

"A man ought to know his place."

"A wise judgment, Your Highness," the guard said, laying on the flattery.

"You go and mobilize the troops as well. Contact the ministers on this list and tell them what I want."

The guard took the list and withdrew.

As for A-Chuan, he stopped to rest a few miles from the Princely Residence.

He should have been riding hard to complete his mission. Instead, he lingered.

"Coo... coo..." A-Chuan called into the darkness, imitating a bird.

After a moment, someone emerged from the nearby bushes.

A black robe covered the figure from head to toe.