Gong Er excelled at concealment, drawing in his aura like a hibernating snake or scorpion. He crouched behind the towering roof ridge of the Ministry of Justice offices, his figure blending perfectly into the shadows beneath the eaves.
Below, the carriage of Lu Duan, the Minister of Justice, slowly entered the courtyard.
Just as he swooped down like a night owl, the poisoned dagger in his hand about to touch the crown of his target's head, a streak of dark light shot from the eaves. Though launched later, it arrived first, plunging precisely between Gong Er's brows. He never even saw what it was before dropping like a bird with broken wings, striking the flagstones with a dull thud.
The young man on the roof ridge rose and looked down at the thoroughly dead assassin, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth. With a flick of his robes, he vanished into the night like a bird darting into the forest.
The Pacifying-Distance General's Manor was adorned with lanterns and festive decorations, the strains of strings and flutes pleasing to the ear. Today was the sixtieth birthday of General Di Wei's elderly mother. There had been no grand celebration; only a few trusted deputy generals and relatives had been invited to a banquet in the rear garden's reception hall.
Warm candlelight shone over the passing cups and dishes. The old lady at the seat of honor glowed with health, her eyes filled with love and contentment as her son, the great Pacifying-Distance General whose might shook the borderlands, personally served her food and poured her wine.
After three rounds of wine, with the mood at its height, Di Wei raised his cup to offer his mother another toast. Suddenly, disaster struck!
"Boom!"
The hall doors burst apart. Amid flying