The night was cold, and though the royal celebration had ended, the streets of Límmíng City still teemed with scattered life—lanterns swaying, flower petals crushed underfoot, remnants of joy littered from one side of the cobbled streets to the other.
High above, the moon bathed everything in silver, casting its glow upon the Plum House—one of the city's most renowned guest houses. It was a place alive with music, laughter, and the rhythmic clink of wine cups. Known for its entertainment, the Plum House welcomed both the wealthy and the humble: dancers, musicians, cheap but delicious food, and endless cups of plum wine.
A private party was in full swing. Locals and commoners filled the brightly lit rooms, cheering as women swayed to the music of the zither. The air was thick with the scent of roasted pork, incense, and alcohol.
A hooded man approached the entrance, the tail of his dark bluish-black cape dragging slightly behind him. Before he could reach the doors, a round-faced middle-aged woman stepped forward, blocking his path with arms folded across her chest.
"Sir, this is a private party," she announced proudly, tilting her head. "Do you have an appointment tonight? We can't fit just anyone in."
Her eyes quickly scanned his worn, travel-smeared cloak. Disappointed, she gave a tired sigh.
"This party is only open to those registered with a room. If you want to—"
"Jade Mine."
"What?" she blinked, confused.
"Jade Mine is the name under my room," the hooded man repeated, his voice calm but edged with impatience.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, finally recalling. "You're here to see the guest who rented nearly thirty rooms. Forgive me, I forgot the name the young master gave." She bowed quickly, flustered.
"Which room of the thirty?" he asked, his voice rumbling beneath the muffled music.
"Room nineteen," she said, still slightly breathless. "Strange choice, but that's the one the young master picked under that name. Shall I lead you there?"
"No need."
And without another word, he ascended the stairs and disappeared through the doors of the Plum House.
⸻
Outside Room Nineteen, he knocked three times. The door creaked open almost immediately. Warm candlelight spilled out, revealing a modest chamber—not what one might expect from someone of noble blood.
"You're finally here," came a calm voice from near the wide window, half-shadowed.
The hooded man stepped in, lowering his hood as he took a seat across the small lacquered table. He faced Haoyu, who sat relaxed with a cup of wine, his eyes gleaming in the flicker of candlelight.
"Wángzǐ Feng. Nice to see you," the visitor said coolly.
"Yí Chén," Haoyu greeted with a nod and a faint smile.
"Wine?" Haoyu offered, sliding a small porcelain cup across the table.
"Sure," Yí Chén replied, accepting the drink with a grin.
"Why did you rent thirty rooms?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"The walls have ears," Haoyu replied simply. "I rented them to stay empty."
"You didn't come with your men?"
"I did. But they're scattered across the city—to avoid suspicion or casualties."
Yí Chén nodded as he casually picked up a pair of chopsticks, lifting a piece of glazed chicken from a green porcelain bowl.
"I looked for you in the courtyard garden."
"I couldn't," Yí Chén said with a sigh. "I was being followed—by your... girlfriend."
Haoyu looked confused. "Girlfriend?"
"Yeah. I saw your little argument with her."
"Did she see your face?" Haoyu asked sharply.
"No. Luckily for you, I disappear like wind through bamboo," Yí Chén said smugly.
Haoyu fell silent.
"She seems to hate you," Yí Chén added, pouring himself another cup of wine.
"She's my fiancée," Haoyu muttered.
"So I've heard."
"She's beautiful, isn't she?" Haoyu said, a trace of pride in his voice.
Yí Chén raised an eyebrow but said nothing. After a pause, he nodded.
"She is."
Haoyu sighed, staring at the candlelight. "She's more than just a pretty face... she's different."
"She's part of your plan, isn't she?"
"My father's plan," Haoyu snapped, his voice tense.
"Right..." Yí Chén leaned back, studying him. "But to marry her—you gain access to the jade mine, don't you?"
"She's not the heir."
"But your father has different plans," Yí Chén murmured, eyes narrowing.
"That's why we need you," Haoyu said quietly.
"We?"
"Weapons. Soldiers. Strategy. Your clan has everything we lack."
"I've decided to accept your invitation," Yí Chén said, voice steady. "So what's the plan?"
Haoyu leaned forward. "Acquire the defense map of the Límíng Palace. Locate the jade mine. Kill Huángdì Hou and Gōngzhǔ Yáng—the Emperor's daughter. She's a future chief commander and a threat. Once they're gone... we take the dynasty."
Yí Chén stared at him for a moment, then burst into laughter.
"Something funny?" Haoyu asked, frowning.
"Yeah. The fact that your 'plan' sounds more like a wish list."
"That's why we need your clan—tactics, warriors, an arsenal..."
"And what does my clan get in return?" Yí Chén asked, his voice low and deadly serious.
"Freedom," Haoyu answered. "Your people will be free."
For a moment, silence. Then Yí Chén's gaze dropped to the tabletop, thoughtful.
"So it's your father's plan—and you're going along with it."
Haoyu's jaw clenched. "It doesn't matter. He says this is the final step before I become rightful successor of the Fenglan Dynasty."
"And the Fenglan dynasty isn't enough for him?" Yí Chén asked. "He wants Límíng too?"
Haoyu looked out the window, the pale moonlight washing over his expression.
"He hates everything about the Límíng Dynasty. He wants wealth. Power. That's all he's ever wanted."
"And what do you want?" Yí Chén asked, his voice almost a whisper.
"...What does it matter?" Haoyu replied tiredly, standing up.
"I should return to the palace before anyone notices I left the guest courtyard."
Yí Chén nodded. "We'll talk more tomorrow."
"After morning prayers, I'll move to the Hou Mansion in the city to stay as a guest. You should come too—it will solidify your role as my trusted advisor."
"Why not stay in the palace?"
"The Hou Mansion allows for easier movement. In the palace, I'll always being watched."
"Fair enough," Yí Chén muttered, finishing his wine.
Haoyu gave a small nod and disappeared into the night, the candlelight flickering behind him as the door closed.