The heavy wooden gate shook under the force of the command. Inside the courtyard, everyone went completely still.
Song Qingheng stepped back from Bai Ming. His easygoing smile vanished, replaced by the calm, sharp look of a real officer. Outside the walls, the six plain-clothed men hidden in the dark waited for his signal.
Fu Sheng did not step away from Su Long. His heavy broadsword stayed in his hand, resting at his side, his fingers gripping the leather handle tightly.
"Stay behind me," Fu Sheng whispered, keeping his eyes locked on the shaking gate.
"I am fine, Fu Sheng," Su Long replied softly, her voice steady and calm. "It is General Lin. He promised to take care of Tiger Alley, but he also said he would come here to question us."
Before Fu Sheng could answer, Song Qingheng stepped forward and pulled open the heavy wooden latch, swinging the gate open.
