The sky was painted in hues of crimson and gold as the sun dipped below the horizon. Yet, for Zhao Min and Liang Hua, the world was anything but tranquil.
The seventh day was fast approaching.
The emperor's ultimatum echoed in Zhao Min's mind like a death sentence. Seven days to retrieve the jade—or face disgrace. He had spent years securing his place in the empire's shadows, too valuable to be cast aside, too dangerous to be ignored. But now, someone had set a trap. Someone who wanted him out of the game.
And time was slipping away.
---
A Silent Betrayal
The letter arrived at dusk—sealed in wax, bearing an unfamiliar crest. Zhao Min held it between his fingers, his mind calculating the possibilities. The sender was unknown, but the words within were unmistakably clear:
"The tides turn faster than you think, Prince Zhao. You are not the only one searching for the jade."
No name, no sign-off. Just a warning.
Liang Hua, reading over his shoulder, clenched her jaw. "This isn't just about a stolen treasure. Someone is using the jade to shake the empire's foundation."
Zhao Min folded the letter and tucked it inside his robe. "Then we need to find it first."
---
A City on the Brink
Meanwhile, the city outside the palace walls was shifting. Unrest brewed in the lower districts—rebels moving in the dark, whispers of a plot against the imperial family gaining momentum. The guards reported strange movements along the eastern borders, and food supplies were mysteriously disappearing from the granaries.
Liang Hua's sources had confirmed it—someone was funding the rebels. Someone within the court.
"What if the jade isn't just missing?" she murmured. "What if it was never stolen, but placed somewhere—deliberately?"
Zhao Min's eyes darkened. "Then we're not just chasing a thief. We're walking into a trap."
---
An Attack in the Night
Before the night ended, an ambush shattered the fragile peace.
A sudden explosion rocked the palace's outer gates, fire licking at the walls. The sound of steel clashing filled the air as assassins, clad in black, descended upon the imperial courtyard.
Zhao Min drew his sword in one fluid motion, his instincts sharper than ever. Liang Hua fought beside him, her movements precise and lethal.
The enemy was skilled, but Zhao Min was faster. With a decisive strike, he disarmed an assassin and pressed his blade to the man's throat. "Who sent you?"
The assassin only smirked. "You already know the answer."
Before Zhao Min could react, the assassin bit down on something hidden in his mouth—poison. He collapsed instantly.
Liang Hua swore under her breath. "Whoever's behind this… they're willing to erase every trace of their involvement."
The fires burned on, reflecting in Zhao Min's darkened eyes. He exhaled slowly. This wasn't a warning.
This was a declaration of war.
And if the jade wasn't found soon, the empire itself might collapse.