233 Treason (1/2)

The palace gates opened. Troops from the army entered, the murmurs of citizens fading behind them. As the Bai army troops assembled in the open courtyard, they were not alone. Imperial guards, generals, and even servants watched from afar. Bright sunlight broke and poured over, royal blue lion banners billowing in the wind.

Making their way through the crowd, Rin lifted her head to peer through. When she made it to the front, the expression on her face shifted. Her grandfather and uncle, they were nowhere to be found.

Instead, a young woman, domed in golden armor, stood at the front of the army. She was beautiful, her skin, a deep brown, and her black hair tied in a high ponytail. Her nose was sharp like an eagle's beak, and her eyes glittered with a cold assertiveness. She was solid and broad across her chest, firmly planted in her feet.

A helmet rested on her right hip, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd, a few loose strands of hair caressed her cheeks. Flickering her gaze over the numerous faces, they finally landed on a pair of emerald eyes.

The woman stepped closer to the approaching figures. Rin and An Sun made their way to the woman and watched as she dropped on one knee and cupped her fists.

”Greetings, Young Master Bai.” The woman's voice was strong and clear.

Gasps came from the crowd behind them. Hearing their murmurs, Rin inwardly sighed.

”General Jin Yue. There's no need for such formalities.” She said to the woman helplessly.

Glancing up at her for a brief moment, Jin Yue eventually stood up. She was a tall woman, half an entire head of Rin when they stood beside each other. Looking past the tall woman, Rin scanned her gaze among the men behind her. When the faces she sought to see were nowhere to be found, Rin didn't bother to conceal her disappointment.

”Where's my grandfather and uncle?” She asked.

”Master Bai and the General are still handling matters in the North. They told me to come and help you until their arrival.” Jin Yue responded.

Half of Rin was upset, but she knew it was needed for them to stay for the time being. Furthermore, Jin Yue was an honorable and recognizable female general in her grandfather's army. There was no one better to assist them.

”I see. Well, for now, we'll need to explain your arrival to Emperor Guan Hong.” Rin gestured them forward.

Along the way, they passed the training grounds where Fan Mingli and the towering Yin Changpu happened to be. They found him lifting huge bags, lunging forward around the field. His muscles looked large as boulders.

Detecting a presence from the corner of his vision, the huge man turned. Yin Changpu's handsome and strong face lit up. With the large bags still on his shoulders, he ran toward them.

His eyes narrowed, and then stiff politeness took over.

”Ah, hello...I'm Yin Changpu,” He said thickly. He put down his burden and offered a hand knobbed with calluses.

Jin Yue glanced down at his large hand and back to his face. She was silent and just tilted her head slightly in acknowledgment.

”Jin Yue,” She said stoically.

”Jin Yue…” Yin Changpu repeated her name slowly.

On the side, Rin and An Sun watched with raised brows. After a moment of silence, An Sun cleared his throat.

”We need to see the emperor now.” He said.

”Huh? Oh, right, yes, you all go, I'll just be here training! You know, I have to keep myself strong.” Yin Changpu laughed, his sweaty chest stuck out broadly.

Without another word, the group left, feeling the eyes of Yin Changpu on a certain figure as they disappeared. There was silence for a moment, all except the light footsteps approaching the large man.

”Hey, what the hell are you staring off for?” Fan Mingli frowned and waved a hand in front of Yin Changpu's face.

Pulled from his thoughts, Yin Changpu suddenly broke out in a broad and charming grin. The very expression on his face gave Fan Mingli shivers. He turned to look at Fan Mingli and chuckled.

”Come on, let's keep training.” He said and picked up the large bags before walking to the training grounds.

Confused, Fan Mingli stared at him then shifted his gaze to where the others left. Furrowing his brows, he gave up with a shrug.

…

When the sun hung low in the sky, Emperor Guan Hong called for a second council meeting. The room was filled with a few rows of chairs in a ragged semicircle.

At the front of the room sat the emperor and other higher figures, including General Donghai. The council members came in and took their seats one by one.

Once everyone was seated, they took notice of the tall woman standing behind the young strategist. She seemed to be a general. Looking to the emperor for answers, he gestured his eyes to Rin. It was under their stares that Rin finally explained herself. At the end, everyone froze with shock.

”You mean to tell us…you're the grandson of the Bai family?” A council member asked.

”Yes,” Rin confirmed.

Murmurs broke, and numerous expressions changed, some filled with shock, awe, and others distrust.

”Bullshit! If you were the grandson of the Bai family, why didn't you say so before? You tricked us!” A general slammed a fist against the table.