The night in Xingzhao was never truly silent anymore. Since the arrival of the envoys from Luohai, Tiejin, and Ruan, Song Lian had ordered a full alert across all surveillance systems.
The town's smart grid flickered to life at sunset, powering hidden cameras, pressure-sensitive tiles, and motion-triggered alerts spread across the outer sectors of the city.
In the Southwestern District, one such sensor blinked red.
A figure, cloaked in traveler's garb, crept down an alley too close to the restricted R&D compound where the town's energy systems and weapons were developed. Though his temporary Smart ID card granted limited public access, this area was far beyond its clearance level.
He moved with precision, disabling one external camera with a device disguised as a brooch. What he didn't know was that the real footage was already relayed to the control hub the moment he stepped into the trigger zone.
In the control room, Commander Xu Jie leaned forward.
"We've got him. Facial recognition identifies him as Han Shuren, personal aide to Envoy Ruo Yeminfrom the Ruan Kingdom."
He turned to Song Lian and Yun Zhen. "Orders?"
Song Lian didn't hesitate. "Capture him quietly. Let him think he succeeded. And tomorrow, we'll give the Ruan envoy a gift."
The Next Morning – Great Hall of Xingzhao
The air was heavy with incense and diplomacy. Envoys Hua Li of Luohai, Tan Wuyin of Tiejin, and Ruo Yemin of Ruan sat across from Song Lian, Yun Zhen, and Xingzhao's inner council. The topic of the day: formalizing cooperation and defining the boundaries of trade.
"We propose a three-tiered engagement structure," Ruo Yemin said with a practiced smile. "Trade of essential goods, limited access to educational exchange, and cultural ambassadors. All neutral, all peaceful."
Tan Wuyin nodded. "That's acceptable. A strong foundation builds a lasting bridge."
Hua Li added coolly, "We ask only for transparency. And mutual respect." Song Lian smiled thinly.
"I agree," she said, "and I appreciate your offers of friendship."
She tapped the table twice. A moment later, two armored guards stepped forward. Between them walked Han Shuren looking disheveled, pale, and silent.
Gasps filled the hall.
"Envoy Ruo Yemin," Song Lian said softly, "is this man not your assistant?"
Ruo Yemin's smile faltered. "He is."
"We discovered him last night in a restricted sector," Song Lian continued. "Attempting to steal blueprints from our development center. He wore a device designed to scramble local visual feeds. Ineffective against our real-time off-grid backups, of course."
The Ruan envoy stood slowly, fanning herself with that same ivory scroll.
"I was not aware of his actions."
Yun Zhen's voice was cool. "Were you not, or do you assume we wouldn't find out?"
Silence stretched.
Han Shuren dared to speak. "I acted on my own accord. Lady Ruo Yemin bears no blame."
Song Lian raised an eyebrow. "That's curious. We checked your card data. The override used to bypass gate protocols matched the encrypted codes signed personally by the Ruan envoy's seal." Gasps again.
Envoy Ruo Yemin's eyes sharpened, but she neither confirmed nor denied the accusation. Instead, she inclined her head.
"I see. I suppose I underestimated your... innovation."
Song Lian nodded. "That's a fair way to put it."
Han Shuren was escorted out. No execution. No violence. Only cold, public exposure.
"We don't demand retribution," Song Lian said. "We do, however, require guarantees. Trust, once broken, must be rebuilt not requested." Envoy Tan Wuyin stood.
"Let this moment be proof of your strength, Lady Song. Tiejin will proceed with a preliminary trade deal. No secrets."
Envoy Hua Li gave a small nod. "Luohai agrees. And we'll send a proper diplomat next time, not a spy."
Ruo Yemin exhaled slowly. "Very well. We will recall our envoy for... internal review."
Later – Watchtower Overlook
Yun Zhen and Song Lian stood watching the envoys' banners begin to lower as their respective entourages prepared for departure.
"Do you think they'll come back?" Yun Zhen asked.
Song Lian's gaze lingered on the horizon. "Eventually. Power respects power. Now they know what we're capable of."
He turned to her. "You didn't flinch. Not once."
"I've faced worse than diplomats with knives behind their smiles," she said softly. Yun Zhen hesitated, then reached out to lightly adjust her cloak where the wind had caught it.
"I'm glad they saw you. The real you. No one else could do what you've done."
Her eyes met his. A flicker of warmth. Then she turned back to the wall, her expression composed.
Yun Empire's Capital
The report reached WenJibefore it reached the emperor. He read it in silence. Ruan's failed operation. Xingzhao's exposure of the spy. The growing alliances. A slow smile curled on his lips.
"So they've begun courting the wild flame," he whispered. "Let's see how long before they're burned."
He stood and walked toward the throne room, already calculating his next move. One envoy had failed. But he had others spies buried deeper, lies seeded longer. And in Xingzhao, whispers of unity could still be turned to doubt.