Chapter Three: Gates of Gusu
The walls of Gusu City rose from the mist like a slumbering giant.
White stone towers gleamed beneath the morning sun, their surfaces polished smooth by centuries of discipline and tradition. Pale-blue banners bearing the Yun Clan crest fluttered gently above the gates, their movement precise, controlled—nothing left to chance.
As the Wei Clan approached, the guards straightened at once.
Wei Liang slowed her mare and inclined her head with practiced grace. Her smile was warm, disarming, and sincere enough that even the most rigid Yun disciple found himself returning the bow before realizing it.
"Welcome to Gusu," one of them said. "The Yun Clan is honored by your arrival."
Behind the Wei convoy, the sound of wheels on stone announced another arrival.
Gold and silver banners shimmered in the sunlight as lacquered carriages rolled forward, their craftsmanship flawless. Tang Clan attendants moved in perfect unison, opening the carriage doors as Tang Hao stepped down, dressed in silks that spoke of wealth without a single wasted ornament.
Tang Lu and Tang Di followed, faces composed, eyes already assessing the surroundings.
Tang Hao's gaze met Wei Liang's. He inclined his head politely. "Elder Princess Wei Liang. It has been some time."
Wei Liang returned the bow. "Tang Hao. I see the road treated you kindly."
Wang San leaned toward Wei Xie, lowering his voice. "Too kindly. I bet he's never fixed a broken wheel in his life."
Wei Xie elbowed him sharply.
As the Tang Clan attendants presented their offering—a lacquered chest inlaid with golden phoenixes—Wei Liang's attention drifted.
At the edge of the street, half-lost among common travelers, a small figure slipped past the guards unnoticed.
Plain clothes. Head bowed. A scarf pulled too high.
Wang San caught the movement at the same time she did.
The figure paused for a breath, just long enough for him to glimpse the curve of her lips beneath the scarf.
A smile.
Then she vanished into the crowd.
"Did you see that?" he murmured.
Wei Xie frowned. "See what?"
"Nothing," Wang San said, though his fingers tightened around the flute.
Above them, Yun banners fluttered.
And somewhere within Gusu's walls, eyes were already watching.