The capital was bustling as usual, but beneath its surface, tension simmered like a coiled serpent ready to strike. The air was thick with whispers of unrest and the unseen movements of those plotting in the shadows.
In a dimly lit chamber at the rebel camp, two figures cloaked in heavy hoods moved silently through the corridors. Their steps were measured, their presence commanding. As they entered the inner sanctum, the rebel elder rose with a deep bow — a gesture heavy with respect and recognition.
The elder's eyes flickered with a mix of awe and caution as he beheld the newcomers. These were not mere allies or envoys; they were the true leaders of the rebellion, veiled in secrecy even from most of their own.
Prince Han and Prince Xin—disguised beneath their hoods—stood tall and unyielding. Their presence alone carried the weight of authority that silenced the room. No words were needed for the elderly to understand that the helm of the rebellion rested firmly in their hands.
Outside the camp, the wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the promise of upheaval. Plans were being forged to strike the capital, and the capital was unaware that its own blood had taken up the rebels' cause.
Back in the palace, the four princes—Li Wei, Yi, Han, and Zhou—remained oblivious to the treachery unfolding so close to home. Each was preoccupied with their own duties, unaware that the enemy was not a distant threat but a shadow cast from within their own family.
As night fell, the city prepared for a storm that would test loyalties, reveal hidden faces, and challenge the bonds of brotherhood.
The first light of dawn barely touched the capital's rooftops when chaos erupted at the heart of the city—the bustling market square. Merchants hurriedly packed away their goods as the sound of pounding feet and battle cries shattered the morning calm. From the shadowed alleys and hidden pathways, the rebels surged forth, their assault swift and ruthless.
Prince Yi, who happened to be near the market with Prince Han, immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. Without hesitation, they barked orders to the palace guards and swiftly rallied new troops. Their voices cut through the panic, commanding formations to stem the rebel tide.
Amidst the swirl of clashing swords and flaring tempers, Mo Shan Shan found herself swept into the tumult. The roar of the crowd and the clang of steel filled her ears as she instinctively moved toward the front lines, determined to stand alongside the princes defending their home.
As she fought with surprising agility, a rebel soldier lunged toward her with a gleaming blade aimed to kill. Time seemed to slow — but before the fatal strike could land, a figure appeared out of nowhere, intercepting the blow with graceful precision.
It was Lu Bai. Despite his blindness, his movements were fluid and decisive as he shielded Mo Shan Shan, drawing the enemy's attack upon himself. With a swift counter, he incapacitated the assailant, his presence a calm anchor in the chaotic storm.
Without waiting for thanks, Lu Bai lifted Mo Shan Shan from the fray and hurriedly made his way back to Li Wei's residence, seeking safety and healing for her wounds.
The battle raged on, but for that brief moment, Mo Shan Shan was spared — saved by the unexpected guardian whose strength belied his blindness.
The heavy wooden doors of Li Wei's residence creaked open as Lu Bai carried Mo Shan Shan inside, her breaths shallow but steady. The quiet hum of the household was a stark contrast to the chaos she had just escaped. Outside, the distant echoes of battle still lingered, but within these walls, a fragile calm had taken hold.
Li Wei was already anxiously pacing the main hall when Lu Bai arrived, the urgency in his brother's steps matching the concern etched across his face. Without a word, Li Wei followed Lu Bai to the treatment chamber where the physician awaited.
The physician, a seasoned healer with calm eyes, emerged from the dim room and met Li Wei's gaze. "Mo Shan Shan's injuries are not as grave as feared," he assured. "She will recover fully in a matter of minutes, provided she rests."
Relief washed over Li Wei's features as he quickly stepped inside to check on her. Lu Bai lingered just outside the door, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he quietly excused himself and slipped away into the fading light.
As Lu Bai exited the residence, a familiar figure hurried toward him — one of Li Wei's loyal male maids, a sharp-eyed young man known for his unwavering dedication. "Why did you leave without telling me?" he asked with a hint of reprimand. "And you are blind! How could you leave the house alone?"
Lu Bai met the maid's concerned gaze with a gentle smile. "I am well," he replied softly. "I see more than you realize." Then, his tone turned teasing yet firm. "And you should be punished for neglecting your duties. How could you let your master's safety slip from your watch?"
The maid blushed but smiled back warmly. Together, they walked away from the residence, a quiet camaraderie between them.
Inside, Li Wei remained by Mo Shan Shan's side, watching over her recovery with a protective vigilance that went beyond duty. The events of the day had deepened the unspoken connections between them all — bonds forged not just by blood or title, but by trust, courage, and shared secrets.
At The Imperial Court
The grand hall of the imperial court was filled with a heavy air of tension. Prince Xie, Prince Zhou, Prince Han, and Prince Yi sat solemnly around the massive jade-carved table, their faces etched with concern as the news of the rebel assault weighed heavily upon them. The flickering lantern light cast long shadows over the marble floor, echoing the unease that gripped the palace.
The king sat upon his ornate throne, eyes sharp and steady. "Report on the defense," he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
Prince Yi stepped forward, his tone respectful but urgent. "Your Majesty, the rebels launched a surprise attack near the capital market this morning. Thanks to swift action by the palace guards and soldiers, we managed to contain the assault before it reached the inner city."
The king nodded slowly. "And Li Wei? Is he safe?"
Prince Zhou answered on behalf of his brother, "Li Wei is currently tending to a servant who was injured during the fight. The physician assures you that the injuries are not severe."
"Very well," the king replied, his gaze unwavering.
Prince Han furrowed his brow, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes. "But Your Majesty, what is the relationship between Lu Bai and Li Wei's servant? I find it curious that a blind prince would risk himself to save a maid."
The other princes exchanged glances, no one offering an explanation.
"The king's voice cut through the silence, calm but firm. "That is a matter for Li Wei to explain. For now, our priority remains the security of the capital and the suppression of this rebellion."
With that, the meeting concluded, leaving the princes to ponder the unseen connections that might yet inf
luence the fate of the kingdom.