On a hill not far from the Li Mansion, a man wearing a silver mask stood quietly, overlooking the city below.
He seemed to be waiting for someone.
Not long afterwards, a black-clad figure emerged from the darkness and approached him. The man stopped a few steps away before kneeling respectfully.
"Master."
The silver-masked man didn't turn around.
"Have you found their hiding place?"
"Yes, Master. They have moved the weapons into a cave. Around three or four men are guarding the entrance in shifts."
"Hmm... Good. At least the weapons won't be going anywhere for now."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Keep an eye on them and report immediately if you discover when they intend to transport the weapons. Assign some of our men to guard the border as well. We must not allow those weapons to reach Han."
"Understood, Master."
"And one more thing..."
The silver-masked man finally turned his head slightly.
"Assign a bodyguard to HuaMuTan. He must follow her discreetly wherever she goes and report anyone who approaches or meets her. Make sure she doesn't notice his presence."
"Yes, Master."
"Most importantly, don't let Prince Li discover that our men are involved."
"Understood."
The black-clad man bowed once more before disappearing into the darkness.
The silver-masked man remained where he was, gazing down at the city beneath the hill.
Several magnificent mansions could be seen from his position. Among them was the Li Mansion.
His gaze lingered there for a moment.
Suddenly, another black-clad figure emerged from the nearby woods.
Unlike the previous man, this one didn't kneel. Instead, he quietly stood behind his master.
"Master, may this old man speak?"
"What is it, Old Man?"
The elderly man's voice carried a hint of concern.
"HuaMuTan is certainly an attractive woman, but she is like the thorns of a rose. You might hurt yourself if you insist on getting too close to her. Besides, she has already become someone else's rose."
The silver-masked man suddenly burst into laughter.
"Well, thank you for the reminder, Old Man. But don't worry. I know exactly what I'm doing."
His laughter gradually subsided, and his voice became more serious.
"HuaMuTan might turn out to be a more important key than you think. She has her own value in our bigger plan."
The old man could only sigh.
"I hope so... I sincerely hope you won't forget your responsibilities. Remember, this city, and even this entire country, needs you to protect it from those rotten roots that have been poisoning it for years."
The silver-masked man once again turned his gaze towards the city.
"You're right."
His voice suddenly became cold and resolute.
"I can't wait to destroy all those rotten roots that have brought suffering to this kingdom for so many years. So much innocent blood has been shed..."
He clenched his fist.
"And I swear... I will make them pay for every drop of blood they've spilled."