Opened path
General Tao was all pumped and waiting for the news of deaths of their nemesis. Hidden in the forest just two hours apart from the capital each one of the people were bubbling with excitement when thinking of ravaging the grand capital of Nanling.
The small group from suicide squad were wandering outside the capital gates waiting the same message so that they can take action with collaboration with their men inside. Their task was to massacre the royal family then open the gates of capital for their army to enter with ease.
It was during the mid afternoon when messenger pigeon finally reached to the suicide group. They were anxious and excited when opening the letter. One word was written but it was enough to pump those men. Written in bold letters were the word
"proceed" signifying that their back was secured.
The men quickly burn the note and then pick up their bundles and ox carriage to enter the capital gates. They had known it was restricted for people to leave or enter the capital thus had prepared well.
One of the men moves forward and stabs the owner of the tea house whom they have taken as a hostage, after that he was placed on the cart. All the men then pull the carriage in hurry and bang on the gates.
The royal guard on duty peeks from a small gap "who are you?...currently the capital is not allowing for anyone to enter or exit...whatever your reason is come back a week later.." hearing the guard the men who was dressed as a poor commoner cries and begs "honorable sir...we are just poor laborers of Nanling and had went out for work...on the way we were attacked by vile men...my poor father is currently on his last breath...if not taken look by physician he for sure will pass away...
Honorable sir...for the sake of good karma please allow us to enter so we can ask for a physician to look at my father...he is bleeding profusely at the moment..."
The guard stretches his neck and indeed sees the man laid on the carriage bleeding heavily. He was in conflict but looking at the crying men he couldn't help but feel sympathy thus with much gentler tone he replies "that..I am a mere guard so don't have much authority...but I will talk to our chief about your situation...till then why don't you try and stop the bleeding as much as you can.."
The crying men kneel and thanks while hurrying to do as he said. The guard then closes the gate and goes to report to his chief. Soon the guard and the chief arrive and exits the gate to see the injured men. As the situation was critical and the men presented their paper work proving themselves to be the citizens of Nanling they were finally allowed to enter and rush the injured man.
The chief and the guard felt pity for the injured man and his son as the wound was far to grave to tend they weren't able to see the glint and mocking smile on those men when able to enter. Similarly another group of men who were in cahoots with these intruders also sighed in relief.
The men kept their act and rushed the carriage towards the physician tower after they were quite far from the gates they change their route and enter a small alley. At the end of the alley there was a very poor looking house which was currently the base for their colleagues.
The men looked left and right and after making sure that they weren't followed or had any third presence knock on the door. Giving their special tap the door was opened and everyone entered the place including the injured man.
They then huddle to discuss the plan and each of their role. As they finished the briefing each had a cup of wine in their hands raised for the toast. They might not be alive by the night with such dangerous mission thus drank their wine in a gulp to wish for success and farewell. After which each one of them pat each other backs and heads out to complete their mission.