Shadows and Trails

As the night cloaked the area in darkness, Zhang Wei silently slipped out of the cramped carriage, his movements careful to avoid waking Xiao Mei and Lei Feng. His heart raced with anticipation as he stepped onto the soft earth outside, the cool night air sending a shiver down his spine. He glanced back at the sleeping forms of his companions, a pang of guilt gnawing at him for leaving them behind, but he knew that this was a journey he must make alone.

However, just as he reached the edge of the clearing, he froze as he heard a rustling behind him. Turning slowly, he found himself face to face with Xiao Mei and Lei Feng, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion.

"Zhang Wei, where do you think you're going?" Xiao Mei's voice was hushed but urgent, her eyes wide with worry.

Caught off guard, Zhang Wei hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. He knew that he couldn't reveal his true intentions to them, not yet. Instead, he forced a reassuring smile and replied.

"I just need some fresh air. I'll be back soon, I promise."

"At this hour? Something doesn't feel right. Please, Zhang Wei, tell us what's going on," but Xiao Mei wasn't convinced.

"She's right, Zhang Wei. We're in this together. Whatever it is, we can face it together," Lei Feng leaned forward, his expression serious.

Zhang Wei felt a pang of guilt at their concern, knowing that he was keeping secrets from them. Yet, he also knew that he couldn't risk their safety by involving them in his plan to visit Whisper Delight.

As Zhang Wei hesitated, Xiao Mei's curiosity got better, and she blurted out.

"What is Whisper Delight?" Her tone was a mixture of confusion and concern.

Zhang Wei hesitated for a moment, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping into his cheeks.

"Well, it's... it's a pleasure house," he admitted reluctantly, avoiding their gazes.

Xiao Mei's eyes widened in surprise, and a hint of jealousy flickered across her features.

"A pleasure house?" she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Why do you know about such a place? Have you been there before? Is it... is it something you frequent?"

Lei Feng couldn't help but smirk at Xiao Mei's rapid-fire questioning, finding the situation both amusing and intriguing.

"Looks like our Zhang Wei is more bold than we thought," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Zhang Wei sighed, realising he would have to explain himself.

"No, no, it's nothing like that," he reassured them, holding up his hands in defence. "I've only been there once. That is why I know of it ... plus I have a plan."

Xiao Mei and Lei Feng exchanged a sceptical glance, prompting Zhang Wei to elaborate.

"You see, Whisper Delight is more than just a pleasure house. It's a place where gossip and rumours flow freely. If we want to gather information about the empire, it's the best place to start. And there's someone there that I need to find—a woman named Xiu. She works there, and I believe she can help us."

Xiao Mei's expression softened as she realised the gravity of Zhang Wei's plan.

"I see," she murmured, her earlier jealousy replaced by understanding. "It's risky, but if it helps us achieve our goal..."

"It's a bold move, Zhang Wei, but if anyone can pull it off, it's you," Lei Feng nodded in agreement, his smirk fading into a more serious expression.

With their support bolstering his resolve, Zhang Wei felt a surge of determination coursing through him.

"Thank you," he said earnestly, grateful for their understanding. "I'll do everything I can to make this plan work."

Xiao Mei's concern was palpable as she leaned forward, her brow furrowed with worry.

"Are you sure you should go alone?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "It sounds dangerous, Zhang Wei. What if something goes wrong?"

Zhang Wei appreciated her concern but shook his head firmly.

"I think it's best if I go alone," he replied, his tone resolute. "Bringing you both along would only increase the risk of being caught. I need to move quickly and quietly, and having more people would only complicate things."

Lei Feng scratched his chin thoughtfully, considering Zhang Wei's words.

"He's got a point," he admitted reluctantly, casting a glance at Xiao Mei. "As much as I hate to admit it, going alone might be the safest option. But we can't just let you go without any backup plan."

Xiao Mei nodded in agreement, her expression determined.

"If you're going alone, then we'll be your eyes and ears from out here," she declared, her voice firm. "We'll keep watch and be ready to act if anything goes wrong. You won't be alone, Zhang Wei."

Zhang Wei felt a swell of gratitude for their support, knowing that he could rely on them even from a distance.

"Thank you," he said sincerely, touched by their unwavering loyalty. "I'll be careful, I promise. And I'll be back before you know it."

With their plan settled and their resolve strengthened, the trio prepared for the night ahead. As they settled into the cramped confines of the carriage, Zhang Wei couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the companionship and support of his friends. With their help, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

With a final nod of reassurance to Xiao Mei and Lei Feng, Zhang Wei donned a dark cloak and wrapped a scarf around his face to conceal his identity. Securing a sword at his side, he moved with silent determination, his steps sure and purposeful as he navigated the labyrinthine streets of the capital.

The familiarity of the city came back to him like second nature, memories of his time spent here flooding his mind as he moved with practised ease. He knew every alleyway, every hidden passage, using them to his advantage as he made his way towards Whisper Delight.

Despite the late hour, the streets were still bustling with activity, but Zhang Wei moved unnoticed through the crowds, his movements blending seamlessly with the shadows. He kept a keen eye out for any signs of danger, ready to disappear at the first hint of trouble.

As Zhang Wei neared Whisper Delight, he weighed his options carefully. The front entrance would be heavily guarded and too conspicuous for his purposes. Instead, he considered the possibility of finding an alternate route through the back.

The back entrance would offer him a chance to slip in unnoticed, avoiding any unwanted attention. It would also allow him to bypass the main hall and head straight to where Xiu might be found. With a plan forming in his mind, Zhang Wei moved swiftly and silently through the shadows, his senses alert for any signs of danger.

As Zhang Wei neared the rear entrance of Whisper Delight, his heart pounded with anticipation. However, as he reached the alley leading to the door, he encountered an unexpected obstacle. The alleyway was blocked by a heavy iron gate, its bars firmly locked in place.

Frustration gnawed at Zhang Wei as he surveyed the obstacle before him. He had hoped for an easy entrance, but it seemed that fate had other plans. With a sigh, he considered his options, his mind racing to find a solution.

As he scanned the alley, his eyes fell upon a group of personal guards stationed nearby. They were clad in armour, their stern expressions leaving no doubt as to their loyalty to Whisper Delight.

Zhang Wei knew that attempting to bypass the guards would be risky, but he also knew that time was of the essence. He couldn't afford to waste precious moments in fruitless deliberation.

With a determined set to his jaw, Zhang Wei approached the guards, his movements purposeful yet cautious. As he drew near, he could feel the weight of their scrutiny upon him, their eyes assessing him with suspicion.

"Excuse me," he began, his voice steady despite the nerves that churned within him. "I'm here to see someone inside. Is there a way I can gain entry?"

The guards exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions unreadable. After a tense moment, one of them spoke, his voice gruff with authority.

"Who are you here to see?" he demanded, his tone brusque.

Zhang Wei hesitated for a moment, weighing his words carefully. He couldn't afford to reveal too much, but he also couldn't risk antagonizing the guards.

"I'm here on behalf of a friend," he replied vaguely, hoping to deflect their suspicions.

The guards exchanged another glance before one of them stepped forward, his gaze piercing.

"I'm sorry, but without proper authorization, we can't allow you to enter," he said firmly.

Zhang Wei's heart sank at the realization that his plan had hit a roadblock. However, he refused to give up hope. He knew that where there was a will, there was a way, and he was determined to find a way inside Whisper Delight, no matter the obstacles in his path.