A Pact Unveiled

The moon hung low in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the ancient streets of Chang'an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty. Lanterns lined the narrow alleyways, their soft light flickering like distant stars. Wei Liuxian, a scholar and diplomat in service to the Emperor, made his way cautiously through the labyrinthine paths.

He knew that his mission was of utmost importance. The secret documents he carried contained vital information about a brewing conspiracy against the Emperor, and the fate of the entire dynasty rested on their safe delivery.

Unbeknownst to Wei Liuxian, Jiang Xudong, a notorious thief and spy, had been trailing him since he left the imperial palace. Jiang moved like a shadow through the maze-like streets, his keen eyes focused on his quarry. He had heard whispers of these valuable documents, and he saw this as an opportunity to line his pockets.